Beige is a popular neutral exterior color for homes. It’s often described as warm, inviting, and versatile. However, some people find beige to be boring or dated. So is beige truly a good choice for your home’s exterior? There are pros and cons to consider.
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The Pros of Choosing Beige Exterior Paint
Here are some potential benefits of using beige as an exterior house color:
It’s a Neutral Backdrop
One of the best reasons to choose beige for your home’s exterior is that it acts as a neutral backdrop that allows other colors to stand out. Beige won’t compete with colorful landscaping, ornamental accents, or unique architectural details. It lets other elements shine.
It Provides a Warm, Inviting Look
While some very light tints of beige can look cool, most beige shades have warm, welcoming undertones. The warm hues make a home look cozy and lived-in. It’s an exterior color associated with comfort.
It’s Endlessly Versatile
Beige is incredibly versatile. It can work with just about any home exterior style, from traditional to modern. Beige also pairs well with lots of other paint colors. Feel free to use white, gray, brown, blue, green, red, and more as accent colors.
It Hides Dirt and Imperfections
Unlike stark white or very dark exteriors, beige does a good job of hiding dirt and minor imperfections in surfaces. You won’t have to power wash or repaint as frequently to keep things looking pristine. The color is forgiving.
It Reflects Light Well
Light beige shades don’t absorb too much sunlight. This helps keep interiors cooler in warm weather. At the same time, beige reflects just enough light to make a home appear bright and cheerful.
It Provides Curb Appeal
For many home buyers and neighborhoods, beige has broad curb appeal. It’s unlikely to offend anyone or dramatically clash with nearby homes. Play it safe with beige if resale value is important.
The Cons of Choosing Beige Exterior Paint
However, there are also some downsides that come with beige exterior house color:
It Can Look Dated
Some people associate beige with homes built in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. Very light beiges may come across as dated. Consider warming up the hue or pairing it with modern finishes.
It Can Appear Bland
Too much beige can seem bland or boring, especially if the shade you choose is very pale and washed-out. Using richer beiges and adding other colors can help avoid this.
It Shows Grime Easily
While beige hides some dirt and imperfections, oil, mildew, and grime on exterior surfaces can still show up and detract from the look. Proper maintenance is key.
It Fades Quickly
Many beige paints, especially lighter ones, tend to fade fairly quickly. This can give the home a worn, weathered appearance. Choosing a high-quality paint can help.
It Lacks Personality
For homeowners who want a home exterior with a bold, unique personality, beige may seem like too safe or generic of a choice. It doesn’t stand out.
It Can Look Dingy Over Time
Dinginess can become a problem with beige exteriors. Maintaining a fresh, clean look with power washing and new coats of paint is important.
Tips for Using Beige Exterior Paint
If you do opt to use beige as the dominant color for your home’s exterior, here are some tips:
Select the Right Undertone
Beige has yellow, red, brown, gray, and taupe undertones. Study swatches at different times of day to choose a hue with an attractive undertone. The undertone impacts the overall look.
Use Contrasting Accents
Pair beige walls with contrasting trim, shutters, front doors, and other accents. Navy blue, black, dark gray, red, and green work well. This prevents blandness.
Add Visual Interest
Include architectural details, textured materials, and decorative fixtures in contrasting hues. Consider a stone facade, wood shingle accents, bold landscaping, and exterior lighting.
Warm It Up
Chaning a light, somewhat drab beige into a warmer, more inviting shade can be as simple as adding a hint of peach, red, or brown. This gives the color more personality.
Use Multiple Beige Tones
Using different beige hues on the main facade, trim, shutters, and accents adds subtle depth and dimension. Mix up shades of lighter and darker beiges.
The Best Beige Shades for Exterior Home Paint
If you do want to use beige, these specific shades are among the most attractive options:
Taupe Beige
Taupe beiges with gray undertones look fantastic on modern exteriors. They’re sophisticated and pair well with whites.
Biscotti Beige
For traditional home styles, try a biscotti beige. These shades have warm red undertones.
Sand Beige
Sand beiges are lighter and have subtle yellow undertones. They create a cheerful vibe.
Khaki Beige
Khaki beiges with tan or brown undertones work for Craftsman style homes.
Clay Beige
Warmer clay beiges with brownish-red undertones give a rustic, earthy feel.
| Beige Shade | Description | Ideal Home Style |
|---|---|---|
| Taupe Beige | Cool gray undertones | Modern |
| Biscotti Beige | Warm red undertones | Traditional |
| Sand Beige | Subtle yellow undertones | Casual Contemporary |
| Khaki Beige | Tan or brown undertones | Craftsman |
| Clay Beige | Brownish-red undertones | Rustic |
Pairing Beige with Other Exterior Paint Colors
You don’t have to use beige alone. Here are some great color combinations:
Beige and White
A beige and white exterior is a timeless, classic choice. Use white on trim, doors, railings, and other accents.
Beige and Gray
Mixing beige walls with gray roofs, trim, and shutters looks stylish and elegant.
Beige and Blue
From navy to sky blue, accent colors in cool, crisp blue tones complement beige beautifully.
Beige and Green
Earthy sage greens, olive tones, and forest hues make beige exteriors feel welcoming.
Beige and Red
For a modern pop of color, bright red door and window shutters add eye-catching contrast against beige.
Beige and Black
For contemporary homes, black window frames, railings, and trim make beige walls stand out.
Conclusion
Beige can be a smart, attractive exterior paint color when used properly. To avoid a dated, bland, or dull look, focus on choosing beiges with warm, inviting undertones. Taupe, sand, biscotti, khaki, and clay beige shades are especially attractive. Pair beige walls with contrasting white, gray, blue, green, red, or black accents. Add visual interest with landscaping, exterior lighting, and architectural details. With thoughtful color pairing and accent elements, beige can give your home’s exterior a stylish, appealing look.