What Are My Color Options?
Before choosing a roof shingle color, take a moment to consider your home’s overall look—its exterior color, landscaping, and how it fits within your neighborhood. Does your home complement the surrounding styles and tones, or does it stand out? If your house features warm tones like beige, brown, or yellow, it’s usually best to stick with other warm-colored shingles. Likewise, cool-toned homes—white, gray, or blue—tend to pair better with cooler shingle shades.
Your roof’s size and shape also play a big role. Homes with large roof surfaces, especially those with peaks, dormers, or complex angles, often benefit from cooler tones or textured shingles. These options can add depth and dimension, avoiding the flat, heavy look that dark or black shingles might create.
No matter which color you choose, aim for a shade that complements your home while adding a touch of contrast. A monochromatic look might work for fashion, but your home needs visual interest to boost curb appeal. Today’s shingle styles and colors offer plenty of opportunities to express your personality—turning your roof into a design feature rather than just a functional necessity.
Types of Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material in the United States—and for good reason. They’re affordable, easy to install, and suitable for both new construction and roof replacements. Available in a wide range of colors and styles, asphalt shingles offer solid durability and visual appeal at a budget-friendly price point.
Homeowners typically choose between two main styles:
- Three-Tab Shingles: These have a flat, uniform appearance and are the most economical option. Lightweight and straightforward to install, they typically last 15–20 years.
- Architectural (Dimensional) Shingles: Thicker and layered for a more textured, dimensional look, these shingles offer enhanced durability and weather resistance. Their lifespan is usually 20–30 years.
Both styles have a distinct visual profile, which can influence the overall curb appeal of your home—something worth considering when selecting your new roof.
Choosing a Shingle Color
Asphalt shingles come in a wide array of colors, allowing homeowners to customize their roof to match their home’s exterior and personal style. Choosing the right color can also impact energy efficiency and resale value, making it both a practical and aesthetic decision. See our color guide for help picking a color based on your home's style or climate.
Black
Much like in fashion, black shingles are a timeless choice that pair well with nearly any home style. Whether you're roofing a white cottage, a brick colonial, or a house with blue or gray siding, black offers a clean, classic contrast. It also complements natural wood tones beautifully, making it a great fit for farmhouse-style homes. Options like onyx black provide a sleek, modern edge while still working seamlessly with more traditional architecture.
Light or Dark Gray
Although considered a cool tone, gray shingles are incredibly versatile, complementing nearly any exterior color. Shades like Estate Gray or Charcoal add depth and texture, making them a great match for blue, white, or brick homes. Their subtle elegance works well across a range of architectural styles, offering a balanced, modern look without overpowering the rest of the design.
Light and Dark Brown
If your home features warm tones like tan, beige, or yellow, brown shingles—whether light or dark—can be a beautiful and complementary choice. Like gray shingles, brown options offer rich color depth and texture that create appealing contrast. For example, Driftwood shingles blend subtle undertones of blue and gray, making them a great match for homes with blue or wood-toned siding. If you're aiming for a more natural, rustic look, a white home pairs especially well with weathered wood shingles, adding warmth and character to the overall design.
Red
For a bold twist on traditional earth tones, red shingles can be a striking choice. Rich hues like burgundy, terra cotta, or barn red add vibrant contrast and visual interest, especially on tan stucco homes or white cottages. The natural grain and texture of the shingles enhance depth, making the roof a standout feature. Red tones also pair beautifully with warm or neutral exteriors, offering a unique yet timeless look.
Green
Though not always top of mind, green shingles are a surprisingly versatile roofing option—just as adaptable as brown or black. Shades like forest green, hunter, or moss can beautifully complement a wide range of home exteriors, including brick facades and natural wood siding. Their earthy tones blend well with both traditional and rustic styles, adding a touch of color while maintaining a grounded, natural look.
Blue
Blue shingles are gaining popularity as homeowners embrace more modern and stylish exterior color palettes. If your home features light gray, white, tan, or brown tones, blue shingles can add a striking contrast and elevate your curb appeal. Instead of settling for traditional gray, consider how a touch of blue can bring fresh energy and character to your home's exterior.
White
White shingles might not be the first roofing option that comes to mind, but paired with the right exterior colors, they can create a striking and memorable look. For example, a dark gray home topped with Shasta White shingles offers a bold, modern contrast that stands out. Beyond aesthetics, white shingles are a smart choice for warmer climates—they reflect sunlight, helping to keep your home cooler. And thanks to today’s algae-resistant technology, you won’t have to worry about the black streaks that used to plague older roofs.
Multicolor
Roof shingles in primary colors range from solid tones to subtle blends, offering plenty of options to suit your home's personality. For a bolder look, multicolor shingles add depth and contrast that can enhance your entire exterior. Options like Storm Cloud (mixed grays), Sand Dune (grays and browns), and Merlot (reds and grays) coordinate beautifully with a wide variety of home colors—making it easy to find a match that stands out.
What Else Should I Consider About My Color Choice?
Your roof can make up as much as 40% of your home’s visible exterior, so choosing the right shingle color is a big decision. Here are a few things to consider before you commit:
- Architectural Style: Match your roof color to your home’s design. Look for complementary tones that add contrast and highlight architectural features.
- Climate Considerations: Lighter shingles can help reflect heat in warmer regions, while darker shades may be better suited for cooler climates.
- Neighborhood Aesthetics: Take a walk or drive around your neighborhood to see what works—and what doesn’t. Also, check with your HOA for any color restrictions.
- See It in Person: Just like testing paint on a wall, viewing shingle samples in natural light can help you visualize how they’ll look once installed.
For more information, see our Roofing Buying Guide. And when you decide on the perfect shingles for your roof, let Lowe’s install them for you. It’s easy to get started with a free in-home consultation.