The colour of your external walls has to blend with the architectural design of your house. Also, the best colours for home outside should reflect the home owner’s personal taste and make the home warm and welcoming.
Here is your guide to choosing the best colour combination for house exteriors and walls in India.
House colour: Best colour combination for house exterior to choose from
When it comes to outside colour of house, go for one or two maximum three house exterior colours. Go in for exterior colour combinations that look attractive but overall looks pleasing. If you wish to stick to just a single colour, use different shades of the same colour to avoid monotony.
Here are some exterior paint color combinations for Indian houses:
House colour combination for exterior #1: Cream and brown
This is the most ideal and subtle colour combination for house exterior painting. Dark brown mingles perfectly with the cream colour exterior paint set-up. As a down-to-earth colour, brown signifies stability and support, and goes well with cream. For exterior colour combination for Indian homes, choose chocolate brown, honey brown or walnut brown, depending on the style of the house. The best exterior paint combinations for outside walls of house, this warm neutral duo feels comforting and grounding.
The home front colour combination image is shown below. For the best look, opt for these subtle house paint colors that are perfect in India for home exteriors.
See also: All about exterior wall tiles
House colour combination for exterior #2: White and blue
Shades of blue perfectly blend with white, thus being the best colour mix for home outside. Indigo is a cool colour that is also the most soothing one and is known to reduce stress and inspire a sense of serenity. White and shades of blue are excellent color combination for house exteriors, especially for bungalow colour or cottage-style houses.
Check this colour combinations for house front elevation in India.
See also: Village house design to get inspired from
House colour combination for exterior #3: Yellow with brown
This is the most ideal and subtle colour combination for house exterior painting. Dark brown can be used for the house roof, window frames, door, front porch area, blending perfectly with the soothing yellow colour exterior paint set-up. Even a subtle touch of yellow as an accent colour can perk up the home from outside. Such outside house painting colour combinations are better suited for the cottage style that looks picture-perfect with a small garden outside.
Check out this house painting colour combinations outside, that includes subtle shades of yellow and browns.
House colour combination for exterior #4: Red and cream
Traditional red tiles with large wooden windows and pillars can be matched with quintessential cream walls, and these exterior paint colour combinations are popular in homes outside seen in south India. Red and cream colour for house paint design outside looks good, especially if exposed brick walls are combined with a cream colour. One can also consider red and cream house paint color combinations for home exteriors designed in industrial and Scandinavian styles. Use reddish maroon as the outdoor colour for home in a balanced way to draw attention to the details of the home outside and enhance the charm.
Shown in the image below is the home elevation colour with red and cream exterior house colors combinations.
See also: All about window grill design
House colour combination for exterior #5: Peach and white
The peach colour is one of the most favoured colours for home paint outside, as it is refreshing and soothing. Along with white for the house outside colours, it work well both for vintage as well as for modern-style homes. Pale peach and while being light colours can make a house seem larger and add to the aura of elegance and chicness.
The above house colour image shows a small house elevation colour combination of classic peach and white hues.
House colour combination for exterior #6: Green and off-white
Green represents freshness and renewed hope. For the exterior paints for house in Indiat, paint experts believe home exteriors will be embracing green more than ever next year. Painting your home green in combination with off-white will align it with the energy of nature and bring positivity. One can go for a green roof and keep the walls of the house outside off white. The light façade and the dark roof are a classic Indian style simple house colour combination.
Here is how an Indian house looks in this colour combination outside. You can add a contemporary touch with innovative exterior designs with this house colour combination.
See also: Know all about boundary wall design
House colour combination for exterior #7: Brown, white and grey
Golden Brown, white and grey colours team up a harmonious colour combination for home outside. White paint can be a dominant colour along with dark gray. As part of the modern home colour paint design outside, a brown roof gives a warm, natural feeling to the house; an earthy brown shade as house colour outside creates a welcoming vibe. You can also add ash colour combination for house exteriors to the colour pallete.
Here is an example of this exterior colour combination for home outside. The design is ideal for outside colour of a typical Indian village house.
House colour combination for exterior #8: Gray, white and orange
Neutral colours gray and white with a dash of orange are a beautiful colour pairing for home outside. These modern house outside colour combinations look subtle yet impactful, and contribute to the freshness of the house. With the white colour combination for house exterior painting, the accent orange colour can be added in a small portion to the exteriors. Orange radiates warmth and happiness, and is best to team up with the dull gray shade. This trio is a harmonious outdoor colour combination for house external walls.
