Selecting an exterior paint color can be daunting, but with a little help it can be fun and turn out beautiful. Follow along as I share with you my top 10 go-to popular Sherwin Williams Exterior paint colors.
Once I received a phone call from a client who was in tears because she was painting the exterior of her house and after many tries couldn't find a color she liked.
My heart went out to her because she had lost all the excitement in decorating because of the paint, which is why I am sharing my top 10 go-to popular Sherwin Williams exterior paint colors.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a commission if you purchase at no cost to you using the links below. All opinions are all my own.
POPULAR SHERWIN WILLIAMS EXTERIOR PAINT COLORS
Anytime I get a call about selecting exterior colors I begin with a list of my most popular Sherwin Williams Exterior colors.
You see, if they are popular, then most likely the color has been tried again and again. It's going to be a great color for your house, too!
Once my client narrows down to three colors, we search Pinterest for houses with that paint color. To make this easy for you, I have collected some great examples for you in this post.
So, without taking up any more time, let's get to the fun part and see how lovely these colors look on houses.
SEA SALT SW 6204
Sea Salt is a personal favorite color. It is refreshing and charming and one of the popular Sherwin Williams exterior colors. See how lovely it goes with the stone on this Bell Custom Home?
This color looks fabulous on this door. If you need ideas for door colors check out modern front door colors.
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ALABASTER WHITE SW 7008
You know you have the right color when you are featured in a magazine like Atlanta Homes and Lifestyle.
But honestly, you cannot go wrong with the color Alabaster.
It is such a versatile and popular color; Sherwin Williams even had it as the color of the year in 2017. So if you are looking for a great white color then look at this white exterior paint Sherwin Williams color.
Some other great white colors by Sherwin Williams are Pure White and Extra White.
REPOSE GRAY SW 7015
Gray colors are super trendy right now, and repose gray is both great on the interior or exterior of a home. Personally, I think it is one of the best exterior gray paint colors, Sherwin Williams carries.
Look at this adorable cottage in Watercolor, Florida. The soft color of Repose Gray is perfect against the pine trees and landscape of North Florida.
Repose Gray is such a versatile color which is why it landed on the popular Sherwin Williams Exterior colors list.
Other popular Sherwin Williams gray colors are Mindful Gray and Agreeable Gray.
ACCESSIBLE BEIGE SW 7036
Now, this was a big decision on which color to feature because I have two colors I like to use in the beige family on the exterior. Accessible Beige won because it was the easiest to find a picture to show you, but I love Kilim Beige very much, too. Can you see why this color is on the popular Sherwin Williams Exterior paint list?
Don't forget my other favorite beige is Kilim Beige.
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REAL RED SW 6868
Talk about a timeless and traditional look! We love a classic red door. If you're looking for a shortcut on How to Paint A Front Door Without Removing It, we have the perfect post!
A red door color can be tricky, though, because, if you are not careful, it can come out too orange. So check out this eye-catching red door featured on Southern Living Magazines website. See how the color Real Red made the list for popular Sherwin Williams exterior colors.
It is a perfect red for a traditional white house!
See how timeless these colors are too. They really are the best Sherwin Williams exterior paint colors.
TRICORN BLACK SW 6258
For the last color, I think you will be surprised at how beautiful it is on an entire house. Typically we use black on shutters or doors, but think outside of the box and consider painting your whole house Tricorn Black. Here is a beautiful example of it from GR Interiors.
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POPULAR SHERWIN WILLIAMS EXTERIOR COLORS
- Sherwin Williams Sea Salt SW 6204
- Sherwin Williams Repose Gray SW 7015
- Sherwin Williams Real Red SW 6868
- Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black SW 6258
- Sherwin Williams Alabaster SW 7008
- Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige SW 7036
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CONCLUSION
So your probably wondering what happened to my client. Well after she narrowed down to those three colors and found houses online that were in those colors, she called Sherwin Williams. They gave her some addresses so she could see in person what it would look like on the house.
