The Best Coastal Paint Colors for Creating a Breezy, Laid-Back Vibe—Even in the City
By: Mackenzie
Coastal paint colors are the perfect way to bring that serene, beachy feel to your home. It doesn’t matter if you live by the shore or just want to evoke the tranquil vibes of coastal living. From creamy whites to weathered grays, these hues transform your home into an inviting, relaxed retreat. Read on to explore our favorite coastal shades.
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Quiet creamy whites
Creamy whites are the ultimate coastal chameleons — effortlessly bright, endlessly inviting, and just sun-kissed enough to feel warm without veering into yellow territory. They reflect natural light beautifully, making homes feel airy and open. Unlike stark whites that can feel harsh, soft whites like Sherwin-Williams® Greek Villa (shown above) or Sherwin-Williams® Paperwhite (seen below) have a subtle, welcoming warmth. They pair effortlessly with ocean blues, seafoam greens, and sandy beiges, creating an aesthetic that works just as well in a beach town as it does in a city longing for a touch of coastal serenity.
WE ALWAYS RECOMMEND SAMPLING AND TESTING PAINT COLORS BEFORE COMMITTING. FACTORS SUCH AS NATURAL LIGHTING, UNDERTONES, AND YOUR PROPERTY’S FIXED ELEMENTS WILL HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON HOW A COLOR WILL APPEAR ON YOUR EXTERIOR. OUR FRIENDS AT SAMPLIZE OFFER EXTRA-LARGE 9 X 14.75 INCH PEEL-AND-STICK PAINT SAMPLES OF THE COLORS WE LOVE FOR EXTERIORS. ORDER YOUR ‘REAL PAINT, NO MESS’ SAMPLES FROM SAMPLIZE HERE.
Earthy greens
Earthy greens bring a natural, grounding presence to a home’s exterior, and they’re one of my favorite coastal paint colors. Shades like Benjamin Moore Jockey Hollow Gray — shown in the design above — strike a perfect balance between green and gray, giving off an understated elegance. It’s the kind of color that blends seamlessly with its surroundings. With its muted, weathered quality, Jockey Hollow Gray is soft, sophisticated, and calming.
For a deeper, moodier take on coastal green, Benjamin Moore’s Desert Twilight — in the design below — offers a rich, earthy tone. Its slight blue-gray undertones keep it cool and refreshing, while its depth adds a sense of coziness and character. Paired with crisp white trim, it exudes beauty, but when combined with warm wood accents, it takes on a more rustic, nature-inspired feel.
To really lean into a breezy aesthetic, pair earthy greens with soft, sun-faded tones and natural textures. White trim keeps things fresh and classic, but swapping it for an off-white or warm greige adds a subtle, weathered elegance. Muted blues and sandy beige tones also complement greens beautifully, whether through shutters, doors, or outdoor furniture.
For a more organic coastal feel, incorporate raw materials like cedar shake siding, stone accents, or even copper fixtures that develop a soft patina over time. And don’t forget the landscaping — wispy grasses, hydrangeas, and wood or Corten steel planters can add to the relaxed, nature-infused vibe of an earthy green exterior.
Sandy shades
We love coastal paint colors that draw from the environment they’re in. Sandy shades bring an effortless, sun-warmed glow to exteriors, evoking the soft, neutral tones of the beach. In the design above, Sherwin-Williams® Accessible Beige proves itself a versatile hue, offering a perfectly balanced beige with just enough warmth to feel inviting but not overly golden. It has subtle gray undertones that keep it from feeling too creamy, making it a great choice for a breezy, laid-back aesthetic. When paired with the crisp white trim and wood accents, Accessible Beige radiates that relaxed, beachside charm.
For a slightly richer, sandier tone, Benjamin Moore’s Manchester Tan brings a classic coastal elegance. Its warm undertones mimic the color of sandy shores, creating a naturally soothing effect that works beautifully with wood accents, stone pathways, and soft coastal landscaping. Manchester Tan shifts with the light, looking fresh and airy in full sun while taking on a cozy depth in the shade.
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Bright white
Bright white is the ideal shade if you’re looking for crisp coastal paint colors that are fresh, clean, and timeless. Its reflective quality makes a home feel open and airy, almost as if it’s basking in the salty breeze. Unlike warmer, creamier whites, a true bright white like Sherwin-Williams® Arctic White shown above has a sharp, bright finish that enhances architectural details, making porches feel more inviting and trim pop with definition.
Few combinations capture the essence of laid-back coastal living quite like bright white paired with wood Bahama shutters, and other wood accents for a cohesive aesthetic. The contrast of crisp white siding with the natural warmth of wood shutters creates a look that’s refined, yet relaxed. This is a perfect combo for homes that want a little island charm. To really make the white stand out, we embraced wispy grasses throughout the landscaping, fully embracing breezy vibes.
Soft, airy blues and greens
Soft, airy blues and greens have a way of transforming a space into a calming retreat. These colors feel fresh, and they’re one of our favorite realms to pull from for coastal paint colors. They reflect the sky, the sea, and the softest shades of nature, making a house feel welcoming without demanding attention. Whether used on siding, shutters, or a front door, these hues add a touch of personality while maintaining a sense of tranquility.
Benjamin Moore’s Palladian Blue, shown in the rendering above, is a quintessential coastal hue, striking the perfect balance between blue and green with a hint of gray to keep it from feeling too pastel. This shade works particularly well on siding, front doors, or shutters, where it reflects natural light in the most serene way. When paired with soft whites and warm neutrals, Palladian Blue creates a serene seaside aesthetic.
For a more subdued take on coastal color, Sherwin-Williams® Sea Salt leans into its muted green-gray undertones, offering a barely-there wash of color that shifts beautifully with the light. In bright sun, it takes on a misty green hue, while in shade, it reads as a soft, silvery blue. This shade is perfect for homeowners who want a hint of color without overwhelming their exterior, blending seamlessly with natural surroundings. You can use it on siding or as an accent. Sea Salt always delivers that easy, windswept look.
Weathered grays
Weathered grays give off a relaxed, coastal charm. These coastal paint colors offer an earthy elegance that blends effortlessly with natural surroundings, creating a serene, lived-in look. Paired with white trim, soft blues, or natural wood accents, weathered grays provide a sophisticated, laid-back foundation that feels fresh and organic.
Benjamin Moore’s La Paloma Gray (pictured above) is a warm, mid-tone gray with soft taupe undertones that evoke the natural beauty of stone. Its depth creates a welcoming yet understated look, ideal for both siding and trim. On the lighter side, Benjamin Moore’s Gray Owl (below) is a cool gray with subtle silver undertones. This shade feels fresh and bright in sunlight but transforms into a misty, fog-like tone in the shade. How perfect is that for creating a calming, breezy atmosphere?
Coast to cul-de-sac
Whether you’re channeling the effortless elegance of creamy whites, the natural tranquility of earthy greens, or the laid-back charm of sandy shades, the perfect coastal paint color can transform your home into a serene retreat. As you select the shade that speaks to you, remember that testing and sampling are key to achieving the look you envision.
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