How to Choose the Color of Your Fence?
TRENDY COLORS IN 2023
Another important aspect to consider is that trends in fence and enclosure color schemes tend to change. Of course, the popularity of certain shades is not as dependent on fashion as it is in clothing or interior design, but dining trends cannot be completely overlooked.
So, what colors will be most popular in 2023? Experts almost unanimously agree that the trend will shift towards darker shades:
- Black – despite its seriousness, it is becoming increasingly popular. Matte and glossy black fences complement light-colored walls of houses built in classical, European, or Scandinavian styles exceptionally well.
- Graphite – an even more interesting shade. Essentially, it possesses the advantages of black (intensity, expressiveness) while avoiding its drawbacks. Graphite-themed enclosures are not offered by many companies today, but it’s worth searching for a manufacturer to achieve the desired result.
- Classic Brown – a timeless shade that never goes out of style. It’s ideal for typical houses and more unique structures in the Scandinavian style. Moreover, there is almost a 100% guarantee that a brown fence will still look just as relevant in 5-10 years.
It’s worth mentioning the emerging trend of fences in the colors and textures of natural wood. In 2023, the popularity of PRINTECH technology will continue to grow, so the demand for wood imitation will also increase. This applies to both dark and light shades: for enclosures, the contrast of the pattern and the harmonious combination of the primary tone with the color of the walls and other landscape elements are crucial. PRINTECH textures pair perfectly with fences that imitate plank or log fences such as “Brus,” “Rancho” etc.
The primary function of any fence and enclosure is to demarcate an area and prevent unauthorized access to private property. However, besides its functional aspect, every structure also has an aesthetic dimension, so it is important to choose a fence that complements the overall design. This includes the material the enclosure is made from, its shape, and, of course, its color.
Selecting the color for a fence is not as straightforward as it may seem at first glance. Ideally, the task of making this decision should be entrusted to a landscaping specialist. However, if you enjoy doing things yourself, you should carefully study the options.
CHOOSING THE COLOR OF YOUR FENCE: LANDSCAPE DESIGNER TIPS
GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION
Before choosing the color for your fence, you need to decide which option suits you better:
- A fence that blends seamlessly with the surrounding environment, making your property inconspicuous.
- A fence that stands out from the surroundings, serving as a unique “color accent.”
Both options have their merits, but they cannot be combined. So, in the initial stages, we determine whether we are looking for bold or more natural tones.
Designers offer several basic recommendations to consider:
- The fence or enclosure should be in a harmonious color palette with the main structure. This doesn’t mean the fence should be painted the same colors as the walls/roof, but excessive contrast should be avoided.
- Ideally, fences within the same street or cottage community should follow a similar color scheme. This is easier to achieve with centralized construction planning. However, if you are building fences separately, you can discuss and coordinate with your neighbors for a more harmonious look.
- Vibrant, “acidic” colors are only acceptable for low fences or individual fence elements. If the fence height exceeds 1-1.5 meters, opt for a more subdued shade.
WHAT TO CONSIDER?
When choosing a color for your fence, consider its compatibility with other landscape elements:
- The primary element to consider is the roof of the house, as it is visible from a distance. Often, the color of the fence is coordinated with the roof color, as well as other elements such as window sills and rain gutters.
- In most cases, the roof is darker compared to the facade. In this scenario, the fence should also be darker to ensure that the house’s facade stands out as a bright spot in the landscape.
- The reverse option is also possible: a light fence, a light roof, and a dark facade. This is suitable if the house faces west or northwest, as such coloring won’t strain the eyes. On the contrary, it will diminish the severity of the enclosure and the roof.
- Making the fence the same color as the facade is a contentious option. On one hand, it makes the property look neater. On the other hand, the absence of a color transition makes the landscape appear “flat,” and the architectural ensemble may not be as appealing.
- If you have growing green vegetation, choose the fence color with the understanding that trees and bushes will eventually conceal it almost entirely. By selecting a green or brown shade, you can camouflage the fence, making it as inconspicuous as possible.
