What Paint Goes With a Brown Roof?

Are you deciding what paint color to use on a brown roof house? Our home exterior design experts share the six best paint colors for brown roofs.

First, we’ll help you understand the difference between cool and warm undertones in dark brown or light brown roof shingles (with pictures and examples).

Next, we list the top 6 color palettes from Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, and other exterior house painting brands like Behr and Farrow & Ball that pair best with your brown roof.

Finally, we share what front door color combinations work best with brown roofs to maximize your exterior color scheme and increase curb appeal.

Ultimately, as a homeowner looking for the perfect exterior paint color and roof combo, you’ll know what house colors work best for your brown roof!

Let’s start by learning about brown roof shingle undertones and how they influence house paint color choices.

New Post Update: Check out the 11 best roof shingle colors of 2025 that are trending this season!

How to Match House Paint Colors With a Brown Shingle Roof Color?

The best way to match house paint or siding colors with a brown roof is to start with undertones. Some brown roofs are warmer (like chocolate), and some are cooler (like coffee).

The easiest way to find out is to place a photo of your roof next to a stark white color swatch.

Here are a few stark white color samples from top exterior paint companies that you can use:

• Pure White SW 7005 by Sherwin-Williams: A soft, warm white with an LRV of 84.
• Chantilly Lace OC-65 by Benjamin Moore: A bright, clean white with an LRV of 92 and no warm or cool undertones.
• Behr Ultra Pure White Paint from Home Depot: A neutral bright white with the highest LRV.

Does the brown tint of your roof look warmer or cooler compared to the white paint color sample?

Let’s take a look at an example. Below is a photo comparing warm vs cool undertones on two roofs against a stark white base color.

Can you tell which house with a brown roof has a warm undertone versus a cool undertone?

The answer is that the home on the left has cooler undertones, whereas the house on the right has warmer undertones.

Warmer undertones are based on green, yellow, or earth tones like taupe or terracotta. Cooler undertones include blue, gray, or purple bases.

Our home design experts recommend coordinating warm paint colors with warm-toned brown roofs and cool paint colors with cool-toned brown shingles.

More Brown Roof And Siding Color Combination Tips

Based on hundreds of completed roofing projects over the last decade, here are a few more tips we learned for combining brown roofs with siding paint colors.

• If you have an HOA, check your bylaws to see if your neighborhood has specific siding color palettes you must match.
• In hotter climates, your roof should be darker than the house’s exterior color. If you have vinyl siding, use a vinyl-safe paint color to ensure it doesn’t overheat.

• Incorporate permanent elements on the exterior of your home, like brick or stone, which may have cool or warm undertones. Think of them as another shade on your exterior house color palette.
• Premium roof shingle styles cost more than 3-tab or architectural shingles. To compare, find out how much different asphalt shingle types cost in Chicago so you know what to expect.
• Light brown roofs pair best with deeper exterior siding paint, while dark brown roofs pair best with lighter or off-white colors.

3 Best Exterior Paint Colors for Warm Brown Roofs

Our top exterior design experts recommend pairing warm-toned roof colors with warm paint colors. Natural, earthy-toned exterior paints are your go-to here.

Here are the 3 top exterior paint colors to use with warmer brown roofing shingles:

1. Natural Cream (OC-14) Benjamin Moore

Cream shades like Benjamin Moore’s “Natural Cream” offer a soft, inviting warmth that complements the golden or taupe undertones in a warm brown roof.

An off-white, creamy color stays neutral while providing just enough contrast against stark white trim and a brown roof.

This paint color works particularly well on stucco exteriors or white brick and pairs beautifully with darker accent colors like forest green or deep brown trim.

It also transitions seamlessly into the interior design of spaces like living rooms, creating a cohesive look from the inside out.

Honorable Mentions For Cream Paint and Brown Roofs:

• Sherwin-Williams “Dover White” – A creamy white with soft, warm undertones perfect for a classic look.
• Behr “Swiss Coffee” – A versatile off-white with a hint of warmth, ideal for homes with natural elements.

2. Accessible Beige (SW 7036) Sherwin-Williams

Beige paints, like Sherwin-Williams’ “Accessible Beige,” are a classic choice for homes with warm brown roofs.