She finally found the color she loved!
And it all started with the simple step of looking at my top 10 popular Sherwin Williams exterior paint colors.
Now if you are planning to DIY your paint job here is another post with all my tools to help you get started.
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HAPPY DECORATING!
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Pat says
With all those different colors to choose from no wonder your client was in tears. Good thing she had your input to help decide.
Judy Freedman says
Ooh, I love all the colors. Wish I had a house I needed to paint!
Samantha Hess says
I have painted mine repose gray, but now I can’t figure out shutters, awnings and door. I have very little architectural details. I seriously need help. I know the style I like, cut can’t seem to achieve it.
Linda McDonald says
Picking paint colors can be a challenge. Have you looked at Pinterest for ideas? I recommend looking at exteriors on Pinterest and find some you like that have grey doors. Then all you need to do is pick your paint colors based off of the house you like the most.
Christina says
These are great choices. I have been going back and forth between SW useful gray, repose gray, and alabaster white. I get thrown off and overwhelmed by the red/orange clay tile roof I have. I was interested in a warm gray/cream color. Not sure what trim color to use as well.
Linda McDonald says
All of these colors are perfect. If you go with Alabaster white and you need to paint your door consider a fun color like Wythe Blue by Benjamin Moore or even a darker color like the color of the year for Sherwin Williams which is Oceanside.
Christina says
Would you be able to recommend any paint exterior paint colors for homes with a orangish clay tile roof?
Linda McDonald says
Great question! I usually don’t share my personal favorite but any shade of white looks great with a terracotta roof except for extra white. Keep it more ivory and off white. However, if your not a white person then try tans or grays and if you are a more adventurous person look at pale greens, mints or any ocean color. I hope this helps.
PB says
Which finish of SW Alabaster white do you recommend for the exterior of a house ?
Linda McDonald says
Hi Penny! I would go with satin or eggshell on exterior paint for siding. For trim, I would do semi-gloss. However, I always recommend you take a photo fo your home with you to the paint store and double check with them to be safe. I hope this helps. If you have any other questions please feel free to contact me. Linda
Georgia jordan says
What color are the door and shutters on the alabaster Atlanta Home in this post?
Linda McDonald says
Very good question. If my memory serves me correct the shutters were Pavestone by Sherwin Williams and the door looks like Wythe Blue by Benjamin Moore.
Lynn W says
I have a pink splitface brick ranch, didn’t want to just use white or black as that’s really all I ever see on this color brick, so I pulled a color from the roof shingles, it has three different colors in it. I went with a green-grey on all doors including garage. It’s different, but I like it.
Linda McDonald says
You’re message made my day! I am so glad you went for what makes you happy and it turned out just right. Thank you for sharing!
EE says
What color trim would you pair with SW Alabaster brick exterior?
Linda McDonald says
That is a very good question, Erin. If I was painting my brick and had shutters I would do the trim and brick Alabaster. Then the focus is on the shutters and front door. Consider making the shutters and front door two different colors.
Debra Godaway says
Hello,
have chosen alabaster for new home exterior with alabaster trim…. will it look ok with white(NOt cream) windows?
For interior paint, do we use eggshell and for walls and semi gloss for trim? Using repose gray for living, kitchen, dining walls with extra white trim…..other colors for guest bedroom walls…
Thanks…
Linda McDonald says
Yes, I would recommend eggshell for walls and semi-gloss for trim.
Caryn P. says
I also am seriously considering painting the exterior (brick) of my house in SW Repose Gray. Not sure if I should use SW Pure White or Extra White for a white trim or do a darker gray trim. What would look best for a ranch style home?
Linda McDonald says
I love painted brick!!! If your windows are white I would consider matching the white of the windows. If they are a darker color I would do Pure White or Alabaster. That is a softer white against the Repose Gray. I hope this helps. I would love to see a photo when you are finished.
Bonnie Flournoy says
Hi! If you were going to paint a two story brick house repose gray and wanted to do a darker trim and shutters, which paint would you pair it with?
