Transform Your Space with a Red Brick Color Palette
A red brick home can be both a blessing and a challenge when choosing paint colors.
I’ve helped countless homeowners transform their brick exteriors from underwhelming to extraordinary, and I’ve learned that the right color palette makes all the difference.
Whether your brick leans warm with orange undertones or cool with burgundy hints, there’s a perfect combination waiting to bring out its natural beauty.
As an experienced color consultant, I’ve seen firsthand how the wrong paint choices can make brick look dated or clash terribly.
But with the right approach – understanding your brick’s undertones and following some proven color principles – you can create a stunning exterior that will stand the test of time.
How Will Your Red Brick’s Color Guide Paint Selection?
Find Your Brick’s Base Color First
Red brick is rarely a shade—it features a blend of tones that can lean warm or cool. Examining your brick throughout the day can reveal subtle variations.
Some bricks display orange-red hues with a rust-like appearance, while others take on deep maroon tones with hints of purple. Certain types have brown undertones, creating an earthy and grounded look.
You may also notice gray flecks or variations, adding depth and character to the surface. Understanding these base colors helps you select the right accents and finishes to complement your space.
Testing Paint Colors With Your Brick
Choosing the right paint for your brick starts with small but important steps. Begin by collecting paint samples of your preferred shades. Place them directly against the brick wall to see how they interact with their natural tones.
Observe the colors under different lighting conditions, including morning light, midday sun, evening light, and overcast skies.
This approach helps ensure the selected color complements the brick in all settings before committing to a full purchase.
Perfect Paint Colors for Your Red Brick Home
1. White + Beige + Gray Blend
The right colors can enhance red brick’s character while creating a balanced, inviting look. Benjamin Moore’s White Dove is a soft, warm white that gently tones down the brick’s intensity.
Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray offers a well-balanced gray with subtle warmth, blending seamlessly with brick’s natural tones. Benjamin Moore Cloud Cover is a light, airy shade that enhances depth without overpowering the space.
2. Navy + Charcoal + White Blend
This bold combination creates a refined and balanced look. Navy brings depth and sophistication, making a striking statement.
Charcoal adds strength and modern appeal, grounding the palette. White provides a crisp contrast, keeping the space fresh and open.
3. Green + Warm Gray + Soft White
Bring the outdoors in with hues that reflect natural beauty. Benjamin Moore Dark Olive is a rich, earthy green that blends seamlessly with its surroundings.
Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray offers a warm, inviting tone that connects different elements effortlessly. Benjamin Moore Oxford White provides a soft, bright touch that keeps spaces open and fresh.
4. Red + Brown + Cream
This color combination complements brick beautifully, adding depth and warmth. Benjamin Moore Bordeaux Red introduces a deep, layered red that enhances brick’s natural tones.
Benjamin Moore River Reflections is a warm brown that blends effortlessly, creating a grounded and cohesive look.
Benjamin Moore Glacier White provides a soft, creamy contrast that keeps spaces open and inviting.
Making Red Brick Work in Every Room
Living Room Color Tips
Create a cozy, inviting space by pairing brick with warm, neutral tones. Soft beige or warm gray walls help balance the brick’s texture while keeping the space light and welcoming.
Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter is great for a natural, versatile backdrop.
Light-colored sofas and chairs soften the overall look, preventing the space from feeling too heavy. Wood tables and brass lamps add warmth and depth, creating a well-rounded design.
Kitchen Design Ideas
Bold cabinet colors can create a striking contrast with a red brick backsplash while maintaining a cohesive and inviting look. Deep blue cabinets like Benjamin Moore Hale Navy or Sherwin-Williams Naval add depth and character, making the kitchen feel distinctive.
For a more nature-inspired touch, forest green cabinets like Benjamin Moore Kennebunkport Green introduce rich color without overpowering the space.
To balance the look, consider white marble or wood countertops for brightness, matte black or brass handles for a refined touch, and open shelves to keep the kitchen airy and spacious.
Bedroom Solutions
Red brick walls in a bedroom create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. To complement them, choose soft white or cream bedding for a fresh contrast, and paint the other walls in a warm neutral like Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee.
Light wood furniture enhances the natural warmth, while layering rugs and throws adds softness and comfort.
For a soothing nighttime ambiance, place soft table lamps near the brick to cast gentle shadows, creating a peaceful and relaxing space.
Fireplace Focal Points
A bold mantel can make your fireplace the focal point, especially against red brick. Opt for deep, rich shades like Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black, Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal, or Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore to create contrast and depth.
Keep décor minimal with sleek metal candleholders, add a large mirror above to reflect light, open up the space, and introduce greenery nearby to bring natural warmth and color.
Paint Finishes: Making the Right Choice for Your Red Brick Home
Matte Finish: Perfect for Calm Spaces
Matte finishes are an excellent choice for creating a calm and inviting atmosphere in a red brick home. They reduce light reflection, giving walls a softer appearance that blends naturally with brick.
This finish works especially well in spaces where a peaceful ambiance is desired, such as living rooms, bedrooms, and TV rooms, where it also helps minimize glare.
For the best results, consider using Benjamin Moore Aura Matte or Sherwin-Williams Cashmere Flat, which offers high-quality coverage and durability.
Satin Finish: Built to Last
A satin finish is a durable and stylish option for a red brick home, offering a slight sheen that enhances architectural details while standing up to regular cleaning.
This finish is ideal for high-traffic areas and surfaces that require frequent maintenance, such as door frames, window trim, kitchen walls near brick, and bathroom walls.
Common Mistakes to Skip When Painting Red Brick
The Problem With Cool White Paint
Choosing the wrong undertones can disrupt the harmony between red brick and surrounding colors. Stark white paint can make the brick appear unnatural, while cool grays create an unbalanced contrast.
Similarly, pure bright white may come across as too harsh, taking away from the brick’s natural warmth.
Better Color Choices
Better color choices can enhance the warmth of red brick while maintaining a balanced look. Consider options like Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee, Benjamin Moore White Dove, or Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige.
Always test paint samples next to your brick in natural lighting for the best results to see how they interact with its tones.
How Sunlight Changes Everything
The color of your brick changes throughout the day due to the shift in natural light. The colors appear softer in the morning, making the surface more muted.
As the day progresses and the sun peaks midday, reds and oranges become more prominent, intensifying the hue. By evening, when the light begins to fade, the colors seem deeper and richer, bringing out their full warmth and vibrancy.
This dynamic change highlights the importance of light in how we perceive color throughout the day.
Must-Do Steps Before Painting
Before painting brick, it’s important to follow several key preparation steps. Start cleaning the brick thoroughly to remove dirt, dust, and debris. This will ensure the paint adheres properly.
Next, check for any damaged spots on the surface, such as cracks or holes, and fix them before proceeding. Applying a proper masonry primer is crucial as it provides a solid base for the paint and helps it adhere better.
When choosing paint, make sure it is breathable and specifically designed for brick to allow moisture to escape and prevent damage.
Conclusion
Remember that simple choices often work best when picking colors for your red brick home.
Start by looking at your brick’s natural color in different lights – this is your guide to finding the right paint shades.
White doesn’t have to be stark, and bold colors don’t need to shout. Think of paint as a friend to your brick, not its competition.
Test your paint choices, mix in some cozy fabrics, and add natural materials like wood and stone.
These small steps can make a big difference in how your space feels. Let your brick’s natural beauty guide you, whether you’re painting inside or out.
The right color combinations will make your red brick shine without trying too hard.
