Best Exterior Paint Colors to Pair with Brick Homes
Harmonize trim and accent hues to enhance your facade’s warmth and curbside appeal.
Brick homes have enduring appeal and rich character, but choosing the right exterior paint colors to pair with brick can be challenging. The right palette can showcase your home’s timeless architecture or provide a bold update, creating beautiful curb appeal that stands out in any neighborhood. This guide explores expertly curated paint colors and color combinations that work beautifully with different shades and styles of brick, whether you prefer classic or modern looks.
Why Paint Colors Matter for Brick Exteriors
Brick homes feature a variety of tones—from classic red to warm brown to soft whitewashed hues. Coordinating paint colors for trim, shutters, and doors can highlight your home’s best features, modernize its appearance, and create a welcoming entry. The goal is to enhance the brick’s natural beauty instead of competing with or overshadowing it. A well-chosen palette brings harmony and sophistication to your exterior.
Factors to Consider When Selecting Paint Colors for Brick
- Brick Undertone: Identify the undertones in your brick (red, brown, orange, or pink) to select complementary hues.
- Contrast vs. Cohesion: Decide whether you want bold contrast or a more blended, cohesive look.
- Architectural Style: Traditional, contemporary, and cottage homes all lend themselves to different color approaches.
- Climate and Setting: Consider your landscaping, roof color, and the environment surrounding your home.
- Sun Exposure: Natural light affects how paint colors appear; sample paint swatches at different times of day.
Classic Color Palettes for Red Brick Homes
Red brick is the most traditional—and bold—brick color, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of paint colors that either balance or highlight its warmth.
1. Black, Tan, and White
This palette provides timeless elegance and a strong architectural statement.
- Black: Use on shutters, doors, or window frames for striking contrast and modern appeal.
- Tan: Warm tans (think soft fawn or beige tones) as the main siding or trim color bring lightness and balance to the deep red.
- White: Crisp white for fascia, soffit, or garage doors enhances brightness and sharpens the lines of your home.
2. Navy, Gray, and White
Navy blue offers a fresh twist—pairing especially well with red brick for a classic yet modern look. Soft grays tone down the overall palette, while white keeps things fresh and balanced. Apply navy to shutters or the front door, gray to trim, and white to accent architectural details.
3. Yellow, Brown, and White
For the adventurous, a yellow front door adds cheerful contrast while brown and white trim preserve sophistication. If you’re not ready for a bold yellow, consider using it on porch furniture or planters.
4. Neutral Grays and Creams
Soft taupes, warm grays, or muted beige tones create an inviting backdrop, allowing the brick’s color to shine while lending the home a contemporary finish.
5. Earthy Greens and Beiges
Olive or sage green accents with beige/greige trim work beautifully to echo the landscape. These tones blend harmoniously with natural brick, producing an understated, organic feel.
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Modern and Contemporary Brick Color Schemes
If you’re looking to update your brick home without losing its character, the following combinations balance modern trends with timeless charm.
1. High-Contrast: Bright White and Deep Black
This contemporary choice creates dynamic curb appeal. Use a pure white (like Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace) for trim and a velvety black (such as Black Beauty) for doors, shutters, or garage doors. The result is sharp, modern, and eye-catching.
2. Soft Blue-Greens and Beiges
Dusty blue-green or slate blue on shutters or porch ceilings provides a subtle pop of color, while classic beige or soft white as trim keeps the look balanced and approachable.
3. Warm Taupe or Greige with Pure White
Taupe or greige (a perfect blend of gray and beige) offers a contemporary take while remaining timeless. Use a rich taupe for the body of the home and a luminous white for trim and accents.
4. Dark Charcoal and Cool Gray
For a bolder statement, pair charcoal or graphite paint with red or brown brick. This pairing feels urban and modern, perfect for updating mid-century or cottage homes.
Best Accent Colors for Brick Homes
Small doses of color can transform your home’s curb appeal:
- Deep Navy or Indigo: Elegant for front doors and shutters; pairs well with both cool and warm brick tones.
- Forest Green: A traditional yet fresh choice for doorways and window frames.
- Burgundy or Warm Red: Echoes tones within red brick; use with restraint for a layered, traditional look.
- Mustard Yellow: Offers a cheerful, unexpected pop, especially on doors.
