MCM Exterior Paint Colors

Mid Century Modern architecture is made for curb appeal, and MCM exterior paint colors can take it to the next level. But where do you start? Well, you can always reverse engineer your color palette by finding color combinations on MCM homes that you love. Then consult someone who knows their paints, and you’re well on your way to a jaw-dropping exterior.

Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams, advises, “The key to success here is research–find photos or examples of true Mid Century Modern homes that you feel drawn to and work backwards from there. Once you have the research, I recommend using Sherwin-Williams ColorSnap Visualizer to identify the best color matches on our shelves to home in on specific complementary shades and tints best suited for your vision, along with testing wet samples of your favorites.” Sue matched up specific paint shades with some of MCM homes we love.

Here are a few MCM exteriors and color matches to get you started.

MCM Exterior Paint Colors: Gray + A Pop of Orange

Fullerton Forever MCM exterior gray siding, white trim, orange door — Photo by Bret Gum

Gray is a contemporary twist, but orange is classic MCM and adds a playful touch. See more of this Fullerton home here. Get the look with Bunglehouse Gray and Navel paint colors.

Bunglehouse Gray SW 2845 gray paint dollop — Bunglehouse Gray SW 2845

SW6887 Navel chip paint sample — Navel chip SW 6887

Classic MCM Trio: Tan, Red + Black

MCM exterior with black red tan — Photo by Jim Brown

This Portland Rummer sports a trio of colors that create high contrast but with enough neutrals in the mix that it doesn’t overwhelm. Get the look with these three paint shades.

SW0036 Buckram Binding — Buckram Binding SW0036

Urbane Bronze SW 7048 gray paint dollop — Urbane Bronze SW 7048

Real Red SW 6868 red paint dollop — Real Red SW 6868

Keeping it Subtle + Mid Mod

Sacramento MCM home with light paint exterior — Photo by Jim Brown

This 1961 Sacramento home’s MCM exterior paint colors are subtle yet fun, and a darker trim color creates a sharp look for solid curb appeal. Get the look with these paint colors. (Sadly, flagstone is not included.)

SW6436 Bonsai Tint paint sample — SW6436 Bonsai Tint

Tricorn Black SW 6258 black paint dollop — Tricorn Black SW 6258

Make a Splash With White + Turquoise

white and turquoise MCM exterior — Photo by Rueben Vargas

This home has graced the cover of Atomic Ranch’s Spring 2020 issue, and the bright white and turquoise color combo is the perfect MCM icing on the home’s architectural cake! So even if your home doesn’t have an accordion roof and textured wall, you can get the bright yet cool look of a white exterior with a splash of turquoise with these paint shades.

Extra White SW 7006 paint dollop — Extra White SW 7006

SW6942 Splashy paint chip — Splashy SW6942

For more ideas on MCM exterior paint colors, don’t miss How to Get The Colors of Palm Springs’ Doors! And for a whole issue’s worth of inspiration, tips and advice for MCM exteriors from curb appeal to landscape to patios to pools, don’t miss our new Exteriors issue! Get your copy here.