Best Color Schemes for Pole Barns and Buildings  

Selecting the right color for your new building is more than just a design decision—it’s an opportunity to create something lasting and attractive. At Timberline Pole Buildings, we understand that every building tells a story. The colors you choose should reflect your project’s character and complement your surroundings, adding beauty and enhancing its overall design. Below are some expert tips to guide you in making a thoughtful color choice that aligns with your style and property’s atmosphere.

1. Color Combinations: Simple Yet Impactful

A multi-color scheme can give your building a vibrant and dynamic look. Most projects benefit from a combination of two or three complementary colors. While it’s possible to incorporate more than three, simplicity tends to create a more timeless aesthetic.

If you’re aiming for a distinctive look, consider using a variety of textures—stone, wood, or metal elements—rather than adding excessive color. These textures provide depth and personality without overwhelming the structure.

Multi-color building with texture contrasts

A well-balanced pole building using complementary colors and mixed textures like metal and wood for a unique visual appeal.

2. Harmonize with Nearby Structures

If your new building is close to your home or other structures, harmonizing with their color schemes is a smart approach. This doesn’t necessarily mean an exact match but rather choosing shades that complement each other.

For example, if your home has a neutral exterior, like a white facade with a black roof, consider matching that theme or at least incorporating black accents in your building’s design. If your house features earthy tones with stone, integrating some stone elements into your building will create cohesion and balance.

Building matching house exterior with complementary colors

A pole building designed to harmonize with the main street, creating visual unity through matching roof and trim colors.


3. Contrasting Colors: A Bold, Yet Refined Choice

While matching colors is a safe bet, don’t shy away from contrasting colors. A contrast can add interest and make your building stand out in a meaningful way. One of the most iconic examples of contrasting color schemes is the traditional American red barn, which works harmoniously with various house colors.

However, it’s important to choose contrasts that align with your overall design philosophy—bold doesn’t mean clashing. A well-thought-out contrast can enhance your building’s visual appeal and make it a centerpiece of your property.

Contrasting color scheme on a building

A bold use of contrasting scarlet red siding with a black roof, offering a striking yet classic appearance.

4. Stay True to Your Property’s Design Theme

Each property has its own unique design language, whether it’s western, cottage, industrial, or modern. Choose a color scheme that aligns with the overall theme of your property. Staying within your theme ensures that the building feels like a natural part of your space.

Whether your property has a rustic, log cabin vibe or a sleek, industrial feel, your choice of colors should support and enhance that atmosphere. For example, modern themes often incorporate neutral tones with minimalistic accents, while a country theme may feature earthy, muted tones with natural wood elements.

themed building exterior based on property theme

A farmhouse-style building that blends perfectly with the property’s overall theme through neutral colors and classic details.

5. Elevate with Textures and Materials

Incorporating a variety of textures into your building design can make a significant impact. It not only adds dimension but also speaks volumes about the quality and craftsmanship of your project. Stone, brick, galvanized metal, and cedar timber elements can be used to enhance your building’s exterior.

Consider complementing your color scheme with unique design elements like decorative lighting, stamped concrete walkways, or landscaping features. These additions create a well-rounded aesthetic that reflects the quality craftsmanship Timberline Pole Buildings is known for.

Building with mixed textures and materials

A high-end look achieved with a combination of stone, wood, and metal siding, enhancing curb appeal.

Final Thoughts:

At Timberline Buildings, we take pride in helping you create spaces that are both functional and visually pleasing. Choosing the right color and texture combination may seem challenging, but with careful consideration, your building can be both beautiful and timeless. Remember, the goal is not just to stand out, but to harmonize with your surroundings and reflect the essence of your property.

Ready to start designing your building?

Use our Design My Building tool to experiment with colors, materials, and layouts that suit your property’s style.

Once you’ve explored a few ideas, our team is here to help. We’re happy to talk through your plans, answer questions, and make sure everything feels just right—no pressure, just honest guidance from folks who build every day.

Timberline Buildings
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