Patio paint color ideas
10 colors and designs to boost curb appeal |
(Image credit: Getty Images)
The porch paint ideas you choose will have a big impact on your home's overall appearance and curb appeal. If you have a front porch, it's likely one of the first thing guests and passers-by will notice about your home, so if it is looking worse for the wear, a paint job will be a big upgrade. The back porch, on the other hand, is often the site of warm-weather entertaining, parties, and events.
Because there's so much riding on the look of your front porch ideas (no pressure!), we went to the pros for advice on creating an inviting, beautiful, and functional porch, all with the help of a little paint. The paint ideas, below, run the gamut from practical advice and insider insight, to color theory and more.
Porch paint ideas
These porch paint ideas are an effective and cost-efficient way to give your home exterior a facelift, whether they are for front or back porch ideas. Use the expert advice to get this element of the paint colors for the exterior of a house just right.
1. Highlight an architectural element with paint
(Image credit: Swan Architecture)
How you decorate a front porch should highlight its positive attributes. If you're lucky enough to have a front porch with an exciting architectural feature, like the curved entry ceiling, above, paint is the perfect way to give it the attention it deserves. A contrasting color, like a deep, warm gray on a white porch, will set special features apart.
The porch above is from a home by Swan Architecture.
2. Skip the porch floor paint
(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)
If your front porch flooring is looking worse for the wear, it's tempting to just cover it with a coat of paint. Don't do it, says Matt Mosher, co-founder and CEO of Dzinly , a home improvement platform focused on exterior design that helps people visualize what upgrades will look like through online renderings.
'Installing flooring materials that require any type of painting should be avoided.
Even the best paints have a difficult time handling ongoing foot traffic,' he explains. 'Furthermore, flat surfaces are more susceptible to water absorption. As the material absorbs water, it oftentimes causes the paint to peel.'
3. Embrace Southern tradition
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Have you ever noticed that so many porch ceilings are painted a pale shade of blue? It's not a coincidence, it actually started as a tradition in the southern U.S. There are a few theories about where it originated, including as a way to help repel bugs, to keep bad spirits away, and draw the eye to the sky.
'The quaint blue porch ceiling helps to visually extend daylight,' says Arianna Cesa, color marketing and development specialist at Benjamin Moore . 'To achieve this iconic look, check out Palladian Blue HC-144, Yarmouth Blue HC-150, and Clear Skies 2054-70. These colors often pair best with more neutral hues to let the ceiling be the focal point in the palette.'
4.
Choose a contrasting porch paint color(Image credit: Dzinly rendering)
When painting a porch, why not highlight it with a color that will help it stand out? Similar to calling attention to an architectural element, painting your entire front porch a different shade than your siding will make it the defining feature of your home's façade.
5. Camouflage ledges and windowsills
(Image credit: Getty Images)
When considering porch paint ideas, it's important to think functionally, too.
'Regarding porch design, avoid creating any type of ledges in your trim work. Even the smallest ledges are a bird's paradise,' says Mosher. Instead, paint them the same color as surrounding walls or pillars to help them blend into the background.
6. Complement the landscape
(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)
If you're having a hard time choosing a color for your front porch, take a hint from your front yard landscaping ideas, and the other materials on your exterior, says Cesa.
'Are there pavers or some sort of stonework? Do you have colorful landscaping? What color is your exterior, trim and any other accents such as outdoor furniture? Be sure to look at the whole picture and all of the colors in your exterior’s palette to ensure color cohesion,' she says.
7. Test colors to find the right shade
(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)
Just like if you were painting a room in your home, you'll want to test out your top paint color contenders before making a commitment. Even if you have a go-to paint color or your mind is set on a certain hue, the lighting your porch gets during the day will affect how it look. This is of particular importance for small front porches or cottage porch ideas, where the right colors can enhance the feeling of space.
'Your porch is the ultimate “outside room,”' says Cesa. 'Before you start looking for the perfect patio paint color to extend your outdoor spaces, consider how much sun it gets, since light and time of day affect how a paint color casts.
The best way to choose a porch paint color is to sample your options and view them throughout the day to choose a color with confidence.'