COLOR CHANGE OVER TIME
Another factor to consider is the change in color over time. While you can periodically repaint a wooden fence, refreshing a brick or metal enclosure can be more challenging. Therefore, when choosing a color, you should consider possible changes:
- Vibrant colors fade in the sun. The degree of fading varies between different materials, but even the highest-quality coatings are affected by ultraviolet light to some extent.
- Dark shades such as bottle green, blue, and brown tend to become lighter.
- Light tones, on the other hand, tend to darken. This is primarily due to dust settling on any surface. While you can wash the fence periodically, this task can be labor-intensive, and over time, even a light surface will become darker.
Additionally, the location of your property should be taken into account. If your fence faces a busy street, it’s advisable not to make it too light, as such shades are suitable for applying various inscriptions. Therefore, “vandal-resistant” dark tones are typically chosen in such situations.
READY SOLUTIONS
MOST POPULAR COLORS IN FENCE AND ENCLOSURE DESIGN
If the general recommendations are clear, let’s delve into specifics. To start, let’s describe the characteristics of the most frequently used colors:
- Brown – a versatile option for fences and enclosures in residential areas. Brown is practical, unobtrusive, and blends well with most natural materials. The range of brown shades is extensive, allowing you to find a material that complements both brickwork and wooden structures. Moreover, bricks for fences are often produced in various shades of brown.
- Green – alongside brown, green is a sales leader (this includes green paint and green corrugated sheet metal). This color combination works exceptionally well together. Furthermore, green enclosures are popular in residential areas where the presence of green vegetation must be considered. It’s advisable to choose dark green colors for fences, as they are less conspicuous.
- Burgundy/Crimson – more vibrant compared to brown but possessing the same advantages. Additionally, burgundy and crimson enclosures pair well with stucco facades in creamy and pinkish shades.
- Blue – offers a non-standard appearance and is suitable for owners who want to make their property stand out. Like green fences, it’s preferable to choose dark blue shades due to their practicality.
- Gray/Black – an option that is relatively uncommon. There are two reasons for this: such fences can appear too somber, and their surfaces can be highly marked. Nevertheless, on the sunny side, a dark gray fence can be quite appropriate.
When discussing colors and shades, it’s essential not to forget about textures. When cladding a fence with decorative tiles or installing corrugated sheets, you can choose finishes that simulate natural wood or stone. Typically, the most popular shades here are gray and brown. However, the texture itself makes the fence almost ideal in terms of maintenance. Textured surfaces are less prone to marks and require minimal care.
WHICH COLOR IS EASIER TO MAINTAIN?
We’ve touched upon surface care questions several times before, but this aspect is worth highlighting separately. There’s a common belief that dark fences require no maintenance at all, but that’s not entirely accurate:
- Fences painted in light shades do indeed get dirty more quickly, with even the smallest smudge being noticeable.
- Contrary to common belief, dirt is just as visible on dark blue or black surfaces, especially after it dries and lightens.
- The least prone to marks are green and brown shades, but even such fences require maintenance.
Therefore, it’s impossible to completely avoid periodic fence cleaning. Hence, it’s advisable to choose constructions with coatings that can be easily cleaned with a hose.
COMBINING COLORS
Naturally, it’s not necessary to have the entire fence in a single color. Most of the time, shades are combined. Here are several typical solutions:
- Light supports with dark sections. This scheme is usually implemented when the fence is attached to brick pillars. Supports and the base (plinth) are made from brickwork using light materials, while wooden or metal sections, painted in a darker shade, are installed between them.
- Dark sections with light supports. This option is optimal for installing a fence on a metal frame. The supporting elements are usually made darker, and they serve as a contrasting frame for the lighter sections.
- Contrasting gates and a gate. For convenience and to create a more complete look, gates and a gate can be made in a contrasting style. Typically, they are made to stand out against the background of the main enclosure, either by being brighter or lighter.
CONCLUSION
Choosing the right color for your fence is crucial to ensure that your property looks harmonious. However, when planning the design, you shouldn’t overlook purely utilitarian aspects. Therefore, when selecting a color for your fence, consider both its long-term maintenance and its harmonious combination with other objects.