Choosing the Right White Paint for Brick Homes
White is frequently used on trim, eaves, and doors with brick homes. The choice of undertone is critical:
- Warm white (e.g., Benjamin Moore White Dove): Softens vivid brick, feels cozy and welcoming.
- Cool crisp white (e.g., Chantilly Lace): Offers sharp contrast for a bold, modern effect.
- Creamy white: Adds a subtle softness, ideal for heritage or cottage-style bricks.
Coordinating Paint Colors by Brick Type
| Brick Color | Recommended Trim Colors | Recommended Accent Colors |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Red | Tan, Cream, Warm White, Black | Navy, Olive, Forest Green |
| Brown or Orange Brick | Greige, Light Gray, Cream, Deep Green | Charcoal, Burgundy, Soft Blue |
| Whitewashed or Painted Brick | Black, Navy, Cool Gray, Crisp White | Slate Blue, Mustard, Earthy Red |
| Pink or Buff Brick | Warm Beige, Off-White, Taupe | Hunter Green, Deep Blue, Mulberry |
Expert Tips for Picking Exterior Paint Colors
- Test Swatches in Natural Light: Paint large swatches near the brick and observe at different times of day to avoid surprises.
- Balance Warm and Cool: Pair warm brick with warm trim (creamy, taupe), and cool brick with cool trim (gray, crisp white).
- Limit The Palette: Stick to two or three exterior colors for a coherent look.
- Consider Roof and Landscaping: Coordinate paint colors with the tones in your roof and prominent landscape features.
- Preserve Historic Character: Reference historic palettes if you have an older brick home for authenticity and value retention.
Popular Whole-House Paint Colors to Complement Brick
- Benjamin Moore White Dove (OC-17): A universally flattering, soft white for trim or siding.
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter (HC-172): A light, warm gray that works as siding or trim.
- Benjamin Moore Grant Beige (HC-83): A warm, versatile neutral; ideal for siding or detailed trim against red brick.
- Benjamin Moore Black Beauty (2128-10): Modern, dramatic black for accents.
- Benjamin Moore Gray Owl (OC-52): A light, neutral gray excellent for contemporary homes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can you paint brick exteriors directly?
A: Yes. Painted brick is an on-trend way to refresh old brick, but be aware that this is a permanent change. Use high-quality, breathable masonry paint, and consult a pro if your brick is damaged or historic.
Q: Is white paint a good choice for trim with red brick?
A: Yes—especially warm whites, which add brightness without stark contrasts. Pure, cool whites work best for modern styles.
Q: What color should I paint my front door for maximum curb appeal with brick?
A: Deep navy, classic black, and forest green are universally attractive. For a bit of flair, try burgundy, slate blue, or even mustard yellow.
Q: How many paint colors should I use on my brick home exterior?
A: Ideally, use two or three: one main color, one trim color, and one accent color (for doors or shutters).
Q: I have orange or brown-toned brick. What paint colors work?
A: Look for earthy greens, taupes, and light grays for trim and accents. Avoid strong, cool whites, as they may clash with the masonry’s warmth.
Quick Dos and Don’ts for Painting Around Brick
- Do sample your paint colors on exterior surfaces before committing.
- Do use high-quality exterior paint and primer for durability.
- Do coordinate with fixed elements (roof, walkways, landscaping).
- Don’t pick colors in-store—always test them at home.
- Don’t overwhelm the brick with too many colors or overly bright hues.
Inspiring Color Combination Ideas
- Classic Red Brick + Black Shutters + White Trim — stately and traditional.
- Red Brick + Deep Navy Front Door + Soft Gray Trim — elegant and updated.
- Brown Brick + Olive Green Accents + Cream Trim — earthy and inviting.
- Orange Brick + Charcoal Gray Trim + Warm Taupe Siding — modern and warm.
- Painted White Brick + Slate Blue Shutters + Black Door — chic and contemporary.
Conclusion
Updating your home’s exterior paint colors is one of the easiest and most effective ways to maximize curb appeal and show off the beauty of your brick. By considering your brick’s undertones, your own style, and the latest designer recommendations, you can create an inviting and timeless look that will stand out for years. Always test your choices in natural light, and when in doubt, keep your palette simple for maximum impact.
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