Top Color Combinations for White Metal Roofs on Your House
Choosing exterior colors for a home with a white metal roof can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be! With some planning and knowledge of color theory, homeowners can create beautiful and cohesive color schemes to complement their white metal roofs.
The Benefits of a White Metal Roof
Before diving into color, it's helpful to understand the benefits that make white metal roofs a popular choice among homeowners:
- Aesthetic appeal - The bright white finish offers a clean, attractive look.
- Increased home value - White metal roofs are known to increase curb appeal.
- Energy efficiency - The reflective surface deflects sunlight and heat, reducing cooling costs.
- Durability - Metal roofs are very durable, long-lasting, and low maintenance.
- Eco-friendly - Metal roofs are recyclable and energy-efficient.
While some may find an all-white exterior to be boring, the right color combinations can create visual interest and make the most of the white roof's benefits. The key is choosing colors that complement both the roof and your home's architecture.
Factors to Consider When Selecting Exterior Colors
Homeowners should keep the following factors in mind when choosing exterior colors for a home with a white metal roof:
Existing Exterior Elements
Look at existing exterior features like stone, brick, and siding. Neutral earth tones like gray, brown, and beige tend to complement white roofs well. Avoid matching a white roof with white siding, as this can look washed out. Instead, opt for light-colored siding or paint the trim and accents a darker shade.
Personal Color Preferences
Think about your personal color tastes. Do you prefer cool tones like blues and grays or warm earth tones like tans and browns? Monochromatic schemes involve different shades of one color. Complementary schemes use opposite colors on the color wheel. Understanding color psychology can help narrow down your preferences.
Home Style and Architecture
Factor in your home's architectural style. For traditional homes, neutral tones are best. Mediterranean styles suit warm terra cottas. Arts and crafts bungalows look great with deeper greens or blues as accents. The roof color and lines should enhance, not distract from, the existing structure.
Landscape and Climate
Consider your environment. Warm brown and terra cotta exteriors complement arid climates, while cool grays and blues suit coastal regions. Use landscaping to determine which tones complement your setting best.
Popular Color Combinations
Certain color combinations work especially well with white metal roofs. Here are some of the most popular schemes:
White Roof and Gray Exterior
One of the most common yet attractive combinations is a bright white roof with light to charcoal gray siding or brick exterior. This creates a clean, sophisticated look. For a beachy feel, pair white with a pale gray-blue exterior.
White Roof and Blue Exterior
White set against a blue exterior is another complementary pairing. Soft sky blue or navy siding and shutters looks elegant. For a bold accent, paint the front door cherry red.
White Roof and Green Exterior
White against green creates a refreshing, nature-inspired vibe. Sage green shutters complement ivory siding. For a contemporary look, pair bright white with olive green siding.
White Roof and Red Brick
For traditional homes with red brick facades, a white roof keeps the look classic and timeless. Add black shutters for a bold contrast. Paint the front door navy blue for a patriotic color scheme.
Using Neutral Tones
Homeowners who prefer a more subtle, flexible approach may stick to neutral exterior colors with a white metal roof:
Shades of Gray
Light, medium, and charcoal grays complement white roofs beautifully. Gray with white trim creates a clean, modern aesthetic. Mixing light and dark gray tones adds visual interest.
Different Browns
Shades like beige, tan, taupe, and sand go well with bright white roofs. Brown hues pair nicely with cream trims and facades. Darker browns like chestnut can be used for accent colors.
Avoiding Stark Contrasts
With neutral schemes, avoid very dark exteriors, which can look jarring against bright white roofs. Similarly, all-white exteriors lack dimension. Shades a few tones darker or lighter than the roof create subtle contrast.
Complementary Color Schemes
For homeowners seeking something more vibrant, using complementary colors is an eye-catching option:
Blue and Orange
Pairing a white roof with blue siding and orange door and shutter accents is bold yet balanced. Swap blue for gray or black siding for a more muted effect.
Red and Green
A white roof popping against a cherry red brick facade with emerald green shutters is a playful, retro combo. Muted wine red siding also complements sage green accents well.
Purple and Yellow
Lavender purple exterior with marigold yellow door and cream trim creates a light, feminine look. For bolder contrast, pair white with eggplant purple and golden yellow accents.
Tips for Choosing Exterior Colors
Here are some helpful tips when selecting exterior paint colors for a home with a white metal roof:
View Actual Paint Swatches
Paint colors look different on actual exterior surfaces than in photos or samples. View large swatches on the house exterior at different times of day before finalizing paint choices.
Use Accent Colors Strategically
Use bright, contrasting shades selectively on smaller exterior elements like doors, shutters, trim, and accents so they stand out against neutral siding.
Repeat Colors in Landscaping
Choose plants and flowers whose colors complement the exterior palette. Tie everything together by repeating accent colors from the house in the landscaping.
Check for Signs of Fading
When repainting, check if existing colors have faded unevenly. Freshen up the paint job by choosing lighter or darker shades in the same color family.
Look to Nature for Inspiration
Notice color combinations you like on natural elements outside like tree bark, flowers, stones, and landscapes. Nature is a great source of color pairings.
Creative Color Combinations for White Metal Roofs
Homeowners willing to think outside the box have many creative options when pairing exterior colors with a white metal roof:
White Roof with Poppy Red Siding
For an eye-catching look, contrast bright white with poppy red siding and add black accents and trim. White against red is bold yet elegant.
White Roof with Robin's Egg Blue Siding
The playful pastel blue is unexpected yet attractive against white. For whimsical contrast, add sunny yellow door and windowboxes overflowing with purple flowers.
White Roof with Charcoal Siding and Orange Door
White paired with charcoal gray siding and a glossy orange front door is sophisticated yet fun. Add white trim and black modern outdoor lighting.