Classic White Paint Colors for Cape Cod Homes

A white Cape Cod is the definitive New England cottage. White maximizes the perceived size of these compact homes and creates a crisp canvas for colorful landscaping. The right white has enough warmth to feel inviting, not clinical.

Snowbound Cape

Snowbound is a warm white that photographs as clean and bright. On a Cape Cod with black shutters and a red or dark door, it creates the postcard-perfect cottage.

Walls
Snowbound
SW 7004
#F3EDE1
Trim
Extra White
SW 7006
#F1EDE4
Front Door
Red Bay
SW 6321
#743A3B
Shutters
Tricorn Black
SW 6258
#2F2E2D
Accent (foundation)
Mindful Gray
SW 7016
#B2ADA4

Pure White Coastal

Pure White is slightly cooler than Snowbound, reading as a true clean white. On a Cape Cod near the coast, it echoes the brightness of sunlit sand and whitecaps.

Walls
Pure White
SW 7005
#EDEBE4
Trim
Extra White
SW 7006
#F1EDE4
Front Door
Salty Dog
SW 9177
#3E4B5E
Shutters
Salty Dog
SW 9177
#3E4B5E
Accent (porch floor)
Repose Gray
SW 7015
#C2BFB8

Tips for Classic White Cape Cod Homes

  1. A white Cape Cod relies on shutter and door color for personality. Choose bold accents: black, navy, dark green, or a statement red door.
  2. Use a slightly brighter white for trim than the body to define the dormers, window casings, and corner boards that give Cape Cods their character.

Related Color Palettes

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Frequently Asked Questions

What white paint is best for a Cape Cod exterior?
Snowbound (SW 7004) for warmth, Pure White (SW 7005) for a cleaner look. Both avoid the stark, bluish cast of bright whites. Pair with dark shutters for contrast.
How do you make a white Cape Cod look interesting?
Add bold accents. Black shutters and a red door create the classic look. Navy shutters and a matching door add coastal character. Window boxes with flowers provide seasonal color against the white backdrop.

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