When selecting exterior paint colors for a house, beige is a versatile neutral shade that can work with a wide variety of accent colors. The key is choosing the right undertones and shades to complement the existing architectural features. Here are some of the most popular and attractive color combinations to use with beige on a house exterior.
Blue
Blue is a classic pairing with beige that creates a soothing, beachy aesthetic. Light sky blues, aquas, and even navy shades all pop against beige. Try:
| Beige Undertone | Blue Pairings |
| Warm, yellow/brown | Sky blue, Light aqua |
| Cool, grey | Navy, Robin’s egg blue |
Aim for enough contrast between the colors. Dusty blue-greys look sophisticated with beige. Use blue on accents like the front door, window trim, or shutters.
Green
Earthy greens feel organic and peaceful with beige, invoking natural textures and landscapes. Olive, sage, muted jade and light seaglass greens all work well. Consider:
| Beige Shade | Green Pairings |
| Light, soft | Seafoam, Celadon |
| Medium-toned | Hunter, Sage |
| Dark, warm | Olive, Avocado |
Soften brighter kelly greens with warm beiges. Use green on doors, accent siding, or roofing.
Red
For a bold, inviting look, red energizes beige exteriors. Brick red, terra cotta, and burgundy offer rich character. Consider these combinations:
| Beige Undertone | Red Pairings |
| Cool, grey | Burgundy, Wine |
| Warm, yellow/brown | Brick, Terra cotta |
Muted reds like rosy brown work well with tan beiges. Use red on doors, window boxes, or accent siding.
Yellow
Yellow delivers cheerful curb appeal next to beige. Soft buttery yellows, mellow golds, and spicy mustards all create contrast. Try:
| Beige Shade | Yellow Pairings |
| Light | Buttery yellow |
| Medium-toned | Gold |
| Dark | Mustard |
Muted daisy yellows suit grey beiges. Use yellow on entry doors, window boxes, or garage doors.
Purple
Regal purple makes a bold, elegant statement beside beige. Lavender, lilac, plum and eggplant purple all stand out nicely. Consider:
| Beige Undertone | Purple Pairings |
| Warm, yellow/brown | Eggplant, Plum |
| Cool, grey | Lavender, Lilac |
Softened violets and mauves complement warm beiges. Use purple on entry doors, accent siding or shutters for impact.
Neutral Colors
For more subtle contrast, natural neutrals accent beige well. Soft greys, warm taupes, ivory whites and chocolate browns highlight beige’s natural beauty. Consider:
| Beige Undertone | Neutral Pairings |
| Warm, brown/yellow | Ivory white, Chocolate brown |
| Cool, grey | Dove grey, Taupe |
Aim for enough variation to avoid looking washed out. Use lighter beiges with darker browns. Try greys with warm-toned beiges. Use neutral accents on window trim, siding, and exterior materials.
Color Schemes
Certain color combinations go especially well together on beige house exteriors. Some popular schemes include:
- Beige, sage green, and terra cotta red – Earthy and natural
- Beige, sky blue, and white – Coastal and relaxed
- Beige, olive green, and mustard yellow – Tuscan warmth
- Beige, navy blue, and grey – Sophisticated contrast
- Beige, brick red, and black – Bold and dramatic
You can also opt for a monochromatic look using different tones of beige. Try sandstone, oatmeal, tan and almond shades for subtle interest.
Factors to Consider
When selecting accent colors for beige exteriors, keep these factors in mind:
- Architectural style – Colors should complement features like roofing, trim, materials
- Geography – Lighter shades suit coastal climates, deeper tones for forested areas
- Personal taste – Decide on elegant vs. edgy, modern vs. traditional, muted or bold
- Landscaping – Coordinate with foliage shades like evergreens or terracotta pots
View color swatches in different lighting. Try accent colors on sample boards first. For a foolproof combination, look to nature for inspiration from stones, landscapes and flowers.
Beige Paint Finishes
The right paint finish impacts how exterior colors look. Consider:
- Flat – Provides a matte, muted effect good for stucco
- Satin – Subtle sheen for siding with a smooth, velvety look
- Semi-gloss – Glossy finish that makes trim pop
- Gloss – High-shine for doors and windows
Eggshell finishes offer minimal sheen with beige. Use higher gloss finishes on accent colors to make them stand out.
Best Exterior Paint Brands
Quality paint ensures colors last. Top exterior paints include:
- Behr – Wide color selection, good value
- Benjamin Moore – Premium quality, weather resistant
- Sherwin-Williams – Industry leader, durable finishes
- Valspar – Budget-friendly, various sheens
- Pittsburgh Paints – Long-lasting, good color options
Consider primer-paint combinations that provide maximum adhesion and UV protection. Ask local paint stores for product recommendations for your climate and exterior materials.
Visualizing Color Combinations
Seeing color pairings helps envision how they will look. When selecting accent colors for beige, try:
- Painting swatches on sample boards outside
- Viewing house photos with similar palettes
- Browsing paint brand color visualizers online
- Ordering paint samples to test colors
Pay attention to how lighting affects perception from daylight to dusk. Complementary accents on landscaping and exterior details will further enhance the palette.
Conclusion
Beige offers a versatile neutral backdrop for a wide range of exterior house colors. Choosing shades with harmonious undertones is key, along with accents that provide enough contrast. Classic pairings like beige with blue, green, red and yellow create timeless curb appeal. Staying attuned to architecture, geography and personal taste leads to the most pleasing combination for a home’s unique style.