How to Pick the Right Asphalt Shingle Color for Your Home (Without Regretting It Later)

 When people talk about roofing, the first thing that usually comes to mind is “How much is this going to cost me?” or “Will this roof last 20 years?” And hey, those are valid questions. But there’s another one that often gets overlooked—what color should the shingles be?

You might be thinking, Does it even matter that much? Oh yes, it does. The color of your asphalt shingles can totally change the way your home looks from the street, affect your energy bills, and even influence your home's resale value down the line.

So, if you're working with a roofing contractor in Tennessee or a roofing company in Mississippi—or anywhere else, really—take a few extra minutes to think through your color choice. Let’s break it down like you and I are sitting on your front porch, sipping sweet tea, and talking about how not to regret this decision in five years.

Why Your Shingle Color Actually Matters

Imagine your house like an outfit. The siding is your pants and shirt. The roof? That’s the hat. Now imagine wearing a hot pink cowboy hat with a navy suit. See what I mean?

Your shingles take up a big chunk of your home’s visual appearance—sometimes up to 40% of what people see from the street. That’s not small. And while we all love a bold choice now and then, your roof is not the place to experiment with trendy colors you might get sick of next season.

Start with What You Already Have

The first step? Look at your home’s exterior. What color is your siding? Do you have brick, stone, stucco? Is your trim white, black, or something fun like blue?

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

  • Light-colored homes (think white, beige, light gray): These usually look great with darker shingles like charcoal, dark brown, or even black for a bold contrast.

  • Dark-colored homes (navy, deep green, dark red): Lighter shingles like light gray or weathered wood give the house a nice balance.

  • Brick homes: Try pulling color from the brick—maybe a shade of brown, gray, or red that already exists in the brick pattern.

If your house has a bunch of textures or colors going on already, you might want to keep your shingle color neutral to avoid a messy look.

Think About the Sun—and the Heat

Now let’s talk sunlight. If your home gets a lot of direct sunlight, your roof color is going to look different at different times of the day. A shingle that looks nice and soft gray in the store might look almost black in the afternoon sun.

Also, darker shingles soak up heat, which can make your attic (and your energy bills) hotter—especially during those Southern summers in Mississippi and Tennessee. Lighter shingles can reflect more sunlight and help keep your home cooler.

But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with beige shingles. There are lots of great-looking light and mid-tone options that still give your home personality without turning it into an oven.

Consider the Neighborhood (Yes, Really)

Before you get too wild with a color, take a drive around your block. What are your neighbors doing? If most homes in your area have earth-toned roofs, a bright red roof might look out of place (and could raise some eyebrows at the HOA).

Now, we’re not saying you have to blend in completely—but you probably don’t want your house to be that house either.

If you live in a planned community, there may even be rules about roof colors, so double-check before you buy those shingles.

Don’t Just Trust the Sample Board

Those little shingle samples they hand out at the roofing supply store? They're helpful—but not perfect. A tiny sample won’t show you how the whole roof will look once installed. Try to get a bigger sample or better yet—ask your roofing contractor in Tennessee or roofing company in Mississippi for addresses of homes where they’ve installed the color you’re considering.

There’s nothing like seeing the real thing in full scale, in the real light, to help make up your mind.

Shingle Color & Energy Efficiency: A Surprising Connection

Here’s something not many people think about—shingle color affects energy use.

  • Light shingles reflect sunlight and are a better choice in warm areas like Mississippi and southern Tennessee.

  • Dark shingles absorb heat, which might help in colder climates or for homeowners who like to keep it toasty indoors during the winter.

While shingle color alone won’t solve all your energy issues, it definitely plays a small but meaningful role—especially when paired with good attic insulation and ventilation.

Planning to Sell Your Home? Think Neutral

Here’s a pro tip: If you’re planning to sell your house sometime in the next 10–15 years (which is still well within your new roof’s lifespan), go with a color that appeals to the masses.

Shades like black, brown, gray, or weathered wood are classics. They look good on almost any home style and won’t scare off future buyers.

Unique colors—like green or blue—might be fun, but they can be hit or miss when it’s time to list your home.

Bonus: Ask the Pros (That’s What We’re Here For)

Still not sure what to choose? That’s where a solid, experienced roofer comes in.

At Insurance Roofs, we’ve helped homeowners all over Tennessee and Mississippi pick shingle colors that not only look great, but also perform well in our crazy Southern weather. We’ve seen what works (and what doesn’t), and we’re more than happy to share photos, samples, and real-world advice.

You don’t have to do this alone. Whether you’re in Memphis, Olive Branch, or anywhere in between, we’re the roofing contractor in Tennessee and roofing company Mississippi homeowners trust for honest advice and quality work.

Final Thoughts: It’s Your Home—Make It Look Good (and Last)

Picking a roof color might not feel like a big deal right now—but trust us, once it’s installed, you’ll see it every time you pull into the driveway. Make a smart choice today, and your future self will thank you every time the sun hits your beautiful, well-matched roof just right.

Need help deciding? Want to talk shingle colors with someone who’s done this a thousand times? Give us a call or check out our work at InsuranceRoofs.com.

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