Black and charcoal
The best-selling roof for tan siding is charcoal, and black standing seam is close behind. The dark roof gives a beige house the definition it lacks and makes white trim look freshly painted. This is the render at the top of the page.
Brown and weathered wood
A brown roof on tan siding is traditional and safe as long as the brown is much darker than the siding. Weathered wood, driftwood and barkwood shingles all work. Avoid light browns and any shingle with a tan blend, because it disappears into the wall.
Green
Forest green and hunter green metal roofs are a classic on tan houses in the country and the mountains. On a suburban lot with a lot of neighbours in grey and black it stands out, which is either the point or the problem.
Grey
Medium and dark grey work. Light grey on tan looks unfinished, like the roof was never chosen.
Rust, red and terracotta
Warm roofs on tan siding suit Southwest and Spanish styles. On a colonial or a cape they look out of place. If the house has red brick accents, a rust roof can tie the two together.
Decide with your own photo
Tan changes with the light, so a colour that works at noon can look muddy at dusk. Upload a photo taken in normal daylight and compare charcoal, weathered wood and green side by side.
