Looking for the best roof shingle color this year?
Replacing your old roof with new asphalt roofing shingles can drastically increase your home’s curb appeal. With so many color options, how do you pick the best color shingle for your new roof?
To help, our roof replacement experts have compiled the 11 best shingle roof colors of 2025 for homes in Chicago and Illinois, covering most Midwest architectural styles.
This list of asphalt shingle colors includes top picks from Owens Corning, GAF, IKO, and CertainTeed and matching paint colors from Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore.
These neutral-toned shingle colors are versatile for various exterior color combinations, such as white, gray, blue, or warmer off-white siding or trim.
However, we share some outside-the-box tones that could inspire you to go bold the next time you replace your old shingle roofing.
Before we dive into our list, let’s review some expert tips from top residential designers to help you find the right shingle color roof for any residence, regardless of the siding colors.
How To Pick a Roof Shingle Color?
Picking the best roof color might seem daunting, but it’s easier than you think.
Here are some expert exterior design tips to guide you if you live in Chicago or any other US city or suburb:
- Start with Contrast: As a rule of thumb, contrast your roof color with your siding. Light siding pairs beautifully with darker shingles (think Owens Corning’s Williamsburg Gray), while darker exteriors like navy or charcoal shine with lighter shingles (Oyster Gray by GAF is a winner). This contrast adds visual depth and keeps your home from looking monotone.
- Consider Permanent Elements: Unlike paint, exterior elements like brick, stone, or stucco are permanent. Use these materials as your starting point for color choices. For example, reddish brick pairs seamlessly with earthy tones like Weathered Wood by GAF, while gray stone pops against deeper shades like Charcoal Black.
- Think Long-Term: While trends are exciting, consider how your roof will look in 10 or 15 years. Neutrals like Estate Gray or Peppermill Gray have a timeless appeal, while bolder options like Harbor Blue add personality without being too risky. Want more local roofing information? Find out how long the average roof lasts in Illinois.
- Drive Around for Inspiration: Look at homes in your neighborhood to see which roof materials are most popular. Notice how certain combinations—like white siding with black shingles—feel classic while others push boundaries in all the right ways.
The 11 Most Popular Asphalt Shingle Colors This Year
Without further ado, here are the 11 best shingle colors of 2025, perfect for your next asphalt roof replacement project.
Our research shows a shift to modern home architectural elements, deeper dark siding colors, and black or charcoal-colored trim for homeowners in the Chicago area this year.
As a bonus, each architectural shingle includes a photo of house and roof color combinations and recommended siding, trim, and door color palettes.
Budgeting for a new roof in 2025? Learn how much roofers charge to replace a roof in Chicago in our latest homeowner pricing guide.
1. Williamsburg Gray by Owens Corning
There’s a reason this sleek slate-gray shingle from Owens Corning is at the top of our list.
Williamsburg Gray bridges the gap between modern and traditional, making it the ultimate chameleon. With its mix of gray and subtle earthy undertones, it works on nearly any house style and pairs with many different colors.
- Why it’s trending: In 2025, homeowners are leaning into darker siding tones like navy and charcoal. Part of Owens Corning’s Duration series, Williamsburg Gray adds the perfect complement without overwhelming the design.
- What it pairs with:
- Siding: White (Sherwin Williams Alabaster), red brick, or taupe (Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray).
- Trim: Black (Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black) or warm beige (Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter).
- Door: Bold pops like deep red or a warm slate gray like Sherwin Williams Peppercorn.
This gray shingle color can upgrade curb appeal without risking going out of style in a few years. Perhaps that’s why Owen Corning chose Williamsburg Gray as their 2024 shingle color of the year!
Pro Tip: Use Owen’s Corning’s Roof Visualizer Tool to see how these trend-worthy shingles look on your house.
2. Weathered Wood by GAF
If your current house color exudes charm and character, Weathered Wood by GAF shingles will enhance that vibe tenfold.
Its rustic, earthy blend of browns and grays makes Weathered Wood a top choice for homes with farmhouse or cottage-style designs.
If you’re looking for a neutral brown roof or a more earthy color, this light-colored brown shingle is for you! Our latest article explains the best paint colors for brown roof shingle homes!
- Why it’s trending: The organic, natural look stays here. Homeowners are drawn to the warmth and depth this architectural shingle brings. Combine it with lush landscaping to bring out its earthy notes.
- What it pairs with:
- Siding: Lighter colors like Cream (Benjamin Moore White Dove), beige (Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige), or light green paint colors.
- Trim: Soft white (Sherwin Williams Pure White) or dark brown.
- Door: Try a calming blue like Sherwin Williams Naval.