8. Match the door and ceiling
(Image credit: Jean Stoffer Design / Stoffer Photography Interiors)
For porch ceiling ideas, take a cue from designer Jean Stoffer , and paint the ceiling of your front porch to match your door. In this case, the Michigan-based designer chose a true black to contrast her home's brick façade and white trim.
9. Go for a monochrome porch scheme with a pop of color
(Image credit: Swan Architecture)
If you tend to prefer neutrals or live in an area where most homes are painted a subdued color palette, there's no need to get overly creative with your front porch paint scheme (especially if you're considering a bold paint color as one of your front door ideas).
Instead, continue the color palette of your siding and trim work onto your front porch, and go bold with your front door color.
The porch of this home, by Swan Architecture, matches the white siding for a seamless look, while letting the red front door shine.
10. Layer creams on whites on greys
(Image credit: Future)
'For someone who loves color, I am a major fan of porch paint ideas that use different tones of white and cream alongside grey and black – there's something incredibly soothing about the combination, and it's so easy to accessorize with accent colors when you want to switch up the scheme from spring to summer to fall to winter,' says Lucy Searle, Homes & Gardens' Editor in Chief.
What color is best for a porch?
The color you choose for your porch should complement the color and style of your home. The hue doesn't need to match your house, but it should be in along the same spectrum (i.e. don't choose a warm white porch for a cool gray house, or a bright blue porch for a sage green home).
The style of your home will also clue you in about the best paint color for your porch.
Traditional Victorian or Queen Anne-style homes lend themselves to experimentation with color, while farmhouses can be suited to colors like pale green, butter yellow, and brick red, or simple neutrals like white and gray. Colonial homes are contenders for warm white, blue, and gray, while contemporary homes look best with steely black, bright white, or a small pop of a bold accent color. For a small front porch, try a shade that contrasts the rest of your home to help it stand out.
Remember, too, the warmth cast by your front porch lighting ideas – this will affect how your porch paint colors look at night.
Looking for a few colors to start with? Arianna Cesa offers these front porch color suggestions from Benjamin Moore.
'For warmer color palettes, some favorite neutral colors to consider for the porch are Opaline OC-33, Simply White OC-117, and Hazy Skies OC-48. If your preference is for cooler hues, check out White Wisp OC-54, Metropolitan AF-690, and Silver Gray 2131-60.
To make a statement on your porch floor, opt for more saturated hues like Georgian Brick HC-50, Kennebunkport Green HC-123, Normandy 2129-40 and Iron Mountain 2134-30,' she says.
What kind of paint do you use for a porch?
'Generally a flat sheen presents best on the outside of a home because it helps reduce reflection,' says Matt Mosher, co-founder and CEO of Dzinly, a home improvement platform focused on exterior design that helps people visualize what upgrades will look like through online renderings. 'On a front porch though, it is important to consider the wear and tear it will be subject to from use. Therefore, a less absorbent sheen such as satin or eggshell should be considered for items such as pillars and walls around a porch that may be subject to heavy traffic.'
Kaitlin Madden Armon is a writer and editor covering all things home. Her work has appeared in Real Homes, Architectural Digest, Martha Stewart Living, Refinery29, Modern Luxury Interiors, Wayfair, The Design Network, and lots more.
She graduated from Northeastern University with a degree in journalism and currently lives in Connecticut with her husband, three kids, and black lab.
The 10 Best Porch Paint Colors for the Front of Your Home
Caroline Biggs, Freelance Writer portrait
By Caroline Biggs Updated February 25, 2021
Skip gallery slides
Credit: Courtesy of Benjamin Moore
Score some serious curb appeal by using one of these designer-approved shades on your porch.
Start Slideshow
1 of 11
home front porch blue chairs
Credit: Courtesy of Benjamin Moore
Your front porch sets the tone for how you and any visitors view the rest of your home. That's why a fresh coat of paint can work wonders for the area as a whole. "Your front porch is where your home makes its first impression," says Hannah Yeo, color marketing and development manager at Benjamin Moore. "With the right color, you can transform an ordinary entryway into a welcoming and inviting greeting area.
