When selecting exterior colors, it’s important to consider how a palette reflects your home’s overall aesthetic. Most importantly, choose colors you find pleasant together for maximum curb appeal you can enjoy over time. For best results, read our article on exterior home painting tips before you start your DIY project, and don’t forget to trust your own style preferences.

    If you’re not sure where to begin searching for trim color schemes, don’t worry; that’s where we come in. Here at Today’s Homeowner, we’re dedicated to giving homeowners and DIY enthusiasts professional advice for renovations, repairs, and all kinds of home improvement projects.

    With our collective years of experience and cast of industry professionals, we have all the information you need to get started on your own DIY projects today. Read on to see our top seven dark trim color schemes that may be perfect for your home.


    White, Olive Green, and Rich Burgundy

    White, Olive Green, and Rich Burgundy home
    Source: unsplash.com 

    A crisp, clean white exterior siding makes this house appear more radiant and spacious by attracting ample light.

    Situated in lush greenery, the warm olive green roof with a gray undertone provides an earthy, modern complement to the vibrant yellow maple foliage surrounding the home. The rich burgundy trim offers subtle accentuation of the windows and front door without overwhelming the architectural details.

    With its bright white walls contrasting against the rich burgundy accents, this color scheme creates a vibrant look for your home. The olive green roof adds another dimension with its earthy tones that pair nicely with the home’s natural surroundings. Together, these three colors make a unique combination that feels simultaneously fresh and grounded.

    Keep in mind that a white exterior can get dirty easily and may require frequent cleaning. However, olive green is lower maintenance.

    White Cream, Orange Salmon, and Sienna

    The cream-white siding brings this house closer to the curb, making it stand out brightly in the neighborhood.

    Warmer orange salmon trim richly textures the window and shutter accents, adding a bold pop of color to frame the architectural elements. Sienna provides an eye-catching contrast as it colors the front door, drawing attention to the main entrance in a prominent and vibrant way.

    home with White Cream, Orange Salmon, and Sienna trim
    Source: unsplash.com 

    With a muted cream base topped with punchy salmon and sienna accents, this exterior color scheme creates an appealing visual contrast for your home’s exterior. The salmon trim adds a playful element, while the sienna door provides a refined, sophisticated focal point. This combination creates curb appeal with depth and character.

    Two-Tone Gray and Off-White with Black Trim

    home with Two-Tone Gray and Off-White with Black Trim
    source: pixabay.com 

    A muted blue-gray upper siding pairs symbiotically with the neutral off-white lower exterior, establishing symmetry. The black trim generates dimension around doors and windows while accentuating the gable roof’s outlines. Surrounded by lush landscaping, the darker trim playfully offsets the home’s architectural elements, drawing attention to the front facade.

    This two-tone exterior with dark accents creates a clean, refined look for your home. The gray and off-white walls give the home an approachable feel, while the black trim adds bold definition. Together, the colors offer a sophisticated contrast that lets the home pop against its surroundings. 

    Keep in mind that black trim shows dust easily and may require frequent painting touch-ups.

    Baltic Sea, Steel Gray, and Black

    This monochromatic exterior color scheme uses different shades of gray to create a polished, sophisticated look, while the cool-toned hues evoke a modern style.

    The solid, dark Baltic Sea roof color provides greater depth and visual impact against the steel gray siding, creating a strong statement. Black trim frames the windows for further definition, while pale taupe shutters offer yet another accent shade. Pale taupe archway stones contrast the front door, highlighting the main entrance. Together, this sophisticated, monochromatic combination looks sleek and makes the home pop brightly.

    home with Baltic Sea, Steel Gray, and Black color scheme
    Source: unsplash.com 

    With a palette of cool, desaturated grays and blacks, this exterior color scheme feels polished yet understated. The Baltic Sea roof makes a bold impact without overwhelming the space, while well-placed accents provide appealing contrast against the muted backdrop. This creates an exterior with subtle sophistication.

    Powder Ash and Medium Taupe

    For a soothing, earthy exterior palette, try combining airy powder ash walls with cozy taupe accents. This approachable scheme works well on country homes.

    home with Powder Ash and Medium Taupe siding
    Source: pexels.com 

    A light powder ash exterior contrasts vibrantly with bolder colors, while medium taupe trim pops against the walls to expand the home’s dimensions.

    As a darker accent, the taupe outlines the architectural structures to spotlight the railings and window sashes. With its neutral base and earthy accents, this soothing, balanced color palette complements the surrounding greenery.

