Choosing the right exterior colors for a house with red brick walls can feel overwhelming.
The bold, warm tones of red brick limit your color options, and picking the wrong shade might make your home stand out in an unflattering way.
But here’s the good news!
You can create an appealing exterior by understanding what color goes well with red brick exterior walls.
This guide will help you select paint colors that bring out the best in your brick’s natural tones.
With the right approach, your red brick home can become the most attractive house on the block.
An Overview of Red Brick Walls
Red brick stands as one of the most enduring choices for home exteriors, offering a mix of strength and natural beauty.
Each brick tells its own color story – from deep burgundy reds to subtle rust shades. This variety comes from the clay firing process, where temperatures and minerals create unique color blends within each brick.
Traditional clay-fired bricks develop character over time, their colors softening gracefully with age.
These bricks often show different flecks, creating a rich tapestry of earth tones across your walls,
- Brown,
- Tan,
- Deep orange,
Modern manufactured bricks provide more color consistency but maintain the warmth that makes brick homes special.
The texture of the brick adds another layer to consider. The rough, porous surface creates small shadows and highlights that change as the sun moves across your home.
Morning light might emphasize the warmer orange tones, while afternoon sun could bring out deeper red hues.
This natural light play makes your brick walls appear different throughout the day.
Understanding your brick’s specific personality matters when planning exterior colors.
Look closely at your walls in various lights – you might spot hints of purple in some bricks or touches of brown in others.
These underlying colors, called undertones, become crucial when selecting paint colors that will live harmoniously with your brick for years.
Best Color Pairings for Red Bricks
The key to perfect exterior colors for red brick is understanding your brick’s unique personality. Red bricks naturally display different undertones – from bright orange to deep brown or soft pink hints.
Follow the 60-30-10 rule for a balanced look:
- 60% brick (already there)
- 30% main paint color
- 10% accent colors
Before making final choices:
- Paint test squares on all sides of your house
- Check colors in morning and evening light
- View samples from the street
- Consider your roof color and surroundings
These basics help you make smart choices for your home’s exterior palette.
| Category | Color Suggestions | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Neutrals | – Off-whites & creams (e.g., Sherwin Williams’ Cloud White, Benjamin Moore’s White Dove) | Pair naturally with red brick for a timeless look. Subtle warmth without competing with brick tones. Works well with accent colors later. |
| – Light GREYs (e.g., Mindful GREY, Colonnade GREY) | Pairs well with bricks containing GREY specks. Provides a balanced, neutral backdrop. | |
| Bold | – Navy blue (e.g., Benjamin Moore’s Westcott Navy, Hale Navy) | Stands out and contrasts confidently with red brick. Best used on specific areas, not entire walls. |
| – Dark charcoal (e.g., Iron Ore) | Creates modern contrast without overwhelming the brick’s natural beauty. Works well in accents or specific features. | |
| Warm | – Sage Mountain (green undertone) | Enhances brick’s natural warmth with subtle green undertones. |
| – Bear Creek (brown undertone) | Ties in well with bricks showing brown or earthy hues. | |
| – Urbane Bronze (rich, deep warmth) | Complements multi-toned brick for a cohesive, warm effect. | |
| Accents | – Entry doors, Black, navy, dark green | Creates focal points that draw attention to entrances. |
| – Shutters, match trim color or go darker | Adds depth to the exterior while maintaining visual harmony. | |
| – Trim, two shades lighter than the main color | It helps frame the house and highlight architectural features. | |
| – Windows (white frames brighten, dark frames add definition) | Frames can influence the look of windows and provide contrast. | |
| Highlighting Architectural Features | – Use lighter shades on columns to make them stand out | Adds emphasis to columns, making them a feature. |
| – Define window casings with crisp white trim | Accentuates windows, giving the exterior a sharp, clean look. | |
| – Emphasize porch ceilings with soft blue or cream | Adds a unique touch to porch ceilings, creating a sense of openness. | |
| – Draw attention to unique moldings with contrasting colors | Creates visual interest by highlighting architectural details. | |
| Environment & Landscape | – Northern Exposure | Warmer tones enhance visual warmth in areas with less natural light. |
| – Southern Exposure | Cooler tones work well in areas with more sunlight exposure. | |
| – Trees & greenery | Natural surroundings can alter how exterior paint colors are perceived. | |
| – Regional architectural styles | Consider local styles and traditions to ensure cohesive and complementary exterior colors. |
Some Unique Examples of Color Palette I Have Tried
1. Classic Combinations
- Main – Brick
- trim – White dove
- accents – Iron ore
2. Modern Update
- Main – Brick
- trim – Dorian grey
- accents – Gauntlet grey
The process of selecting colors for red brick homes starts with understanding balance.
