Black and cedar house are EVERYWHERE lately. There’s something about that dark, moody exterior paired with warm wood tones that hits differently.
The contrast is what makes it so special.The bold, dramatic black that makes a statement, then the cedar comes in with all its natural warmth and texture. It’s like the blend of modern and rustic.
I’ve noticed so many of my clients going towards dark exteriors lately. It’s not just a trend anymore but it’s becoming a classic choice and they make surrounding greenery and landscaping pop like crazy.
My realtor friend Jen told me houses with this black and cedar combo are selling more in her area. People see it and think “high-end custom home” even if it was a basic one.
The best part is how versatile this look is, like you can go modern with clean lines and minimal cedar accents, or lean into a rustic vibe with cedar beams against a black backdrop.
In this post, I’m sharing 24 gorgeous black and cedar house ideas that might just convince you to go to the dark exterior.
Ready for some serious house appeal. So, let’s dive right in.
Is black and cedar house suitable for all types of climates?
This is probably the number one question I get from readers considering this look and I totally get the concern. Yes, but with the exceptions.
In hot, sunny climates, black exteriors will absorb heat, that’s natural. But modern building techniques and proper insulation can offset this completely.
My cousin in Phoenix went with a black and cedar exterior last year. She had her builder use special heat-reflective paint and beefed up the insulation. Her cooling bills are LOWER than her neighbor’s white house.
Cedar holds up beautifully in most climates. It naturally resists moisture and insects. Just know that it will gradually change into a silvery gray if left untreated.
But in a cold climate, dark exteriors can help with heating costs in winter by absorbing solar heat.
Coastal people need to be a bit careful with cedar. The salt air can be tough on it, so you’ll need to commit to regular maintenance.
Rainy climates like the Pacific Northwest, make sure your cedar is properly sealed and has adequate overhang protection. Black paint can sometimes show water streaks.
In the end, this look can work anywhere with the right preparation and materials. Just talk to a contractor who understands your climate challenges.
24 Sophisticated Ideas of Black and Cedar House
Before we get into the specifics, let me just say there are SO many ways to make this stunning combo work perfectly.
You don’t have to go all-in with a completely black house. Even small cedar accents against a black backdrop can create a major impact.
The 24 ideas of black and cedar house below range from subtle to dramatic, budget-friendly to splurge-worthy.
Black ranch-style house with cedar shutters
Ranch homes can sometimes feel dated, but not with this combination.
A sleek black exterior completely modernizes the long, low profile of a ranch. Adding cedar shutters brings in that perfect touch of warmth and texture.
I love the horizontal lines of ranch homes that work with the natural grain of cedar shutters.
This is also an affordable upgrade compared to some other ideas. You can DIY cedar shutters on a budget or have them customised.
Cedar soffits with black house exterior
Okay, soffits aren’t exactly the part of a house to talk about but you should really consider hearing about it.
Cedar soffits against a black exterior creates a warm glow. The light bounces off them and casts the prettiest, flattering light.
It’s one of those details most people wouldn’t consciously notice, but they’ll feel the difference.
Plus, every time you pull into your driveway and look up, you’ll get that hit of beautiful wood grain.
Cedar garage door with charcoal black house
Garage doors take up a good amount of visual space in most homes and it is a main feature on the house exterior.
A warm cedar garage door against a charcoal black house is straight-up stunning.
My neighbor did this and their home value jumped in the latest appraisal.
If a solid cedar door isn’t in the budget, look for garage doors with cedar accents or panels even little touch makes such a difference.
Minimal black house exterior with cedar entryway
A cedar entryway on a minimal black house says “come on in” in the most stylish way possible because first impressions always matter.
I’m talking about the cedar front door, cedar cladding around the entry, or a small cedar overhang.
It’s like putting a spotlight on your entrance. The warmth draws the attention exactly where you want visitors to look.
This works especially well on modern, boxy homes that otherwise feel a bit cold or imposing.
Black house with around cedar fencing exterior
Let’s flip the combination, If you’ve got a cedar-sided house, black fencing creates amazing contrast.
