Few architectural styles embody timeless appeal and elegance like the colonial home. With symmetrical designs and iconic columned porticos, these houses are rich in history and charm.
Just like their design, the choice of color for a colonial house should reflect its classic beauty. However, choosing the perfect hue isn’t as easy as it seems.
It requires an understanding of the architecture, surrounding landscape, and even the region’s history.
For a colonial house, timeless white provides a crisp backdrop, perfect for showcasing dark green shutters and red brick chimneys.
Classic navy or muted taupe can be excellent main colors, while deep burgundy or forest green trim adds sophistication. These combinations honor the home’s historic roots while ensuring a stately and cohesive exterior.
We’ve compiled the top 20 paint colors to help you make the best choice for your colonial house.
From elegant neutrals to bold hues, these choices will breathe new life into your home, enhance its aesthetic appeal and underscore its architectural beauty.
Explore our color visualizer tool below, allowing you to experiment with various color options for your space.
Note: The color codes below are recommendations. We have tried to match the color code to the house in the images, but in some cases the colors may vary.
Table of Contents
20. Dove Gray (#6D6D6D)
Dove Gray is a wonderfully versatile color that brings a touch of modernity to the classic colonial style.
It’s cool undertones echo a contemporary vibe while maintaining the timelessness associated with colonial homes.
The neutrality of Dove Gray means it pairs well with various color schemes, perfect for exterior trims, shutters, or doors.
Combine it with bright white trims for a crisp, clean look or go bold with black accents for a striking contrast.
Quick Tip: Dove Gray works beautifully in regions with plenty of natural greenery, providing a visually pleasing contrast.
19. Butter Yellow (#FCE883)
For a warm, welcoming appeal, Butter Yellow is a brilliant choice. This sunny hue illuminates the colonial home, making it a standout in the neighborhood.
Butter Yellow resonates with the golden age of colonial homes, evoking a sense of nostalgia and charm.
When paired with white trims and dark roof, it enhances architectural details and adds a dose of cheerfulness to the exterior.
18. Federal Blue (#334163)
Federal Blue, a dark, muted shade of blue, adds depth and richness to the colonial house. Its name itself suggests history and tradition, aptly fitting for colonial architecture.
The color exudes sophistication and can be the perfect contrast to lighter, neutral trims.
Moreover, it tends to blend in harmoniously with nature, particularly in regions with plenty of greenery or by the seaside.
17. Soft White (#F2F3F4)
There’s nothing quite as timeless as Soft White. This color not only brightens up your home but also gives it a clean, classic look.
Soft White is perfect for those who want to maintain the traditional feel of their colonial home while adding a touch of freshness.
It works exceptionally well with contrasting colors for the shutters and doors, giving the opportunity for a personalized touch.
Quick Tip: Soft White works great with dark-colored roofing, providing a balance between the light and dark tones.
16. Sage Green (#9C9F84)
A nod to nature’s lushness, Sage Green offers a soft, muted hue that beautifully complements the colonial house’s classic aesthetics.
It’s an excellent choice for homeowners looking for a color that subtly stands out without taking away from the home’s architectural beauty.
This earthy tone pairs nicely with a variety of colors for trim, providing a lovely contrast to warm wood tones or bright white.
15. Charcoal Black (#333333)
For those seeking a bold, striking look, Charcoal Black is the answer.
This dark hue brings out the architectural details of the colonial house in a dramatic way, and when contrasted with bright white trim, it creates a classic yet contemporary aesthetic.
Charcoal Black also provides an excellent backdrop for landscaping and pops of color in the form of flowers or shrubs, adding dimension and depth to your home’s exterior.
14. Barn Red (#7C0A02)
Embodying the rustic charm and historical essence of colonial architecture, Barn Red offers a bold, striking choice for your home’s exterior.
This warm, rich hue creates a vibrant statement, especially when contrasted with white trim and dark shutters.
Its ability to harmonize with a natural environment makes it a popular choice for homes nestled within rural and forested regions.
Barn Red adds a sense of history, vitality, and charm, ensuring your home captures attention without overwhelming the eye.
13. Oyster White (#EAE3CD)
If you’re seeking a color that offers a harmonious blend of warmth and subtlety, look no further than Oyster White.
This soft, creamy hue imparts a tranquil elegance, providing a delicate balance between attention-grabbing and understated appeal.
Oyster White works wonderfully with a range of trim colors, be it soft pastels or bold hues.
Given its versatility, it can subtly accentuate the beautiful architectural details of your colonial home while offering a refreshing aesthetic.
12. Olive Green (#708238)
Olive Green is an earthy, sophisticated hue that beautifully complements the charm of colonial architecture.
This color not only underscores a connection with nature but also enhances the home’s architectural elements.
Olive Green pairs particularly well with neutral or white trims, offering a visually appealing contrast.
