Gray House with Black Shutters
A mid-tone gray body, crisp white trim and black shutters look formal without feeling stark, a reliable middle ground among exterior color combinations.
The exact colors
Brand, name and code for every role, so you can order the same swatches.
Body
Chelsea Gray
Benjamin Moore · BM HC-168
Trim
Chantilly Lace
Benjamin Moore · BM OC-65
Front door
Tricorn Black
Sherwin-Williams · SW 6258
Gutters
Chantilly Lace
Benjamin Moore · BM OC-65
Shutters
Tricorn Black
Sherwin-Williams · SW 6258
Roof
Black architectural shingles
not paint
Screen colors are approximations. Test a sample on your wall, in daylight, before you buy.
When it works
Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray (HC-168) has warmth beneath its gray, so it avoids looking flat. Chantilly Lace (OC-65) trim and gutters sharpen the outline, and Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black (SW 6258) on shutters and door adds the anchor. As a mid-depth color, Chelsea Gray holds its tone in both sun and shade better than very light grays do. It suits medium and large homes. Test a sample next to your roof, since printed and on-screen swatches only approximate the real paint.
House styles it suits
Colonial, French country and Cape Cod homes look polished in it. Symmetrical windows with properly sized shutters deliver the formal feel. On homes with stone accents, Chelsea Gray ties in with natural gray tones.
Roof, brick and stone
Black architectural shingles echo the shutters. Charcoal is also fine. Gray fieldstone and limestone pair well, while very warm red brick can clash; use it only at the foundation.
Sheen and maintenance
Use low-sheen on the body, satin on trim, and satin or semi-gloss on shutters. Give the door semi-gloss or gloss for a finished look. Wipe black shutters down occasionally to remove dust.
Questions
Black or white shutters on a gray house?
Black adds contrast and formality; white feels softer and more cottage-like.
Does Chelsea Gray read too dark?
It is mid-tone. On a small house in deep shade it can feel heavy; sample first.
Do I need white trim if shutters are black?
White trim helps the facade feel bright and defined. Without it the house can look heavy.
See this combination on your house
Upload a photo of your house; the AI keeps the roofline, windows and doors and repaints body, trim, door and gutters.