Looking to upgrade your roof? When you are searching for the best roofing materials for a new roof, you might also wonder about the best color for roofing shingles.
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While we know that roofing can make your home more energy efficient, it can also instantly perk up your curb appeal. If you’re wondering about the most popular shingle colors in New England, here’s what to consider.
Warm vs. Cool Roof Shingle Colors
As you weigh your choices for shingle colors, understanding the difference between warm and cool tones can make all the difference in how your home looks and feels.
Warm shingle colors—think browns, beiges, tans, and rusty reds—create an inviting, cozy effect. These earthy tones pair beautifully with homes that feature warm-colored siding like cream, yellow, or even brick red. Warm shingles also work well in settings with plenty of natural greens, such as pine trees and mature landscaping.
Cool shingle colors, on the other hand, include shades like slate gray, deep blue, charcoal, and crisp whites. These hues often give your home a more modern, sophisticated vibe. Cool-toned roofs tend to complement siding in bluish or gray shades—such as James Hardie®’s Boothbay Blue or Arctic White—and look right at home with landscaping bursting with colorful annuals and hanging baskets.
A quick tip: matching warm roof colors with similarly warm sidings creates harmony, while pairing cool roof colors with cool siding adds a polished, coordinated appearance. If you’re drawn to bold contrast, you can also mix warm and cool accents—but a subtle, well-matched palette is always a timeless choice.
What Role Does Texture Play in Selecting Roof Shingles?
When it comes to choosing the perfect shingle color, texture is an important piece of the puzzle—especially here in New England, where homes wear their history on their sleeves (and their roofs). The texture of your shingles should complement the style of your siding to create a balanced, eye-catching exterior.
If your siding is straightforward—think standard vinyl or classic clapboard—you have the flexibility to pair it with traditional 3-tab shingles or more dimensional architectural shingles. Both will look right at home.
But for homes with more character—like cedar shakes, stone, or even contemporary metal siding—opting for multi-dimensional or “designer” shingles can enhance your home’s depth and elevate its curb appeal. Brands like GAF and Owens Corning offer architectural shingles that add shadow lines and a textured finish, giving your roof a richer, more sophisticated appearance that brings out the best in more distinctive or premium siding.
In short, texture matters as much as color. Choosing the right combination ensures your home makes a statement for all the right reasons.
Charcoal Shingle Colors are a Top Pick
You can’t go wrong with charcoal for shingle colors. This incredibly versatile color blends well with nearly any siding color you pair it with!
Choose Charcoal for These Siding Colors. . .
- Most neutral shades
- James Hardie® Boothbay Blue
- Vinyl siding in Regetta (blue)
- Gray vinyl siding or James Hardie® Light Mist
- James Hardie® Arctic White
- Yellow in vinyl siding or Hardie®
- James Hardie® Mountain Sage
Charcoal shingles are especially popular when paired with today’s trending gray siding. Since gray is a true neutral, it gives you the flexibility to go bold with a dark roof—think deep charcoal, slate, or even black. If your home features a darker gray or blue siding, charcoal shingles will create a cohesive, modern look that feels both classic and fresh. Prefer something a bit softer? Pairing charcoal with lighter gray or white siding provides a crisp, high-contrast style that never goes out of fashion.
Whether your home is finished in timeless neutrals, dramatic blues, or earthy greens, charcoal shingles remain a go-to choice for homeowners seeking both curb appeal and versatility.
Best Roof Shingle Color Options for Beige Siding
Wondering what roof shingle colors look best with beige, tan, or off-white siding? You’re in good company—these classic, warm hues are popular throughout New England. The right roof shade can set off your home’s exterior, adding impressive contrast and curb appeal.
Top Picks for Beige or Tan Siding:
- Charcoal and Deep Grays: Striking and versatile, charcoal shingles pair effortlessly with beige or tan siding. The contrast is bold but timeless, drawing the eye without overpowering your home’s softer tones.