GAF’s Timberline HDZ series’ Weathered Wood is a favorite choice for homeowners in the Chicago area because of its natural wood-shake look.
Use GAF’s roof design and shingle color tool online to easily view how this light brown and grey shingle color looks on your house.
3. Estate Gray by Owens Corning
Estate Gray by Owens Corning is a classic choice for those who prefer the safe yet stunning route. It balances cool and warm tones, making it incredibly versatile.
This classic roof color is a slate gray with just enough contrast to coordinate with darker colors or black siding. That’s why roofing contractors often recommend it over stark black roofs.
- Why it’s trending: It’s the ultimate neutral but sleek enough for modern homes and adaptable to traditional designs.
- What it pairs with:
- Siding: Light gray (Sherwin Williams Repose Gray), navy (Sherwin’s Hale Navy), or even charcoal (Benjamin Moore Iron Ore).
- Trim: Crisp white or black.
- Front Door: Deep burgundy or forest green like Sherwin Williams Forestwood.
Lastly, Estate Gray is a cooler-toned shingle color that pairs well with red brick exteriors or stark white siding. It is often found in affluent Chicago suburbs like Hinsdale or Oak Brook, Illinois.
4. Charcoal by GAF
Are you looking for something bold? Charcoal shingles by GAF are here to make a statement.
This deep, dramatic color screams modern sophistication and pairs beautifully with contemporary architecture found in the North Shore or expensive areas like Hinsdale, IL.
- Why it’s trending: Black, Charcoal, or Navy siding is trending, big-time. Dark roofs are becoming more popular because they instantly elevate your home’s look and pair well with dark siding. Our research found that black roofs boost resale value more than any other shingle color, like painting your front door black, as shown in this Zillow study.
- What it pairs with:
- Siding: White or light gray.
- Trim: Black or wood tones.
- Front Door: Bright yellow or cobalt blue.
From Victorian homes in Oak Park, IL, to cedar-sided homes in Naperville, Charcoal works with many architectural styles in the Chicagoland area.
5. Peppermill Gray by Owens Corning
Owens Corning Peppermill Gray is a soft, sophisticated gray with subtle, cool undertones.
It’s perfect for homeowners looking for a timeless roof color that complements many different home styles.
- Why it stands out: This versatile shade makes it a safe yet stylish choice for modern and traditional homes. As part of Owens Corning’s Duration series, it also features striking contrast and dimensional texture for added depth.
- What it pairs with:
- Siding: Crisp white (e.g., Sherwin Williams Alabaster) or pastel hues like light blue or pale green.
- Trim: Black (e.g., Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black) or soft gray for a monochromatic look.
- Door: Add personality with a bold pop, like deep teal or muted coral.
Ask any roofer in Chicago or nearby suburbs like Downers Grove; this cool roof color is ideal if you want a fresh, understated roof that does not fade into the background.
6. Dual Black by IKO
Dual Black by IKO is the definition of bold. These deep black shingles contrast sharply against a white house or gray siding, adding drama and sophistication to your home’s exterior.
- Why it’s a top pick: Black shingles are trending in 2025 because of their sleek, modern look. They also work well with traditional homes for a timeless appeal. As part of IKO’s Cambridge line, these shingles feature a layered design for enhanced curb appeal.
- What it pairs with:
- Siding: Light-toned stucco, beige brick, or pale gray (e.g., Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter).
- Trim: White or charcoal gray.
- Door: Try a bold red or classic black for an elegant finish.
No question, Dual Black shingles from IKO make your Chicago area home stand out while boosting curb appeal and resale value.
To see how black shingles look on your home, check out IKO’s roof color selector online for design inspiration.
7. Oyster Gray by GAF
Oyster Gray by GAF is a neutral, light gray that works beautifully on coastal and contemporary homes. This popular roofing color feels bright and clean, making it an excellent choice for homeowners who want a modern yet understated roof.
- Why it’s trending: Light gray shingles like Oyster Gray are becoming more popular as homeowners move toward softer, neutral palettes that reflect natural light. As part of GAF’s Timberline series, these shingles provide a classic neutral look with dimensional appeal.
- What it pairs with:
- Siding: Off-white (Sherwin Williams Origami White), soft taupe, or light beige paint colors.
- Trim: Crisp white or even pale blue-gray paint shades.
- Door: Pair with pastel shades like mint green or soft yellow for a cheerful vibe.
This shingle color feels fresh and airy, making it a top choice for Illinois homes with a light, coastal-inspired aesthetic. Because it’s a lighter gray, it will keep your home cooler during hot and humid midwest summers.
8. Colonial Slate by Owens Corning
Colonial Slate by Owens Corning is a rich, multi-tone dark gray with subtle hints of red and green flecks. It’s a bold yet balanced choice that works well with earthy, warm-toned exteriors.
