The Best House Colors for a Red Roof

There’s a reason so many houses boast a red roof—it meshes perfectly with tons of different design styles, like classic, rustic, farmhouse, country, and even modern homes. However, all of that red warmth at the top of the structure requires complementary colors along the exterior walls. If you’re stumped as to what color to paint a house with a red roof, keep reading to discover some options that will make your home truly pop.

1. White

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This neutral color goes with just about any roof hue. Teaming up with white exterior house paint when you have a red roof will give you a charming old-school look that appeals to many. There’s a reason, after all, why you see so many white houses out there (red roofs or not). This is simply a classic exterior color.

For inspiration:

• BEHR® Swiss Coffee

• BEHR® Polar Bear

• Benjamin Moore® Cloud White

• Valspar® Bistro White

2. Gray

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Any shade of gray, be it light or dark, is a good match for a red roof, adding a subtle bit of flair that draws attention, but not too much attention, to the roof. Consider this the slightly flashier sibling to darker shades of white.

For inspiration:

• Valspar® Grey Suit 

• Benjamin Moore® Gray

• PPG Peregrine

• Clare Seize The Gray

3. Brown

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Earth tones are always a good match for a red roof, and nothing is, well, earthier than brown. The effect is even starker when paired with lush landscaping and plenty of trees. Choosing brown brings a charming, earthy vibe to your façade.

For inspiration:

• PPG Roasted Chestnut

• Valspar® Universal Umber

• PPG Fig Branches

• Clare Dirty Chai

4. Blue

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If you want a real contrast in tones that complement each other surprisingly well, go with a blue exterior house paint. This creates an extremely dramatic and striking look, as blue and red are nearly opposites. Opinions vary here, so give it a try and see for yourself. Any shade of blue can work, so don’t count out a dark navy blue or a lighter shade of blue.

For inspiration:

• Valspar® Rising Tide

• Sherwin-Williams Stardew 

• Clare Summer Friday 

• BEHR® Blue Moon Bay 

5. Yellow

Photo: Andrey Shevchenko / Adobe Stock

Going for an energetic outdoor vibe? Try mixing a red roof with a nice muted yellow house color. Make sure the yellow is on the quieter side; otherwise, the end result will likely be too energetic for both yourself and the rest of the neighborhood. Muted yellow brings out the natural warmth of your structure and contrasts (in a good way) with a red roof. 

For inspiration: 

• Benjamin Moore® Greenmount Silk

• Benjamin Moore® Moonlight

• Sherwin-Williams Honey Bees

• Benjamin Moore® Mellow Yellow

6. Beige

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Red is already a bold choice for the roof, so going with a neutral tone for the rest of the exterior is an easy choice. Beige is a great fit here. Not only do beige tones mix well with red, but the end result is downright refreshing. You get a neutral tone with just the tiniest splash of color to really tie things together. 

For inspiration: 

• Sherwin-Williams Eaglet Beige

• Benjamin Moore® Ocean Beach

• PPG Water Chestnut

• Benjamin Moore® Shortbread

Tips for Choosing a House Color for a Red Roof

Your red roof is likely different from any other red roof because of subtle changes in both design and saturation. In other words, your perfect matching color likely differs from anyone else’s. There are some tips, however, when it comes to color-matching siding paint to a red roof.

• Try a warm-on-warm palette: Red is considered to be a warm color, so it might make sense to pair it with other warm colors for a matching design scheme. Popular warm tones include orange, brown, yellow, and beige, among others. 

• Try earthy or neutral tones for curb appeal: If you want to up your curb appeal, try pairing a red roof with earthy or neutral tones, like dull yellows, white, gray, and tan. 

• Go for a striking contrast with cool tones: Rules were made to be broken. Warm-on-warm paint schemes create a subtle look, but going with cool tones when you have a red roof creates a striking and unique aesthetic. Popular cool colors include white and blue. 

• Call a pro: Of course, when all else fails, you can reach out to a local exterior painter for advice as to the best color for your outside walls.