There has been a surge in the popularity of houses painted in dark, bold colors such as dark blue, green, and especially black. Black house exteriors, in particular, are stunning and make a striking choice for an exterior paint color.

Trends are exciting, but when it comes to painting the exterior of your home, you want to make an informed decision. Let’s delve into some of the best black exterior paint choices for 2023. Is painting your house black a good idea? Why or why not? Should you go for black painted brick or siding? What are the implications of painting your home’s exterior black? And will I be the baddest house on the block when I’m done?

Pros and Cons of Painting Your Home Exterior Black

Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of a black house exterior. Is it a wise choice, and are there any considerations or potential drawbacks? Here are the pros:

Pros:

1. Modern Flair: Black is a versatile color that complements everything as an accent. As the main color, it makes a bold and instantly modern statement.
2. Black Beauty: Black is a supremely gorgeous color. On a house, it creates an unforgettable impression.
3. Highlights Features: If your house has interesting architectural details, ornate trim work, or contrasting materials like brick and stone, these features can be accentuated with an all-black exterior.
4. Great Contrast: Picture a black house against a green backdrop of trees and nature. Green and black mix beautifully together.

Cons:

1. Fading Beauty: Dark colors attract sunlight, causing the color to fade faster in direct sunlight. However, new technologies in exterior paint now make it more resistant to fading.
2. Choosing the Wrong Color: Be careful with your choice of black paint. Do thorough research to ensure it suits your home exterior and get samples to test.
3. Harshness: Black can be associated with darker themes and may be unpopular in your neighborhood, especially if you have an HOA.
4. Heat: Dark colors absorb more heat. In the summer, especially in southern climates, this can make your home significantly warmer.

Consider these points carefully before deciding on a black exterior for your home.

8 Popular Exterior Black Paint Colors Option

Next let’s discuss some of the best black exterior black paint color choices. These are a selection of paints from Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore and 1 from Farrow & Ball.

1. Tricorn Black-Sherwin Williams
2. Graphite-Benjamin Moore
3. Black Magic-Sherwin Williams
4. Iron Ore-Sherwin Williams
5. Wrought Iron-Benjamin Moore
6. Railings-Farrow & Ball
7. Rock Bottom-Sherwin Williams
8. Black Beauty-Benjamin Moore

Tricorn Black-Sherwin Williams

Tricorn black is a super popular black color from Sherwin Williams. It has little to no undertones unlike other blacks. The drama it would add to your home exterior is unparalleled. This is a super gorgeous choice. I especially love the full coverage used on this garage.

Graphite – Benjamin Moore

Graphite by Benjamin Moore is another excellent choice for an exterior black paint color. It leans more deep charcoal gray than true black, but still gives that muted dramatic, moody effect. This color is stunning on the wood siding of this house.

Black Magic – Sherman Williams

Black Magic by Benjamin Moore is a warmer black with subtle red and purple undertones, offering a unique depth and richness. In natural light, it often presents as a true, crisp black, making it a striking choice for any exterior. This contrast is especially stunning when paired with a bright, clean white trim, highlighting the architectural details and adding a touch of timeless elegance.

Take a look at this model from Sherwin Williams, where the shutters and garage door are painted in a crisp white against the black exterior. The combination is absolutely breathtaking, creating a bold and sophisticated look that enhances the home’s character and curb appeal.

Iron Ore-Sherwin Williams

Iron Ore from Sherwin Williams is a nuanced soft black that exudes depth and sophistication. With an LRV of 6, it isn’t a true black, but under certain lighting conditions, it can appear as a rich, deep black. This versatile shade pairs exceptionally well with creamy whites, as illustrated above, creating a striking contrast that highlights architectural details. Additionally, Iron Ore beautifully complements blues and greens, making it a fantastic choice for a dynamic and harmonious exterior color palette.

Wrought Iron – Benjamin Moore

Wrought Iron from Benjamin Moore is a beautifully soft and muted black, blending shades of gray, navy, and black to create a versatile and dynamic hue. Depending on the lighting, it can appear as a deep charcoal or take on a navy tint, adding depth and intrigue to any exterior. Just look at this Seattle home, where Wrought Iron is paired with wood accents—the combination is absolutely gorgeous, enhancing the home’s natural elegance and creating a stunning visual contrast that is both modern and inviting.

Railings-Farrow & Ball

Railings from Farrow & Ball is a favorite among architects and for good reason. This stunning shade of black is an exceptional choice for painting a house, offering a rich depth that is both elegant and striking. I particularly love how it looks when paired with crisp white contrasting trim, creating a timeless and classic look that elevates the charm and sophistication of any home. This combination never goes out of style and adds a touch of refined elegance to the exterior.

Rock Bottom – Sherwin Williams

Rock Bottom is actually a deep green shade that borders on black. Under the light, its subtle green and charcoal undertones become beautifully apparent. The way it casts a greenish shimmer on the columns against the stone flanking this home is truly breathtaking, adding an unexpected and enchanting twist to the otherwise dark and moody exterior. This interplay of colors creates a dynamic and sophisticated look that captivates the eye and adds a touch of mystery to the home’s façade.

Black Beauty – Benjamin Moore

Black Beauty from Benjamin Moore is a warm-toned black with hints of brown that make it feel both inviting and enveloping. This rich, velvety hue brings a sense of coziness and sophistication to a home’s exterior. I particularly love how this shade transforms both siding and cinderblock when they’re painted in unison, creating a seamless, dramatic look that’s both striking and welcoming.

Final Thoughts

Exterior black paint on a home isn’t for everyone, but if you’re ready to embrace your inner goth, it might just be your dark delight. Bold, brooding, and beautifully moody exteriors are becoming more popular every year—so why not let your home join the dark side? I hope this list of 8 black paint colors and black-painted home exteriors has given you some wicked inspiration!

Remember the pros and cons we discussed, and that this isn’t a grave mistake to take lightly, so be sure to try out samples first!