Choosing the right colours for your summerhouse can feel overwhelming because there are just so many possibilities! 

So, to make things easier, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from how different colours interact with sunlight to which shades work best for different purposes. Plus, we’ll explore colour combinations, warm vs cool tones, and practical maintenance tips to help you make the right choice.

For inspiration, we’ll also showcase some beautiful examples from real Summerhouse24 customers, giving you a glimpse into what’s possible for your own garden retreat.

11 Things to consider when choosing your colour scheme

Picking the perfect colour scheme for your summerhouse isn’t just about personal taste. It’s also about practicality, atmosphere, and how well your choices blend with your surroundings. To help you narrow things down, here are some questions to ask yourself:

1. Will your summerhouse get lots of sun?

If your summerhouse is going to be in full sunlight most of the day, dark colours may fade quicker and absorb heat. This might make the inside too warm on summer days. Lighter shades will reflect the sunlight and stay cooler.

2. What will you use your summerhouse for?

• A home office would look amazing in calming shades of blue or green that boost focus.
• A creative studio will come alive in energising shades of magenta, turquoise, or bright reds and yellows that are inspiring.
• A relaxation retreat works best with soft, natural tones, but you can add pops of colour with accessories, statement pieces of furniture, or even highlighting wooden details with accent colours.
• An entertainment area would be best suited to bold colours, if that’s your style.

3. What’s the overall aesthetic of your summerhouse?

• Traditional log cabins look great with natural wood stains or earthy colours. Stains can range from solid to transparent and all the opacities in between. 
• Modern designs pair well with sleek greys, blacks, or contemporary muted tones.

4. How will it fit into your garden’s existing colour scheme?

If your garden is filled with lush greenery, a warm-toned summerhouse can create a cozy contrast, while cooler tones can make it feel more serene. If you haven’t landscaped yet, this is a great opportunity to plan everything together. 

5. What existing elements should you consider?

Your summerhouse doesn’t exist in isolation, so take into account existing features like:

• Garden pathways and paving
• Fences and trellises
• Outdoor furniture and décor
• The colours of the flowers that are already in your garden 

6. Is your summerhouse visible or hidden?

• Will it be in direct view from your home?
• Will neighbours see it?
• Is it positioned near your main seating area in the garden?

These questions can help you decide whether to complement or contrast with nearby structures.

7. What kind of mood do you want to create?

• Neutral shades and cool tones like soft greens and blues create a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
• If you want a cozy space that’s warm and inviting, opt for deep wood stains, warm whites and earthy tones.
• Bold cheerful colours and playful pastels will make your summerhouse feel bright and fun
• Using contrasting colours or a monochromatic palette will give your space a sleek and modern feel. 

8. Are you willing to do maintenance?

Whatever you choose will need some maintenance, so consider which of these you’ll prefer to do when the time comes. 

• Wood stains need to be reapplied every 2 to 5 years to keep the wood in optimal condition.
• Dark colours are great for hiding dirt, but may fade in the sun and need to be redone. 
• Light colours will fade less, but also will show dirt so will need some cleaning from time to time. 

9. Do you prefer trendy or timeless styles?

A timeless colour scheme won’t get dated and need redoing, whereas following the latest trends will require you to redecorate periodically. 

10.  Are you planning to sell your home soon?

If you may sell in the near future, stick with colours that enhance your property’s value rather than overly bold or niche choices that might not appeal to buyers.

11. What’s your budget?

Some colours require more coats for full coverage or fade faster, meaning they’ll need more frequent touch-ups. Investing in high-quality paint or stain can save you time and money in the long run.

Summerhouse24.ie recommends using Royal Exterior Superior Wood Finish and Wood Preserver Plus which is a high-quality wood stain that goes the distance. 

Bonus Pro Tip: 

Always test before you commit! Once you’ve shortlisted your favourite colours, test them in different lighting conditions and view them at various times of the day. Sunlight, shade, and even cloudy weather can all affect how colours appear. If you’re unsure, consult with a professional who can help you choose the right shade for your summerhouse. 

The pictures below show how different colours can appear depending on the light:

Paint or stain? Which one is right for your summerhouse?

One of the biggest decisions when finishing your summerhouse is choosing between paint and stain. While both offer protection and style, they work in very different ways. The right choice depends on your design preferences, maintenance expectations, and the level of wood protection you need.

Why choose paint?

