When choosing an exterior color for your home, copper accents can add a stylish and elegant touch. However, picking the right base color to go with copper details requires some thought. The exterior color you choose needs to work cohesively with the warm, reddish-brown tones of copper. Certain hues will look more seamless and complement copper better than others. With the right exterior color selection, your copper accents can really stand out and elevate your home’s curb appeal.
Go with Natural Hues Like Beige or Brown
One of the most foolproof options is to match copper with natural, earthy hues. Warm beige and brown shades are versatile pairings that allow copper accents to blend right into your exterior color scheme. Neutral beige has a subtle warmth that works well with copper’s ruddy color. Different shades of brown can also coordinate nicely, from lighter tan and clay colors to deeper, more saturated hues. Darker browns have a similar reddish undertone as copper, while lighter tans share a warm, naturally aesthetic quality. Overall, beige and brown exteriors generate a very cohesive look with copper details. The effect is subtle, natural and pleasing to the eye.
Try a Complementary Color Like Green or Blue
Another possibility is to use a complementary color that contrasts with copper’s warm reddish tones but still pairs attractively. On the color wheel, copper’s complement is a cool, vibrant green. Sage, olive and forest green exteriors can make copper pop beautifully. Blue is another copper complement. Light, desaturated blues like powder blue or periwinkle complement copper in a more subtle way. Navy or royal blue generate more contrast. Just keep in mind that stark cool tones like bright turquoise may clash with copper’s warmth. When using a complementary exterior color, stick to muted, earthy greens and blues for a harmonious blended effect.
Go Bold with Red or Terracotta
For making a bold statement, match your copper accents with a true red or rich terracotta exterior. Choosing the same hue allows the copper and exterior color to seamlessly blend and unify the aesthetic. A cherry red, brick red or wine red exterior color can really intensify the eye-catching effect of copper details. For a slightly softer look, consider a burnt orange or terracotta exterior. These shades have the same reddish base tone as copper but are a bit more muted and relaxed. A red or terracotta exterior palette makes copper pop beautifully while keeping your color scheme cohesive.
Try a Contrasting Color Like Purple or Yellow
On the more daring and adventurous end of the spectrum, you can contrast copper with a bright, unexpected exterior color. For example, vivid purple has a dynamic, complementary effect when paired with copper. Regal violet, eggplant purple and even lilac exteriors can make copper details really stand out. Bright yellow is another exciting contrasting color for copper. Cheerful daisy yellow or goldenrod yellow generates vibrant curb appeal. Just be aware that stark contrasts can sometimes look mismatched instead of bold. Keep purple and yellow exterior shades softened and muted to remain harmonious with copper.
Use Different Textures and Finishes
In addition to color, don’t forget about the impact of texture when pairing exterior materials with copper. Using contrasting textures and finishes can help the copper details pop for added visual interest. For example, a smooth stucco exterior provides an attractive contrast against the hammered metal texture of copper. Likewise, incorporating natural stone elements plays up the difference in look and feel. Pairing copper with exterior materials like rough cedar siding, weathered wood, brick, and flagstone can make the copper stand out beautifully.Playing with texture creates dimension and depth.
Factor in Surrounding Environment
When finalizing your exterior color palette, take into account the surrounding environment as well. Factors like your home’s architecture, the area’s natural landscape and neighborhood aesthetics should all influence your color selections. For example, an earthy brown exterior that mirrors nearby trees and soil may complement a natural setting with copper accents. On the other hand, a crisp white exterior can allow copper details to really stand out against a bold backdrop. Take cues from your home’s existing architecture and surroundings when choosing an exterior color. The goal is to create a holistic, harmonious look.
Get Color Inspiration from Natural Copper
Don’t forget to draw color inspiration directly from natural copper itself. Look at the wide range of beautiful reddish-brown hues that occur in copper patinas. Soft green oxidization also occurs with aged copper. Observe how the changing weather and environmental conditions alter copper’s color tones over time. That incredible diversity can inspire your exterior color combinations. Mimic those dynamic natural copper tones in your exterior palette.
Consider How the Exterior Color Changes in Different Light
The way an exterior color appears is hugely impacted by different lighting conditions. Sunlight, shade and evening light all affect color perception. Test out exterior paint colors at different times of day. Earthy beige may look neutral in daylight but take on a warm glow in sunset lighting. Light blue can drain of vibrancy in shade. Green may shift toward gray in the evening light. Make sure your exterior color pairs nicely with copper at all times of day.
See Color Combinations on Actual Home Exteriors
When exploring potential exterior colors, look at actual homes that combine those hues with copper. Exterior photos on the internet, in magazines, or in your neighborhood can give you a good real-world preview. Seeing color combinations on an entire house exterior in natural light is more useful than paint swatches alone. You may realize that lighter shades photograph beautifully but come off dull in person next to copper. Or that saturated dark hues are too overpowering. Look at real homes.
Use White as a Contrasting Accent Color
For adding punch, white is a flexible accent color that works with virtually any exterior color paired with copper. For example, white window trim is an easy way to contrast the copper and exterior color. Or use white on corner boards, shutters, railings or other architectural details. Crisp white accentuates surrounding colors without overpowering. Black is similar for adding bold contrast. Use white and black minimally to make copper and your main exterior color feel more vibrant.
Create a Cohesive Look with Exterior Materials
Use exterior materials in a strategic way to tie everything together cohesively. Echo the copper hue in your garage door, gutters, hardware, and other exterior elements. Incorporate natural stone or wood with similar warm brown tones. Use textured materials like stucco and brick to reflect light similarly. Repeat your trim, shutter, door and accent colors to unify the look. Consistent exterior materials that reflect the main palette make copper details feel intentional.
Conclusion
Selecting the perfect exterior color to coordinate with copper accent details comes down to choosing a harmonious, complementary hue. Warm natural earth tones like beige and brown make a foolproof neutral pairing. Green and blue create a more vibrant complementary copper look. Choosing a matching red or terracotta exterior makes copper details pop. And bold bright hues like yellow and purple generate striking contrast. Whatever exterior color direction you decide, make sure to view combinations in real-world settings at different times of day. The lighting can really impact perceptions. And don’t forget to draw inspiration directly from the diverse natural patinas of copper itself. With the right exterior color selection, your copper architectural accents will feel integrated and enhance your home’s handsome curb appeal.