Thank you so much!
Linda McDonald says
That is a very good question. What color is your windows? What color are you thinking about painting your front door or is it stained?
Marleanna says
Hi!
We have a Tri level home. The home is mostly brick, with the top level being wood. It’s currently natural red brick with a (not so awesome) cream color on the wood. I’m wanting to paint the entire home Alabaster, including the trim, with Tricorn black doors and shutters. We have a detached one car garage behind/off to the side of our home. I thought I may change it up and paint the whole thing Tricorn with Alabaster trim and doors. I keep going back and forth. Thoughts?
Linda McDonald says
I think your ideas would look great!
Laurie says
Hello,
I have a house that is one level, 2 bedroom, with a light gray asphalt roof. Which exterior paint color combination would make the house stand out? I was going to go with Sherwin Williams colors and do a white front, red, door, and black shutters. If I go with this color combo, can you recommend a good white, red, and black color that goes perfect together? Thank you very much!
Linda McDonald says
This is a very good questions. I would look at Tricorn Black for the black and Pure White or Alabaster for the white and Real Red for the door these are all Sherwin William colors. Let me know how it goes. I would love to see a photo when it is finished. 🙂
lori uvalle says
I think I finally narrowed down my choice to repose gray. My windows are white and the roof is a dark charcoal color. I need some ideas for selecting a front door color that would look good with Repose Gray???? I just found some vintage brown stained shutters to replace the black ones I have up.
Linda McDonald says
Repose grey is a good choice.
lori says
what color would you recommend for the front door that would pair nice with repose gray?
Linda McDonald says
That is a great question. Repose gray is like a pair of jeans. There are many options that will work nicely but I love white. Think about your door as the jewel you want to stand out. Consider a color that would allow it to draw a person eye to the front door. I also think blue colors look nice with repose gray. Blue is a welcoming pleasant color. Darker blues like navy or more medium tone blues work together very well. Do a search on Pinterest for an exterior house in grey colors and see what door colors they chose. I believe that seeing a color scheme is a safe way to pick colors for your house. I hope this helps! Come back and share what color you selected. I would love to know.
Geraldine Pierce says
What colour would you put on a white bungalow with oak windows
Linda McDonald says
Hi Geraldine! Is there any chance you could email me a photo of your bungalow? linda@lifeonsummerhill.com
Preya says
I am looking to update my split entry home. It is an outdated grey color and I hope to update they grey home look. I am struggling with picking a lighter grey, light trim and peppercorn or tricorn black door or painting the house a dark grey like pepper corn or gauntlet with light or white trim and door color unknown. Any ideas? I hope you answer soon! clueless ER nurse
Linda McDonald says
Sometimes a little change is easier to adjust to than a bigger change but if you love the look of a lighter gray house then know that it may take you a few weeks to adjust to the change. I always tell my clients to not panic but give it some time and most the time they love it after they adjust. If you want to go with a lighter grey house look at repose gray and white duck for the trim. The black door would be great with this. I hope this helps. Let me know how it goes.
Elenn says
Hi! My husband and I are in the throws of choosing a paint color for our exterior. The lower level is reddish/orange brick and the upper level is siding. I thought I had it narrowed down to SW Alabaster or SW Snowbound but after seeing them on the house, Alabaster seems more yellow, especially in the sunlight, and Snowbound appears to be a stark white (vs. a soft white with gray undertones). Every time I read about them they’re talked about like they’re the perfect choice so I had high hopes for both! I’d love to get your thoughts on the yellow I’m seeing in Alabaster or the starkiness of Snowbound. Have you seen this before? Thank you so much!
Linda McDonald says
These are really good thoughts. I recently had this conversation with a friend and she was looking at white duck. Give this color a try for a less stark white with a gray undertone. Let me know how it goes.
Elenn says
Really appreciate the recommendation. One more question, looking at Westhighland White, Greek Villa and Alabaster, what’s the difference across those three? Besides Alabaster, have you seen the others used on exterior brick? Thanks again Linda!