Beige enhances the natural light reflecting off the roof and adds a timeless, elegant feel to the exterior.

This color pairs exceptionally well with brown gutters and accents, making it an excellent match for homes with a metal roof or wooden siding.

Honorable Mentions For Beige Paint and Brown Roofs:

• Benjamin Moore’s “Shaker Beige”: A rich, earthy beige that adds warmth and depth to exteriors.
• Farrow & Ball “String No. 8”: A soft beige with a subtle golden undertone for a sophisticated finish.

3. Sage Green (ICC-77) Behr

Calming green tone paint colors, such as Behr’s “Sage Green,” are a fresh, earthy option that pairs beautifully with warm brown roofs.

The subtle green undertones bring out the natural warmth in the roof shingles while maintaining a neutral, sophisticated appearance.

Green paint complements brown trim or natural wood accents well, and its versatility complements various landscaping elements.

In most residential neighborhoods, you can also find more vibrant olive green exterior paints complementing warm asphalt shingle tones.

Honorable Mentions For Green Paint and Brown Roofs:

• Sherwin-Williams’ “Clary Sage” – A muted green with hints of warmth, creating a natural and calming exterior.
• Benjamin Moore’s “Dry Sage” – A subdued green with gray undertones for a timeless, earthy vibe.

Top 3 Home Paint Colors for Cool Brown Roofs

Cool-toned brown roofs are best matched with paint colors that lean toward the blues, grays, and whites found in the sky. These shades create a crisp and clean aesthetic while enhancing the roof’s cool undertones.

1. Alabaster (SW 7008) From Sherwin Williams

Off-white paints, like Sherwin-Williams’ “Alabaster,” are a fantastic choice for cool brown roofs.

The crisp white finish adds brightness and modernity to the home while creating a striking contrast against the roof’s cooler tones.

Pairing off-white siding with blue or black shutters, a black roof accent, and copper gutters adds even more elegance to the design. Learn all about roof flashing colors and costs to prevent avoidable leaks.

Honorable Mentions For Off-White Paint and Brown Roofs:

• Benjamin Moore “White Dove” – A soft white with a hint of warmth, great for pairing with darker accents.
• Farrow & Ball “School House White No. 291” – A soft, neutral white with a cool undertone for a contemporary feel.

2. Stonington Gray (HC-170) Benjamin Moore

Gray tones like Benjamin Moore’s “Stonington Gray” provide a sophisticated, understated backdrop, highlighting the blue-gray undertones in a cool brown roof.

This color works beautifully with white trim and adds depth and dimension to metal roofs or modern architectural designs.

Honorable Mentions For Gray Paints and Brown Roofs:

• Sherwin-Williams “Repose Gray” – A versatile gray with cool undertones that pairs seamlessly with cool brown roofs.
• Farrow & Ball “Cornforth White No. 228” – A soft, warm gray with subtle hints of neutrality, ideal for modern exteriors.

3. Hush (PPU26-16) From Behr

Soft blue shades, like Behr’s “Hush,” bring a serene, calming vibe to homes with cool brown roofs.

The coolness of the blue complements the roof’s undertones while adding a pop of color that feels fresh and inviting.

This blue siding paint color pairs with gray roof accents or dark navy blue trim for a cohesive look.

Honorable Mentions For Blue Paint and Brown Roofs:

• Benjamin Moore’s “Blue Nose” – A deep, muted blue with gray undertones, perfect for creating a bold yet understated statement.
• Sherwin-Williams “Misty” – A pale blue-gray that gives homes a light, airy feel while complementing cool-toned roofs.

Expert Advice to Choose the Right Paint Color for Your Brown Roof

Picking the perfect paint color for your brown roof doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. The key is to focus on balance, lighting, and neighborhood harmony.

Here are some simple tips to make the process easy and enjoyable:

1. Incorporate Accents and Front Door Colors

Your front door is like your home’s smile—it should pop! Choose a bold color like red, navy, or green to stand out and make your house feel welcoming.

Earthy colors like yellow or terracotta work great for warm brown roofs. Cool brown roofs look amazing with white, blue, or black doors.

Our favorite door colors for brown roofs include:

• Hale Navy HC-154
• Kendall Charcoal HC-166
• Forestwood SW 7730

Match your shutters, trim, and garage door to the front door for a clean, pulled-together look that makes your house the star of the street!

