When choosing exterior trim colors for a green house, there are a few key factors to consider:
The shade of green
The exact shade of green will impact what trim colors pair best. Dark forest greens tend to look good with lighter trims like white, cream, light grey, and beige. Medium greens like sage work well with trims in the brown and tan color family. Light greens like mint and seafoam green can be paired with nearly any trim shade, but black, dark greys, and richer browns tend to create the sharpest contrast.
Architectural style
The architectural style of the home should also inform the trim choice. For traditional homes with gabled roofs and symmetrical façades, white or light neutral trims help accentuate these features. On arts & crafts style bungalows, deeper browns and wood tones complement the earthy character. Modern farmhouses can handle bolder black trims that pop against green.
Landscaping
Consider how the trim color will look alongside landscaping features. If the yard has warm tones like red brick pathways or clay roofing, a cooler toned trim may balance best. For lots of green foliage, a warm brown trim can prevent a monochromatic look.
Personal preference
While general guidelines apply, personal taste matters too. Homeowners may simply be drawn to certain color palettes that inspire them. Don’t be afraid to get creative and choose a less expected but personally appealing combination.
5 popular trim colors for green houses
Here are 5 of the most popular and versatile trim colors to pair with a green exterior:
1. White
White trim is a timeless, classic choice. It lightens up the look and makes architectural details pop. White creates high contrast against any shade of green for great curb appeal. It’s easy to maintain and matches any style.
2. Black
For a striking, modern look, black trims are bold yet stylish. Black makes lighter green hues like sage or seafoam green really stand out. It brings plenty of drama and sophistication.
3. Tan
As a warm neutral, tan trims coordinate with both light and dark greens. Different shades of tan from beige to brown blend beautifully with earthy green exteriors. The subtle contrast works well on craftsman, cottage, and farmhouse designs.
4. Gray
Cool-toned grays balance green’s natural warmth. Light grays read as fresh and contemporary, while darker charcoal gray makes green pop. Gray creates an elegant vibe on traditional architecture with green color schemes.
5. Red
For a vibrant complementary color scheme, red accents energize green exteriors. Crimson window boxes, doors, and shutters make green really stand out. Save this bright combo for contemporary homes that can pull it off stylishly.
Factors in choosing trim paint
Beyond color, homeowners must also evaluate practical factors when selecting exterior paint. Consider:
– Sheen: Low luster options like eggshell suit trim better than glossy paints. Higher sheen shows imperfections.
– Durability: Look for exterior grade paint with weather resistance that won’t chip, peel, or fade quickly.
– Ease of application: Some paint types spread better with less dripping and splattering during brushing.
– Coverage ability: Higher quality paint should fully cover in 1-2 coat. Insufficient coverage requires more work.
– Warranty: Better paint includes longer manufacturer warranties against early damage. Lifetime warranties offer best protection.
– Price: Paint prices range widely based on quality. Avoid the cheapest paints that won’t withstand weathering.
– Special features: Some paint offers extra mold, mildew or UV resistance. Evaluate if those features warrant a higher price.
How much paint is needed?
To estimate how much trim paint you’ll need for a green house:
– Calculate total linear feet of all trim areas. Measure around windows, doors, corners, rafters, and fascia trim.
– Multiply linear feet by width to get square footage. Most trim is 4-6 inches wide.
– Divide square footage by the coverage rate on the paint can, usually 350-400 sq ft per gallon for trim paint.
– Round up to the nearest whole gallon and add 1 extra gallon for safety.
– Consider a second coat may be needed for full coverage.
For example, a small 2 bedroom home with two doors, 6 windows, and 500 linear feet of trim would need approximately:
– 500 linear feet of 5 inch wide trim = 2,500 sq ft
– 2,500 sq ft divided by 350 sq ft/gal coverage rate = ~8 gallons needed
– Purchase 9 gallons to allow for second coat and overage
For a very rough estimate, most average sized homes will need 10-15 gallons of trim paint. Have extra paint on hand for touch ups.
Pairing trim and siding colors
In addition to choosing trim colors that work with a green exterior, also make sure to coordinate the trim and siding colors properly. Ideal pairings include:
– Light siding, dark trim – provides contrast
– Dark siding, light trim – lets siding stand out
– Tonal palettes – varied shades of one color family
– Complementary colors – across from each other on color wheel
Avoid these problematic combinations:
– Low contrast – makes house look flat and lifeless
– High contrast – looks jarring and clashes
– Same saturation – competes for attention
– Completely unrelated – appears mismatched
Aim for balance. Trim and siding colors should complement without blending together or competing.
Visual examples
Here are some real world examples of attractive color combinations using green exteriors and different trim colors:
| Dark green siding | White trim |
| Sage green siding | Tan trim |
| Olive green siding | Red brick trim |
| Soft mint siding | Black trim |
| Forest green siding | Brown trim |
As shown, various shades of green pair beautifully with crisp white, warm tan, natural brick, sleek black, and rich brown trim colors.
Consult color experts
If feeling overwhelmed about all the potential color combinations, don’t stress! Seek guidance from the experts:
– Paint retailers – Employees at paint stores can suggest complementary shades from their inventory that work well together.
– Paint brands – Many major paint companies like Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore have pre-designed exterior color palettes to choose from.
– Paint visualizers – Online visualizer tools let you upload a photo of your home and test out different color schemes digitally.
– Painters – Those who work on houses and exteriors daily have experience with colors that look and last well in your specific environment.
– Design sites – Websites like Pinterest showcase endless combinations curated by designers to inspire you.
Lean on these sources to find pleasing, practical trim choices for your green exterior with confidence.
Conclusion
Selecting the ideal trim color to match a green exterior means considering the green’s shade, house style, surroundings, and your personal taste. Popular trim choices like white, black, tan, gray, and red complement green in different ways with the right balance of contrast and coordination. Beyond color, be sure to also evaluate important paint factors like sheen, quality, and coverage when making the final selection. With some thoughtful planning and expert input, you can achieve a beautiful green and trim pairing that enhances your home.