"
Of course, there are several factors to take into consideration when choosing a paint color for your front porch—that process should start with your landscaping. "Consider the botanicals in your garden and play off those colors," says interior designer Crystal Sinclair. "Look for colors that complement the surrounding grass and trees." Don't forget about the parts of the porch that won't be getting a fresh coat of paint. "Be sure to consider the architectural elements that you won't be painting, such as brick, stonework, and the roof," says Erika Woelfel, color expert at Behr Paint. The colors you select should complement these pre-existing features."
You'll also want to think about the amount of light your porch receives since light direction can impact the appearance of paint color. "A south-facing porch will struggle with darker colors, so it's best to use lighter shades," says Patrick O'Donnell, brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball, adding, "whereas northern light tends to bring out the cooler tones in a hue.
" Ready to revamp your front porch with a crisp coat of paint? These expert-approved paint colors are a great place to start.
Advertisement
Advertisement
2 of 11
Muted Greens
Muted Green paint swatch
Credit: Courtesy of Behr
When in doubt, draw from the colors in your surrounding landscape. "Green is a great shade for front porches because it ties in the [greenery] around the house to create a beautiful and cohesive look," says interior designer Ariel Okin. Consider a meadow-inspired green, like Behr's Back to Nature. It will warm up your front porch without stealing any focus from your gorgeous lawn.
3 of 11
Deep Blues
Pale Blue Paint Swatch
Credit: Courtesy of Benjamin Moore
Go with a chic and eye-catching shade of deep blue, like Benjamin Moore's Evening Dove, to create a stylish front porch scene that you can see from the street. "Blue makes a bold statement," Sinclair says.
Advertisement
4 of 11
Warm Blues
oval room blue paint color
Credit: Courtesy of Farrow & Ball
If your front yard landscaping is already wow-worthy, try offsetting it with an elegant shade of blue. "Blues that echo the skies of the warmer seasons, such as Oval Room Blue, are ideal to use in a space overlooking a garden," O'Donnell says.
5 of 11
Off-Whites
Off white color swatch
Credit: Courtesy of Behr
You can always count on a creamy coat of off-white paint, like Behr's Swiss Coffee, to upgrade the ambience of your front porch. Our experts also say it plays nicely with the exterior of just about any home. "Since front porches often take up a decent amount of surface area, you want a warm but neutral hue that blends nicely with the overall exterior scheme of the house," says Woelfel.
6 of 11
Pale Blues
Pale Blue Paint Swatch
Credit: Courtesy of Benjamin Moore
Not ready to commit to painting your entire porch? Highlight the accents with pale blue paint instead.
"Front doors, ceilings, and shutters are a great place to add color," Yeo says. "Blue porch ceilings have been a long-standing tradition in many parts of the country for centuries. Whether used to keep bugs away or to help visually extend daylight by matching the color of the sky, colors like Clear Skies 2054-70 and Arctic Blue 2050-60 are popular choices."
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
7 of 11
Moody Greens
Moody Green Paint color
Credit: Courtesy of Farrow & Ball
Cool and comforting, our experts say grayish-green shades, like Farrow & Ball's Lichen, will create a calming vibe for your front porch. "Moody greens work great for front porches because they offer an inviting sense of calm when you first enter a space," says interior designer Becky Shea.
8 of 11
Silvery Grays
Silvery Gray color swatch
Credit: Courtesy of Behr
Looking for a sophisticated paint color that will enhance your porch's architectural details? Woelfel says to go for a sleek shade of silvery gray.
"A composed gray-white, like Silver Mine, will elegantly play up interesting architectural elements on your porch and works wells with almost any color," she says.
9 of 11
Light Gray
Light Gray Paint Swatch
Credit: Courtesy of Benjamin Moore
If you painted the exterior of your home in a commanding color, use a soft and versatile shade of gray on your front porch to tone things down. "Light grays like Classic Gray OC-23 and Stonington Gray HC-170 work well with a variety of different hues," Yeo says.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
10 of 11
Light Gray-Blues
Light Gray Blue color swatch
Credit: Courtesy of Behr
For a soft pop of color on your front porch, Woelfel suggests painting the ceiling in a simple shade of light gray-blue, such as Gentle Sea or Light Drizzle. "A serene grayish-blue provides a cooling note overhead on the ceiling," she explains, "making it a perfect place to enjoy a morning cup of coffee.
