TLDR
Boosting the curb appeal of a red brick home is all about choosing an exterior color scheme that complements its earthy undertones. Warm muted whites, greiges, sage green, and bold accents like navy or black are some of the best paint color options to create balance and sophistication. Test colors outside, coordinate with your roof, trim, and siding, and choose materials that make the brick shine rather than compete with it.
Warm color choices like off-whites and muted creams keep the look timeless.
Warm grays, greiges, and sage green offer subtle contrast.
Bold navy or black accents add depth to your palette.
Always test paint swatches on the brick in both shade and sun.
The right siding style and trim color can transform the look of your brick house.
Introduction: Why Pairing Colors with Red Brick Is Tricky (and Worth Doing Right)
Red brick houses have enduring curb appeal, but their rich hue and natural texture mean not every exterior paint color will work in harmony. Undertones, mortar color, roof shade, and even landscaping can change how your brick reads from the street.
An exterior color scheme that works with brick’s inherent tone will elevate the home’s appearance, boost property value, and create a cohesive first impression. Whether you’re repainting trim, replacing siding, or selecting the perfect paint for a front door, knowing the rules of color pairing will help you make confident, lasting choices.
How Can I Make My Red Brick House Look Better?
Improving a red brick house starts by focusing on the frame: your trim color, accent color, and siding. Even small updates like a freshly painted garage door or landscaping refresh can make a dramatic impact.
Repaint the trim in a warm color that works with your brick tone.
Add a front door color that creates contrast without clashing.
Upgrade exterior lighting for a polished look in the evening.
Consider siding that balances brick’s texture—board-and-batten, lap, or shakes are all excellent options.
Understanding the Undertones of Brick Red
Identifying the undertone of your brick color is essential before choosing complementary shades.
Orange-based brick pairs well with sage green, beige, and muted creams.
Brown-based brick works with tan, soft taupe, and warm grays.
Rust-toned brick can take deeper contrasts like charcoal or dark navy.
Your mortar hue matters too—light mortar can make brick feel brighter, while darker mortar can give it more depth.
The Best Exterior Trim Colors for a Brick House
Trim color is the frame for your brick house’s architecture. The best paint colors for trim are warm whites, creamy off-whites, and earthy neutrals.
Sherwin Williams options like Shoji White, Oyster White, and Egret White have subtle undertones that work beautifully against red brick. For white trim, avoid ultra-bright whites that can create harsh contrast.
Does Gray Go with Red Brick?
Yes—if you stick to warm gray tones or greige. Cool tones can clash with brick’s warmth, but warm gray siding or trim can create an elegant balance.
For example, pairing Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter siding with Sherwin Williams Egret White trim gives you a timeless exterior color scheme that works year-round.
Is It a Good Idea to Paint Brick?
You can paint brick, but it’s a big commitment. Painted brick homes look fresh and modern, but they require ongoing maintenance. If you choose to paint brick, pick a base paint designed for masonry and choose the perfect paint color by testing multiple swatches first.
Sherwin Williams Alabaster or Egret White are safe, neutral options for a bright but not glaring finish.
What Colors Compliment a Red Brick Fireplace (Interior)
Inside, a red brick fireplace looks best with warm neutrals, soft charcoals, or sage green walls. A complementary color palette keeps the room cozy and connected without overpowering the brick feature.
Should Siding Be Lighter or Darker Than Brick?
Your siding choice depends on whether you want contrast or cohesion.
Lighter siding makes a brick house feel more open and airy.
Dark siding can ground the design and work especially well in modern exterior color schemes.
10 Best Exterior Paint Colors That Go with Red Brick
These are among the best paint color options for creating a balanced look:
Sherwin Williams Shoji White
Sherwin Williams Oyster White
Sherwin Williams White Duck
Sherwin Williams Alabaster
Sherwin Williams Egret White
Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
Deep Navy (SW Naval or BM Hale Navy)
Tricorn Black
Sage Green (SW Clary Sage)
Soft Taupe (SW Neutral Ground)
What Kind of Siding Looks Good with Brick?
Board-and-batten, lap, and shake siding all work with red brick houses. Just ensure your exterior color scheme keeps siding colors in the same warm color family as the brick.
What Colors Look Good on a Ranch House with Red Brick?
A ranch-style red brick house looks great with lighter siding and a bold front door. A tan or beige siding paired with white trim and a navy door creates a clean, classic aesthetic.
Testing Your Color Choices Before You Commit
Test exterior color scheme options outdoors with peel-and-stick swatches. View them in shade and sunlight to see how the hue shifts. Try them near the brick, trim, and roof to get a realistic sense of your color palette.
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Expert Tips for Pulling It All Together
Balance body, trim color, and accent color to create cohesion.
Match your garage door to your trim for a cleaner look.
Use the color wheel to find complementary hues.
A professional color consult can help finalize your choices.
Conclusion
The right exterior color scheme can turn an ordinary brick house into a standout. By respecting brick’s tone, mortar hue, and surrounding architecture, you’ll create a polished, lasting look. Whether you keep the brick natural or decide to paint brick, the goal is harmony—each element supporting the beauty of the home.
FAQ
1. What is the best paint color for a red brick house?
Sherwin Williams Shoji White and Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter are among the best paint color options. Both offer warmth and versatility in different lighting.
2. How do I choose the perfect paint for my exterior?
Test multiple hues outdoors, compare them to your brick color and mortar, and view them in both sun and shade before committing.
3. Can I use dark colors on a red brick house?
Yes, dark navy, charcoal, and Tricorn Black can add striking contrast when used as an accent color or in siding.
4. Is white trim a good choice for a brick house?
White trim works if you choose a softer tone like Egret White to avoid harsh contrast.
5. What is a good base paint for painting brick?
Use a breathable masonry-specific base paint to prevent moisture issues.
6. How do I pick an exterior color scheme that lasts?
Choose timeless, warm color combinations like beige siding with sage green accents to avoid trends that date quickly.
7. Should I hire a color consult for my red brick house?
A professional can help create a color palette that works with your home’s unique tone, architecture, and surrounding environment.
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