Picking Exterior House Foundation Paint Colors
Choosing the right paint color for your home's foundation can dramatically enhance your home's curb appeal. With so many potential colors to pick from, it can be an overwhelming decision. The foundation sets the visual base for your entire home, so you want to get this color choice right. By considering factors like your home's style and exterior materials, the surrounding landscape, and the amount of sunlight the foundation receives, you can select a shade that complements your home perfectly.
With the right prep work and paint application, you can give your home a clean, finished look that makes it truly stand out.
Match Your Home's Existing Exterior Styling
One of the most important considerations when selecting a foundation paint color is how it will look alongside your home's other exterior elements. You generally want your foundation color to complement and enhance the overall scheme rather than clash with it.
Take a look at your home's siding, trim, shutters, front door, and roof shingles. What colors are they? Then consider choosing a foundation shade that works cohesively with the existing palette. For example, if your home has blue-gray siding, white trim, and a charcoal roof, a light to medium gray foundation would tie everything together nicely without overpowering the other tones.
Recommended Color Combinations
- White or beige siding + sage green shutters and door = soft gray or tan foundation
- Red brick exterior + black trim and roof = black or charcoal foundation
- Yellow siding + white trim = light tan or buttercream foundation
- Blue siding + white trim and door = gray foundation
In general, lean towards a lighter foundation color than your home's darker exterior elements. And opt for a darker foundation shade if your siding and trim are light. Contrast can help certain architectural details pop while ensuring nothing clashes.
Consider Your Home's Architecture
Along with your exterior colors, your home's architectural style should help guide your foundation color selection. Certain shades may work better for playing up the features of Craftsman, Colonial, Victorian, or other style homes.
For example, an earthy brown or terra-cotta foundation color enhances the natural craftsman aesthetic. While a light gray or neutral beige foundation fits well with the clean lines of a modern farmhouse. Research what works best for making your home's unique architecture shine.
Factor in Sunlight and Lighting Conditions
The amount of sunlight your home's foundation receives will impact how paint colors appear. Areas in full sun often look best in lighter shades, while foundations with partial shade can support darker hues.
Watch how the sun hits your home throughout the day. South facing foundations tend to get the most sunlight. East or west facing foundations will get partial sun. North sides may be in near constant shade. Paint a swatch and view it at different times to see how the color changes.
Lighter vs. Darker Shades
Typically, lighter neutral paint colors like white, beige, light tan, and light gray reflect sunlight well and stand up best to full sun exposure. They help keep cool. Darker shades like black, charcoal, brown, or terra-cotta absorb heat and can make partially shaded foundations feel warmer.
Dark saturated colors may also fade faster in full sun. But in shade, they add depth and contrast. Consider sunlight when weighing lighter pastel tones vs. darker bold hues.
Facades in Partial Shade
Foundations with areas of sun and shade provide the flexibility to use a wider range of colors. Just be mindful of how the shade shifts and make sure your chosen color works in both conditions. Cooler grayish tones are a safe choice for adapting well to changing light.
Enhance Curb Appeal
Probably the biggest consideration when choosing any exterior house color should be curb appeal. Your home's foundation is the base that a visitor's eye goes to when they first approach your home. You want it to draw the eye in and create an inviting impression.
Make a Strong First Impression
Use your foundation color to make your home pop from the street. Contrasting shades that complement your existing palette create interest and highlight details. For example, a charcoal gray foundation on a white-trimmed blue home makes the lighter tones stand out while framing the front entrance.
Accentuate Architectural Features
Strategic foundation colors can direct eyes to interesting architectural facets like stone accents, bay windows, decorative trim, or the front door and porch. A lighter foundation color underneath dark woodwork or stone and a darker shade near doors and windows helps highlight these areas.
Add Curb Appeal Contrast
Sometimes a bold, contrasting foundation color compared to siding and trim works best for maximizing visibility and creating a dynamic look. Just ensure the tones still complement. For example, an orange brick home with white trim could have a slate blue gray foundation. The contrast attracts attention while the tones work together.
Pick a Durable, Long-Lasting Exterior Paint
While color is important, you also want to select an exterior foundation paint that can withstand the elements. Weather, sun, moisture, scuffs, and other factors can break down exterior paints. Investing in a quality product ensures your foundation maintains that freshly painted look longer.
Withstand Sun, Rain, and Temperature Extremes
Look for exterior paints designed to resist fading, blistering, and cracking, even in harsh weather. Latex paints flex and breathe better than oil-based options. But oils may offer better moisture resistance. Inspect labels for weather-resistant claims.
Choose a Sturdy Finish
Opt for mid to high-sheen finishes for best durability. Flat or matte paints scuff easier. Satin, semi-gloss, or gloss enamel finishes better resist moisture, fading, and wear-and-tear. Higher sheens also highlight a foundation's textures.
Apply Primer and Multiple Coats
Use primer suited for exterior surfaces before painting. Often 2-3 coats of paint are needed for full coverage and protection, especially on unpainted concrete or block foundations. Patience leads to a longer-lasting finish.
Mind Your Home's Style for Colors That Work
Certain foundation paint colors tend to work best for different architectural home styles. Keeping your home's existing look and features in mind helps narrow down shades that enhance (rather than detract from) its aesthetic.
Color Choices for Key Styles
Here are some typical foundation color options that complement classic home styles:
- Craftsman: Brown, earth tones, slate, olive green
- Colonial: White, light gray, beige, tan, yellow
- Victorian: Black, dark gray, jewel tones
- Cape Cod: White, light blue, gray, tan
- Farmhouse: Light gray, taupe, dark brown, white
- Ranch: Tan, brown, gray, rustic earth tones
What Works and What to Avoid
Stick with traditional schemes that align with your home's look. For example, avoid stark white foundations on Craftsmen homes. Leave bright oranges or purples for more eclectic modern houses. Clashing colors distract rather than complement architectural features.
Popular Foundation Color Options to Consider
Ready to explore potential foundation paint colors for your home? Here are some of today's most popular shades to consider: