Best Paint Colors for Red Brick Houses

When it comes to choosing a color palette for your home, the exterior can often be the most challenging aspect. One particular scenario that homeowners often find themselves in is deciding what color paint goes with a red brick house. Red brick houses are iconic and charming, but they can also be quite dominant, making it crucial to choose a complementary color scheme that enhances rather than overshadows their rustic charm.

Red brick houses come in a variety of shades, from deep, earthy reds to lighter, more vibrant hues. The color of your brick can significantly influence the paint colors that will work best with your home's exterior. In this guide, we'll explore various color combinations that complement red brick houses, helping you make an informed decision that reflects your personal style and enhances your home's curb appeal.

Neutral Colors for a Timeless Look

Neutral colors are a safe and classic choice for pairing with red brick. They create a harmonious balance, allowing the brick to take center stage while providing a subtle backdrop. Neutral colors also have the added benefit of making your home feel more spacious and inviting.

One popular neutral choice is white. A crisp, clean white can create a striking contrast with red brick, making the brick appear even more vibrant. For a softer look, consider off-white or cream shades. These can help to create a more cohesive, blended appearance with the brick, while still providing a subtle contrast.

White and Off-White Shades

White and off-white shades are versatile and can be used in various styles, from traditional to modern. They reflect light, making your home appear brighter and more welcoming. To prevent your home from feeling too sterile, consider adding warm accents like wooden shutters or a dark green front door.

Popular white shades for red brick homes include Benjamin Moore's Simply White, Sherwin-Williams' Alabaster, and Behr's Ultra Pure White. For off-white shades, consider Benjamin Moore's Revere Pewter, Sherwin-Williams' Accessible Beige, or Behr's Ultra Pure Cream.

Gray Shades for a Modern Touch

Gray is another neutral color that pairs beautifully with red brick. It provides a more contemporary look and can help to create a striking contrast, especially with lighter shades of red brick. Gray also has the added benefit of hiding dirt and stains, making it a practical choice for homes with young children or pets.

For a sleek, modern look, consider dark gray shades like Benjamin Moore's Wrought Iron or Sherwin-Williams' Iron Ore. For a softer, more subtle contrast, lighter gray shades like Behr's Silver Drop or Sherwin-Williams' Repose Gray can be a great choice.

Complementary Colors for a Bold Statement

If you're looking to make a bold statement with your home's exterior, consider using complementary colors. Complementary colors are opposite each other on the color wheel and can create a dramatic, eye-catching contrast when used together.

For red brick homes, complementary colors typically fall in the blue-green or blue-violet range. These colors can help to create a striking contrast with the warm tones of red brick, making both colors pop.

Blue-Green Shades for a Coastal Vibe

Blue-green shades can create a refreshing, coastal-inspired look when paired with red brick. These shades can help to emphasize the natural, earthy tones of the brick while adding a touch of coolness to the overall appearance of your home.

Popular blue-green shades for red brick homes include Benjamin Moore's Hale Navy, Sherwin-Williams' Naval, and Behr's Sea Glass. To create a more cohesive look, consider using these shades for both your home's trim and front door.

Blue-Violet Shades for a Dramatic Effect

Blue-violet shades can create a dramatic, sophisticated look when paired with red brick. These shades can help to emphasize the warmth of the brick while adding a touch of elegance to your home's exterior.

For a bold, dramatic look, consider dark blue-violet shades like Benjamin Moore's Wrought Iron or Sherwin-Williams' Iron Ore. For a softer, more subtle contrast, lighter blue-violet shades like Behr's Silver Drop or Sherwin-Williams' Repose Gray can be a great choice.

Earth Tones for a Natural, Harmonious Look

Earth tones are inspired by nature and can create a harmonious, cohesive look when paired with red brick. Earth tones typically fall in the brown, green, and beige family and can help to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

When using earth tones with red brick, it's essential to consider the undertones of your brick. For example, brick with orange undertones may pair better with warmer earth tones like brown or beige, while brick with green undertones may look best with cooler earth tones like olive green or sage.

Brown and Beige Shades for a Warm, Inviting Look

Brown and beige shades can create a warm, inviting look when paired with red brick. These shades can help to emphasize the natural, earthy tones of the brick while adding a touch of sophistication to your home's exterior.

Popular brown and beige shades for red brick homes include Benjamin Moore's Wrought Iron, Sherwin-Williams' Accessible Beige, and Behr's Ultra Pure Cream. To create a more cohesive look, consider using these shades for both your home's trim and front door.

Green Shades for a Natural, Fresh Look

Green shades can create a fresh, natural look when paired with red brick. These shades can help to emphasize the earthy tones of the brick while adding a touch of vibrancy to your home's exterior.

For a bold, dramatic look, consider dark green shades like Benjamin Moore's Hale Navy or Sherwin-Williams' Naval. For a softer, more subtle contrast, lighter green shades like Behr's Sea Glass or Sherwin-Williams' Repose Gray can be a great choice.

Ultimately, the best color to pair with your red brick house depends on your personal style and the overall look you want to achieve. Whether you prefer a timeless, neutral look or a bold, dramatic statement, there's a color palette out there that's perfect for your home. Don't be afraid to experiment with different shades and combinations until you find the perfect fit. After all, your home's exterior is a reflection of your personal style, and choosing the right color can help to create a space that you truly love.