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Looking for log cabin colour ideas to paint or stain yours? This guide is here to help. We’ll show different combinations, how to choose the right finish, and how to match it to your garden.
Log Cabin Colour Ideas: Combinations to Try
Some colour pairings look better on log cabins than others. Here are some options for you to consider:
Light walls and dark trim
This is a popular choice if you want your cabin to look modern without going overboard. Lighter walls, such as white, cream, or a pale grey, create a clean base. Meanwhile, darker trim around the windows, doors, and roofline adds contrast and definition.
You don’t need pure white for this to work—soft off-whites and light taupes also do the job. Combine them with charcoal or black trim to get that sharp finish. The darker details will break up the light surface so the cabin doesn’t look flat or washed out.
It’s a combination often seen in Scandinavian design, but it also works in UK gardens, especially with lots of greenery.
Dark walls and natural wood trim
If you’d rather your cabin blend into the garden than stand out, this is a good route to take. Dark shades like brown, forest green, or charcoal give the building a more grounded appearance. Team with clear-stained wood keeps the natural texture of the timber visible.
This log cabin colour idea suits traditional or rustic settings and tends to age well over time.
Natural walls and bold accent door
If you prefer a more understated cabin with a bit of personality, this colour combination is for you. Walls in neutral shades, such as beige, taupe, or light grey, keep it easy to match with the rest of the garden.
Adding a bold door brings in some colour without overwhelming the whole cabin. Examples include navy, deep red, or forest green. It’s a small change that makes the entrance look more cohesive.
This log cabin colour idea is also a good option if you don’t want to paint the whole structure. For one, change the door shade easily later and match it with other features like furniture.
All-one colour scheme
Using one consistent colour across the walls, trim, and roof keeps the cabin neat and simple. Mid-grey, soft black, or muted green are often used for this style. They’re easy to live with and won’t clash with most garden setups.
Keeping everything in one tone also makes maintenance easier. There’s no need to worry about touching up different shades or repainting tricky edges.
Log Cabin Exterior Decor Tips to Tie Colours Together
Your cabin’s colour scheme doesn’t need to stop at the walls and trim. If you can, add a few simple touches around the outside.
This could be plant pots, outdoor lights, and wall fixtures in a similar tone to your trim or roof. If your trim is black or dark grey, go for lighting and accessories in matching finishes.
Or use garden chairs or a bench in a colour that fits with the cabin. For instance, if the door is bold, pick up that colour in cushions or planters for consistency.
Gravel, decking, or a path in a similar tone also makes the cabin feel like part of the space, not just placed there.
Should You Paint or Stain Your Log Cabin?
Paint and stain both protect the wood, but they give different finishes.
Paint gives full coverage and hides the grain. It’s better for solid colours and a more modern look but needs more maintenance over time. Stain keeps the grain visible and gives a more natural finish. It’s lower maintenance and better suited for a rustic or traditional style.
Want to keep the natural look of the wood? Go with stain. For solid, bold colour, paint is the better choice—but be ready to maintain it more often. If it’s the latter, read this guide next to learn more: How to Paint Your Log Cabin
