White House with Black Trim
Black trim on a white house draws every edge like ink on paper. This version softens it with a warm white body and a natural cedar door.
The exact colors
Brand, name and code for every role, so you can order the same swatches.
Body
Alabaster
Sherwin-Williams · SW 7008
Trim
Tricorn Black
Sherwin-Williams · SW 6258
Front door
Natural cedar, clear stain
not paint
Gutters
Tricorn Black
Sherwin-Williams · SW 6258
Roof
Black standing-seam metal
not paint
When it works
The body is Sherwin-Williams Alabaster (SW 7008), a creamy white with a touch of warmth, and the trim and gutters are Tricorn Black (SW 6258). Alabaster stops the contrast from feeling clinical, especially under north light, which pushes stark whites toward blue. The look needs clean, simple windows: if your trim is ornate or your window grids are busy, black outlines every detail and the facade can look cluttered. On a narrow lot with close neighbors, black window frames also visually shrink the openings. Check samples in daylight; your monitor will not show Alabaster's warmth accurately.
House styles it suits
It is the signature of modern farmhouse and works on minimalist and contemporary homes with large, regular windows. Board-and-batten siding is a great canvas because the vertical lines add texture without more color. Avoid it on a traditional colonial with multi-pane windows unless you want a strong modern update.
Roof, brick and stone
A black standing-seam metal roof completes the scheme and reads intentional. Black shingles are a fine budget alternative. Stone should lean cool or neutral; limestone and gray fieldstone sit well. Red brick next to Alabaster and black can look busy, so limit it to a chimney or base.
Sheen and maintenance
Use a flat or low-sheen finish on the Alabaster body. Black trim looks best in satin; gloss shows every dent in wood trim. Dark colors absorb heat, so choose a paint line rated for dark exterior colors on vinyl windows and siding. Seal the cedar door with a UV-protective clear finish and refresh it on schedule.
Questions
Is black trim harder to maintain than white?
It hides grime well but fades faster in strong sun. Expect to touch up south and west sides first.
Should the gutters be black too?
Yes, with black trim, black gutters keep the roof edge consistent. White gutters would break the outline.
Can I paint vinyl window frames black?
Only with a vinyl-safe paint formulated for dark colors, and check your window warranty first. Replacement frames in black are the safer route.
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.