It’s an excellent choice for those seeking to create a soothing, harmonious exterior that quietly stands out.
11. Morning Sky Blue (#8DA399)
For a hint of calm and serenity, consider Morning Sky Blue. This subtle shade of blue captures the tranquility of the early morning sky, lending a peaceful charm to your colonial home.
It’s especially suitable for homes in regions with plenty of sunlight, as the color tends to change beautifully under different light conditions.
Paired with white or cream trims, Morning Sky Blue delivers a refreshing and inviting exterior.
10. Classic Brick (#B6321C)
Drawing inspiration from the historic neighborhoods of colonial towns, Classic Brick offers a unique and timeless color choice.
This deep, earthy red hue provides an exquisite backdrop to white trims and black shutters, emphasizing the architectural details of the home.
Classic Brick is a particularly excellent choice for brick colonial homes, enhancing their rich texture and historical significance.
9. Creamy Vanilla (#FFFDD0)
Creamy Vanilla is an ever-charming, timeless color that exudes warmth and comfort.
This soft, inviting hue is particularly effective in highlighting the classic details and symmetrical design of colonial homes.
Creamy Vanilla pairs beautifully with bold shutter colors like deep green or navy blue, offering a striking contrast.
It’s a perfect pick for those seeking a warm, light exterior that conveys a sense of welcoming coziness.
Quick Tip: Creamy Vanilla works exceptionally well under warm lighting, enhancing its cozy feel during golden hour.
8. Nautical Navy (#000080)
If you’re aiming for an adventurous yet sophisticated color, Nautical Navy is a splendid option. This deep, rich blue instantly gives your colonial home a distinguished appearance.
The color, while bold, exudes a timeless elegance fitting for the architectural style.
Moreover, Nautical Navy pairs exceptionally well with crisp white trims and natural wood accents, creating a visually appealing contrast that underscores the home’s grandeur.
7. Warm Honey (#D69A2D)
Warm Honey is an excellent choice if you’re after a subtle, inviting, and comforting exterior color.
This golden hue imparts a sunny and pleasant personality to your home, making it stand out in a subtle and sophisticated way.
Warm Honey enhances the historical charm of colonial architecture and pairs beautifully with a variety of trim colors, particularly earthy tones and whites.
This hue can create a harmonious, warm ambiance that’s incredibly welcoming.
6. Moss Green (#8A9A5B)
For those seeking to maintain a close connection with nature, Moss Green is a delightful option.
This earthy color effortlessly complements the surrounding landscape, blurring the lines between your colonial home and nature.
Moss Green works well with both light and dark trims, allowing for customization according to personal preference.
The hue also beautifully highlights the architectural details of your home, adding a touch of tranquility and charm to its appearance.
5. Muted Coral (#FF7F50)
For a touch of warmth and a slight deviation from the norm, Muted Coral is a striking choice. This color is vibrant yet not overwhelming, making it a perfect fit for colonial homes.
Muted Coral adds a unique twist to the traditional colonial color palette and pairs remarkably well with white or cream trims.
This color stands out beautifully against a verdant landscape, adding a distinct charm to your home’s exterior.
Quick Tip: Muted Coral can create a stunning sunset effect when the home is bathed in the warm evening light.
4. Sandy Beige (#F4A460)
Sandy Beige is a soft, warm color that effortlessly enhances the classic appeal of colonial homes. This neutral hue serves as a fantastic base that allows architectural details to shine.
Sandy Beige pairs well with a wide range of trim colors, from white to dark brown, offering a versatile palette for your exterior.
This color evokes a sense of calmness and serenity, making your home look inviting and peaceful.
3. Forest Green (#228B22)
For a deep, bold, and natural shade, consider Forest Green. This color exudes an earthy elegance, enhancing the stately charm of colonial architecture.
Forest Green provides an exquisite contrast to light-colored trims and adds a profound depth to your home’s exterior.
Particularly suitable for homes surrounded by abundant greenery, this hue effortlessly merges your home with its natural surroundings.
2. Timeless Taupe (#483C32)
Timeless Taupe, as the name suggests, is a classic, enduring color perfect for colonial homes. This warm, neutral hue adds a sophisticated yet understated elegance to your home.
Timeless Taupe complements a wide variety of trim colors, providing a flexible palette for your home’s exterior.
This shade beautifully highlights the architectural features of colonial homes and creates a harmonious appearance that’s visually pleasing.
1. Colonial White (#FAEBD7)
Topping our list is Colonial White, a color that embodies the essence of colonial architecture.
This soft, creamy hue provides a fresh, clean backdrop that allows your home’s architectural details to shine. Colonial White is perfect for homeowners aiming for a traditional, classic aesthetic.
When paired with bold trims, this color adds an unexpected yet tasteful contrast that further highlights the home’s character.
Moreover, this shade enhances the feeling of light and space, making your colonial house look even more majestic.