Top Paint Brands Reveal the 6 Exterior Colors Flying Off the Shelves
Now make them your own.
Updated Oct 12, 2018 4:14 AM
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It’s obvious a bright pink or violet facade won’t positively impact your home’s value. But a drab gray hue that’s fading and chipping doesn’t scream “curb appeal” either. If your home is overdue for a fresh coat of paint, look no further. We recently asked a handful of major retailers for their best-selling exterior colors. The winners are, unsurprisingly, all neutral, but we’ve learned in the past that even the right shade of black on the front door can earn you $6,000 when you go to sell. Read on for the top picks, plus a few easy ways to make them your own.
Dark Pewter, Behr
This cool gray complements just about any home style, notes Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services for the brand. For a playful twist, consider mid-century modern–inspired outdoor lighting and a tropical baby blue hue for the door.
Black Magic, PPG
A true black like this instantly makes stone, brick, and other traditional textured facades look contemporary. Go monochrome by tackling the garage doors and window shutters, too.
Bishop, Portola Paints
Plaster is all the rage indoors, so why not use it outside? This muted gray-ivory reads like the real deal, says Jamie Davis, cofounder of Portola Paints, so it will bring flat siding to life.
Repose Gray, Sherwin-Williams
This warm, light-to-medium shade is an ideal choice if you don’t want to go with a boring white but don’t love the idea of something overly saturated either. And it isn’t one-note: In the morning light, one reviewer claimed you can spot undertones of purple.
Harvest Moon, Backdrop
A soft white with a hint of yellow in it stands out against a bold trim. Professional stager Kirsten Blazek recommends a dark olive green for all windows and doors (it’s the perfect balance of traditional and modern). Or you could always opt for one of Backdrop’s best-selling accent colors: 36 Hours in Marrakesh (an earthy pink) or Surf Camp (a deep blue-green).
Down Pipe, Farrow & Ball
A dark lead gray communicates one thing to your neighbors about you: You’re bold. This one’s blue and black undertones give it a ton of depth that will bring the right kind of drama to your street.
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