- Rich Browns: Opt for deeper browns—think espresso or driftwood—for a cozy, welcoming look. These colors complement the warmth of beige and tan while giving your roof added dimension.
- Slate and Pewter: Cool, mid-toned grays like slate or pewter offer subtle sophistication, providing just enough contrast and perfectly suiting both traditional and contemporary exteriors.
If you want to let your siding shine but still enjoy added curb appeal, steer clear of overly light shingles. Darker colors tend to highlight architectural details, creating depth and interest even on the simplest facades.
Pick Pewter Gray for a Picturesque Curb Appeal
When you want a little more pep for your curb appeal, pick pewter gray. This shingle color can add dramatic flair to your exterior without being over the top.
Pewter is Suitable for This Type of Siding . . .
- Contemporary exterior color palettes
- James Hardie® Countrylane Red
- Vinyl siding Lighthouse Red
- James Hardie® Evening Blue
More Popular Colors of Asphalt Roof Shingles
While charcoal and pewter are popular shingle colors, there are more options to consider. GAF roofing lists these colors as the most popular options for New England homes:
Trending Roof Shingle Colors for 2024
Home exterior trends can shift from year to year, but certain shingle colors consistently stand the test of time. When selecting a roof color, it’s smart to consider not just current trends but also what will complement your home’s architectural style and siding. For example, a mid-century modern home can look stunning with bold choices like blues or greens, while a classic craftsman shines with darker hues such as forest green or deep red.
Some of the most popular shingle color families for 2024 include:
- Light browns: sand, taupe, desert
- Dark browns: autumnal brown, tree bark, weathered wood
- Blues: denim, navy, sky, blue-green
- Greens: forest, moss, hunter
- Off-whites: beige, stone, tan, khaki
Enhance Your Curb Appeal with Ebony Metal Shingle Colors
While asphalt shingles are popular, don’t forget about the aesthetic power of metal roof shingles. When it comes to metal, New England homeowners love VicWest North Ridge Slate Roof in Ebony Signature.
Ebony Metal Roofing Works with . . .
- James Hardie® Arctic White
- James Hardie® Countrylane Red
- Vinyl siding Lighthouse Red
- James Hardie® Mountain Sage
Consider creating a contrast with cool colors like James Hardie® Light Mist or another siding that is blue-gray or off-white. A bold red can make a very dramatic and beautiful upgrade!
Whether you’re drawn to classic browns, serene greens, or deep, dramatic ebony, there’s a roof shingle color to suit your style and boost your home’s curb appeal.
What Color is Right for Your Roof? Architectural Styles and Complementary Shingle Colors
When selecting the best color for roofing shingles in New England, it’s important to consider your home’s architectural style. Different architectural designs have traditionally paired with specific shingle colors that enhance their distinctive features.
Don’t Forget Your Landscaping When Choosing Shingle Colors
Your landscaping plays a key role in how your roof color looks from the curb. If your yard is full of vibrant, colorful flowers or you love hanging baskets that change with the seasons, opt for cool-toned shingles—think deeper grays, charcoal, or even subtle blue-gray hues. These can help balance out bold plant colors and keep your exterior looking cohesive, not busy.
On the other hand, if your property is filled with evergreens, native shrubs, or plenty of natural woodland features, consider warmer shingle colors. Rich browns, weathered wood, or earthy tones work beautifully with greenery and give your home a warm, inviting feel all year round.
By letting your landscaping “set the stage,” you’ll choose a roof color that looks thoughtfully matched—not just to your siding, but to the whole picture your home presents.
Colonial Homes
New England’s iconic Colonial homes typically feature symmetrical facades and traditional styling. For authentic Colonial charm, consider classic colors of asphalt roof shingles like weathered wood, pewter gray, or slate. These colors complement the historical character while providing modern protection. Many homeowners find that darker shingles create an elegant, established look that highlights the clean lines of Colonial architecture.
