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The Ultimate Roof Color Guide for Asphalt Shingles
Your roof makes up a significant portion of your home’s exterior—and the color you choose can dramatically affect your home’s curb appeal. While your roof should complement the architecture and style of your home, it should also reflect your personal taste. Don’t just go with the popular choice in your neighborhood—pick a color that you love.
This guide walks you through how to choose the best shingle color for your home, so you can confidently work with your roofing contractor and select a roof that’s as functional as it is beautiful.
How Roof Color Impacts Home Design
Before choosing a color, consider your home’s:
- Exterior color palette
- Architectural style
- Environmental surroundings
It’s easier to narrow down shingle colors once you’ve selected your siding, brick, or trim colors. Also, take note of hardscaping elements like patios, fences, stonework, and driveway paving—these features play a role in your home’s overall aesthetic.
Cool vs. Warm Color Palettes
Take a close look at your home’s existing colors:
- Cool colors have undertones of blue, green, or purple.
- Warm colors lean toward red, orange, or yellow.
- Neutrals like white and gray can fall into either category based on their undertones.
Understanding whether your home’s palette is warm or cool helps in choosing a complementary shingle color.
What’s the Best Shingle Color?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but the best color will:
- Match your home’s architectural style
- Enhance curb appeal
- Appeal to future buyers (for resale)
- Support energy efficiency
- Meet building codes or HOA guidelines
Curb Appeal and Resale Value
A new roof can account for up to 40% of your home’s exterior, making it a huge factor in first impressions. If you’re selling, the right roof color can help your home stand out—and buyers are drawn to homes with new roofs because of the peace of mind they offer.
Neutral shades are safe bets for resale, but don’t be afraid to introduce color. Owens Corning shingles often use a mix of granules that add depth and allow you to bring in subtle pops of color.
Today’s Most Popular Roof Colors
Neutral shades like black, gray, brown, and tan are still go-to choices, but they’ve evolved. Modern asphalt shingles feature color blends that allow more design flexibility. Gray alone comes in varieties like:
- Green-gray
- Blue-gray
- Taupe-gray
- Even purple-gray
Homeowners today want more personality in their roofs, which is why color-blended shingles like Owens Corning’s Summer Harvest, Aged Copper, and Black Sable are gaining popularity.
New Color Trends: 2023 Highlights
In 2023, Owens Corning introduced four stunning new colors to its Duration® Shingle line:
- Midnight Plum
- Peppercorn
- Sand Castle
- Desert Rose
These shades are designed to pair with a variety of home styles, from coastal cottages to brick colonials and modern farmhouses.
Shingle Color of the Year: Midnight Plum
Midnight Plum is the roofing industry’s first bold, purple-toned shingle. It’s rich, versatile, and stylish—blending purple undertones with pomegranate, eggplant, and mulberry hues. Whether your home is a dark modern farmhouse or a classic red brick structure, Midnight Plum makes a statement.
Classic and Neutral Roof Colors
Black & Gray Shingles
- Black shingles contrast beautifully with light-colored homes, offering a timeless, classic appearance.
- Gray shingles are universally popular and suit a range of homes from coastal cottages to traditional brick exteriors.
- For something modern, look at Black Sable—a unique blend of black, beige, and blue-gray.
Make sure warm or cool grays are matched with similarly toned siding for a cohesive look.
Brown Shingles
Browns generally lean warm, with shades ranging from chocolate to sandy tan. They work great on:
- Tudor-style homes (deep brown)
- Craftsman bungalows (lighter tan)
Layered brown blends help tie together different exterior materials.
White or Light Shingles
Typically silver or light gray, white-toned shingles create a clean look—especially popular in warmer climates. They also allow you to get creative with colorful accents like shutters and doors.
Bolder, More Playful Roof Colors
Purple Shingles
Midnight Plum, the 2023 standout, introduces a unique purple-gray blend into the roofing world. It works with a wide range of architectural styles, offering depth and intrigue.
Red Shingles
Red roofs feel warm and inviting. They pair beautifully with:
- White
- Tan
- Olive green
- Blue siding
They’re also a classic choice for rustic log cabins.
Blue Shingles
Today’s blues are more neutral, with soft blends of gray and green granules. A Pacific Wave blue-toned roof can bring a fresh, coastal feel, especially on red brick or white homes.
Green Shingles
Green shingles can lean cool or warm, depending on the blend. Picture:
- Green on yellow siding with white trim
- Green on reddish brick
They also blend naturally into lush landscapes.
Still Deciding? Use a Color Selection Tool
Owens Corning offers life-sized printed color posters that show the detailed granule mix of each shingle option. You can compare them side-by-side to help narrow your choices. When you’re close to making a decision, your contractor can bring actual samples so you can see how they look in real life lighting.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right roof color goes beyond looks—it’s about creating harmony between your home’s design, environment, and your personal style. With so many rich, blended shingle options available, your perfect color is out there.
Let your roof make a statement. Choose a color that enhances your home’s beauty and gives you lasting satisfaction every time you pull into the driveway.
