Ohio-based exterior building products distributor Alside said in an October 8 news release that its third annual survey on consumer color sentiment conducted by The Harris Poll has again reaffirmed last year’s winning choice—white/cream.
At 18%, the unoffensive color, or more accurately, a lack thereof (since white is actually an absence of color), will again be the most popular siding color in 2025, extending its reign for a third year.
Alside said the classic hue continues to dominate the market; more than two in five American homeowners, 42%, said they would choose a timeless neutral look if choosing an exterior home color in 2025.
"The persistent appeal for neutral and classic aesthetics like off-white and cream lends to the versatility of the palette and ability to enhance curb appeal without overpowering the overall design of a home," said Ryan Gibson, business director, Vinyl & Composite Cladding.
"These hues are a timeless choice that are less likely to become outdated or decrease your home's resale value, making them a smart choice for homeowners no matter which part of the United States they live in,” he added. “They also provide a solid foundation to designing a home that allows for a more personal touch giving accent colors and features space to make a statement."
Homeowners are shying away from bold colors. One-third of American homeowners in the Harris Poll said red is one of the colors they would most avoid updating their home exterior in 2025.
"There is certainly a place for bolder colors in home exteriors. They are often used more prominently in certain architectural styles and can add a vibrant, eye-catching element when used thoughtfully, Gibson said of bold colors.
“The key is to balance it with neutral tones and consider the overall style of the home and neighborhood," he added.
Breakdown of Exterior Color Preference
The survey, which covered a representative sample of over 1,300 American homeowners, revealed off-white/cream (18%) was the preferred choice among American homeowners; white (16%), light brown (13%), light gray (11%) and medium blue (8%) rounded out the top five.
Color choice doesn't stop at siding, though. When adding complementary colors to accent the home's exterior, roughly three in five homeowners (62%) match the trim with their siding color. Other answers included:
- Shutters (43%)
- Porches and decks (38%)
- Roofing (32%)
When asked how they would choose the exterior color, homeowners cite several factors. In addition to going for a "timeless neutral" (42%), top answers include:
- Cost (36%)
- Availability (25%)
- Their spouse or significant other will pick (22%)
- Based on something they saw in a magazine/home improvement show (20%)
- Meets HOA/local guidelines (20%)
Among homeowners, women are more likely than men to opt for 'timeless neutral' (48% vs. 37%) or choose based on something they saw in a magazine or home improvement show (24% vs. 16%). Meanwhile, men are likelier to say their spouse or significant other will pick (28% vs. 16%).
Breakdown of Siding Material Preference
American homeowners are seemingly incorporating warm neutrals into their specific siding material choices, too. Stone (25%) was the leading material preference they would choose when purchasing new siding.
Mixed materials were a close second, with 22% of homeowners saying they would choose to mix stone, stucco, or siding, perhaps for a balanced home exterior aesthetic. Vinyl (14%), Vertical Board & Batten composite cladding (12%), and engineered wood (12%) rounded out the other top five material choices.
To learn more, visit alside.com.