Cape Cod Style
Cape Cod homes are quintessentially New England, with their steep roofs designed to shed snow. Traditional Cape Cod homes pair beautifully with weathered wood or driftwood shingles that evoke coastal charm. For a more contemporary take, consider charcoal or pewter gray shingles that maintain the home’s classic appeal while providing modern durability.
Victorian Homes
Victorian architecture, with its ornate details and decorative elements, can handle more dramatic roofing choices. Deep colors like hunter green, burgundy, or even black can accentuate the intricate trim work and multiple gables. These bolder choices count among the popular shingle colors for homeowners looking to highlight Victorian craftsmanship.
Craftsman Homes
The earthy aesthetic of Craftsman homes pairs beautifully with natural, organic shingle colors. Consider terra cotta, hunter green, or brown shades that complement the natural materials and handcrafted details typical of this style. Earth tones enhance the connection to nature that defines Craftsman design.
If your Craftsman features brown siding, be mindful not to overwhelm the exterior with a roof color that either clashes or blends in too much. A dark brown house, for instance, comes alive with a multi-colored roof—think shingles that incorporate green, brown, and gray hues. This layered look adds visual interest and texture, accentuating the brown siding while avoiding a monochromatic effect. By choosing a roof palette that harmonizes with the siding, you maintain the warmth and inviting charm that Craftsman homes are known for.
Modern and Contemporary Homes
For sleek, contemporary homes, consider contrasting colors that create architectural interest. Stark blacks, charcoals, or even slate blues can provide striking contrast against modern siding materials. These homes often benefit from the most popular shingle colors with clean lines and minimal variation to maintain their contemporary aesthetic.
Farmhouse Style
The increasingly popular farmhouse style typically features white or light-colored siding. Balance this with medium to dark roof shingles such as charcoal, black, or dark brown. This classic contrast creates the timeless farmhouse look that has become one of the best roof shingles for New England homes seeking rustic charm with modern performance.
Natural Wood Siding (Shakes)
Homes featuring natural wood siding—whether it’s classic cedar shakes or another rich timber—offer a warm, organic appearance that’s timeless in New England landscapes. To enhance this look, darker shingle colors like deep brown or classic black work beautifully.
- Deep Brown Shingles: These complement the wood’s natural tones, giving your home a cohesive appearance with a nod to traditional craftsmanship.
- Black Shingles: For those seeking a bolder, more contemporary statement, black shingles deliver clean lines and dramatic contrast, especially effective on rustic cabins or homes nestled among trees.
Both choices will accentuate the texture and grain of your wood siding, highlighting its natural beauty while elevating curb appeal. Choosing a darker roof also results in a striking, finished look that stands up well to the region’s changing seasons.
By matching your roofing color to your home’s architectural style, you’ll create a cohesive, visually appealing exterior that enhances your property’s character while maintaining its historical integrity. The right color combination can dramatically increase curb appeal while still honoring the architectural traditions that make New England homes so distinctive.
Most Popular Shingle Colors: Beautiful Before & After Roof Transformations!
See dream homes come to life with roof installation near me–found throughout Massachusetts, Southern NH and Southern Maine!
Looking for More Inspiration for Best Roof Shingles for New England?
Whether you want to go bold, classic, or a style in between, there are shingle colors available to suit your taste. Specifically for metal roof replacement, there is a rainbow of color options to design your dream home! Check out the color swatches below:
See Your Home with New Shingle Colors in 3D for Free
Take the guesswork out of what your home will look like with new shingle colors. You can see what your home will look like in 3D for free with a new roof! Whether you want to go with metal, asphalt, or even solar, contact us now to set up your free in-home design consultation with a complimentary 3D preview.
Finding the best color for roofing shingles is an important decision that can transform your home’s appearance. With these popular shingle colors as inspiration, you’ll be well on your way to selecting the perfect roof for your New England home.