"
11 of 11
Navy Blues
Navy Blue Paint
Credit: Courtesy of Farrow & Ball
When all else fails, our experts say you can always depend on a classic shade of navy blue paint, like Farrow & Ball's Hague Blue, to modernize your front porch. "Navy blue works anywhere in my opinion, but especially the front porch," Okin says. "It's a contemporary neutral that will still make your porch stand out."
Replay galleryShare the Gallery
Up Next
Share the Gallery
We paint the veranda: choose the color, paint and paint
Top
08/29/2019
1 star 2 stars 3 stars 4 stars 5 stars
Tips for choosing reliable paint, step-by-step painting instructions and options for successful interiors.
Unsplash
Without a terrace it is difficult to imagine a full-fledged cottage, where else can the whole family gather for a festive dinner or evening tea? Agree, it is much more pleasant to do it in a cozy beautifully decorated interior. The main difficulty is that wood is particularly affected by the effects of the weather. Therefore, it is necessary to periodically update the coverage. We will analyze how to paint a wooden veranda, what technology to follow when performing work and show beautiful photos.
Unsplash
How to paint the porch correctly
Coating requirements
Materials needed
Step-by-step instructions
What colors to paint the veranda
- Brown-beige
- Brown-green
- White-blue
- White-grey
- Pastel white
Wood is a natural, environmentally friendly material and therefore quickly decomposes under the influence of external factors.
This must be taken into account when working. To properly paint the veranda in the country, study the photos of the interiors and read our instructions.
Pixabay
Pixabay
Pixabay
Pixabay
Unsplash
Consider natural humidity
Boards easily absorb water and steam, so they are not used for damp rooms. The peculiarity of the location of the extension is such that it is constantly under rain and snow. Therefore, it is very important to treat the tree with protective agents from excessive moisture, otherwise microorganisms will start in it, which will provoke decay.
Unsplash
Be mindful of outdoor temperature fluctuations
Severe temperature fluctuations also damage wood. Under the influence of the scorching sun, it shrinks, freezes in the cold and deforms when thawed. In addition, the moisture that accumulates during freezing can destroy the material from the inside.
Unsplash
-
Floor
Quick redesign idea: how to paint floors with paint
Prevent fungus
Wooden structures are a favorite place for molds and bacteria to settle. Again, in combination with high humidity, they multiply rapidly, destroying the building in a short time.
Unsplash
Protect the outbuilding from direct sunlight
Direct sunlight has a detrimental effect on the lacquer with which the wood is coated - it becomes dull and cracks.
Unsplash
Take care of pest control
In addition to mold, there are many types of insects that also like to feast on woody substrate.
Worms, larvae and other carnivores, including rats and mice, first gnaw out passages, and then completely eat the rest.
Unsplash
Quality Material Performance Checklist
- Moisture resistance. The composition should protect the tree from water. Otherwise, the material will deteriorate after a season.
- Frost resistance. Usually the dacha is not heated in winter, and if the veranda is open, then serious temperature changes are ensured. The coating should contain the harmful effects as much as possible.
- Protection against fungus. The primer should contain antiseptics - then no mold will be terrible. It is possible to choose a primer without an antiseptic, but then it must be applied separately.
- Sun protection. UV rays destroy the texture of the wood and spoil the varnish. To prevent this from happening, look for the appropriate markers on the label.
- Elasticity.
Wood can shrink and expand. To prevent the paint from cracking and peeling, you need to choose one that has a high level of elasticity. - Strength. The coating must be wear-resistant, since chips, scratches and dents to the walls are provided.
Unsplash
-
Decorating
How to choose a wall paint color and not make a mistake: 8 important tips and expert opinion
What to buy for reliable processing and painting of the terrace? The closed terrace on the street is designed to match the house, but the boards inside can be painted differently.
Impregnation
This is the first stage of repair - treatment with antiseptic or fungicidal impregnation. Apply a thicker layer, ideally if the material is impregnated as intensively as possible.
