Ever stood in front of your brown-roofed home feeling utterly stumped about what paint colors would look best? I’ve been there too. Brown roofs are incredibly common, but finding the perfect complementary color scheme can be frustratingly difficult.
If you want to modify your home’s curb appeal without a costly roof replacement, then the right paint color can make all the difference between a house that blends into the background and one that turns heads for all the right reasons.
I’ve spent years helping homeowners find their perfect palette, and I’m going to share my top color schemes that work beautifully with brown roofs. These combinations will not only enhance your home’s architectural features but also reflect your personal style.
Read on to fall in love with your brown roof again!
Choosing Color Schemes for Your Brown Roof: Important Factors to Consider
Selecting the perfect color palette for your home with a brown roof isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating harmony between your roof and the overall exterior.
Here are four crucial factors to consider when making this important design decision:
Roof Undertones:
Examine your brown roof in different lighting to identify whether it has warm reddish/orange undertones or cooler taupe/gray undertones. This subtle distinction should guide your entire color scheme selection.
Architectural Style:
Consider your home’s design. Craftsman homes often pair beautifully with earthy greens and rusts, while colonial styles complement cream or beige siding with rich accent colors.
Surrounding Environment:
Take cues from your landscape. Homes surrounded by greenery often benefit from sage greens or warm neutrals that connect with both roof and natural elements.
Personal Preference:
While design principles matter, your personal taste should ultimately guide your decision. Choose colors that make you feel at home every time you pull into the driveway.
Color Schemes that Work Best for Brown Roofs
When selecting a color scheme for brown roofs, it’s essential to consider the combination of tones that will complement your home’s style and environment.
A well-chosen color scheme can enhance your roof’s aesthetic and contribute to energy efficiency and longevity.
1. Classic Neutral Palette
A combination of soft whites and beige tones will create a timeless and stylish contrast against a brown roof. This color scheme is ideal for traditional homes and ensures a polished curb appeal.
- Architectural Style: Traditional, Colonial
- Roof Material: Asphalt Shingles
- Neighborhood and Surroundings: Suburban neighborhoods with similar traditional homes
- Durability Factors: Low maintenance, resistant to fading
2. Earthy Tones with Greens
Pairing brown roofs with earthy greens complements the natural surroundings and creates a warm, organic feel. This scheme works well for homes surrounded by nature.
- Architectural Style: Ranch, Cottage
- Roof Material: Wood or Cedar Shingles
- Neighborhood and Surroundings: Homes near wooded areas or rural settings
- Durability Factors: Maintains natural appearance in natural settings, may need occasional touch-ups
3. Warm Taupe and Cream
A blend of taupe and cream offers a soft, inviting look that pairs nicely with the rich brown of the roof. This scheme is perfect for homes seeking warmth without overwhelming the senses.
- Architectural Style: Mediterranean, Farmhouse
- Roof Material: Clay Tiles, Metal
- Neighborhood and Surroundings: Suburban or countryside locations
- Durability Factors: Fade-resistant and easy to maintain
4. Soft Gray and Charcoal
Pairing soft gray with a dark charcoal trim creates a contemporary, minimalist look while still letting the brown roof shine through. This scheme adds a modern twist to any home.
- Architectural Style: Contemporary, Modern
- Roof Material: Metal, Slate
- Neighborhood and Surroundings: Urban or modern communities
- Durability Factors: Low maintenance, resistant to weather elements
5. Rich Burgundy and Tan
Burgundy paired with tan offers a bold yet balanced color scheme that draws attention to the brown roof while maintaining a cohesive look. This scheme is excellent for homes with more character.
- Architectural Style: Victorian, Craftsman
- Roof Material: Asphalt Shingles
- Neighborhood and Surroundings: Historic or artistic neighborhoods
- Durability Factors: Stands up to wear, but burgundy may need occasional refreshing
6. Soft Yellow and Light Brown
Combining soft yellow with light brown tones creates a cheerful and welcoming atmosphere. It brightens the home and gives it a sunny disposition.
- Architectural Style: Cottage, Cape Cod
- Roof Material: Asphalt Shingles
- Neighborhood and Surroundings: Coastal or rural areas
- Durability Factors: Easy to touch up and maintain
7. Classic White and Navy Blue
White and navy blue add a crisp, clean contrast to brown roofs, creating a nautical or New England-inspired aesthetic. This scheme is perfect for coastal homes.