    By pairing fresh, airy powder ash with cozy taupe accents, this exterior scheme feels uplifting yet grounded for your home’s exterior. The taupe trim provides a pleasing definition, framing the architecture against the soft backdrop. This creates a tranquil aesthetic that works well for country-style spaces.

    Keep in mind that taupe trim resists fading better than white accents in sunny climates, so it can be a great choice for homeowners in warmer areas.

    Vivid Auburn and Black

    The solid black roof provides deep contrast for the striking red exterior siding, creating a classic, timeless pairing. Black also enhances the trim for framed accentuation of architectural elements like doors and windows. Visually cohesive, this bold black and vivid auburn exterior provides drama through high-contrast, monochromatic sophistication.

    home with Vivid Auburn and Black siding
    Source: unsplash.com

    This red and black scheme is an eye-catching, traditional option for your home’s exterior colors. The vivid auburn siding makes a dramatic statement, while the black roof and accents let that bold color shine as the focal point. Timeless and elegant, it’s a combination that uniquely stands out.

    Dark Khaki and Mahogany Red

    home with Dark Khaki and Mahogany Red siding
    Source: unsplash.com 

    With its daring dark khaki siding, this exterior color scheme draws attention with a warm, yellow-undertone facade. Mahogany red trim and accents provide an earthy complement, keeping the aesthetic stimulating despite the darker wall color. Rustic and inviting, this unique combination feels simultaneously bold and grounded.

    The rich dark khaki siding gives this home a lasting visual impact, while well-placed mahogany accents provide an appealing balance with their saturated, red-brown tones.

    Together these colors create an exterior with natural depth and sophistication for your home. The dynamic scheme feels bold yet approachable.


    So, How Do You Choose Exterior Colors?

    When selecting exterior colors, be sure to trust your instincts and consider how the colors reflect your home’s architectural style and surroundings. Cool, desaturated shades often suit modern spaces, while homes with traditional profiles can handle bolder, brighter colors. For a cohesive look, coordinate roof and trim hues carefully, as these can add a sense of balance to your home.

    There are no right or wrong answers as long as you’re happy with the end result. However, if you’re looking for a place to start choosing a color scheme, our list should provide a good selection for new homeowners to browse popular options.

    Before you pick up the paintbrush, read our guide on exterior painting prep tips to make sure everything is ready for painting. It’s important to have the right painting tools for the job, so be sure to stock up on all the supplies you’ll need for exterior painting.

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    FAQs About Exterior Color Schemes

    What are the most popular exterior house colors?

    Neutral shades of white, gray, beige, and brown remain today’s most popular exterior house colors. These muted tones are versatile and inoffensive, suiting many home styles. Vibrant reds, blues, greens, and yellows are also perfect for bolder looks that boost curb appeal.


    How many colors should you use on a house exterior?

    Most exteriors use two to four colors for ideal contrast without overwhelming the home. A single neutral wall color plus two accent shades (often for the roof and trim) creates a pleasing balance. Adding a third accent color for shutters or doors takes the scheme up one more subtle notch, but any more could look a bit cluttered.


    What exterior color increases home value?

    White and light gray exteriors tend to boost resale value the most. Their light, neutral hues appeal to the widest range of buyers. Deep, bold exterior colors may deter some buyers, potentially lowering value. However, most colors sell well when the shade properly fits the home.


    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Mitchell Layton

    Mitchell Layton

    Mitchell Layton is a former professional mover who currently lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Mitchell spent years packing and moving for REAL Rock N Roll Movers, a commercial and residential moving company based in Los Angeles that’s primarily staffed with up-and-coming musicians. That gave him plenty of experience navigating box trucks up and down the winding streets of LA. In addition to moving hundreds of happy customers into new homes and apartments all across Southern California, Mitchell has also performed corporate moves on company lots for Nickelodeon, Warner Bros, Universal Studios, Paramount, and more. After pouring blood, sweat, and tears into his profession, Mitchell has all the helpful tips you need for your next move.

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    photo of Jeff Zoldy

    Jeff Zoldy

    Jeff is a writer, editor, and marketer based in Charlotte, North Carolina. He has been editing on the Home Solutions team for over a year and is passionate about getting homeowners the information they need when they need it most. When he’s not working, Jeff can be found at baseball games, golfing, going to the gym, reading, watching movies, and playing video games.

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