When it comes to upgrading your home’s exterior, choosing the right siding material is only half the decision. The other half is choosing the siding style — and this is where you can really showcase your personality. The right siding style can dramatically transform your curb appeal, highlight your home’s architecture, and even boost its resale value.
From classic board and batten to charming scalloped siding, there are plenty of ways to give your house the perfect finishing touch. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular siding styles and tips for picking the one that suits your home best.
Board and Batten: Timeless and Trendy
Board and batten siding has been around for centuries, originally used on barns and farmhouses. This style uses wide boards as the base with narrow “battens” that cover the seams, creating a strong vertical line.
Why choose it:
Board and batten is perfect for homeowners who love a rustic, country-inspired aesthetic — but it’s not limited to farmhouses. Today, board and batten siding is trending in modern home design, often paired with white or dark exterior paint for a sleek, contemporary look.
Best for: Farmhouses, modern farmhouse builds, cottages, and Craftsman-style homes.
Dutch Lap: Traditional and Elegant
Dutch lap siding is one of the most common siding styles you’ll see on traditional American homes. Its distinctive shadow lines give the illusion of depth, adding visual interest and texture.
Why choose it:
This style is ideal if you want a clean, classic look that works well on almost any house design. Dutch lap siding pairs beautifully with shutters, brick accents, and decorative trim.
Best for: Colonial, Cape Cod, and traditional suburban homes.
Vertical Siding: Sleek and Contemporary
Vertical siding flips the script on traditional horizontal styles. The long, straight lines draw the eye upward, making your home appear taller and more modern.
Why choose it:
Vertical siding is a favorite for contemporary homes and commercial buildings because of its streamlined, minimalist look. It also sheds water efficiently, which can be helpful in areas with heavy rainfall.
Best for: Modern and contemporary homes, barns, and mixed-material exteriors (such as combining vertical siding with stone accents).
Scalloped Siding: Charming and Decorative
If you want to add a touch of whimsy or elegance, scalloped siding might be just what you need. This style features rounded edges that resemble fish scales, creating a soft, decorative effect.
Why choose it:
Scalloped siding is typically used as an accent — think gable ends, dormers, or around entryways. It adds instant character and pairs well with other siding styles for a customized, layered look.
Best for: Victorian homes, cottages, and homes that need a touch of detail on accent areas.
Shakes: Natural and Textured
Shakes are a classic siding style that brings a natural, hand-split wood look to your home. They can be made from cedar for a traditional appearance or from vinyl for a low-maintenance alternative.
Why choose it:
Shakes are perfect for adding warmth and texture to your exterior. They work beautifully as a full-home siding option or as an accent alongside horizontal lap siding.
Best for: Craftsman, Cape Cod, and coastal-style homes.
Beaded Siding: Subtle Elegance
Beaded siding is characterized by a distinctive “bead” or rounded groove along the bottom edge of each panel. This small detail gives the siding a refined, upscale appearance.
Why choose it:
Beaded siding is ideal for homeowners who want a sophisticated, polished look. It’s often associated with Southern architecture but looks great in a variety of settings.
Best for: Southern Colonial, Georgian, and traditional-style homes.