A good antiseptic is one that can penetrate to the maximum depth. Characteristics are indicated on the label.
Unsplash
Primer
Likewise: the one that penetrates deeper is better. A primer is needed to protect the material from rotting and leaking. Another primer is responsible for the adhesion of the paint to the surface.
Pixabay
Top coat
Various compositions and finishes are available. They are divided depending on the conditions in which the product is located. Walls, crossbars, beams and racks can be processed with any compound for outdoor woodwork.
- Acrylic and latex paints. They are easy to work with, they are harmless, do not smell and there is a large selection of different shades.
- Scuba diving. Suitable for surfaces that are frequently and intensively used.
- Oil-waxes. Expensive material, but it preserves the beauty of the wood texture better than others.
Pixabay
Floor finish
Separately, it is worth mentioning the paint for the floor in the outbuilding. Terrace oil and liquid plastic are best suited there. Both coatings do their job well. In addition to these compositions, you can buy paint for the terraced floor, but it will cost much more.
Conventional lacquer and film coatings for open floors are not suitable, they do not provide sufficient protection for the boards and after the first winter you will most likely have to redecorate.
Pixabay
-
Country house
How to decorate a very small terrace in the country: 6 beautiful ideas
Before handling, put on gloves, a gown and protect your face with a respirator and goggles.
Do not eat or drink near open paint cans. The compounds are very toxic and can cause poisoning. Keep children and pets at a safe distance.
Instagram @interiorvam
Instagram @interiorvam
Instagram @interiorvam
1. Sand the boards
First, the surface is treated with an electric planer or abrasive disc. The top layer is removed until the boards are light. After that, they need to be sanded.
Unsplash
2. Apply antiseptic
Wood dust after the skin is properly washed off, dried and after that the surface is treated with an antiseptic. Pay special attention to the ends and hard-to-reach areas, the composition must be applied completely to the entire surface.
Pixabay
3. Prime
The impregnation must penetrate the material and dry there. After that, you can prime. The composition is applied in two or three layers, as indicated in the instructions.
4. Apply the first coat of finish
Terrace oil tends to stagnate in the package, it must be thoroughly mixed before painting. Some formulations need to be diluted, the manufacturer indicates this on the bank. It is necessary to paint over very carefully, all ends and recesses must be impregnated.
Pixabay
5. Repaint
The first coat dries in about 24 hours. After that, you can proceed to the second. Use tinted products for coating, they give a pleasant matte sheen and will retain a presentable appearance longer.
This treatment eliminates the need for re-treatment for several years. After two or three years, you can remove the finish layer and renew only it without affecting the primer and impregnation.
Pixabay
In addition to high-quality coating and properly performed work, you need to carefully consider the choice of palette.
After all, the general mood of the room depends on it.
Brown-beige range
Beige is one of the most popular colors in decoration. This easily explains its advantages: a wide palette of shades, compatibility with many cold and warm tones, perfectly acts as an independent color in the interior, and as a neutral background for more active colors, such as brown. The combination of brown and beige creates a calm, relaxing atmosphere in the room. For what styles is this palette relevant? We have chosen two. This is a chalet, the style of houses in the mountains of Switzerland. Their atmosphere and comfort will be a source of inspiration. Use wood and stone in decoration. Solid wood furniture with a rough texture, complemented by cushions in covers and a plaid, a couple of stone lamps on the wall - that's what you need. Fur skins or hunting trophies, if any, will serve as decor.
And country - a universal style for a country house.
To finish a country-style veranda, lacquer is best suited to emphasize the texture of wood. Put extremely simple furniture - benches, stools, a large table with massive legs. Complement the interior with textiles with a simple pattern: a cage or a floral print.
Unsplash
Brown-green range
Natural natural shades of wood, complemented by grassy green, look great in the interior of a country veranda, emphasize unity with nature and create a calm, harmonious atmosphere. The perfect combination for an eco-friendly space. Complement the veranda with a variety of plants in pots, planters or wall panels. Furniture should be massive, instead of chairs, you can use stumps, and make a table yourself from a saw cut.
Unsplash
White-blue range
What color to paint the inside of the veranda to make the interior look unusual and fresh? Choose a light azure color scheme.