Thy Vu says
Hi Ellen, I absolutely agree with everything you said! I have brick at the lower level of my house and hardi plank siding towards middle/top and I am in between alabaster and west highland as well! Did you end up choosing between the two, or going with another white?
LRM says
Do you prefer Sherwin Williams Duration or Ben Moore Regal Select for exterior paint? The painters swear by Ben Moore and others. The choice in white paints and finishes is overwhelming. Your recommendations are spot on, I have been able to find the best info on pinterest. Seeing colors on a home is the best. Yellowing of the white paint is a concern, and showing grime. I live in Florida, grey paint chalks up easily near beach. Any suggestions. I am looking at Dove White Ben Moore.
Linda McDonald says
I have little experience with Benjamin Moore paints except selecting some of the colors. I always refer to the local Sherwin Williams for help on the right kind of paint. If you stay with latex your white paint should not yellow but again I would talk to the people at your Sherwin Williams. As far as paint colors let me think and do some research on coastal paints. This might lead into a good post. 😉
Bridgette says
I have a two story home with a raised front porch. Thinking about pure white for exterior brick and either sea salt or repose gray for shutters. My house is very large and staggered in front. Southern style. My roof is grey architectural shingles. What are your recommendations?
Linda McDonald says
I think this would be beautiful! What color are you thinking for the front door? Also, check into the limewashing brick. It has a white look without a solid white painted finish and it looks great too. You can apply it regularly or distress it.
Nichole says
Hi!
I am about to paint the exterior of my 2 story Williamsburg style home(siding). You touched on all of the colors I want to use(white, red, black, and blue.) Would the body of the house in alabaster, tricorn for shutters, real red for door, and wythe blue for porch ceiling go together? I’m still undecided on whether I want a red or blue door. Would wythe or sea salt be a good option for door or ceiling with the alabaster has tricorn? Also, any advice on which types of paint to use on the house, shutters, door and ceiling(eggshell, semi gloss, etc? Thank you!!
Thanks!
Linda McDonald says
Hi Nicole! I think the Alabaster would be good for the exterior. Also, look at White Duck by Sherwin Williams. It is white with a grey tone. Tricorn is perfect for the shutters and either the red or the blue for the door. However, on the ceiling color ask Sherwin Williams to show you the color Blue Heron by Duron DCR054. This is apart of the Charleston collection. I used this blue on my porch ceiling and it worked out great. Click this link to see it on my porch to get an idea of the color. https://lifeonsummerhill.com/screened-in-porch-decorating-ideas/ I hope this helps! Also on the type of paint to use I would take a picture of your home to Sherwin Williams and ask for their advice. They are very knowledgable and helpful!
Robin says
Hi!
I’m painting my home next week. I have chosen Alabaster for the body, Tricorn for the shutters, and Wythe Blue for the front door. I have 2 questions. I am painting the porch ceiling blue and I’m not sure if I should use the wythe also. Or a lighter or darker color? Also, I have 3 doors on the back of my house. Should I just paint those the Tricorn also?
Linda McDonald says
Robin, I am so sorry I am just now seeing your message. I hope I am not to late to help. These are all very good questions and I love your paint choices. For the ceiling I would have the paint store cut wythe blue by 20% and get a sample paint. I would also get a sample paint of the wythe blue. Then I would paint the ceiling sample onto the ceiling and door or on a piece of foam board and have someone hold the ceiling board over your head on the porch and place the door board on the door. It is important to have someone hold it up like it is on the ceiling because colors get darker when in that position. Now stand back and see how they look together. If you feel like the ceiling color is not quite the right haint blue go to my haint blue ceiling color post and get samples of some of these paints and hold them over your head to compare them to the front door. https://lifeonsummerhill.com/haint-blue-paint-colors/ Remember one thing if God can put different shades of blue together like the sky and ocean then you can too. But do what feels right to you. I hope this helps! Linda
Jordan says
Hi! What’s the color of the shutters on the Atlanta Homes home? Thanks!
