12 Best Roof Shingle Colors for 2026 (Most Popular Picks)
Looking for the most popular roof shingle colors this year?
Replacing your old roof with new asphalt roofing shingles can drastically increase your home’s curb appeal. But with so many color options, how do you pick the best shingle color for your new roof?
To help, our roof replacement experts compiled the 12 most popular shingle colors of 2026, including Owens Corning’s brand-new 2026 Color of the Year.
This list covers the best options for homes nationally based on recent roof data in Chicago’s western suburbs, where HomeHero Roofing works.
It includes top picks from Owens Corning, GAF, IKO, and CertainTeed, plus matching paint colors from Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore.
No question, choosing the right shingle color is important, but so is choosing the right roofer.
Before hiring anyone, read this guide on how to spot red flags and call out lies from roofers.
These neutral-toned shingle colors work with a variety of exterior color combinations: white, gray, blue, or warmer off-white siding and trim.
We also share some outside-the-box tones if you’re ready to go bold on your next roof replacement.
Before we dive into our list, here are some expert tips to help you find the right roof shingle color for any home.
Need a trust-worthy roofer in Chicago’s western suburbs? Learn more about HomeHero Roofing in Downers Grove, IL.
How To Pick Roof Shingle Colors?
Picking the best roof color might seem overwhelming, but it’s easier than you think.
Here are expert exterior design tips whether you live in Chicago, the suburbs, or anywhere else:
- 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. Reddish brick pairs seamlessly with earthy tones like Weathered Wood by GAF, while gray stone pops against deeper shades like Charcoal.
Roofing is a major decision. This guide shows how to compare the cost of roof repairs vs replacement.
- 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 timeless appeal, while bolder options like Harbor Blue add personality without being too risky. 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 12 Most Popular Roof Shingle Colors of 2026
Here are the 12 best asphalt shingle colors of 2026, perfect for your next roof replacement project.
Our picks are based on manufacturer trends, our own experience with 270+ roof installations across Chicago’s western suburbs, and what we’re seeing homeowners request most often this year.
What’s new for 2026: Owens Corning just announced Evergreen Mist as their 2026 Shingle Color of the Year, a nature-inspired green that’s already generating buzz. We’ve added it to our list along with two other new colors hitting the market this January.
The trend continues toward modern architectural elements, deeper siding colors, and black or charcoal trim, especially in suburbs like Naperville, Hinsdale, and Oak Brook.
Each shingle below includes a photo, plus recommended siding, trim, and door color palettes.
Budgeting for a new roof in 2026? 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 still trending: In 2026, 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.
Williamsburg Gray was Owens Corning’s 2024 Shingle Color of the Year, and it’s still one of our most-requested colors two years later. That staying power is exactly why we keep it at #1.
Pro Tip: Use Owen’s Corning’s Roof Visualizer Tool to see how these trend-worthy shingles look on your house.
Recent Williamsburg Gray Roof Installed By HomeHero
I like Williamsburg Gray shingles by Owens Corning so much that I had my company HomeHero Roofing install it on my house this past year.
Here are the before and after photos from our recent Williamsburg Gray color roof shingle project:
We didn’t want to paint the brick or gutters and downspouts so we had to find a shingle color that worked with our new stucco paint color, Alabaster by Benjamin Moore.
As you can see from the photo above, we also painted the garage doors a modern medium gray tone that coordinated nicely with tones in our new shingles.
We also didn’t want to paint the beige vinyl windows or soffits because they were in good shape and again, Williamsburg didn’t clash with the existing tones of these unchanged fixtures.
Above is another before and after picture of the front of our home with the updated Owens Corning TruDefinition designer shingles.
I hated the pink tones of our brick so Williamsburg Gray actually helped cool down those pinkish tones, all while being neutral enough to go well with the stucco and old gutter colors.
Overall, we love our new Williamsburg Gray shingle color and the way it bridged the gap between traditional elements of our exterior with a more modern, less drab-looking tone.
This is precisely why we kept this awesome Owens Corning shingle color at the top of our list in 2026. It’s versatile and modern without risking going out of style over the next 20 years.
While they were more expensive, the premium shingles were worth every penny and we were lucky to have one of the best roofing companies in the nation installing them.
2. Evergreen Mist by Owens Corning (2026 Color of the Year)
Owens Corning just named Evergreen Mist their 2026 Shingle Color of the Year, and it’s a bold departure from the grays that have dominated recent years.
This nature-inspired green captures what Owens Corning calls “the quiet beauty of a mist-covered garden path.” Part of the TruDefinition Duration Designer line, it delivers premium color depth with the durability that Chicago weather demands.
- Why it’s trending: Green shingles have been niche for years, but Evergreen Mist is designed to go mainstream. It works especially well on farmhouses, Cape Cods, and cottage-style homes, styles you see throughout La Grange, Western Springs, and older Naperville neighborhoods.