Paint provides a solid, opaque coating that completely covers the wood grain, giving your summerhouse a polished and uniform look. This makes it a great option if you want a specific colour or need to disguise imperfections in the wood. 

Most outdoor wood paints follow a multi-step process to ensure durability:

1. A primer or preservative base coat which protects against moisture, rot, and fungal growth.
2. The undercoat helps adhesion and creates an even surface for the top coat.
3. The topcoat adds colour and shields against weather damage.

Pros of painting your summerhouse:

• Unlimited colour options.
• It covers knots, grain variations, and surface imperfections.
• Creates a refined look and uniform finish.
• When applied correctly, paint offers excellent durability and long-lasting coverage.

Cons of painting your summerhouse:

• Over time, exposure to the elements can cause paint to crack, chip or peel.
• More prep work is required because you’ll need proper priming and multiple coats.
• Once applied, switching colours can be time-consuming.
• If not applied correctly, paint can prevent the wood from breathing, leading to potential moisture issues.
• While durable, quality paint and primers can be expensive initially.

Why choose stain?

If you love the natural beauty of wood, stain is a fantastic choice for your summerhouse. Unlike paint, which completely covers the surface, stain enhances the wood grain, allowing its unique texture to shine through.

Stains come in different levels of transparency, giving you control over how much of the wood’s natural character remains visible.

Like paint, many stains work as part of a multi-step system. Some wood preservative products available in DIY stores require both a base coat and a top coat for proper protection. Skipping one of these steps could leave your summerhouse vulnerable to moisture damage, leaks, or warping.

It’s also important to remember that not all woods react to stain the same way.

• Spruce wood should never be finished with a clear stain. Without UV protection, it can darken or develop black patches over time.
• Cedar and larch, on the other hand, naturally gray over time and can be safely finished with a clear stain.

Pros of staining your summerhouse:

• Preserves the wood’s natural beauty by highlighting the grain instead of covering it.
• Unlike paint, stains won’t crack, chip, or peel over time.
• Doesn’t require as much prep work or maintenance as paint.
• Breathable finish that allows moisture to escape, reducing the risk of trapped water that leads to moisture damage and warping.
• More cost-effective because it requires fewer coats and is often easier to refresh.

Cons of staining your summerhouse:

• Stains don’t offer the same range of colours as paint.
• If your wood has flaws, stain won’t cover them up.
• May require more frequent reapplication, especially if you’re using a lower-quality brand.
• UV exposure causes darker stains to fade quicker.

Choosing the Right Tone: Warm, Cool, or Neutral?

The colour you choose for your summerhouse isn’t just about aesthetics. It also influences the overall mood and how your space interacts with the surrounding environment. Some tones create a cozy, inviting feel, while others bring a modern, airy vibe.

Warm Tones

Warm colours instantly create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, making your summerhouse feel like a natural extension of your garden. These shades work particularly well in colder climates, adding a touch of warmth during grey, overcast months. 

Popular warm colour choices:

• Buttermilk
• Sage green
• Rustic red
• Terracotta
• Warm grey
• Honey cedar (natural wood stain)

Advantages of warm shades:

• Creates a welcoming feel that’s ideal for garden retreats.
• Blends beautifully with natural landscapes and traditional gardens.
• Offers a cozy glow in winter and complements greenery in summer.
• Adds brightness and warmth to spaces that don’t get full sun.

Disadvantages of warm shades:

• Darker warm shades can visually shrink a space, so if your summerhouse is small, a lighter hue may be a better choice.
• Bright and bold warm tones can lose their vibrancy over time, especially if your summerhouse is in direct sunlight.

Cool Tones

Cool-toned colours bring a soothing, contemporary feel to your summerhouse, making your garden look more spacious and tranquil. If you love a calm, airy atmosphere, cool tones might be the perfect choice.

Popular cool colour choices:

• Nordic blue
• Mint
• Pale grey
• Sea green
• Mint
• Slate blue
• Duck egg blue

Advantages of cool shades:

• Great for smaller summerhouses because these shades create an open, spacious feel.
• Works well with minimalist designs because they create a sleek modern look.
• Helps keep interiors cooler in warm weather by reflecting heat from the sun.
• Pairs beautifully with most gardens because they complement lush greenery and floral landscapes.

Disadvantages of cool shades:

• If your garden lacks warm elements, it may feel a bit stark and cold in the winter months.
• Regular maintenance may be needed to keep the exterior looking fresh because lighter colours show the dirt more than darker ones.