Linda McDonald says
Yes, the shutters are Pavestone by Sherwin Williams.
Jessie says
We are painting our house SW Charleston White. Should the trim be Charleston White also or just regular trim white? Thanks!
Linda McDonald says
I am not sure what Charleston White looks like. Is it an off white? If so extra white trim would be beautiful with it. If it is a white color then I would go with Charleston white for the trim too. I hope that helps. 🙂
Danyelle says
Do you know which white color they used for the trim on the repose gray home?
TIA for your help
Linda McDonald says
That is a good questions. I do not know what color they used. Did you try clicking on the link and going to their site? They may have it written in their post.
Terri says
I just found your blog and I love it. I like all the exterior paint colors and combinations you suggested, especially the one from Atlanta Homes magazine. We’re about to paint our house and I’ve narrowed it down to SW Alabaster siding with beige or taupe shutters or light beige siding with white shutters. I love the look of a shop in Sag Harbor NY called Bloom. It’s light beige with white shutters. I know colors look completely different on a computer screen but on line it looks perfect, a light beige with no lavender or green tones. I’ve considered calling them to ask the color but am a bit hesitant to do that. Is there any chance you could help me figure out what color it is? Thanks again for all the suggestions in this post.
Linda McDonald says
I will give it a try. Can you email me a link to the photo of the shop. linda@lifeonsummerhill.com Put in all caps EXTERIOR PAINT COLORS in the subject so I won’t miss it.
Terri Biggers says
Thanks. I’ve got the pictures of Bloom in Sag Harbor saved on Pinterest. I’ll send you an email when I figure out how to do it.
Holly P says
I love and appreciate your site! We are building our second custom home, but first one with Hardy Board. We are so torn on the perfect gray exterior. We are torn between City Loft and Agreeable gray. We will have a stone skirt around the house. We are also torn on which color front door we should choose!!! Please help! Hah!
Linda McDonald says
Both gray colors are great! I have not used City Loft before but I love it. Agreeable Gray is a great color to use on the exterior. Either one will work but the only one I can honestly say I like is agreeable gray. For the front door what about a darker gray like Earl Gray or Benjamin Moore Kitty Gray. Or a white color like Alabaster. https://lifeonsummerhill.com/modern-front-doors/
Eliza says
Hi, I know this post is old, but do you have any experience with SW Modern Grey as an exterior paint? We have an 80s Modern home that is currently (for 35 years) Ben Moore Seagull Grey…we want to lighten it up and we are leaning towards SW modern Grey. We have the very common 80s diagonal cedar siding and live in a nicely wooded coastal beach town.
Linda McDonald says
Hi Eliza! Modern grey looks like a great color for your home exterior. I do not have experience with the color but it looks very pretty. I would go to Sherwin Williams and ask them if they know any homes in your community that have the color modern grey on it. Many times they know of a home you can ride by and look at the house.
john baker says
do you have color recommendations for french stucco home. Can you include your favorite color for body and dark grey trim
Linda McDonald says
How about Sherwin Williams alabaster white or white duck for the exterior. Here is a house with white duck on the body of the house and a medium to dark tone grey for the trim. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/764837949204436047/
nicole says
HI! I love your work! wondering your thoughts on my house. I am considering painting the brick alabaster, thinking paverstone for the trim at the windows and iron ore for the shutters. What would you do for the door and gutters? Or would you do anything differently?
Thank you!
Linda McDonald says
I like the colors you have picked out. Alabaster would be beautiful on your brick and pavestone and iron ore look great with alabaster. I would paint my gutters alabaster too and possibly a blue color for the door like Benjamin Moore Wythe blue. If you are using all Sherwin Williams they will be able to pull the Benjamin Moore color and mix it for you. I hope this helps! I would love to see a photo after it is finished. Please remind me of who you are if you send a photo.