15 Dark House Colors to Inspire a Sophisticated Home Exterior
Go bold while maintaining elegance
Dark house colors can add a dramatic and sophisticated look to a home's exterior. When choosing any hue, consider the architectural style and your surroundings to ensure it complements the overall aesthetic. Remember to check with local homeowners associations or city regulations, as some areas may have restrictions on house colors.
Angi customer Barbara W. from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, hired a professional painter and was amazed at the results: "You can never overestimate the effect of a new coat of paint. Our house looks so different now—it looks alive again."
1. Midnight Blue
Light blue home exteriors are seen frequently, but if you want a shade that pops, midnight blue will make quite a statement. The shade promotes strength and has an ethereal quality to it, so your home will surely become the talk of the neighborhood. To avoid having your home's features lost in the shade, use lighter accents in snow white or cream to strike a balance.
2. Flagstone
Gray exterior house paint is a popular choice, and if you're looking for a hue that's a bit more unique, flagstone is an excellent pick. The neutral shade offers a darker appearance while maintaining versatility. Flagstone pairs well with a wide range of accent shades, whether you're looking to accent it with a lighter color or make a bold statement with darker hues.
3. Matte Black
For people who crave a gothic appearance without the harshness of a shiny or satin finish, matte black is the perfect option. This modern dark-colored house will exude sophistication. If you're looking to achieve a monochromatic aesthetic, this color is the one to go with, as it looks stunning with hues in a similar shade range.
4. Autumn Red
A traditional color that's sure to evoke nostalgic memories, autumn red resembles a classic barn style. This bold choice is a good option for people who love the idea of dark house colors but want to use something more colorful than neutrals.
5. Burgundy
If you love the idea of a red house but the farmhouse aesthetic isn't your style, burgundy is a great alternative. This shade has a hint of purple to bring a regal appearance that's also quite comforting.
6. Charcoal Gray
Charcoal gray provides a compromise between flagstone and matte black, as it's not too dark but also has more depth than flagstone. This dark house color pairs beautifully with stone accents.
7. Chocolate Brown
A medium brown shade, chocolate brown boasts a rich appearance that's perfect for those living among nature. The color pairs nicely with white trim for a classic appearance that works well for Craftsman-style homes.
8. Coastal Blue
Typically popular on seaside homes, coastal blue is a rich hue that adds vibrance and comfort to your home's exterior. Beach-inspired looks are often lighter shades such as tan or sky blue, but with this hue, you can get the balance of a tranquil dark shade, like a thunderstorm creeping over the ocean.
9. Dark Plum
Rich and captivating, dark plum brings an aura of sophistication and opulence to a home. The color provides a stand-out, unique look compared to more traditional shades. Infrequently used for home exteriors, dark plum is an excellent way to showcase individual flair and make an unforgettable impression.
10. Dark Taupe
Taupe is an incredibly popular neutral home color, but if you want something different without going overboard, darken it up a bit. Dark taupe has the ability to coordinate with both classic and contemporary structures, which is what makes it so popular.
11. Espresso Brown
A shade darker than the earthy chocolate brown, espresso brown is a rich hue that adds depth to your home's exterior. The inviting quality of espresso brown brings warmth and coziness to any home, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.
12. Jet Black
With modern minimalism increasing in popularity, people gravitate towards the chic look of monochromatic black exterior finishes. Jet black provides a shiny finish that's incredibly sophisticated. While the color pairs nicely with slate trim for that monochromatic appearance, a stark white offers a stylish dimension. One unique way to incorporate this shade is to create a black brick house, taking the traditional method of painting brick white to new heights.
13. Navy Blue
Navy blue has a strong visual presence that can craft a bold aesthetic. The color can greatly emphasize any lighter trim, doors, or accents and amplify the charm of the home's façade. For a more traditional appearance, pair navy blue with whites, grays, or beiges. Or, create an exuberant and captivating appearance by using complementary, monochromatic shades.
14. Olive Green
Exterior green house colors deserve more love. Olive green is a beautiful and calming hue inspired by nature, providing a pleasing connection between your home and the surrounding landscape. Its subtlety and muted shades lend an air of tranquility, offering an organic yet understated appearance that can be more soothing than neutral dark shades. Earthy colors such as this are some of the best colonial house colors.
15. Sable Brown
For nature lovers searching for a color that's rich and warm, sable brown is a classic option. While the hue still provides the unique quality associated with dark colors, the color has a relaxing warmth to it. You'll be comforted by the shade as you enter your home.
There are a lot of attractive dark house colors out there, so it can be difficult to choose just one. Need some help? Call in a local exterior painter to give you an expert opinion on what color would best match the look you’re going for.