Exterior Black House Paint Ideas
So I have this theory; anything can be painted black or white for an instant upgrade. I’ve painted many a thrift store find a matte black and watched it transform into something more modern and fresh. I think the same is true for houses! You know I’ve long dreamed of a white farmhouse. Well, my friends, that is not in my cards. But with a new house on the horizon boasting 1970’s architecture, I’m convinced a bold, black house paint is just what it needs.
Why Choose Black House Paint?
When I started the remodel on our home which including exterior house paint, one question I heard time and again when I told people I was painting it black was, “Why?” Of course, this was back in 2019 and I see lots more black houses now (yay!) but at the time it seemed so opposite.
One thing I really love about black house paint is that it provides a perfect canvas for landscaping and nature to really pop. This seemed
Black House Paint Advantages
- Backdrop for landscaping
- Hides or minimizes home flaws and quirks
- Makes outdated homes feel instantly fresh and modern
- Timeless and classic option that works well with light fixtures, flowers, outdoor furniture
My Black House
After a lot of research (keep reading for my ideas and notes), I settled on Tricorn Black with Pure White trim, both from Sherwin Williams. Our home had a lot of dark wood details like the deck and doors which added some warmth to the contrasting black and white.
I think it made our 70’s ranch style home, previously mauve, feel fresh and modern but also super timeless. Honestly, I loved how it turned out and was sad to move from it – someday, I’ll paint another house black!
Best Black Paint Colors for Exterior
There are tons of black paints out there and the options can be overwhelming. However, some colors stand out as some of the best black colors for home exteriors. Here are some of my favorites along with links to peel & stick samples:
Tricorn Black SW 6258, Sherwin Williams
In recent years, this deep black color has become increasingly popular. Tricorn is a true, deep black with balanced undertones. It’s dark and dramatic. Paired with white trim, it’s a bold contrast. View: Tricorn Black SW 6258 by Sherwin Williams
Iron Ore SW 7069, Sherwin Williams
Another popular black paint option is Iron Ore SW 7069, Sherwin Williams. While it’s referred to as black, I think it’s more firmly placed in the dark charcoal category. It has a softer edge and sometimes a faint blue undertone though neutral in most light. Iron Ore looks great with a darker, black trim for a more industrial vibe.
Wrought Iron, Benjamin Moore
A lovely dark exterior paint color is Wrought Iron, Benjamin Moore which is very similar to Iron Ore from Sherwin Williams. It also have a softer edge though less of the blue undertones, making it a solid neutral choice.
Urbane Bronze SW 7048, Sherwin Williams
Living in the Pacific Northwest, I see a lot of darker homes painted with Urbane Bronze SW 7048, Sherwin Williams. It’s a deep, rich black with greenish undertones – giving natural, foresty vibes. The green undertones would work well with stone and metal accents though it can definitely appear more green in some lighting which might not be desired.
Black House Trim
For black houses there are a few options for the wood trim. White is a classic, contrasting option (what I chose!). While I think a dark house with dark trim often looks stunning and contemporary. Finally black exterior with wood trim and doors is pretty classy and natural – giving Pacific Northwest vibes.
Black Exterior Paint and White Trim
We went with a Tricorn Black from Sherwin Williams exterior which is a true, neutral black. It’s also one of my overall favorite neutral paint colors. For the trim, I went with Sherwin Williams Pure White and I love the contrast. I also replaced the front door and chose and a Douglas Fir with a clear coat finish.
Black House Dark Trim
Going with black exterior paint and black trim is a bold statement – and I am here for it! A common combination is a softer black, such as Iron Ore or Wrought Iron, with a darker, pure black, like Tricorn. This still frames things out and adds some depth. I’ve also noticed a lot of homes with the trim and exterior the same dark paint color – riding that color drenching wave.
Black Exterior with Wood Trim
If you’re looking for more natural, rustic look then a dark or black house paint with natural wood trim is a great option. It creates more of a great outdoors or Northwest Contemporary look – a little bit modern, a little bit rustic.
Tricorn Black from Sherwin Williams is a completely neutral, true black paint. It’s deep, dark, and bold with balanced undertones meaning it won’t look purple or green in some lighting. That said, it might be too dark for some and a softer black like Wrought Iron from Benjamin Moore or Iron Ore from Sherwin Williams might fill the dark paint need.
Sadly, yes! Darker paint colors, especially black, soak up more sun rays, which can lead to faster fading over time. Choosing a high quality exterior paint with UV protection can help.
I used Sherwin Williams Super Paint Exterior line which reduces fading and peeling.
This is one thing everyone warned me about. Black paint can absorb more heat, especially in full sun or warmer climates. Sherwin Williams and other paint supplies have special lines for temperature resistant paint. Insulation and ventilation would likely go a long way in keeping a home cool beyond the paint.
Final Thoughts on Black House Paint
I hope this post gives you ideas and inspiration for black house paint. Painting a home exterior any color is a tough decision, and choosing a darker color can feel intimidating. However, it can also hide imperfections and provide a great backdrop for landscaping. It’s a bold step for sure, but one I’d make again and again. Who’s with me in black house club?
Looking for more black paint goodness? Check out my Comparison: Tricorn Black vs Iron Ore and my Painted Black Front Doors Project.
