What paint color goes best with red brick?

A warm neutral is the most reliable answer. Westhighland White SW 7566 is creamy and warm enough to sit beside red brick without the stark contrast a cool white creates. Wool Skein SW 6148 goes a little deeper, and Hot Cocoa SW 6047 further still.

Does gray work with red brick?

Very well, particularly if the brick has variation with darker sections. Dovetail SW 7018 is the one we have recommended for years: a timeless gray with a slightly warm undertone. Gauntlet Gray SW 7019 is darker and a little cooler for a bolder statement.

Why does green work with red brick?

Because red and green sit opposite each other on the color wheel, so green is complementary to brick by definition. It draws out the different tones in the brick rather than clashing with them. Choose a muted green with a brown or gray undertone, such as Zeus SW 7744, rather than anything bright.

Should I choose a cool white for red brick trim?

Generally not. A white with a cool undertone creates a very stark contrast against warm red brick. A white with a warm undertone softens that edge and lets the brick stay the focal point.

Best Paint Colors That Complement Red Brick

When it comes to choosing the right exterior paint color, a challenge a lot of clients face is finding a color that will go with their red brick. Unlike more neutral brick or stone, red brick brings a bright punch of color to your home.

So, it’s important to choose a paint color that will complement your red brick rather than clash. This can be a lot easier said than done, so we set out to make it as simple as possible. If you’re struggling to find that perfect paint color for your red brick, keep reading!

Best Neutrals for Red Brick

Sw westhighland white paint swatch held against red brick

No paint list is complete without at least a few neutrals. If you’re looking for something a little more out there, we recommend skipping this section, but neutrals are a great place to start.

Neutral paint colors are simple, which can make things a lot easier if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

For this list, we’re sticking with white and brown neutrals, but you can also find a list of grays below. A neutral paint color will help make your brick more of a focal point because the siding or trim will be more understated. We love Westhighland White SW 7566 because it’s creamy and warm.

Try to pick a white with a warm undertone to avoid creating too stark of a contrast. If you want something a little deeper and warmer, try Wool Skein SW 6148 or even Hot Cocoa SW 6047 for a rich chocolatey color.

Most Popular Gray Colors

Dovetail paint swatch held against red brick

Gray has been a very popular exterior color for years now, and it’s a perfect pairing for red brick. If your brick has any variation with darker sections here and there, these colors might be the perfect choice for your next painting project.

One of our absolute favorites that we’ve recommended for years is Sherwin Williams’ Dovetail SW 7018. This is a timeless gray with a slightly warm undertone, which makes it great for complementing red brick.

Another great option for red bricks in gray paint is Gauntlet Gray SW 7019. This is a little bit darker than dovetail and a little less warm, so it’s sure to make a bold statement if chosen.

Best green paints

Zeus 7744 paint swatch held against red brick

Since red and green are complementary colors on the color wheel, green is an optimal choice when it comes to painting your exterior. Green paint will help bring out some of the different tones in your red brick without clashing.

Green is also a great option if you’d like to try something a bit different from a lot of the neutrals on this list. To pick the right green, we recommend looking for green paint that is muted and not too bright.

Ideally, choose something with a brown or gray undertone. This will keep the look classic and timeless. Some of our favorite greens are Zeus SW 7744, Meadow Trail SW 7737, and Messenger Bag SW 7740.

Best Dark and Dramatic Paint Colors

Granite peak paint swatch held against red brick

These next colors on the list are not for the faint of heart. If you’re not sure about painting a large area with them, these do make excellent accent colors for a front door or shutters.

If a darker color suits the style of your home then we love seeing clients choose something a bit more dramatic. Granite Peak SW 6250 is a beautifully muted, slightly gray-blue that will help your red brick pop.

This is especially nice if your brick does have some variation in the coloring. If you want to go bold, consider Cyberspace SW 7076 which is a deep, inky blue-gray, or Iron Ore SW 7069 for full drama and an almost matte-looking finish.

Test Your Paint Against Your Red Brick

Of course, we always recommend picking up some samples and painting some swatches on your siding, trim, garage door, or even some cardboard so you can see it next to your brick. Check out your colors in different lighting and consider color placement before you begin your project. To learn more about different paint options when painting brick, check out Kind Home Painting‘ blog, The Best 4 Paints for Painting Brick.

We hope this list of the best paint colors for complementing red brick helps you narrow down your choices. If you stay within these color families and choose muted tones that aren’t too bright, we’re confident you’ll love your updated look.

If you try one of these paint colors out, please be sure to share a picture of your home over on our Facebook page! Contact us today for a free consultation.