Window shutters not only influence the overall look of your home’s exterior, but they also help express accents for an outward look. While some people overlook them, shutters serve as a way to refresh your home’s exterior without committing to a full repainting.
Fortunately, several paint colors work well on window shutters, making the decision dependent on personal preferences and palette choices. Before we check out the best paint colors for shutters, it is vital to understand how to pick shutter colors.
This way, you can always make informed choices for your home decor and look.
Table of Contents
How to Pick Shutter Colors
In order to pick the best shutter color for your home, you should consider the following factors.
Nature of Shutter Color
Remember that any paint color you use on your window shutter works as an accent to the exterior of your home. As such, you don’t want a paint color that will overwhelm the main exterior color. Rather, you want something that complements the main color.
This is the main reason why most window shutter colors have high versatility and depth of color.
Window Trim Color
Since the window trim color usually differs from the shutter color, you should go for something that complements the shutter color. White trim colors remain the safest options. However, you can opt for deeper trim colors, especially in cases where you pick white as your shutter color.
Neighborhood Colors
Your home’s exterior look contributes to the look of the neighborhood and shouldn’t contradict or clash with surrounding colors. As such, you should pick a shutter color that not only complements your exterior but also goes well with the colors of the neighborhood.
This way, your home will fit right into the surrounding, adding to its beauty and grandeur.
Home Decor Style
This sums everything up as your home decor style should incorporate all the other colors you used. You wouldn’t want a shutter color that contradicts the overall decor style. Safest options include deep or bright colors with high versatility.
Best Black Paint Colors for Shutters
1. Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black (SW 6258)
With an almost perfect black look and zero undertones, Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black remains one of the best paint colors for shutters. The dark neutral has a low LRV of 3, reflecting very little light and exuding neither warmth nor coolness.
Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black works best on shutters when paired with bright white paint colors. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t use it with any other color you might have in mind. It has one of the highest versatility out there, thanks to its closeness to true black.
Suitable pairing choices include Sherwin Williams Classic Light Buff, Pure White, Ice Cube, and Blithe Blue.
Paint Color | LRV | RGB Value | Undertone(s) | Reading |
Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black | 3 | R:47 G:47 B:48 | None | Neutral |
2. Benjamin Moore Black Panther (2125-10)
If you want a deep black paint color with a rich, inky vibe, check out Benjamin Moore Black Panther. As its name implies, the dark neutral gives a luxurious black look like the lovely coat of a Black Panther.
Benjamin Moore Black Panther has an LRV of 6.51 and a deep blue undertone. Fortunately, it doesn’t throw its blue in your face, even in bright light. On shutters, the paint color adds some extra beauty and color to the building’s overall look.
Paint colors that pair well with BM Black Panther include Benjamin Moore White Heron, White Wisp, Boothbay Gray, and Sea Haze
Paint Color | LRV | RGB Value | Undertone(s) | Reading |
Benjamin Moore Black Panther | 6.51 | R:62 G:64 B:65 | Inky Blue | Cool |
3. Sherwin Williams Bohemian Black (SW 6988)
Although it qualifies as a black paint color, Sherwin Williams Bohemian Black adds a more colorful appearance to any space. It has strong, rich brown undertones that take it beyond being just a black paint color.
Sherwin Williams Bohemian Black has an LRV of 4, which indicates its weak reflecting power. Using this dark neutral on your shutters gives it access to abundant sunlight that brings out its beauty and richness.
Excellent pairing choices include Sherwin Williams Extra White, Snowbound, and Porch Ceiling.
Paint Color | LRV | RGB Value | Undertone(s) | Reading |
Sherwin Williams Bohemian Black | 4 | R:59 G:55 B:60 | Brown | Warm |
4. Benjamin Moore Onyx (2133-10)
This comes in handy when you want a luxurious look for your shutters. Benjamin Moore Onyx has a grounded, rich, and sophisticated appearance that makes a bold statement in any space. While it looks great on walls, the dark neutral works wonder on wood and metal.
Benjamin Moore Onyx has an LRV of 4.99, which means that it reflects little light and pairs well with much brighter paint colors. One good setting for this paint color involves pairing it with white colors for a proper monochromatic effect and vibe.
Examples of other pairing options include Benjamin Moore London Fog, Gypsy Love, Gray Owl, and White Dove.
Paint Color | LRV | RGB Value | Undertone(s) | Reading |
Benjamin Moore Onyx | 4.99 | R:54 G:53 B:53 | Non-discernable | Neutral |
5. Sherwin Williams Black Magic (SW 6991)
More often than not, people mistake this dark neutral with SW Tricorn Black. However, it looks similar, Sherwin Williams Black Magic has a unique appearance and property. While it has the same LRV of 3, the paint color has a bit more color, making it more popular among homeowners.
Sherwin Williams Black Magic reads warm, thanks to its subtle brown undertones. However, you will sometimes detect true black, especially when the light hits it right. Using it on your shutters works best with brighter paint colors on the walls.
You don’t have to worry about what paint colors to pair with it, as Sherwin Williams Black Magic has a high versatility too. Examples of suitable pairing options include Sherwin Williams Lemon Meringue, Anjou Pear, and Snowbound.
