Red brick is timeless. Apart from that, it is also beautiful. Contrary to popular belief, red brick doesn't always have to be on the house's exterior.
Not to mention, exposed brick can bring a cozy feel to any space. Having a good color scheme and trying out various color combinations can give your red brick house the best aesthetic.
Let's look at some paint colors that go with red brick walls and hopefully find color shades that bring out the best of the look.
What Should I Know About Brick Walls?
When you look at a typical brick, it isn't always red. Of course, many people refer to it as "red brick." However, it also has orange as well as brown undertones.
Before selecting a color for my exterior and interior, I first tried out colors that complement red brick. Then, using a pallet of light and dark shades, I came up with the best shades that complemented my red brick house.
Additionally, it served me best to go with lighter colors on other interior surfaces. This decision brought out the beautiful undertones of the paint colors I chose.
Through testing all the colors and giving each color enough time in the daylight, I could only select one color that worked best for my requirements.
Paint Colors For Red Brick Wall
So I got samples of the color combinations I felt would look good on exposed brick. Then I set the samples next to the exposed brick.
Looking at the samples and testing paint colors throughout the day led me to see the colors in all daylight stages. Here are the colors I liked best with exposed brick.
1) White Paint
White works best for both interiors and exteriors. The white paint samples gave the illusion of opening up an entire room and making it look bigger than it is.
Additionally, white is a classy color. All shades of white paint, from creamy white to bright white, look very distinguished, even as a trim color.
I also applied a swatch of test paint to the window frames inside and outside. It surely made the brick color pop and appeared more vivid.
I also stuck a color sample on the front door to take it a step further. This showed me what it would look like all around the house.
What I Liked:
What I Didn't Like:
2) Dark Gray
I must admit; that gray was my trims' first interior paint color. It also made for a great accent wall in the main bedroom.
Before changing it, I need to include it in this list because it is an awesome and neutral color. Initially, I selected it because I couldn't make up my mind.
However, it grew on me and went really well with the red brick wall. It also ages well. Additionally, depending on the undertone of the gray you select, it could have blue undertones that stand out well in bright light.
Of course, the exterior brick also complemented the dark gray. Initially, it might have looked too dark, but it worked fine after a while.
If you are unsure about gray, you could always use blue grays like the bm wythe blue.
What I Liked:
What I Didn't Like:
3) Blue Paint
Natural red brick does very well with most shades of blue. A dark blue will do just fine if you love dark shades.
I tried a navy blue shade, which turned out perfect. It is one of the interior paint colors that go with red brick.
In natural light, dark colors appear more vibrant and saturated. This bodes well for a darker shade of blue.
I set samples around the house where I felt darker colors would work. All the trim would look beautiful and elegant.
Additionally, my kitchen cupboards looked very nice with the blue swatches and exposed brick.
What I Liked:
What I Didn't Like:
4) Brown Shades
Light brown and dark brown will still bring out the reddish brick of your house; if anything, lighter shades of brown will bring out the vibrancy of red bricks.
Starting with a few samples, I applied some dark brown shades to the exterior trim, and light brown shades were applied indoors.
I applied the indoor sample color to all the trim, including the windows. Light colors also go well with other light colors.
The tan color made my wall color look brighter. I also applied a few samples against the wall color. It would make a great accent wall, especially with a darker shade of brown for the indoor trim.
I also noticed the darker color on the house's exterior trim brought out the reddish tint of the brick house.
What I Liked:
What I Didn't Like:
5) Black
Of course, there's no escaping the brilliance and timeless classic that is black trim paint. So with black, I opted for a matte black.
For some reason, I felt glossy black wouldn't be adequate for my trims. So, of course, my samples were matte black.
I started by setting each sample against different surfaces—the trims, starters, and the fireplace.
Outdoor trims and the main and back doors followed suit. But, of course, after a whole day of observation, I was happy to note that black will never disappoint.
Apart from looking very chic, it also made a statement, yet allowed the brick red color to show.
What I Liked:
What I Didn't Like:
What To Consider Before Selecting A Color Palette For Red Brick Wall
a) Roof Color
The color of your roof should aid in deciding what color you want the rest of your exterior to be.
If you aren't changing the color of your roof, then the color scheme you select should also match the roof.
Additionally, matching the color of your roof to the exterior paint colors will look elegant and chic.
You can also match the exterior paint colors to your mailbox, gutters, driveway, and fence. It will make your space look well put together and orderly.
b) DIY
If this is a project you will do yourself, you should always stick a few paint swatches or samples outside, as I did.
This precaution will give you an idea of how the color looks in all light stages. I also noticed that most colors look more vibrant outdoors than indoors.
When you get to painting, don't forget to do a good prep job and apply primer. You should also remove any visible paint.
I can't remember how often my priming has made my job easier when painting a house exterior.
Lastly, consider where you live. In hot climates, the darker paint colors will form bubbles when drying.
c) Architectural Home Style
Different homes give different vibes regarding the color scheme you choose. Keep in mind that your home type will also play a big factor.
For example, a modern or contemporary home will do well with matte black all around the exterior trim and even as an accent wall.
If your home has more of a colonial style, then white will bring out all the best features and character of your home.
Lastly, if you have a Victorian-era home, you might want to consider muted shades like beige and tan.
It also boils down to personal preference. If you prefer other colors then go for it. What worked for me was multiple trial and error situations.
However, I did end up picking the matte black color. So I didn't have to do much. The color goes on well, dries well, and will complement red brick walls.
The Bottom Line
Personally, the hours I spent on swatches and test paint colors paid off well.
Hopefully, you get some answers to your questions when looking for ways to spruce up your red brick house.
That said, always stay on the safe side of the color palette if you are not experienced in DIY or a professional.