Get a glimpse of the elevation colour combinations of orange, greys and white in the image of outside paint for house above.
House colour combination for exterior #9: Olive green and white
Muted tones like olive green work well as paint colors for home and outside décor when combined with neutrals like white. Incorporate intricate architectural details to get a majestic design that will create a great impression of your house. It is an excellent building colour combination if you are looking for an earthy appeal.
Source: Pinterest
House colour combination for exterior #10: Pale blue and cream
Give a whimsical and serene look to your home exterior with a combination of light blue and cream that can be a suitable alternative to traditional white.
Source: Pinterest
House colour combination for exterior #11: Cream and yellow
The subtle hues of cream and light yellow makes for an ideal house exterior colour combination idea and works well for Indian homes. You can experiment with numerous shades of yellow, such as pale yellow, mustard, ochre, amber, and even gold for a stunning effect.
Source: Pinterest
House colour combination for exterior #12: Maroon, brown and white
Maroon or deep red shades can make your house exterior walls look beautiful and appealing. Typically, this effect can be achieved using brick tiles for the roof, which are popular in India. Maroon looks perfect when combined with white. You can add brown to this exterior colour combination. Choose this colour for the doors outside your home. This colour combination of exteriors in an Indian house may be ideal when designing a villa.
Source: Pinterest
House colour combination for exterior #13: Brown, orange, green and white
Give your home exterior paint colour combinations a modern twist by adding a shade of orangish brown to green and white hues. While green and white add a soothing effect, the presence of bright brown can add to the visual appeal and give your house look more sophisticated and impressive.
Source: Pinterest
House colour combination for exterior #14: Regal white and red
The ultimate exterior paint color combinations for Indian houses that can create a classic look for your abode is a blend of regal white and red. This look is unmatched and can be easily created by using red for the rooftop and white for the exterior walls. Enhance the ambience with suitable lighting and adding a touch of golden hues.
Source: Pinterest
Bonus: Buckingham Palace Style
Buckingham Palace is the most expensive house in the world. HLS4225 Buckingham Palace is a paint color from paint manufacturing company, Kelly-Moore Paints. The hexadecimal colour code is #725746, a medium dark shade of orange. You can elevate the look of your home exteriors by adding white trims to the exterior walls, ledges, and windows.
Best colour for house exterior: Top picks
So, which colour is best for a house outside walls? There are numerous options for designing the exterior walls of your home. Here is a guide on choosing the best option of out side home colour. Also, take a look at the elevation colours used for house painting in the images of outside house designs.
Top exterior house colours #1: White
White and shades of white are most common outside colours of Indian houses. This classic colour by itself makes a statement, and it can be combined well with other colours. White colour works well for home outside on any size of a house in India, which is the reason it is quite widely used. The off-white building colour, which is now trending, especially for the façade, provides a lot of scope for numerous design ideas. Shades of white exterior colour can serve as a simple home front colour yet they can add a touch of sophistication, freshness and brightness to the home outside.
Top exterior house colours #2: Beige
Beige has calming vibes and old-fashioned charm. While picking the exterior paint colors for an Indian house, choose the shade of beige (khaki, mocha, tan, etc.) carefully to go with the architectural style of the home. For home outside, beige can be used alongside many exterior colours and design styles. Light beige as the outside colour of an Indian style, small house design blends beautifully with the warm wooden tones of windows and door.
The image below shows beige as an outside colour of an Indian house with a single floor.
Also read: Cost of painting a house per square foot India
Top exterior house colours #3: Grey
Whether light or dark, gray makes a great option for homeowners when it comes to house colour outside. Gray, especially the lighter building color, look great and can pair well with white, orange or even green accents. Grays are a popular choice for exterior house colors in India. Choose a darker exterior colour, more saturated gray for the siding and a very light gray for the trim. These darker hues will make homes of any style look classic and stately.
Include modern grey in house exterior color schemes, which blend well with glass doors and windows to give a magnificent appeal.
Check this grey colour elevation for a contemporary house.
