The Best Colors to Paint Exterior Commercial Properties

The power of a well-selected palette can't be overstated. It shapes first impressions, enhances curb appeal, and can even subtly influence customer behavior. This isn't about chasing trends or picking a color because it's your personal favorite. Instead, it's about understanding your business, your brand, and the message you want to project to your potential customers.

In this guide, we'll delve into the psychology of colors, how different industries might lean towards certain hues, and the role of branding in color selection. You'll find practical tips to choose the right colors, examples of successful color combinations, and pointers for maintaining your exterior's fresh look.

Understanding the Color Psychology 

Colors aren't just decorative. You may not realize it, but they speak a language that's understood universally. Let’s take blue, for example. Blue often conveys a sense of trust, loyalty, and calm. You'll see it a lot in the finance and healthcare sectors because of its steady, reliable vibe. Red, on the other hand, is vibrant, energetic, and attention-grabbing. It's why it finds a home in the fast food industry, among others. It's about projecting an image of innovation, precision, and efficiency. A spa, with its focus on relaxation and tranquility, often opts for earth tones that evoke a sense of peace and nature. There's more than instinct at play here. A study in the Journal of Business Research found that customers were more likely to return to stores that used colors they liked. 

By now, you can probably get an idea of why and how famous brand stores are so impactful. Therefore, when you’re choosing a paint color exterior for your business, make sure to keep in mind the following criteria:

Understand your brand:  Do you want to convey reliability, creativity, luxury, or perhaps eco-friendliness? The psychology of color can play a big role in how your brand is perceived, so make sure you understand what different colors symbolize before making your decision.

Study your surroundings: Consider the environment around your property. If your building is in a historic downtown area, for instance, you might want to choose colors that fit with the existing architecture and aesthetic. On the other hand, if you're in a more modern or industrial area, brighter or bolder colors might be more appropriate.

Use digital tools: Make use of online color visualizers from trusted paint brands like Kelly Moore and Sherwin Williams. These handy tools let you upload a photo of your building and virtually 'paint' it with different colors, giving you a good sense of how the final result might look.

Check out our handy paint resources here. 

Consult with professionals: Lastly, don't underestimate the value of professional advice. A painting contractor or color consultant can provide valuable insights and help you avoid potential pitfalls. They can help guide you through the process, taking into account factors like light direction, architectural style, and local regulations.

The Best Paint Colors For Commercial Properties

Light Gray

Light gray is a color that means business. It's a solid choice for commercial exteriors because it projects an image of professionalism and modernity. It's neutral, so it pairs well with most accent colors, but it's not as stark or clinical as white can sometimes be. You'll often see it used by tech companies and offices because it subtly conveys a sense of innovation and efficiency.

The cool, balanced nature of light gray also means it blends well with the surrounding urban environment. Whether your property is nestled among leafy parks or towering skyscrapers, light gray doesn't clash. Plus, it's practical. It hides dirt and dust better than lighter shades, reducing the visible impact of city grime between cleanings.

From a branding perspective, light gray offers a clean canvas. Whether your company colors are bold and bright or soft and muted, they'll pop against a light gray background. This makes your signage more noticeable and your entrance more inviting.

Beige

Beige, a quiet but strong contender in the world of commercial property colors. Known for its warm and approachable qualities, beige is a natural fit for businesses that want to project a friendly and inviting image. It's unassuming, yet has the right amount of warmth to it, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of businesses.

Many service industry businesses, like salons, boutiques, and coffee shops, lean towards beige because it creates a soothing, comfortable backdrop. It's like a visual welcome mat, urging people to come in, take their time, and relax.

Beige also happens to be a practical choice for exterior color. It's light enough to keep the property looking clean, yet forgiving enough to hide minor dirt or wear. The versatility of beige allows it to complement a variety of accent colors, making your logos or company signs stand out.

Another plus for beige is that it blends well with the surroundings, particularly in areas with a lot of greenery or stonework. It works harmoniously with natural environments, creating a sense of cohesion rather than conflict.

White

Sometimes, simplicity always wins. White — it’s timeless, versatile, and has an undeniable charm. White is used across a wide variety of commercial properties, from chic boutiques to cutting-edge tech firms. It might be a 'non-color,' but its impact is anything but subtle.

To begin with, white amplifies natural light. It reflects sunlight, making your building stand out and even appear larger. It's particularly effective for smaller properties that need a boost in stature or visibility.

Businesses seeking a clean, minimalist aesthetic will find white a perfect fit. It's a blank canvas allowing other design elements - your logo, a striking front door, or landscaping - to take center stage.

Apart from minimalism, a white exterior can also evoke a sense of elegance and tradition. Think of stately white-columned buildings or historical storefronts in a bustling city center.

Yet, for all its merits, white demands care and maintenance. It shows dirt and scuffs easily, which means a regular cleaning schedule is essential to keep it looking its best. However, the luminous, fresh look of a well-maintained white exterior is often worth the extra effort.

So if your goal is to create a space that's bright, welcoming, and adaptable to various styles, white can be your ideal color choice. It's a testament to the power of simplicity and a testament that sometimes, less truly is more.

Dark Green

This may be a bit unconventional for commercial exteriors, perhaps, but that's where its strength lies. Dark green is a dynamic color choice that can convey a wealth of meanings and evoke a variety of responses.

Most prominently, dark green is a nod to nature. It communicates a commitment to tranquility, growth, and renewal. For businesses that want to be associated with environmental consciousness, like organic markets or eco-tourism companies, it's an ideal pick.

But the appeal of dark green isn't limited to 'green' businesses. It can also be an outstanding choice for high-end retail stores or boutique hotels, as it exudes an air of sophistication and stability. It's rich, it's bold, and it certainly makes a statement.

Dark green also has the practical advantage of concealing dirt and wear, which can be beneficial in busy city streets or dusty rural settings. Plus, it pairs well with a wide range of other colors. Imagine a dark green exterior with accents in cream, gold, or rich wood tones.

In terms of standing out, dark green has an edge. It's less common than neutral hues, which means a dark green building is more likely to catch the eye and linger in the memory.

Blue

Blue is often associated with trust and dependability. It's why you'll see it frequently on banks, healthcare centers, and technology firms. It sends a message of stability, reliability, and confidence – a key consideration if those are attributes your business aims to communicate.

Another point: blue has a distinct calming effect. Lighter blues, in particular, can create a tranquil, serene environment that's perfect for spas, wellness centers, or businesses that want to project a relaxed ambience.

Darker blues, on the other hand, like navy or cobalt, can exude luxury and sophistication. High-end retail stores, hotels, or upscale dining establishments might choose these deeper tones for their elegant and refined appeal.

From a practical standpoint, blue is versatile and pairs well with a wide variety of accent colors, from bright whites to sunny yellows. This gives you ample room to play with your branding elements and make your signage pop.

Transform Your Business Exterior with Green Valley Painting: Your Partner in Professional, Flexible, and High-Quality Painting Services

Ready to add a splash of color to your commercial property? Remember, your exterior is more than just a building; it's the face of your business, and it deserves to be outstanding. When you choose Green Valley Painting, you're not just getting a new coat of paint, you're investing in skilled craftsmanship, professionalism, and a dedicated team that respects your time and business operations.

Our experienced crew prides itself on their rigorous work ethic, clean records, and drug-free status. We're not just employees - we're a family that believes in bringing out the best in each other and in every project we handle. We adhere to stringent hiring practices and safety protocols to ensure that you receive the quality you deserve without any unwelcome surprises.

We know that your business can't press pause for a paint job. That's why we're ready to work around your schedule, whether that means evening, overnight, or weekend projects.

Brighten up your business exterior with Green Valley Painting. Let's paint the future of your business together. Reach out to us today to start your transformation journey. Contact us today!