As a result, this is the right roof color for a red brick home or off-white stucco siding.
- Why it stands out: The multitone effect adds depth and dimension to your roof, giving it a high-end, designer look. Featured in Owens Corning’s Duration series, Colonial Slate delivers lasting performance with a dimensional texture.
- What it pairs with:
- Siding: Taupe, warm beige, or earthy greens (for example, Benjamin Moore Sage Mountain).
- Trim: Soft white or dark brown for contrast.
- Door: Try a forest green or muted terracotta to complement the subtle flecks in the shingles.
Moreover, Colonial Slate is perfect for homeowners who want a dramatic, high-contrast roof with a touch of personality. For warmer-toned exteriors, this shingle combines classic aesthetics without feeling outdated.
9. Shakewood by GAF
Shakewood by GAF brings a warm, natural tone to your roof, mimicking the look of traditional wood shakes. This color shingle feels cozy and inviting, ideal for farmhouse or Craftsman-style homes.
- Why it’s a top pick: As part of GAF’s Timberline HDZ line, Shakewood combines durability with the dimensional texture of architectural shingles. Its warm undertones create a soft, natural look that pairs well with various exteriors.
- What it pairs with:
- Siding: Beige neutrals (e.g., Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige) or soft greens.
- Trim: Cream or white for a clean, fresh appearance.
- Door: Try a warm accent color like terracotta or muted orange.
Shakewood works best for homeowners who want their Chicago roofs to complement the earthy tones of their homes while adding texture and depth.
10. IKO Dual Gray
Dual Gray by IKO is a taupe-gray blend that offers understated elegance with just the right amount of warmth. Its dimensional design provides a high-end look that works for both traditional and modern homes.
- Why it stands out: Part of IKO’s Cambridge series, Dual Gray features a layered design that maximizes curb appeal. The subtle taupe and gray mix makes it versatile for dark and light exterior color palettes.
- What it pairs with:
- Siding: Neutral tones like taupe or off-white (e.g., Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray).
- Trim: Dark brown or black for contrast.
- Door: Deep green or burgundy to add personality without overwhelming the design.
Dual Gray is ideal for homeowners seeking a soft, classic look that blends seamlessly with natural surroundings. It’s also light enough to provide energy efficiency benefits over black shingles or deeper dark gray roofs.
11. Harbor Blue by Owens Corning
Harbor Blue Owens Corning is a bold yet refined blue shingle color choice for homeowners looking to make a statement. Its deep blue hue offers a striking contrast that feels modern and timeless.
- Why it’s a top pick: As part of Owens Corning’s Duration Designer series, Harbor Blue delivers bold color with the durability and texture of architectural shingles. This shade is perfect for adding personality while maintaining elegance.
- What it pairs with:
- Siding: White (e.g., Sherwin Williams Pure White) or soft gray (e.g., Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray).
- Trim: Crisp white or a matching blue for a monochromatic look.
- Front Door: Pair with a bright yellow or muted coral for a pop of color.
Harbor Blue is an excellent choice for homeowners who want their roof to stand out while boosting curb appeal with a bold, fresh design. It’s a deep enough blue shingle color without going too far dark blue.
Best Green Roof Shingle: Hunter Green by CertainTeed
Hunter Green by CertainTeed is a rich, bold green shingle that brings a natural, earthy vibe to your home’s exterior. Its deep, forest-green hue makes it a standout choice for homeowners who want a unique roof while blending seamlessly with lush surroundings.
- Why it’s a top pick: As part of CertainTeed’s Landmark series, these shingles are architectural-grade, offering a dimensional look and premium durability. Green shingles like Hunter Green are gaining popularity among homeowners looking for a more personalized and nature-inspired aesthetic.
- What it pairs with:
- Siding: Warm beige, cream, or taupe (e.g., Benjamin Moore Manchester Tan).
- Trim: Soft white for a fresh, clean contrast or dark brown for a rustic look.
- Door: A rich walnut brown or muted red to complement the green tones.
Indeed, Hunter Green is perfect for homeowners who love a bold, natural, dark-colored roof that enhances curb appeal and makes their home look beautiful.
Whether you’re in a wooded area or want to bring a touch of nature to your neighborhood, this green shingle color is a fantastic option.
Lighter, Warmer Shingle Colors
Not every home needs a dark roof. Warmer tones are still local favorites in 2025, adding softness and warmth to your exterior while blending beautifully with neutral or earthy siding.
