Quick Answer
Gray can be a great color for a house exterior when used well. Some pros of gray houses include being versatile to match any style, appearing clean and modern, and hiding dirt well. Potential cons are gray can look cold or drab if the wrong tones are chosen and it shows imperfections more than some lighter colors. Overall, gray is one of the most popular house colors today due to its attractive, neutral appearance.
Is Gray a Trendy Color for Houses?
Gray has become one of the most fashionable exterior house colors in recent years. In the past, many homes were painted in more traditional, brighter shades like white, yellow, or blue. But gray has surged in popularity for some key reasons:
1. Versatility
Gray is extremely versatile and pairs well with just about any home exterior style. It works equally beautifully on traditional cottages, modern farmhouses, stately colonials, and more. Gray provides a neutral backdrop that lets other exterior features stand out.
2. Modern and Sleek Look
Lighter tones of gray offer a clean, modern look popular in contemporary architecture. Cool grays complement modern homes with sleek lines and lots of glass nicely. The neutral gray backdrop prevents the design from feeling too stark or cold.
3. Hide Flaws
Unlike white or other light colors, different shades of gray can help disguise any small exterior imperfections. Gray covers minor cracks and flaws better than brighter paint colors. This makes it a practical choice for older homes with quirks.
4. Color Harmony
Gray harmonizes beautifully with many other exterior colors and materials. Trim and shutters in white, black, wood tones, brick, stone and more look stunning against a gray house background. The neutral gray allows all the other architectural elements to shine.
What are the Most Popular Gray Shades for Homes?
Homeowners have lots of gray tones to choose from. Some of today’s trendiest gray shades for exterior house color schemes include:
Light Grays
– Gauntlet Gray: A very light, neutral gray that avoids looking drab.
– Gray Owl: A light, warm gray that looks sophisticated but not cold.
– Silver Strand: A light, bright gray that sparkles in the sun.
Mid-tone Grays
– Revere Pewter: A versatile, middle-tone gray with subtle warmth. Works with any style home.
– Edgecomb Gray: A slightly deeper gray with greenish undertones.
– Olympic Gray: A medium-dark charcoal gray shade.
Dark Grays
– Peppercorn: A deep, dark gray that makes a striking statement on modern homes.
– Rustic Slate: A gray/brown/green blend ideal for Craftsman style bungalows.
– Rockport Gray: A very deep charcoal perfect for dramatic Victorian homes.
What Color Should the Trim Be with a Gray House?
One major advantage of gray as an exterior house color is its visual harmony with many trim colors. Here are some of the best trim colors to use with a gray home:
| Trim Color | Description |
|---|---|
| White | Classic and elegant, white trim pops against gray siding. |
| Black | Striking contrast works well on contemporary, Craftsman or Victorian homes. |
| Natural wood tones | Warm wooden trim adds coziness to a gray exterior. |
| Deep red | For a sophisticated, luxurious look on formal homes. |
| Light blue | A light sky blue trim adds a pretty, softening effect. |
Really any trim color from pastel shades to deeper hues can work beautifully with different tones of gray. It comes down to the overall look you want to achieve.
What Color Front Door Goes Best with a Gray House?
Like trim, gray home exteriors allow you to get creative with choosing a front door color. Here are front door ideas that look stunning with a gray house:
Black
A black front door is a popular, classic choice when coupled with gray siding. The bold black door makes a dramatic statement and adds striking visual contrast.
Red
For a pop of color, a true red, burgundy, or wine-colored front door looks upscale against gray. Red also symbolizes a warm welcome for visitors.
Navy Blue
A navy blue front door adds an eye-catching accent to a gray home. The cool blue nicely complements the neutral gray walls.
White
Crisp, bright white on the front door helps lighten up a gray exterior. Especially with a darker gray paint, white trim refreshes the look.
Gray
Matching the front door precisely to the exterior wall color creates a streamlined, monochromatic look. Use slightly different gray tones for subtle contrast.
Should the Shutters Match the Gray House Color?
Gray house exteriors provide the ultimate flexibility in choosing shutter colors. Homeowners can:
– Paint shutters the exact same gray as the siding for a cohesive, uniform look.
– Use a slightly lighter or darker gray shutter color to coordinate with the walls.
– Opt for black or white shutters for bold contrast against the gray background.
– Add colorful shutters in navy, red, yellow or other hues to make the façade really stand out.
– Stain shutters in a natural wood tone as an earthy accent against cool grays.
So feel free to get creative – no shutter color is off limits with a gray exterior! Matching or contrasting gray tones is simplest, but don’t be afraid to use color for drama.
Should Houses with Gray Exterior be Accented with Stone or Brick?