Top exterior house colours #4: Blue
Blue is a fantastic choice when it comes to outside colour of an Indian style simple house design as it has a tranquil and neutral feel. Navy blue exteriors appear elegant and often give nautical, marine or beach vibe, and make a bold statement. Light blues house colour has an ethereal, dreamy quality. One can choose sky blue colour for the house outside for a contemporary appeal.
Top exterior house colours #5: Brown
With a resurgence of earthy tone natural colours, brown colour is quite popular for home outside. Brown gives a natural wooden look to the exterior walls and gives a welcoming and soft vibe. Brown is apt for an outside house as it is warm, gives a feeling of stability, comfort, growth and potential and symbolises a firm foundation for home.
Top exterior house colours #6: Yellow
Yellow on the house walls outside as a colour choice has the ability to add instant positivity to a space as it makes us feel happy, energised and the home an inviting space. Homeowners, who want to make their house stand out, can go for vibrant yellow colour or opt for mustard yellow colour for house outside to create a subtle-yet-joyful impact on the walls of one personal sanctuary.
See also: Yellow colour combination for home
Top exterior house colours #7: Pink
Experiment with shades of pink for walls outside your house. Painting ideas with such colour combinations like juneberry can give a dramatic appeal to your home.
Source: Pinterest
Top exterior house colours #8: Green
The pandemic was the time when people yearned for outdoor nature and greenery for strength. Inspired by nature, a big colour trend for home colour outside is green as it gives calm and soothing vibes. Home exteriors are being painted now in stunning green shades such as olive greens, fern green, emerald greens and sage greens. White is widely used in house border colour designs, as shown below.
Top exterior house colours #9: Red
Brick red is one of the exterior paint colors for Indian homes that will bring a vibrant and chic look. Darker colours like red will add a sense of modernity to the house. The building color design will easily highlight the key features of the house. Red matches well with white that is one of the best exterior house paint colors.
See also: Best colour for house interiors
Top exterior house colours #10: Beige
Beige is a neutral colour that enhances the variety of rooms. This colour complements different sizes of rooms and also the levels of natural light. This goes well with a bold look or a calm look. Also, beige goes well with other combinations effortlessly making it look bright.
Use colour combination for outside walls: Things to keep in mind
When deciding on exterior paint combinations for your home, you can consider the architecture of the house, location, and the surroundings to get inspired. However, it is also essential to consider a few points when choosing color combination for house exterior:
- Siding: Siding refers to wall cladding attached to the house exteriors. Since it has the largest surface area, make sure you choose a colour that blends well with home outside colour.
- Doors: The main door of the house is a focal point. Pick a colour for the front door that elevates the overall look of your house exterior.
- Railings: Colour the railings in the balcony, terrace, or porch when choosing exterior paint combinations.
- Shutters: Choose striking colour combinations for shutters of windows, which contrasts well with the siding. You can apply the same for the window and door trim to make a statement.
Exterior house colour combination: Useful tips
- The first thing one notices is the exterior of a house and it should always be attractive and inviting. When choosing house painting colours for the outside, make sure to have a cohesive and simple house colour theme.
- The building colours outside should be in harmony with the colour of the roof. Also, consider the colours of doors, windows railings, etc. for home colour during selection of outside designs.
- Building colors for exterior need not be limited to the walls. Add glam appeal with bright hits of colour on specific architectural details like doors, windows railings, etc.
- The outside colours must go well with the style of the home and enhance the beauty of architectural features. So consider material such as brick stone or glass if used in the house design when selecting outer color for home.
- The type of exterior home painting colour used will decide the durability of the paint colour irrespective of the colour. For a perfect exterior wall paint finish, satin and eggshell are good. Opt for either emulsion, acrylic or cement paint for colour outside home.
- When choosing the best exterior house paint colors in India, always use good-quality paint products and choose a reliable painting company that does the preparation work of the surface before painting the walls outside home.
- Light-colored paints, which work as house front colour combinations, last longer and fade much slowly than their dark colours. Dark colours absorb heat and have more moisture problems than lighter shades.
- Besides the colourful house painting, texture can be used with striking effect. So, consider integrating the house painting colours for outside with texture paints into the exterior to complement the chosen colour for outside home.
- Wall colours outside of home are exposed to rainwater, humidity and moisture, which can pass through the layers and affect the interior walls. So, go in for waterproof coating before painting the exterior walls to prevent water leakage. For an Indian house, better to choose an exterior wall paint that has superior water resistance, given the type of climate in India.