- What it pairs with:
- Siding: Cream (Benjamin Moore White Dove), soft taupe, or warm beige.
- Trim: Crisp white (Sherwin Williams Pure White) or dark brown.
- Door: Walnut brown, muted terracotta, or soft yellow.
Actually, Owens Corning also released two other new Duration Designer colors for 2026: Gray Tweed (a dimensional gray with brown and black flecks replacing Storm Cloud) and Mountain Pine (a green-brown-gray blend). All three became available January 1, 2026. See them both in Owen Corning’s TruDefinition color visualizer.
As an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor, HomeHero can get Evergreen Mist and the other new 2026 colors for your project. Get a free quote to see if this bold new option is right for your home.
3. 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.
4. 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.
By the way, this was another top color candidate when were replacing the roof shingles on our home this past season.
- Why it’s trending: It’s the ultimate neutral but sleek enough for modern homes and adaptable to traditional designs. Check out our roofing project gallery for more inspiration.
- 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.
5. 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.
If you want a clear breakdown of what makes our roofing company different, start with our Why Us page.
6. 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.
Our guide on the essential parts of a roof explains what roofers mean when they talk about flashing, decking, or underlayment.
7. 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 2026 because of their sleek, modern look. They also work well with traditional homes for a timeless appeal. Featured in 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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
While Owens Corning’s Evergreen Mist (our #2 pick) is making waves as the 2026 Color of the Year, Hunter Green by CertainTeed remains the go-to choice for homeowners who want a deeper, bolder green.
Hunter Green is a rich, forest-green shingle that brings a natural, earthy vibe to your home’s exterior. Where Evergreen Mist is softer and more muted, Hunter Green makes a statement with its darker, more saturated tone.
- 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.
Evergreen Mist vs Hunter Green
If you want a subtle, sophisticated green that plays well with neutrals, go with Evergreen Mist. If you want a bold, dramatic green that stands out against wooded surroundings, Hunter Green is your pick.
Whether you’re in a wooded area or want to bring a touch of nature to your neighborhood, Hunter Green is a fantastic option for homeowners ready to go bold.
Lighter, Warmer Shingle Colors
Not every home needs a dark roof. Warmer tones are still local favorites in 2026, 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.
Most Popular Shingle Colors in Chicago’s Western Suburbs
After completing 270+ roof replacements across DuPage and Cook counties, we’ve noticed clear patterns in what Chicago-area homeowners choose:
Downers Grove and Westmont Neutral grays dominate, particularly Estate Gray and Weathered Wood. Many 1960s and 70s ranch homes are getting modern updates with Charcoal or Dual Black for that contemporary farmhouse look.
Hinsdale and Oak Brook These affluent suburbs favor premium Duration Designer colors. Colonial Slate and Williamsburg Gray are popular for traditional estates, while newer construction leans toward black shingles paired with white James Hardie siding.
Naperville and Woodridge A true mix. Newer subdivisions favor Charcoal and black shingles, while established neighborhoods like downtown Naperville stick with Weathered Wood, Barkwood, and classic browns.
La Grange and Western Springs Classic neutrals rule. These historic neighborhoods with older Victorian and Colonial architecture tend toward Estate Gray, Peppermill Gray, and traditional browns that complement original brick and stonework.
Burr Ridge and Clarendon Hills We see more adventurous choices here: Harbor Blue, Colonial Slate, and even green shingles on properties with wooded lots.
View our project gallery to see completed roofs in your neighborhood.
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.
Looking for a reputable roofing contractor near Downers Grove, Illinois? Check out some of HomeHero’s recent 5-star reviews to see if we are a good fit for your job.
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!
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.
Owens Corning announced Evergreen Mist as their 2026 Shingle Color of the Year. It’s a nature-inspired green in the TruDefinition Duration Designer line, ideal for farmhouses and Cape Cod-style homes. Previous winners were Merlot (2025) and Williamsburg Gray (2024).
Nationally, Charcoal and Weathered Wood are the most popular GAF shingle colors, while Williamsburg Gray and Estate Gray lead for Owens Corning. In Chicago’s western suburbs, we see the most requests for Williamsburg Gray, Charcoal, and Weathered Wood.
GAF’s most popular shingle colors are Charcoal, Weathered Wood, Pewter Gray, and Barkwood. Charcoal dominates for modern and farmhouse styles, while Weathered Wood remains the top choice for traditional homes wanting a natural wood-shake look.
Both are popular Owens Corning grays, but Williamsburg Gray has warmer undertones with more brown and tan flecks, giving it a dimensional look. Estate Gray is cooler and more uniform, a true gray without warm undertones. Williamsburg works better with warm brick; Estate Gray pairs better with cool-toned stone or blue-gray siding.
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.