- Architectural Style: Colonial, Cape Cod
- Roof Material: Asphalt, Metal
- Neighborhood and Surroundings: Waterfront or coastal properties
- Durability Factors: Classic look with minimal maintenance
8. Terracotta and Warm Sand
Terracotta and warm sand tones complement brown roofs with an earthy, rustic feel. This scheme invokes warmth and Mediterranean flair.
- Architectural Style: Spanish Revival, Mediterranean
- Roof Material: Clay Tiles
- Neighborhood and Surroundings: Southwestern or Mediterranean-style neighborhoods
- Durability Factors: Resistant to fading, but terracotta may need sealing
9. Deep Forest Green and Beige
A deep forest green paired with beige highlights provides a nature-inspired, calming effect, perfect for homes that blend with lush environments.
- Architectural Style: Ranch, Cabin
- Roof Material: Wood Shingles
- Neighborhood and Surroundings: Forested areas or suburban settings
- Durability Factors: Hides dirt and weather wear well
10. Light Gray and Off-White
Light gray combined with off-white creates a cool, clean aesthetic that complements brown roofs and makes for a more subtle look.
- Architectural Style: Modern, Mid-century Modern
- Roof Material: Asphalt Shingles, Metal
- Neighborhood and Surroundings: Urban or contemporary neighborhoods
- Durability Factors: Low-maintenance, but light colors may show dirt more easily
11. Soft Peach and Ivory
This soft, peach and ivory combination creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, softening the brown tones of the roof while adding a playful and gentle appeal.
- Architectural Style: Craftsman, Cottage
- Roof Material: Asphalt Shingles
- Neighborhood and Surroundings: Suburban, floral-themed neighborhoods
- Durability Factors: Easy to maintain and stays fresh over time
12. Warm Olive and Cream
Olive and cream tones offer a chic and earthy palette, balancing the natural warmth of the brown roof with a refined, mature tone.
- Architectural Style: Mediterranean, Contemporary
- Roof Material: Metal, Clay
- Neighborhood and Surroundings: Semi-rural or suburban areas with lots of greenery
- Durability Factors: Long-lasting, minimal fading
13. Light Blue and Soft White
Pairing a light blue with soft white provides a tranquil, breezy atmosphere that feels fresh and inviting. This combination is ideal for coastal or lakeside homes.
- Architectural Style: Cape Cod, Colonial
- Roof Material: Asphalt Shingles
- Neighborhood and Surroundings: Waterfront or coastal locations
- Durability Factors: Fades less quickly but may need occasional cleaning
14. Charcoal Gray and Red Accents
Charcoal gray with red accents adds drama and polish while maintaining harmony with the brown roof. This striking color combo works well for modern or bold designs.
- Architectural Style: Industrial, Modern
- Roof Material: Metal, Slate
- Neighborhood and Surroundings: Urban, artistic neighborhoods
- Durability Factors: Low maintenance, minimal fading
15. Light Mint Green and White
Light mint green with white accents creates a soft, refreshing look that works well with brown roofs, offering a subtle contrast without overwhelming the visual appeal.
- Architectural Style: Cottage, Colonial Revival
- Roof Material: Asphalt, Wood
- Neighborhood and Surroundings: Suburban areas with gardens or floral elements
- Durability Factors: Resistant to dirt, but may require periodic cleaning to maintain freshness
Top Paint Options that Complement Brown Roofs
When choosing paint colors to complement brown roofs, it’s important to select shades that work harmoniously with the roof’s color and enhance the overall aesthetic of the home.
The following paint options provide versatile choices to achieve the perfect balance.
1. Benjamin Moore – Revere Pewter (HC-172)
Revere Pewter is a warm, light gray that pairs beautifully with brown roofs, offering a subtle contrast without overpowering the roof’s natural tones.
- LRV: 55.05
- Undertones: Warm gray with hints of beige.
- Temperature: Neutral to warm.
- Durability Factors: Highly durable with a soft finish, requiring minimal maintenance.