Here are three more warm roof shingle colors to inspire your next roof replacement project in Chicago or Illinois:
Desert Tan by Owens Corning
Desert Tan is a light, warm hue that pairs well with stucco homes or beige siding. It’s a timeless option that reflects heat, keeping homes cooler during those toasty, midwest summer months.
Amber by CertainTeed
Amber by CertainTeed is a golden-brown shingle color that adds warmth and charm. It is perfect for homes with cream or pale yellow siding. Amber’s earthy tones beautifully complement natural wood accents.
Driftwood by IKO
Driftwood offers a sandy, grayish-brown tone that mimics weathered wood. Its neutral warmth pairs effortlessly with taupe, cream, or soft green exteriors. Pair it with a quality drip edge flashing to ensure your roof complies with local building codes.
Is Red a Good Roof Shingle Color in Illinois?
Red shingles are only a good idea if you don’t already have red brick. Red roofing shingle colors work best for Spanish-style homes or Mediterranean exterior elements. These homes exist in Chicago and Illinois but are less frequently seen.
In contrast, entire subdivisions with red singles or red-toned clay roofs are common in Southern states like Arizona or Texas. In instances like this, red may be the best shingle color for roofs.
As you can imagine, there are pros and cons to red shingles.
Aesthetically, there is no more striking color than red for a roof. However, red roof panels fade faster than neutrals and are rarely allowed by homeowners’ Associations (HOAs) in typical Chicago suburbs.
Best Architectural Shingle Colors by Manufacturer
To help you narrow down your choices, here are the standout colors that just missed our list from top roofing shingle manufacturers:
- Best Owens Corning Shingle Colors: Onyx Black, Brownwood, Teak, and Midnight Plum.
- Top GAF Colors: Mission Brown, Hickory, Pewter Gray.
- Trending IKO Colors: Dual Brown, Harvard Slate, Charcoal Grey.
- Best-Selling CertainTeed Shingles: Autumn Red, Georgetown Gray, Moire Black.
What’s The Difference Between Designer Shingles and Architectural Shingles?
Roofing material manufacturers like Owens Corning, GAF, CertainTeed, and IKO offer different quality tiers of shingles, including standard or 3-tab, architectural, and designer shingles.
Architectural shingles are a middle-tier option, while designer shingles are premium asphalt shingles. The main differences between the two are their thickness, price, and appearance.
Since designer shingles are often made to look like slate roofing, each roof color on our list is known as an architectural shingle.
Architectural shingles offer a more affordable roofing option without sacrificing style or durability versus designer or luxury shingles.
If you need a free, no-obligation price quote on a new roof in Chicago or near Downers Grove, call HomeHero Roofing at (630) 827-8732 today!
Contact HomeHero Roofing for Your Affordable Price Quote in Chicagoland!
Popular Exterior Roofing Color FAQs
Do you still have questions about Chicago and Illinois’s most popular roof colors? Our expert Chicago roofers and exterior design professionals are here to help.
Below are the most common questions from nearby homeowners about roof colors in suburbs like La Grange, Darien, and Villa Park, IL.
In Chicagoland, including Cook and DuPage Counties, Neutrals like Williamsburg Gray and Estate Gray from Owens Corning are perennial favorites.
In 2024, Williamsburg Gray was named Owens Corning’s shingle color of the year and has been trending among Chicagoans this past year.
Dark shingles offer bold appeal but absorb more heat, while light shingles reflect sunlight, making them better for hot climates.
Owens Corning’s Cool Roof shingles, like Sierra Gray, reduce heat transfer but cost 10–15% more.
Lighter shingles can save up to 5% annually on cooling costs in warm states but are less impactful in cooler regions like Illinois.
Chicago, Illinois’s most popular metal roof colors are gray, black, and bronze.
Dove Gray and Charcoal Gray offer versatility, matte black provides a modern contrast, and dark or medium bronze adds a warm, earthy touch to traditional and contemporary designs.
Coordinate roof shingles and siding paint colors based on the roof’s age and your exterior’s condition.
Illinois homes are repainted every 5–8 years, while roofs last 20–25 years, so it’s cheaper to repaint than replace a roof.
Choose shingles that complement your siding or trim for long-term harmony. Don’t forget to incorporate painted exterior elements like shutters, windows, gutters, porches, railings, and stone or brick facades.
When it comes to shingle color, Owens Corning is better than GAF in our experience.
Owens Corning is known for vibrant color blends and rich tones. When viewing in person, their TruDefinition Duration Shingles offer bold, dimensional looks.
On the other hand, GAF’s Timberline HDZ series provides a more subtle, natural wood-shake appearance, which appeals to homeowners seeking a classic roof look.
Ultimately, Owens Corning wins for bold, modern aesthetics, while GAF appeals to those looking for classic, understated tones.