Brick already makes a strong statement on your home, so your additional colors must soften or enhance this natural feature, not compete with it.
Begin with Your Brick’s Undertones
- Place a white sheet of paper against your brick walls
- Look at the brick in morning, noon, and evening light
- Notice if your brick appears more orange or brown or has hints of purple
- Take photos at different times to compare the color variations
Creating Balance
Pair your brick with just two or three additional colors for a harmonious exterior.
Your main color should cover 60% of the paintable areas, a secondary color for 30% (typically trim), and an accent color for 10% (doors and shutters).
This ratio helps maintain visual balance without overwhelming the brick.
Environmental Considerations
- Study how trees and landscaping cast shadows on your walls
- Notice reflections from nearby buildings or water features
- Consider your climate – bright sunlight or frequent overcast skies affect color intensity
- Look at seasonal changes in your surroundings
Architectural Style Impact
Colonial homes often work well with classic white trim and dark shutters, while modern homes can handle bolder color choices.
Your home’s style should guide color selection,
- Traditional – Stick to timeless neutrals
- Contemporary – Consider deeper tones for contrast
- Farmhouse – Lean toward warm, natural shades
- Ranch – Choose colors that elongate the home’s profile
Testing Colors
Paint large sample boards (at least 2 feet square) with your chosen colors.
- Against different areas of your brick
- During various times of the day
- From the street view
- Next to existing elements like roofs and gutters
This approach helps you find colors that match your brick and create the right impression for your home’s overall style.
How to Update Modern House Exteriors
When it comes to giving red brick homes a fresh look, the right paint choices and modern touches can make a big difference.
Let’s look at simple updates that can transform your home’s appearance.
1. Start with The Trim
Instead of traditional beige or tan trim colors, consider using Sherwin Williams’ Iron Ore or Benjamin Moore’s Raccoon Fur for a bold, current look.
These darker shades create clean lines against red brick and instantly update your home’s appearance.
Try Benjamin Moore’s Silver Satin on trim and accents for a less dramatic change.
This light, modern neutral brings out the subtle grey tones in brick while keeping things bright and clean-looking.
Key Areas to Update
- Paint your door in a striking color like Benjamin Moore’s Gentleman’s Grey or Westcott Navy.
- Update gutters and fascia in coordinating darker shades
- Replace old light fixtures with simple, straight-lined options
- Switch to minimalist house numbers and mailboxes in matte black or charcoal finishes
- Consider painting shutters in deep colors like Sherwin Williams’ Urbane Bronze
If you want to make an even bigger statement, try painting non-brick siding areas in Benjamin Moore’s Bear Creek or Sherwin Williams’ Mountain Road.
These current neutrals work wonderfully with red brick while giving your home a more modern feel.
Conclusion
Choosing the right exterior colors for your red brick home is easier than you think.
Start by testing paint samples on different walls, as brick color can change throughout the day.
If you’re still not sure, begin with timeless neutrals and later experiment with bold accents that might suit your style.
Feel free to share your brick home’s transformation in the comments—we’d love to see your results!
You can find more blogs on my page about Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams paint comparisons and what can go well with your home interiors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Best Trim Color for Red Brick Houses?
Classic white works well, but modern options include Sherwin Williams’ Iron Ore for contrast or Benjamin Moore’s Sage Mountain for a subtle look. Match your trim to the undertones in your brick for the best results.
Will Dark Colors Work on a Red Brick House?
Yes! Dark shades like Urbane Bronze or Raccoon Fur can create strong, modern looks. Just balance them with lighter accents to keep your exterior from looking too heavy.
How Do I Test Paint Colors with My Brick?
Use large sample boards and view them at different times of the day. Pay attention to your brick’s undertones (brown, purple, or orange hints), and pick colors that complement these tones.