Paint Color | LRV | RGB Value | Undertone(s) | Reading |
Sherwin Williams Black Magic | 3 | R:50 G:49 B:50 | Subtle Brown and True Black | Warm |
6. Behr Totally Black (HDC-MD-04)
Behr Totally Black is one of the deepest black paint colors you can get from the brand. It has an LRV of 5 and looks amazing on wood and brick walls. Like SW Tricorn Black, Behr Totally Black has no discernable undertones, which makes it an ideal choice for shutters in white houses.
While it has good proximity to true black, you should note that Behr Totally Black still falls behind other colors from the brand, like Behr Limousine Leather. The paint color pairs nicely with several others, like Behr Swirling Water, Admiral Blue, and Ginger Jar.
Paint Color | LRV | RGB Value | Undertone(s) | Reading |
Behr Totally Black | 5 | R:63 G:64 B:65 | Non-discernable | Neutral |
7. Sherwin Williams Iron Ore (SW 7069)
Sherwin Williams Iron Ore makes it to this list because it shines when used sparingly in spaces. Since you will use it on shutters, the dark neutral can achieve its full potential in such areas as you will pair it with relevant colors.
With an LRV of 6 and deep, well-hidden green undertones, Sherwin Williams Iron Ore can add the right richness and sophistication to your home’s exterior. Try pairing it with much brighter paint colors on walls for wonderful results.
Excellent pairing options include Sherwin Williams Extra White, Nebulous White, and Cityscape.
Paint Color | LRV | RGB Value | Undertone(s) | Reading |
Sherwin Williams Iron Ore | 6 | R:67 G:67 B:65 | Well-hidden Green | Balanced |
Best Navy Paint Colors for Shutters
8. Sherwin Williams Naval (SW 6244)
Sherwin Williams Naval brings the calm and serenity of the ocean to any space. The deep blue paint color not only looks great on walls but it also goes well on wood. Using it on your shutters will give a welcoming and colorful vibe, apart from the sheer beauty the paint color adds.
With gray and green undertones, Sherwin Williams Naval reads cool all the time. It also has a wonderful depth of color, thanks to its LRV of 4. Yes, this beautiful blue paint color has weak reflectance, hence its need for abundant light, which it will get when used on shutters.
While it pairs nicely with lots of colors, SW Naval pairs best with others like Sherwin Williams Ramie, Icicle, and Roycroft Suede.
Paint Color | LRV | RGB Value | Undertone(s) | Reading |
Sherwin Williams Naval | 4 | R:47 G:61 B:76 | Green and Gray | Cool |
9. Sherwin Williams In The Navy (SW 9178)
Here, we have a deep blue paint color that offers depth, richness, and beauty all in one. Sherwin Williams In The Navy brings a soothing calm and solidity to any space. This is one of the reasons why most homeowners prefer to use it in studies, bedrooms, or libraries.
Sherwin Williams In The Navy has the same LRV as SW Naval but more richness and less neutrality. This means that you can pick it if you want something richer and more beautiful. However, it sacrifices versatility for these extra attributes, hence its lesser number of pairings compared to SW Naval.
However, this doesn’t mean the paint color lacks good versatility. It pairs well with several other colors like Sherwin Williams Dirty Martini, Pure White, and Illusive Green.
Paint Color | LRV | RGB Value | Undertone(s) | Reading |
Sherwin Williams In The Navy | 4 | R:40 G:56 B:73 | Subtle Purple | Cool |
10. Sherwin Williams Moscow Midnight (SW 9142)
If you want to add beauty and an air of mystery to your home’s exterior, check out Sherwin Williams Moscow Midnight. The saturated blue has an LRV of 5 and an impressive depth that looks amazing every time you behold it.
It reads cool and pairs well with a wide range of paint colors, regardless of whether they read cool or warm. Despite its low LRV, Sherwin Williams Moscow Midnight works well in interior and exterior spaces. It also looks good in dim spaces, even though you will get the best results in well-lit areas.
Excellent pairing options include Sherwin Williams Comfort Gray, Pearly White, and Mountain Air.
Paint Color | LRV | RGB Value | Undertone(s) | Reading |
Sherwin Williams Moscow Midnight | 5 | R:32 G:70 B:82 | Green | Cool |
Best White Paint Colors for Shutters
11. Sherwin Williams Pure White (SW 7005)
Sherwin Williams Pure White is one of the most popular paint colors from the brand. It has one of the highest versatility out there and works well in any space. Unlike some white paint colors that look stark or too crisp on wood and shutters, SW Pure White looks more homely and soft.
The reason is that the bright white has subtle yellow undertones that prevent it from being stark. It also has a tiny bit of black that ensures that it doesn’t look too creamy. All of these, in addition to an LRV of 84, make Sherwin Williams Pure White an excellent choice for shutters, as well as other areas in a home.
Suitable pairing options include Sherwin Williams Perle Noir and March Wind.