Incorporating stone or brick accents on part of the façade can add beautiful texture and contrast to gray painted homes. Here are attractive ways to blend gray siding with dimensional stone or brick:
Stone Base
Use natural stone or faux stone veneer along the base of the ground floor and paint the upper floors gray. The solid stone foundation grounds the home.
Stone Chimney
A stone-clad chimney makes a striking, architectural focal point against gray siding. Light gray stone works better with darker grays.
Brick Lower Level
Paint the upper floors gray and use classic red brick on the lower half of the home. This is a traditional treatment on many historic homes.
Thin Brick Veneer
Thin slice real brick veneer adds texture and warmth when applied selectively to key areas such as headers, quoins or chimneys.
Used in moderation, brick and natural stone enhance gray’s versatility beautifully. Just take care not to mix too many different exterior materials.
What Color Garage Doors Suit Gray Houses?
For a seamless look many homeowners opt to paint the garage doors the same color as the gray exterior siding. Another popular option is choosing white or black garage doors for bold contrast against the gray background.
Wood tone garage doors also pair well with gray houses. The warm wood adds an interesting accent. Some other garage door colors that work with gray include:
– Sky blue – for a soft, airy vibe
– Navy blue – complements the gray nicely
– Charcoal – if the house is a lighter gray
– Red – for a striking pop of color
Do Gray Houses Look Good with Dormers?
Dormer windows can add beautiful architectural interest on gray homes. Here are some tips for using dormers effectively with a gray exterior:
– Paint dormers in a lighter or white tone to make them stand out from the darker gray walls
– Use black window frames as an eye-catching accent against light gray dormers
– Add dormers on the upper floor when using gray on the lower level with white or brick above for contrast
– Place dormers strategically on the front or side façade where they’ll draw the eye
– Frame dormers with decorative crown molding or accent trim to highlight them
Dormers help break up large expanses of gray walls, letting more light inside and making the home appear larger. They provide the perfect opportunity to use creative colors as well.
Does Gray Work with a Black Roof?
A black roof can look very sharp against both light and dark gray exterior siding. The contrast adds definition to the home’s roofline and silhouette. Black roofing materials like asphalt shingles, metal standing seam and tar paper visually “frame” gray walls below with a deep, saturated roof color.
A black roof also dresses up gray homes with exposed rafters or brackets under the eaves. The dark color enhances the architectural details. Just take care not to use black on the roof if the gray exterior walls are very dark – this combination can feel imposing and heavy.
Is Gray a Good Exterior Color for Small Houses?
Gray is a wonderful exterior color choice for small homes, as it has an expansive, enlarging effect. Light and mid-tone grays reflect light back outward, making compact homes appear more open and airy. Darker grays visually ground small homes, giving them more substance and presence.
Some other benefits of gray paint on little houses include:
– Minimizes imperfections better than light colors
– Allows creative use of accent colors for character
– Adapts well if additions are later made to expand
– Looks tidy, fresh and well-kept with minimal upkeep
Gray offers small homes flexibility, visual interest and a contemporary vibe. It brings out the best in compact designs. Just avoid going too dark or the home may seem to recede.
Do Gray Houses Show Dirt Easily?
One practical advantage of grays over white or super light exterior colors is they do a better job hiding small amounts of dirt. Light grays like pale dove gray or foggy gray won’t show soil nearly as much as stark white. Mid-tone to darker grays are even more forgiving when it comes to staying looking freshly painted.
However, all exterior paint colors need proper maintenance. Over time gray will accumulate dirt, mildew, fading and wear just like any other color. Avoid light, cool grays in areas with air pollution which causes gray to take on a dingy cast. Warm grays withstand weathering better.
Overall, gray hides more dirt than many paint options. But no home stays perfect forever without occasional washing and touch up painting. Proper upkeep is needed regardless of color.
Do Gray Homes Look Cold or Uninviting?
Gray can risk looking a bit cold and unwelcoming if the wrong tones are chosen. The best way to keep a gray exterior warm and inviting is pay close attention to the undertones.
Greige or warm grays with subtle brown, taupe, or cream bases look more welcoming than harsh, cold, blue-based grays. Green-gray shades also have an earthier, more natural vibe.
Using plenty of accent colors in trim, doors and other details also keeps gray from feeling one-dimensional. Add lots of landscaping and outdoor lighting as well – gray can appear stark if surrounded only by concrete. Choose gray with warm personality!
Conclusion
When selected with care, the right shade of gray makes a gorgeous exterior house color that offers almost endless possibilities. Gray equally suits modern, traditional, cottage and contemporary home styles. It provides a versatile, attractive backdrop that works with practically any accent colors and materials.
Gray disguises flaws, looks sharply modern yet also timeless, and keeps its good looks with minimal maintenance. Just choose tones with subtle warmth and use contrasting trims and accents to keep gray exterior color schemes inviting. With so many fantastic gray paint options now available, it’s no wonder gray is a top trend.