Horizontal black fencing looks contemporary and vertical pickets give a modern farmhouse vibe.
The dark fence makes your cedar house pop while creating a sleek perimeter that feels intentional and designed.
This is one of my favorite ways to incorporate the black and cedar trend without actually changing your house exterior.
Black house exterior with cedar windows
Cedar-framed windows on a black house are absolutely gorgeous.
The organic warmth of wood window frames softens the boldness of a black exterior in the best way.
If new windows aren’t in the budget, cedar shutters or window trim can create a similar effect for way less money.
This combo works with literally any architectural style from modern to traditional colonial.
Cedar pergola against black house exterior
A cedar pergola against a black house creates this amazing architectural moment.
The pergola casts these beautiful shadow patterns on the dark background. As the sun moves throughout the day, it’s like a constantly changing art installation.
Cedar ages so beautifully too whether you let it silver naturally or seal it to maintain that warm honey tone.
This is perfect for creating an outdoor living space that feels like an extension of your home’s design.
Barn-style black exterior with cedar sliding doors
Barn-inspired houses are having a MAJOR moment right now.
A black exterior gives the classic barn silhouette a contemporary edge. Add oversized cedar sliding doors and you’ve got instant character.
This look works well in rural settings or on large properties where the bold style has room to breathe.
The combination feels both timeless and totally of-the-moment.
Cedar overhang on black house exterior
A cedar overhang or canopy on a black house is practical AND pretty.
It provides shade and weather protection while adding that wood element to break up the dark exterior.
I love this over patios, entryways, or along the sides of a house where afternoon sun hits.
The shadow play between the cedar and black is perfectly beautiful.
Classic black house exterior with cedar beams
Outdoor cedar beams on a black house give major architectural interest.
This works on gable ends, as support posts, or as decorative elements that don’t actually bear weight.
The contrast makes both elements stand out, the beams look rich and the black appears more dramatically.
This treatment gives the most basic house shapes instant character and visual appeal.
Incorporate landscaping against black house with cedar accents
Plants against a black house look AMAZING because Everything pops.
Green foliage, colorful flowers, the tan of ornamental grasses, they all stand out beautifully against a dark backdrop.
Add cedar window boxes, planters, or garden structures to tie in with other cedar elements.
The natural elements of plants and wood create this perfect balance with the bold black.
My client in Michigan painted her house black last year and said her garden has never looked better.
Cedar front porch with black house exterior
A cedar porch on a black house is like a warm welcome for your entire home.
The natural wood creates this inviting space between the bold exterior and your home’s interior.
I love this with either a full cedar porch or simply cedar decking, railings, and posts.
It’s also practical like, cedar holds up well to weather and feels good underfoot, even in hot weather.
Black house exterior with cedar front door
Sometimes the simple ideas make a big impact.
A cedar front door on a black house is striking, welcoming, and totally timeless.
The warm wood tone immediately draws the eye and creates a natural focal point.
You can go with a modern flat panel cedar door or something traditional with panels both looking fantastic against black.
This is also one of the most affordable ways to get into the black and cedar trend.
Black house exterior with cedar sidings
This can be a bold version of the black and cedar combination.
Black exterior with strategic cedar siding sections may be on a bump-out, around the entry, or on the upper story.
The cedar sections break up the black in a way that adds interest and dimension.
It’s like color blocking but with materials instead, architectural and definitely makes a statement.
Charcoal black house with cedar window frames
Cedar window frames on a charcoal black house create these perfect “portraits” of your views.
The warm wood tone frames the glass like artwork, striking against the dark exterior.
If you’re building new or replacing windows, this is definitely worth considering.
For existing homes, adding cedar trim around windows can create a similar look.
Cedar staircase with black railings against black house
This idea creates such beautiful continuity from outdoors to in.
A cedar staircase with black metal railings against a black house feels cohesive and intentional.
The wood warms up what could otherwise be a stark modern look.
This works for both exterior stairs and visible interior staircases that can be seen from outside.
Black house exterior with cedar fascia
Cedar fascia boards add a gorgeous line of warmth to a black house.
It’s a subtle detail that elevates the entire exterior.