- While you want your house to stand out, ensure the outer house colours in such a way that it goes with the climate of the area, neighbourhood style and overall backdrop.
To give a unique look to your home, go for traditional style design. This beautiful Kerala home will give you excellent small house exterior painting ideas.
Source: Pinterest
Best house colour as per Vastu
When renovating your home, it is also necessary that you look at some Vastu guidelines when picking the best colour for house exteriors.
- According to Vastu, if the home faces the south-east, home color such as orange, pink, and green are the best.
- For the south-west facing houses, light brown or peach can be used. For the north-facing homes, green colour is recommended according to Vastu.
- The north-west facing house should be painted in light gray and cream colour as the ideal house color combination for inviting positivity.
- The best colour for house outside in a west-facing home is painted in blue or white.
- The exterior of a house should have a light colour such as light yellow, white, beige mauve, etc., according to Vastu. Sometimes, Indian house colours for homeowners are recommended based on the direction of the house.
- Never have black colour outside the home as it absorbs negativity and may lead to depression.
- As per Vastu Shastra, design the parking area in the southeast or the northwest to safeguard your vehicles. Choose yellow or lighter shades. Avoid dark colours such as red, black, etc.
- Position the master bedroom in the southwest corner and choose light colours such as pink, blue and green.
Best colour for house exteriors as per Vastu
Some of the recommended Vastu building colours are mentioned below:
Vastu exterior house colour #1: White
White is a symbol of purity and unity. Invite positivity and dispel negativity caused by arguments and conflicts by opting for a white house colour outside. It will also give a spacious look to your house.
Vastu exterior house colour #2: Blue
Make the house exteriors evoke hope and peaceful energies with blue shades for the walls.
Vastu exterior house colour #3: Green
Paint the exterior walls of your home with green that reflects the beauty of nature, positivity, growth, and relaxation.
Vastu exterior house colour #4: Pink
As per Vastu for the home exterior, pink symbolises love, purity, and joy. Give a new look to your house with a lighter shade of pink.
Vastu exterior house colour #5: Yellow
Yellow home colour can give a warm and vibrant appearance to the house. Yellow denotes happiness, hope and wisdom. As per Vastu colours for home, yellow is associated with power and attracts positive energies. Hence, if you are seeking growth and promotion on the work front, opt for this Vastu building colour.
Outside house colour for Indian simple house: Tips to choose
Here are some essential factors to consider while choosing the colour for your home’s exteriors.
Combinations
When choosing the colour for your house’s exterior walls, stick to two or three colours at the most. More than that can give a cluttered and uncoordinated look. If you find this to be monotonous, you can use different shades of the same colour.
Choice of colour
The colour you choose is just as important as the number of colours you go for. Generally, it’s advisable to avoid dark colours like black as they absorb dust particles and need regular maintenance. This can prove to be quite expensive in the long run.
Durability
Whichever colour you opt for, make sure it’s durable as painting your home exteriors can be an expensive venture and you want to avoid doing it again soon. Paints with high gloss points are not very durable. It’s wiser to go for colours with satin and eggshell paint finish as they are long-lasting and easy to clean.
Effect of nature
Pick colours according to the region, weather, and natural lighting. For instance, vibrant colours look great in sunlit neighbourhoods. The colour of your home’s exterior should match with the natural environment.
Attraction
Ultimately, the best colour is the one that looks aesthetically pleasing to the eyes. Your home’s exterior is the first thing everyone sees. So, it needs to be as attractive as possible.
Theme
It is much simpler to choose the perfect home exterior colour if you have a theme in mind. A theme also gives our home a feeling of oneness and cohesion.
Dos and don’ts of painting exterior walls
Painting the exterior walls of your house can significantly enhance its curb appeal and protect it from the elements. However, it’s important to follow certain guidelines to ensure a successful and long-lasting paint job. Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind when painting your exterior walls:
Dos
- Do clean and prepare the surface: Thoroughly clean the exterior walls before painting to remove dirt, debris, and loose paint. Repair any cracks or damage and prime the surface if necessary. A clean and properly prepared surface ensures better paint adhesion and a smoother finish.