Neutral Tones

If you’re looking for a colour scheme that never goes out of style, neutral tones are the way to go. These shades provide a clean, sophisticated look while blending effortlessly into any garden setting.

Popular neutral colour choices:

• Soft cream
• Natural wood
• Grey-beige (greige)
• Stone
• Taupe
• Warm white

Advantages of neutral shades:

• Effortlessly stylish and works well with both contemporary and classic designs.
• Extremely versatile and easy to pair with any garden style or outdoor décor.
• Won’t look dated as trends change. 
• Keeps your summerhouse feeling bright and airy because these shades reflect natural light beautifully.

Disadvantages of neutral shades:

• If you prefer bold or vibrant colours, neutrals may feel too subtle and lacking in visual impact.
• Regular cleaning might be needed to maintain a fresh look because lighter shades show up the dirt more.

How to use the colour wheel to create the perfect summerhouse palette

Choosing the right colours requires understanding how colours interact with each other. The colour wheel is a powerful tool that can help you design a summerhouse that feels balanced, intentional, and visually appealing.

One helpful trick is to think of common cool greys as having blue or green undertones, while natural wood tones often lean towards yellow, orange, or red hues. This perspective can help you pick complementary colours that enhance the natural beauty of your summerhouse.

Rather than using all your favourite colours directly on the building, consider a two-tone approach:

• Use one colour for the main structure
• Incorporate a complementary shade in your décor, furniture, or trim

Using Complementary Colours for Your Summerhouse

Complementary colours sit opposite each other on the colour wheel, creating striking, high-contrast combinations that bring energy and vibrancy to your summerhouse. These pairings can add depth, personality, and visual interest to your outdoor space.

Timeless Complementary Colour Pairings:

• Red & Green
• Purple & Yellow
• Blue & Orange

Here’s some ideas for how to use complementary colours in your summerhouse design:

• Green with deep red trim: This is a classic cabin look. For a Scandinavian twist, flip the colours and use rich red for the exterior with green accents.
• Yellow with purple accents: If purple paint feels too bold, introduce the colour through surrounding plants, outdoor textiles, or a decorative trim.
• Teal with coral details: A muted teal exterior with coral accents creates a fresh, contemporary feel that works beautifully in modern garden spaces.
• Blue with warm wood tones: The natural golden hues in wood can be seen as orange on the colour wheel, making blue accents a perfect complementary choice (see the images below).

Using Analogous Colours for Your Summerhouse

If you prefer a subtle aesthetic, analogous colours are a great choice. These are colours that sit next to each other on the colour wheel, naturally blending together to create a calm and visually pleasing effect that enhances your summerhouse without overpowering the surrounding landscape.

Here are some beautiful analogous colour combinations for your summerhouse:

• Soft sage green with cool grey: A gentle, natural palette, with grey tones that have subtle blue undertones for added depth.
• Yellow-green with sage accents:  A warm, earthy combination that feels fresh and inviting.
• Warm cream with buttery yellow: A light and airy pairing that brings a soft glow to any garden setting.

Using a Monochromatic Colour Scheme for Your Summerhouse

For a sleek, sophisticated look, a monochromatic colour scheme is a fantastic choice. This approach uses different shades of the same colour, creating a sense of depth and cohesion without overwhelming the space.

Here are some striking monochromatic combinations you could try:

• Deep navy with powder blue trim and pale blue accents: A refined and timeless choice, bringing a touch of nautical charm.
• Forest green with mint accents and a sage trim: A fresh and natural palette that blends beautifully with garden surroundings.
• Charcoal with silver details and grey trim: A modern and minimalist combination that feels both bold and sophisticated.

Practical tips for deciding on your colour palette:

You can’t go wrong if you follow the 60-30-10 rule. Use 60% as your dominant colour, 30% as a complementary secondary shade, and 10% as an accent colour to add personality. In practice this will look like using your main colour for the walls, a secondary shade for trim, and a bold accent for doors or decorative elements, for example.

Last thoughts

Choosing a colour scheme should be fun and inspiring! When you order your log cabin, sauna, or summerhouse from Summerhouse24, you can also select from a range of high-quality wood stains and preservatives, ensuring long-lasting beauty and protection. From vibrant flamingo pink to calming greens, deep blues, and rich wood tones, there’s a perfect shade for every style.