2. Sherwin Williams – Mindful Gray (SW 7016)
Mindful Gray offers a balanced, medium-gray tone that complements brown roofs, giving a contemporary look with its soft, muted shade.
- LRV: 48
- Undertones: Subtle warm undertones.
- Temperature: Neutral.
- Durability Factors: Resistant to fading and ideal for exterior use in varied climates.
3. Behr – Swiss Coffee (12)
Swiss Coffee is a warm off-white shade that provides a soft and airy look, contrasting nicely with brown roofs while maintaining an inviting feel.
- LRV: 84
- Undertones: Soft creamy beige.
- Temperature: Warm.
- Durability Factors: Great for exterior walls, with excellent coverage and longevity.
4. Benjamin Moore – Balboa Mist (OC-27)
Balboa Mist is a light and airy gray with a hint of beige, creating a refined look when paired with brown roofs. It adds subtle warmth to the home’s exterior.
- LRV: 65.53
- Undertones: Warm, with soft hints of beige.
- Temperature: Warm.
- Durability Factors: Excellent durability, easy to maintain.
5. Sherwin Williams – Accessible Beige (SW 7036)
Accessible Beige provides a soft, earthy tone that blends beautifully with brown roofs, making it a versatile choice for homes with a natural, rustic aesthetic.
- LRV: 58
- Undertones: Warm beige with slight gray undertones.
- Temperature: Warm.
- Durability Factors: Strong durability with a long-lasting finish, great for exterior applications.
6. Behr – Cast Iron (PPU18-20)
Cast Iron is a deep charcoal color that offers a striking contrast against brown roofs, creating a bold, modern appearance that still feels grounded.
- LRV: 16
- Undertones: Slightly cool, with subtle blue undertones.
- Temperature: Cool.
- Durability Factors: Highly durable and resistant to dirt and weathering.
7. Benjamin Moore – Edgecomb Gray (HC-173)
Edgecomb Gray is a neutral, warm gray that pairs beautifully with brown roofs, offering an understated, timeless grace. It complements both traditional and modern architecture.
- LRV: 63.09
- Undertones: Soft beige with warm gray undertones.
- Temperature: Warm.
- Durability Factors: High durability, with easy maintenance and excellent color retention.
Maintaining Your Brown Roof’s Color Scheme: Must-Know Tips
Preserving the beauty of a home with a brown roof requires regular maintenance and attention to both roofing materials and complementary exterior colors.
These essential tips will help homeowners protect their investment while maintaining curb appeal for years to come:
- Schedule Regular Cleaning: Remove debris, moss, and algae from brown roofs at least twice yearly. These unwanted growths can alter the roof’s appearance and damage materials, affecting how exterior paint colors coordinate with the roofing.
- Inspect for Color Fading: Check roofing materials annually for UV damage and color fading. Brown roofs naturally fade over time, potentially clashing with existing exterior paint schemes that were selected for the original roof color.
- Touch Up Exterior Paint: Address chips, peels, or faded areas of exterior paint promptly. Even small imperfections can disrupt the cohesive look between a brown roof and its complementary color scheme.
- Consider Protective Sealants: Apply appropriate sealants to both roofing materials and painted surfaces. Quality sealants can preserve colors and extend the lifespan of your carefully selected color palette.
- Manage Landscaping Impact: Trim trees and shrubs away from roofing and siding. Excessive shade can promote moss growth on brown roofs, while branches can scratch and damage painted surfaces.
- Document Original Colors: Keep records of paint formulas and roofing material specifications. This documentation ensures accurate color matching during future maintenance, preserving the intentional harmony between your brown roof and exterior colors.
Wrapping It Up
I’ve spent years helping homeowners modify their houses with brown roofs into stunning showpieces, and I hope these color schemes have sparked some inspiration for your own project.
Remember, your home’s exterior isn’t just about curb appeal, it is a reflection of your personality and style.
Whether you choose earthy greens to complement warm brown shingles or opt for contrasting creams with bold accents, the right color palette will highlight your roof as an asset, not an afterthought.
Ready to make a change? Grab some paint samples today and test them on different sides of your home in various lighting conditions.
You’ll be amazed at how the perfect color scheme can upgrade your brown-roofed home from ordinary to extraordinary.
Share your transformation photos online—I’d love to see your results!
