When choosing exterior colors for a gray house, the trim offers exciting opportunities to add personality, creativity, and flair. Going beyond basic white with 12 unique trim colors—from soothing sage greens to crisp navy blues, to sunny yellows—this comprehensive guide explores how to make gray siding shine.
Detailed shade recommendations like “Alabaster” white provide real-world applicability while design context explains the psychology behind color pairings so readers can thoughtfully create combinations that work. Unique accent colors like emerald green and golden yellow trim inject whimsy and surprise into gray exteriors.
Advice on mixing multiple trim colors empowers homeowners to get creative in customizing their curb appeal. With insightful tips, expansive color ideas, and empowering encouragement to experiment, this trim guide unlocks the full potential of gray houses.
5 tips for choosing exterior paint colors for a gray house
Contents
- Consider the undertones. Gray can have warm, cool, or neutral undertones that will impact how it looks. Samples and test patches are key.
- Pick trim and accent colors that complement the gray. Crisp white trim is a classic, but black, greige, blue, and wood tones also work well.
- Add color thoughtfully. Pops of color on the front door, shutters, or other accents can make gray schemes more vibrant. Turquoise and green are bold options.
- Factor in existing elements. Calculate how siding color will look next to brick, stone, roofing, and landscape features. Coordinate with these fixed aspects.
- Go for contrast. Layering light, medium, and dark grays or pairing gray with very light and very dark companion colors creates visual interest and depth.
White Trim
White is a classic choice that will always look crisp and clean with gray siding. The high contrast between white and gray makes architectural details pop and gives homes a striking, sophisticated appearance. White trim frames window beautifully on gray homes and adds lightness and brightness to darker gray tones.
Some popular shades of white to try are Extra White, Alabaster, Swiss Coffee, and Simply White. Soft white colors with a very subtle tan/greige undertone tend to complement gray siding best. Stark bright whites can sometimes appear too harsh. Go with a white that has just a touch of warmth to balance out cool grays.
Black Trim
For a mod, ultra-modern look, black trimmed windows and doors give gray houses a sleek, stylish feel. The dramatic contrast between charcoal blacks and lighter grays creates visual interest and dimension. Black accents add bold definition and a contemporary vibe.
Some black trim options include Onyx, Black Fox, and Black Magic. Matte black finishes will seamlessly coordinate with darker gray house colors. Glossy black trim can provide an edgy focal point and works best with light grays. Use black trim sparingly to frame key architectural elements. Too much black can feel overwhelming.
Dark Gray Trim
For a monochromatic scheme, go with a dark gray trim that is a shade or two deeper than your house color. Rich charcoal or gunmetal gray trim near-seamlessly blends in with medium to darker gray siding, creating a cohesive, harmonious look. Dark gray trim gives homes an ultra-polished, modern appeal.
Some dark gray trim colors to try are Tricorn Black, Grizzle Gray, and Caviar. Aim for gray tones with some brown undertones that connect back to the main gray house color, rather than straight cool-toned grays. This ensures the trim doesn’t appear disjointed from the siding.
Medium Gray Trim
A trim color that is a slightly deeper version of your house’s gray will smoothly coordinate while adding just a hint of definition. Medium gray trim enhances darker gray siding or matches lighter grays attractively. It gives homes a refined, neutral look when you don’t want an overtly high contrast.
Some medium grays to consider are Gray Matters, Peppercorn, and Magnesium. Look for grays with subtle green, brown, or blue undertones rather than straight neutrals when pairing with gray siding. Complementary undertones connect the trim to the main color in a natural, harmonious way.
Light Gray Trim
For a subtle touch of contrast, go with a light gray trim a few shades lighter than your house color. Soft, pale gray trim adds an understated elegance and just a slight visual delineation without an abrupt change when paired with medium to darker gray siding.
Some light grays to try are Tradewind, Rockport Gray, and Gray Screen. Stick with light grays that have similar cool undertones as your main gray house color. Too warm of an undertone on the trim can clash instead of coordinate.
Deep navy blue trim offsets light to medium gray siding stylishly with a striking pop of color. The rich blue contrast adds a dose of curb appeal and a distinctive, nautical vibe. Navy plays up the cool undertones in gray exteriors for an eye-catching combo.
Some navy trim options to consider are Naval, Midnight Blue, and Sea Serpent. Matte navy finishes enhance the crisp look against gray walls. Glossy navy trim can dial up the drama and bold impact if desired. Limit navy to door and window trim to keep the look classic.
Cream Trim
For a French country style, cream trim pairs beautifully with light to medium gray house colors. Cream has just enough contrast from light grays to add definition while still keeping an overall soft, muted look. With darker grays, cream trim prevents an exterior from looking too somber or cold.
Some cream trim colors to try are Creamy, Cotton, and Classic Cream. Warm antique white and cream tones with subtle tans and yellows complement gray siding the best. Avoid bright whites when going for a cream trim and gray color scheme.
Red Brick Accents
Adding red brick accents as window sills, a water table, or on columns and chimneys can make grays pop. The bold red brick contrast jazzes up muted gray exteriors and gives homes extra personality. Red brick trim gives off traditional, timeless vibes against gray siding.
For red brick trim, stick with classic red/orange brick tones rather than newer printed brick materials. Genuine or faux brick veneers in red and brown earth tones match beautifully with grays and tend to look most authentic. Use red brick as an accent rather than overwhelm the exterior.
Green Trim
Deeper greens like forest, emerald, and sage make for an earthy, organic contrast against light to medium grays. Green trim adds a nature-inspired color and energizes a gray exterior palette. The grounding green tones prevent grays from feeling sterile or boring.
Some verdant green trim colors to try are Reedy Green, English Ivy, and Deep Forest. Matte dark green finishes blend in with landscapes and coordinate seamlessly with gray siding. Lighter shades like sage can brighten up darker gray homes. Limit green trim to key areas to avoid looking too busy.
Yellow Trim
For a cheerful, sunny look, yellow trim invites happiness against gray siding. Soft buttery yellows complement light grays beautifully. Deeper golden yellows pop against darker charcoals for an eye-catching pairing. Yellow trim with gray homes exudes charm and approachability.
Some mellow yellow trim options are Sunbeam, Buttercream, and Creamy Custard. Mustardy golden tones like Goldfinch pair well with charcoal grays. Stick with softer yellow tones rather than neon brights for the most pleasing look. Use yellow to highlight architectural details.
The Best Trim Color For Your Gray House
When selecting exterior paint colors for a gray house, the trim color presents fun ways to add personality, contrast, and creativity. Look at color pairing inspiration to find a trim shade that coordinates in a pleasing, harmonious way.
If you’re struggling to visualize combinations, try out color swatches directly on your home’s surface before fully committing to a particular trim color. And remember – the trim doesn’t all have to be the same color!
Mixing trim colors in different areas can add eclectic character and customization to gray houses. Get creative and have fun designing your ideal gray and trim exterior aesthetic.