2. Don’t Match the Roof and Paint Too Closely

Your roof and siding should complement each other, not blend. If your roof is a darker brown, use lighter paint colors to create contrast.

Try richer or darker siding colors like dark blue or navy for a lighter brown roof.

Likewise, white trim is always a safe choice, providing the perfect contrast against any shade of brown roof. Remember that warm tones work best with warmer brown roofs and cool tones with cooler-toned roofing shingles.

3. Consider Your Neighborhood

Look around your neighborhood for inspiration. If most homes have neutral tones like beige or white, a bright color might stand out—but not in a good way!

Aim for something cohesive with your surroundings while still expressing your style.

Home Styles and Brown Roof Paint Colors

The style of your home plays a huge role in choosing the right paint color to pair with a brown roof. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

Modern Homes:

Modern homes can handle bolder, more dramatic paint colors. Think deep charcoals, navy blues, or even sleek blacks. These shades contrast brown roofs and give your home a stylish, contemporary edge.

Traditional Homes:

For traditional homes, use neutral, classic paint colors like soft beige, cream, or light gray. These timeless shades keep the look polished and sophisticated, blending beautifully with a brown roof without being overpowering.

Victorian Homes:

Victorian-style homes allow for a bit more creativity. Pair a brown roof with rich, warm hues like deep green, burgundy, or mustard yellow. These colors enhance the ornate details of Victorian architecture while complementing the roof’s earthy tones.

Mid-Century Modern Homes:

Mid-century modern homes often shine with warm, natural tones. Pair a brown roof with muted greens, sandy beiges, or burnt oranges for a retro vibe that feels fresh and inviting.

Spanish-Style Homes:

Earthy, warm colors like terracotta, cream, or light peach are ideal for Spanish-style homes. These tones highlight the architecture’s Mediterranean charm and blend seamlessly with a brown roof.

By aligning your paint colors with your home’s style, you can create a look that feels cohesive, intentional, and perfectly suited to your house’s character.

4. Use Natural Light to Your Advantage

Natural light plays a significant role in how your paint will look outside. Homes with lots of shade benefit from brighter colors to keep the house looking fresh and inviting.

Stark white paint colors with high LRVs, like Highly-Reflective White from Sherwin Williams, work magnificently with shaded home exteriors.

Conversely, if your home is in direct sunlight most of the day, medium or darker tones with depth will work better to avoid looking washed out. None of your neighbors want to be blinded by your house color.

5. Always Test Paint Colors Outdoors

Never test exterior paint colors inside your home! Light conditions indoors or in a living room differ entirely from how they appear outside.

Grab a few sample quarts of paint, apply swatches to an exterior wall near your roofline, and check how the colors look throughout the day.

Morning, afternoon, and evening light can all change the color’s appearance.

What Paint Goes With a Brown Roof Interior?

The best paint color for an interior with a brown roof is off-white or neutral, like Pure White by Sherwin Williams.

If your home’s interior has a light brown roof, opt for deeper off-white paint shades like Origami White (SW 7636). Alternatively, use a lighter white like Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore for dark brown interior roof colors.

6. Understand LRV (Light Reflectance Value)

Each paint color has an LRV, a common term that measures how much light it reflects.

Brighter colors (higher LRVs) balance the look of dark brown roofs, while deeper shades (lower LRVs) are ideal for lighter brown roofs.

Final Thoughts: Create a Stunning Exterior with the Right Paint

Choosing the right paint for your brown roof is like finding the perfect outfit for your home—it’s all about pairing the right tones and colors for a polished, cohesive look.

Remember:

• Warm brown roofs work best with earthy, warm-toned paints like beige, cream, or sage green home colors.
• Cool brown roofs shine with crisp whites, soft grays, or gentle blues.

By following these tips, you can create a home exterior that looks amazing and boosts your curb appeal, whether you DIY-paint it or hire a professional contractor.

If you are a homeowner in Chicagoland or near Downers Grove, IL, HomeHero Roofing is here to help every step of the way! You can trust our team, from selecting complementary neutral colors to ensuring your roof and exterior look flawless.

Ready to transform your home? Contact HomeHero Roofing today for expert advice, roofing services, and free inspections to make your house the star of the block!