White as a base will help to visually expand the small extension space, create a light airy mood, and bright blue or azure will add the necessary dynamics and will remind you of the sea.
Try to decorate a room in a Mediterranean style: white walls in combination with azure blue textiles fit perfectly here.
Unsplash
White-grey palette
Gray can compete with beige as a base shade. Against a gray background, the colors look cleaner, and thanks to the wide variety of shades, you can create a full-fledged boring monochrome interior. In combination with white, this color looks quite reserved and is great for Nordic styles, such as Scandinavian. Functional, rather strict style will suit practical people. Laconic furniture, light and cold colors in the decoration - the Nordic character is best emphasized by the glazed veranda on the north side of the house.
Unsplash
White and pastel colors
When working with a pastel palette, it is better to rely on shades that are close to each other, avoiding variegation.
An important step is choosing the right shade. Light pastel colors well emphasize classic conservative interiors. For example, in the English style. Upholstered furniture with carved legs is perhaps the main attribute of English houses, complement the decor with it, and also put an armchair with ears, throw a large-plaid blanket and a pile of pillows on the sofa.
Unsplash
Prepared by
Elena Perlova
Was the article interesting?
Share link
By clicking on the "Subscribe" button,
you consent to the processing of personal data
Recommended
How to wash sneakers in the washing machine: all useful tricks
Choosing window curtains: current models, the best fabrics and design options (64 photos)
How to wash laminate flooring: 7 useful tips
Before and after: a bright three-room apartment in a typical panel house for a family
Curtains on the doorway: how to stylishly decorate the portal with textiles and not only (52 photos)
How designers use vintage items in the interior: 6 valuable examples that will inspire you
We give the recipe: 5 ingredients for a simple but stylish interior
Before and after: how an apartment in a 1900 house in St.
Petersburg was turned into a wow-apartment for rent
5 Signs You're Making Cleaning Mistakes (And You Don't Realize It)
Advertising on IVD.ru
The color of the terrace in the country house or in the house
Earthy brown, modern black or light are just some of the options when choosing the best color for your wood floor. This checklist will help make your decision easier, especially if you're unsure.
1. What is the current color?
The starting point for finding the right color is the current shade of the coating. Tikkurila Valtti Plus Terrace Oil and Tikkurila Valtti Plus Wood Oil are translucent, so the initial tone will affect the final result. Surfaces in neutral and light tones can be easily repainted in more intense colours.
Pre-chipping is the only way to know for sure what the result will look like.
Try applying the oil to an inconspicuous area of the deck before making your final decision.
2. Underline or hide?
Do you want to make the terrace a central point of the exterior, or rather an area that harmoniously fits into the overall composition? Keep in mind that all light, bright and colorful shades will stand out, while dark and muted tones will blend into the decor. If you're feeling insecure, dark and muted colors are the smartest choice and you won't regret it.
3. What is your home like?
For many, it is important that the terrace matches the appearance of the house, including in terms of color scheme. If you are looking for a harmonious pair of colors for a cottage and an outdoor area, you can safely choose a combination of cool and bright shades or use warm, muted colors with each other. In addition, the appearance of your home also plays an important role in the decision-making process: a traditional wooden house painted in red will look nice and cozy with a warm brown terrace, while a modern villa will look spectacular next to a black or gray terrace.
A good tip is to move 15-20 meters away from the house and try to imagine the result of such a color combination. Often we look at the terrace while standing right on it, but from a distance it looks completely different.
Shade options from top left: 5071 Tatti, 5074 Karhu, 5088 Turve, 5089 Piki, 5143, and 5087 Poro. The product used is Tikkurila Valtti Color azure. The final color result may vary depending on the product used.
4. Take a look at nature around you
Take a look at your surroundings for fresh ideas for your new terrace color. Do you find shades you like among grass, rocks, moss, plants or tiles? The source of inspiration is the colors that already surround you and you like the most.
5. What else is there on the terrace?
If you already have a table and chair set that you love, why not choose a stylish color that goes with it? You can also think about what else will be inside the terrace on the terrace: boxes with seedlings, rugs, pillows, barbecue grill .