This is perfect if you want the drama of a black house but worry it might feel too severe.
The horizontal line of cedar creates this beautiful frame for your roof.
Outdoor backyard cedar kitchen with black house
An outdoor kitchen with cedar cabinets or counters against a black house is what you say stunning.
The contrast makes your outdoor cooking space feel like a purposeful design element rather than an afterthought.
I love this with black appliances or fixtures to tie back to the house.
It creates this gorgeous extension of your living space that feels connected to the home’s overall design.
Cedar patio roof on black house exterior
A cedar patio roof or pergola creates this warm, inviting outdoor room against a black house.
The wood overhead filters light beautifully, creating the prettiest patterns on your patio.
This is a perfect way to make your outdoor space feel as designed as your interior.
Plus, the cedar will age beautifully over time, adding character year after year.
Stone entryway against black house exterior
Let’s bring in a third element, natural stone with black and cedar is an INCREDIBLE combination.
A stone entryway creates a solid, grounded feel while the black provides drama and the cedar adds warmth.
This trio of materials works in literally any setting like urban, suburban, or rural.
Even a small stone accent wall or pillars can make a huge impact.
Cottage-style black house with cedar balcony
A cedar balcony on a black cottage-style house creates the charming contrast.
The playful, whimsical nature of cottage architecture gets a modern update with the black exterior.
The cedar balcony adds warmth and breaks up the dark color in a way that feels intentional and designed.
This is perfect for small homes or second stories where you want to add character.
Cedar rooflines on black house exterior
Cedar accents on rooflines like ridge caps, dormer details, or gable elements add incredible dimension to a black house.
These details draw the attention upward and create interest of your home.
This works on basically any style from craftsman to contemporary.
It’s those unexpected touches that make a house feel custom and thoughtfully designed.
Charcoal black house exterior with cedar decking
Cedar decking against a charcoal black house creates this perfect indoor-outdoor connection.
The warm wood tone provides beautiful contrast against the dark backdrop.
I love this when the cedar is carried through to interior flooring for a seamless transition.
The natural variation in cedar boards adds texture and interest that synthetic materials can’t match.
Cedar columns and posts with matte black house exterior
Cedar structural elements like columns and posts add both warmth and architecture to a matte black house.
The organic material softens what could otherwise feel severe.
I love bright, substantial cedar posts for maximum impact.
This approach works with so many styles like from coastal to mountain modern to farmhouse.
What are the best complimentary colors for black and cedar houses?
Black and cedar create a strong base that you need to be thoughtful about what other colors you introduce.
Let’s talk about what works amazingly well:
White is always a go-to choice. White trim, doors, or accents create beautiful high-contrast moments against both the black and cedar.
Greens are fantastic. They connect with the natural vibe of the cedar while providing contrast with the black. Deep forest greens blend, while bright green pop.
Grays in the same tone family as your black can create subtle depth. I love a light charcoal for details like gutters or window frames.
Brass and gold tones look INCREDIBLE with this combo, like door hardware, light fixtures, or address numbers. The warmth connects with the cedar while standing out against the black.
Also, orange, red, or sienna goes well with cedar’s natural tones while providing contrast against black.
Blues can work too, especially navy or slate blue, but use them sparingly as they compete a bit with the black.
Personally, let the natural colors of your landscape be the accent colors. The green of plants, stone pathways, and natural elements provide the perfect complement.
Conclusion
Black and cedar houses are totally a worthy combination. It feels intentional and designed in a way that traditional color schemes sometimes miss.
What I love most is how accessible this look is. You don’t need to build from scratch to get in on this trend. Even small changes like painting your exterior black and adding cedar accents can completely change the personality.
Remember that maintenance is key, especially with cedar. Plan to treat it every few years to keep it looking its best. The black will need occasional touch-ups too, especially in harsh climates.
If you’re going with this bold, start small like paint a shed or garage black with cedar accents to see how you like the look or try a black front door with cedar surrounds.
I hope these 24 ideas sparked some inspiration for your own home. The black and cedar combination isn’t a passing trend but it’s a modern classic that I think we’ll be seeing for years to come.
