Your home’s colors are likely the first aspect that guests or passersby notice about it. Whether you choose a calm color palette or a bright, welcoming array, it undoubtedly says something about the family that lives there. It may rub off on your guests, too. With color psychology in mind, you can determine the impact and emotional resonance you want to leave with your guests when they come to visit you at home. Let’s review the general principles of color psychology and how to select exterior siding colors tailored to your home.
What Is Color Psychology & Why Does It Matter?
When you think of relaxing, which color do you think of first: red or green? It’s likely not red. This example illustrates that we have associations with colors—and these associations can impact your choices. Color psychology is the theory that colors can influence your mental and emotional well-being. So, pulling colors that positively affect your guests’ perceptions and your own emotional balance into your home, inside and out, just makes sense.
How Siding Color Impacts Curb Appeal
The colors of your home are the first thing people notice as they drive down the street. Likely, these colors blend well with the environment and your neighbors’ homes. The right siding color can impact more than just your curb appeal, however; it could even increase the value of your home, making it more appealing to buyers should you choose to sell.
The right colors for your siding and trim can accentuate your home’s best features and the surrounding landscape, enhancing your property overall. They can even make a smaller home seem larger (if you use lighter colors) or make a simple home seem cozy and warm (with earth tones like dark red). It’s a choice that merits plenty of thought, since most siding will last decades, especially if it has a lifetime warranty.
Common Siding Colors and What They Mean
Let’s consider how some of the most popular siding colors can impact your home, and what people feel when they see them. Some common associations with each color are:
- White: Safe, traditional, clean and modern
- Gray: Sophisticated, balanced and neutral
- Blue: Calm and trustworthy with a coastal feel
- Green: Natural, earthy and peaceful
- Tan: Warm, welcoming and classic
- Black: Bold, modern and dramatic
- Red: Eye-catching and energetic yet rustic
- Yellow: Cheerful, bright and inviting
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Siding Color
The emotional benefits of siding are important, but they aren’t the only things to consider when choosing the right color. Some practical factors to take into consideration when making your siding selection include:
- Surrounding Landscapes: Whether you choose to blend or contrast with your surroundings, your home should make sense with its surrounding elements, like neighbors’ homes, businesses or more natural elements. You may also have HOA guidelines to follow for color requirements, so double-check before committing to a color.
- Roof Color & Material: If your roof is in good shape, you won’t be changing its color or style anytime soon! Make sure the siding matches well: choose earthy tan or cream for a Spanish-style tile roof, for instance. Luckily, most roofing is neutral.
- Regional Climate: The warmth of the South is perfect for just about any siding color, but keep in mind your specific neighborhood and locale. Blues and greens are picture-perfect if you’re near a body of water, and whites or tans are great all-around neutral choices.
- Neighborhood Style: As we mentioned, your neighborhood may have guidelines in place around color choices, so always check those first. Matching your neighbors also adds welcome visual harmony to the eye. You don’t need to match directly—it’s best not to—but choose colors that pair well.
- Resale Value: If you think you might sell in the future, it’s a good idea to choose a color that won’t put off potential buyers. This doesn’t have to mean choosing a neutral color like gray or beige. However, popular colors are beloved for a reason!
Complementing Siding With Trim and Accent Colors
Determined your favorite siding color? It’s time to get a palette going. There’s more than just your main siding to pick. In addition to any optional siding accents like shakes and scallops, you’ll also need to select your trim and accent colors. Consider some of the most popular siding/trim color palettes.
Classic Neutrals
Neutrals like cream, gray and tan signal calm, order and tradition. They’re popular for a reason; they serve as the perfect low-key backdrop for a colorful garden or restful outdoor retreat.
- Accent Colors: For trim, clean white or subtle cream works well.
Bold Showstoppers
When you drive past a deep red, forest green or navy blue home, you likely turn your head to look. These more unusual options make for an unforgettable home packed with curb appeal.
- Accent Colors: Soften your main color with tan, or make a splash with crisp white.
Earth Tones
Bring the beauty of the outdoors close to hand with siding colors inspired by Mother Nature. Options like deep brown, sage green or understated tan lend your home well to the surrounding landscape.
- Accent Colors: Lean into earth tones with warm taupe, cream or even brown.
Muted Modern
Don’t let “muted” fool you. Modern homes are striking for their architectural detail. They often display visual contrast between light and dark, but that’s not a hard rule. You could even choose a deep blue for a shock of nature-inspired modern beauty.
Accent Colors: Matte black or white displays your modern home to its fullest.
Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting a Siding Color
If this is one of your first home projects, there are some rookie mistakes you may not be aware of. Our experts have seen it all, so here are some of our recommendations:
- Don’t Chase Trends: Choose styles you’ve liked for more than a year. These are the color palettes that will have staying power, so you’ll love your home now and in the future.
- Don’t Ignore Landscaping: Your yard is as much a part of your home as the home itself. They have to blend cohesively, so choose colors that accentuate your surroundings.
- Do Test in Natural Light: Colors change depending on lighting. Be sure you love your pick at all times of day. Test the shade at different times like early morning, noon and dusk, to see how it looks.
Trust Window World for Expert Guidance on Siding Color & Installation
Ready to transform your home exterior with fresh siding? Our replacement vinyl siding options are durable enough to stand up to summer storms, yet beautiful with plenty of colors to make your mark on your home. Reach out for your free in-home estimate today!