Paint Color | LRV | RGB Value | Undertone(s) | Reading |
Sherwin Williams Pure White | 84 | R:237 G:236 B:230 | Subtle Yellow and Tiny Black | Warm |
12. Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (2121-70)
With a high LRV of 90.04 and no discernable undertone, Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace offers an option to have a bright neutral that agrees with almost any color on your shutters. The popular and classic white paint color has one of the highest versatility from the brand. Most experts and homeowners see it as an equivalent of SW High Reflective White.
Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace has a balanced look because it reads neither warm nor cool. With the absence of any discernable undertone, the bright go-to white pairs nicely with almost any paint color you have in mind. Also, it gives a pristine and sophisticated vibe in any space.
Suitable pairing options include Benjamin Moore Classic Gray, White Wisp, Georgia Pink, and Bird’s Egg.
Paint Color | LRV | RGB Value | Undertone(s) | Reading |
Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace | 90.04 | R:245 G:247 B:242 | Indiscernible | Balanced |
Best Green Paint Colors for Shutters
13. Sherwin Williams Courtyard (SW 6440)
Sherwin Williams Courtyard is a deep and beautiful shade of green with an LRV of 9. More often than not, you will encounter this paint color on wooden cabinets or doors. This goes to that it perfectly fits such areas, and shutters are no exception.
The beautiful green works well in nature-inspired themes and palettes. It pairs nicely with whites, off-white, and even warm paint colors. Since it works well in interior and exterior spaces, Sherwin Williams Courtyard qualifies for this list.
Suitable coordinating colors include Sherwin Williams Origami White, Spinach White, and Fawn Brindle.
Paint Color | LRV | RGB Value | Undertone(s) | Reading |
Sherwin Williams Courtyard | 9 | R:71 G:88 B:66 | Green | Cool |
14. Farrow & Ball Green Smoke (No. 47)
With a sense of calm and familiarity, Farrow & Ball Green Smoke might just be what your home’s exterior needs. It has an LRV of 19 and a dreamy/misty vibe that feels welcoming in any area or room. While you might detect gray undertones, the paint color, in fact, has hints of blue in it. However, it hides them so well that you will probably miss them.
Farrow & Ball Green Smoke has good versatility and reads cool mostly. It pairs well with several other paint colors and works wonders in interior and exterior spaces. Examples of relevant coordinating colors include Farrow & Ball Light Gray, Shaded White, Jitney, School House White, and Old White.
Paint Color | LRV | RGB Value | Undertone(s) | Reading |
Farrow & Ball Green Smoke | 19 | R:99 G:111 B:101 | Gray and Blue | Cool |
15. Sherwin Williams Greenblack (SW 6994)
Although most people classify it as a black paint color, I choose to include it in the green color section for this list. Sherwin Williams Greenblack is just that; a nice blend of green black with an LRV of 4.
This deep black gives more color and beauty than the average black neutral, thanks to the green. One of the best ways to see this paint color in all its beauty is by using it on woodwork or accent walls. In this case, using Sherwin Williams Greenblack on your shutters will yield splendid results, especially when paired with relevant coordinating colors.
Suitable pairing options include Sherwin Williams Rave Red, Snowbound, and Extra White.
Paint Color | LRV | RGB Value | Undertone(s) | Reading |
Sherwin Williams Greenblack | 4 | R:55 G:58 B:58 | Green | Cool |
16. Sherwin Williams Dried Thyme (SW 6186)
Sherwin Williams Dried Thyme is an organic shade of green with hints of blue to cool it. The outdoorsy paint color has an LRV of 21 and looks best on kitchen cabinets and exterior woodwork like shutters.
It looks lighter than its LRV indicates and has a fresh, sophisticated vibe that fits almost any space. While it works well with several palettes, you will encounter it more often in nature-inspired themes.
Paint colors that pair nicely with SW Dried Thyme include Sherwin Williams Grecian Ivory, Ethereal White, and Prairie Grass.
Paint Color | LRV | RGB Value | Undertone(s) | Reading |
Sherwin Williams Dried Thyme | 21 | R:123 G:128 B:112 | Hints of Blue | Cool |
17. Sherwin Williams Shade-Grown (SW 6188)
To wrap up the list, I have included a warm and cozy shade of green that looks lovely on shutters and cabinets alike. Sherwin Williams Shade-Grown is a deep shade of green with an LRV of 8 and subtle yellow undertones.
While it works nicely in interior spaces, the paint color also does wonders in exterior spaces, which include shutters. Simply ensure that you pair it with the appropriate paint colors, and you will get excellent results.
Suitable pairing options include Sherwin Williams Green Onyx, Ethereal White, and Grecian Ivory.
Paint Color | LRV | RGB Value | Undertone(s) | Reading |
Sherwin Williams Shade-Grown | 8 | R:78 G:81 B:71 | Subtle Yellow | Warm |
Conclusion
The best paint colors for shutters range from bright whites to deep black, offering a wealth of options. Sometimes, people opt to use the same paint color on the shutters and as a window trim, which works too. However, it will never be as stylish or beautiful as pairing colors.
Finally, note that it is not compulsory to match shutter colors with your front door. Whether or not you choose to match both colors depends entirely on personal preference.