- Do choose high-quality paint and materials: Invest in high-quality exterior paint and materials that are specifically designed for outdoor use. Quality paint will provide better coverage, durability, and protection against weather conditions.
- Do test colours: Before committing to a colour, test it on a small area of the wall to see how it looks under different lighting conditions. This will help you ensure that the colour complements your house’s architecture and surroundings.
- Do use proper painting techniques: Use appropriate painting techniques, such as applying paint in even strokes and maintaining a consistent thickness. Use brushes, rollers, or sprayers suitable for exterior surfaces to achieve a professional finish.
- Do consider the climate: Choose paint that is suitable for the climate in your area. If you live in a region with extreme temperatures or high humidity, opt for paint that offers better resistance to these conditions.
Don’ts
- Don’t rush the preparation: Take the time to properly prepare the surface before painting. Skipping or rushing this step can lead to poor adhesion, peeling, and a shorter lifespan of the paint job.
- Don’t paint in unsuitable weather conditions: Avoid painting during rainy, windy, or extremely hot weather. Extreme temperatures or moisture can affect the drying process and compromise the quality of the paint job.
- Don’t forget to protect surrounding areas: Cover and protect areas that are not intended to be painted, such as windows, doors, and fixtures. Use drop cloths or masking tape to prevent accidental splatters or spills.
- Don’t neglect maintenance: Regularly inspect your exterior walls for signs of peeling, cracking, or fading. Promptly address any issues by cleaning and repainting the affected areas to maintain the appearance and integrity of your home’s exterior.
- Don’t overlook safety precautions: When painting at heights or using ladders, prioritise safety. Use stable and secure equipment, wear protective gear, and follow proper ladder safety practices to prevent accidents.
Paint season
When you paint your house also plays a key role in how it all turns out. Exterior wall paint lasts longer if it is painted in the right season. No matter how good the paint quality is, it will only last long if it gets enough time to dry properly. So, it’s advisable to not paint your home’s exterior walls during the monsoon or winter season.
House colour for outside walls: Maintenance tips
Maintaining the exterior paint of your house is crucial for preserving its appearance, protecting it from the elements, and ensuring its longevity. Here are some practical maintenance tips to help you keep your exterior paint in excellent condition:
- Clean the exterior surfaces at least once a year to remove dirt, dust, and debris that can accumulate on the painted surfaces.
- Use a mild detergent or soapy water solution and a soft brush or sponge to gently scrub the painted areas.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any residue.
- Regularly inspect the painted surfaces for signs of peeling, cracking, blistering, or chipping.
- Check for any areas where the paint has become faded or discoloured.
- Pay attention to vulnerable areas such as window sills, door frames, and trim, as they may require more frequent maintenance.
- If you notice any damage, promptly address it to prevent further deterioration.
- Scrape off loose or peeling paint using a scraper or sandpaper.
- Smooth out the surface by sanding, ensuring it is clean and free of any loose particles.
- Apply a primer to the repaired area before repainting to ensure proper adhesion and uniformity.
- Inspect the exterior paint before and after each season, paying attention to any changes or damage caused by weather conditions.
- Touch up any minor imperfections or signs of wear promptly to prevent them from developing into larger issues.
- Establish a regular maintenance schedule to ensure that your exterior paint receives the attention it needs.
- Consider setting reminders for cleaning, inspection and touch-ups to stay on top of the maintenance tasks.
FAQs
Which exterior colours fade the fastest?
Bright house paint colours outside are more prone to fading due to the effect UV radiation has on them. Bright yellows, blues, or reds will fade quickly compared to muted building colours outside.
What colours make a home appear bigger?
If the home is small, light neutral house paint colours for home outside will make it appear bigger. Go for pastel colours such as light-gray, milky white, pale yellow and beige.
Which is the most popular roof colour?
The most popular colours of a roof are shades of black, brown, gray, red and blue.
Can I use eco-friendly paint colours for the home outside?
Yes, opt for non-toxic paints with low volatile organic compound (VOC) levels as exterior paint colors for Indian homes.
Why are some colours not suitable for the house exteriors?
Colours such as black and dark shades are not recommended for house exteriors as they absorb more heat and dust. It may need frequent repainting of the walls. Thus, subtle colours or pale shade of these dark colours work well for outside house walls. Choose painting colour combinations based on your personal style.
(With additional inputs from Harini Balasubramanian)
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