Colors to paint a brick house: how to match the brick tone and what the job commits you to later

Quick Answer

Selecting the wrong paint colors for brick often leads to a patchy finish that requires expensive scraping and recoating to fix. MyHomeLobby's advice is to test the brick's porosity and moisture retention before applying a coating.

While many believe light colors reflect heat better, a high-build masonry sealer actually provides a more durable barrier against moisture damage.

Top paint colors for a brick exterior

The best colors to paint a brick house depend on the original brick tone and the desired aesthetic. Neutral tones like beige or gray blend with traditional masonry. Bold colors like teal paint or olive green paint create a modern contrast. Contrast works best when the new color sits opposite the brick’s natural hue on the color wheel.

Interior paint options

• Beige provides a neutral base that blends with natural clay tones.
• Gray offers a modern look that hides dust and dirt well.
• Teal paint creates a vibrant contrast against traditional red brick. Teal paint is a medium to deep blue-green color.
• Olive green paint provides a natural earthy feel for rustic exteriors. Olive green paint is a dark yellowish-green color.
• White paint creates a sharp, clean contrast that highlights architectural lines.
• Selecting the best colors to paint a brick house requires matching the undertones of the masonry.

Selecting the best dark colors to paint brick

Dark colors to paint brick include charcoal, navy, and deep forest green. These deep shades hide imperfections in old masonry. Darker pigments require a high-quality exterior paint to prevent fading from sun exposure. Contrast between dark paint and light mortar lines defines the visual texture of the wall.

Exterior paint protects your home from weather elements

Exterior paint is a specialized coating designed to withstand outdoor conditions like rain and sunlight. It contains specific chemicals to prevent cracking and fading over time. Choosing the right type ensures your brick stays protected and the color remains consistent.

How do I choose a paint color that matches the specific tone of my existing brick?

To choose a paint color that matches the specific tone of your existing brick, you must test physical color swatches on the actual masonry. Observe these samples under different lighting conditions throughout the day to see how shadows and sunlight shift the hue. This process identifies the best colors to paint a brick house based on real-time visual data.

Protecting the brick while changing its hue

Exterior paint coats the surface of the brick to change its appearance while protecting the substrate from moisture. Selecting the right hue depends on whether the brick has cool grey undertones or warm orange hues. A color that looks correct in a store showroom might turn a different shade once it settles on a porous surface.

Matching different colors to paint brick for a multi-textured facade

A multi-textured facade contains varied brick shapes and deep crevices that create heavy shadows. Using dark colors to paint brick helps unify these disparate textures by creating a consistent, solid base. This technique minimizes the visual noise of the masonry while highlighting the architectural lines of the building.

Coordinating interior paint colors with red brick

Neutral tones like warm whites, soft greys, and muted beiges work best with red brick. These colors balance the heavy visual weight of the masonry. To find the best interior paint colors with red brick, match the undertone of the brick to the paint to prevent clashing colors.

Using olive green to contrast red brick

Olive green paint provides a classic contrast that complements the earthy tones of traditional masonry. This specific shade works well because green sits opposite red on the color wheel. However, a dark green can make a small room feel cramped. To keep the space feeling open, choose farmhouse interior paint colors that offer a lighter version of the aesthetic.

Interior color palettes

Red Brick Base	Complementary Color	Visual Effect
Deep crimson brick	Creamy white paint	Brightens dark spaces
Burnt orange brick	Sage green paint	Blends natural tones
Muted dusty brick	Cool grey paint	Modernizes old structures
Bright red brick	Beige tan paint	Softens harsh contrast

Which interior paint colors complement red brick?

Interior paint colors that match red brick often include off-whites and warm neutrals. These colors to paint your brick house avoid competing with the red pigment. Designers often use tan or taupe to bridge the gap between the exterior and interior. If you prefer a bold look, deep teals provide a striking counterpoint to the warm brick.

What are the best colors to paint outside brick specifically for red brick homes?

The best colors to paint outside brick and complement red tones include warm neutrals, deep greens, and creamy whites. These choices highlight the natural warmth of the masonry while preventing the red from overwhelming the facade. Contrast works best when the paint color shares a similar temperature with the underlying brick material.

Exterior wall color options

• Creamy whites provide a crisp contrast that makes the red brick pop without creating a harsh visual break.
• Sage greens offer a muted earthy tone that sits opposite red on the color wheel to create a balanced look.
• Warm beiges blend with the clay base of the brick to produce a soft, cohesive appearance.
• Charcoal greys provide a modern edge that grounds the brightness of red brick for a contemporary feel.
• Terracotta shades match the underlying material to create a monochromatic look that minimizes the visibility of the paint.

Selecting a wall color for a red brick house

Airbrush paint replaces the original brick texture with a smooth finish, which changes the visual weight of the house. Airbrush paint is a liquid coating applied using a spray tool powered by compressed air. This method applies to homeowners who want a uniform appearance over a textured surface. A matte finish helps the airbrush paint mimic the flat depth of the brick rather than a glossy surface.

Modern and popular paint options for a brick house

Neutral tones like greige and warm whites are the most popular choices for a modern brick house. Earth tones like terracotta and olive green also remain common options. These colors provide a clean look while staying compatible with the natural texture of the masonry.

Modern paint trends

• Greige combines grey and beige to create a soft transition between the brick and surrounding landscaping.
• Warm white paint highlights the architectural details of the masonry without creating harsh contrasts.
• Terracotta shades provide a traditional feel that blends with natural clay and stone.
• Olive green creates a muted organic appearance that works well in wooded environments.
• Charcoal grey offers a bold modern contrast that makes lighter trim colors stand out.

Finding the most popular and modern paint shades

Homeowners often choose shades that match the underlying clay color of the brick. A french country interior style uses these muted palettes to create a soft, lived-in atmosphere. French country interior is a style of home design featuring rustic elements and earthy tones. Selecting the right shade requires checking the paint in different lighting conditions to see how the color shifts from morning to evening.

Select the right paint colors for your brick house project

Project timeline and selection process

1. Identify the current brick tone and texture. Take photos of the brick in morning and evening light. Compare these to the color swatches you have selected to ensure the contrast is intentional.
2. Request a professional masonry assessment. Ask a contractor to inspect the brick for porousness or moisture. If they identify structural issues, delay painting until repairs are finished.
3. Order physical paint samples for the exterior. Apply sample patches to a hidden area of the brick.
4. Verify the paint type against the brick material. Check the product data sheet for compatibility with your specific brick type. If the sheet does not list your brick type, choose a different product.
5. Confirm the final color and quantity. Compare your final sample against your neighbor's house and your own preference. Once you agree on the color, order the total amount of paint needed.

Frequently asked questions