Red brick has a timeless quality. Aside from that, it is also lovely. Contrary to popular opinion, red brick does not always need to be used on the façade of a home.
Furthermore, exposed brick may give any room a homey vibe. Choosing a suitable color scheme and experimenting with different color combinations will help your red brick house seem its best.
Let's have a look at some paint colors that complement red brick walls and maybe find color shades that bring out the best in the look.
What Should I Know About Brick Walls?
When looking at a regular brick, it is not necessarily red. Of course, many people call it "red brick." However, it also contains orange and brown undertones.
Before choosing a color for my exterior and inside, I experimented with hues that complement red brick. Then, utilizing a palette of light and dark tints, I selected the colors that best matched my red brick house.
In addition, I found that using lighter colors on other interior surfaces was most beneficial. This decision highlighted the wonderful 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 collected samples of color combinations that I thought would look nice on exposed brick. Then I placed the samples close to the exposed brick.
Looking at the samples and testing paint colors throughout the day allowed me to view the colors at all daylight stages. Here are my favorite hues for exposed brick.
1) White Paint
White is ideal for both interiors and exteriors. The white paint samples created the effect of opening up an entire room, making it appear larger than it is.
I also used a swatch of test paint on the interior and exterior window frames. It definitely made the brick color pop and appear more vibrant.
I also hung a color sample on the front door to take things a step further. This showed me what it would look like throughout 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 I change it, I need to mention it in this list because it's a great and neutral color. Initially, I chose it because I couldn't decide.
However, it grew on me and looked great with the red brick wall. It also ages well. Furthermore, depending on the undertone of the grey you choose, it may have blue undertones that pop out in bright light.
Of course, the external brick complemented the dark gray. It may have appeared too dark at first, but it eventually functioned well.
If you're not sure about gray, you may always utilize blue grays, such as 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 placed samples throughout the house where I thought darker colors would work. All of the trim would look lovely and exquisite.
My kitchen cupboards also looked great 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 denying the brilliance and timeless classic of black trim paint, so I went with a matte finish.
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.
The main and back doors, as well as the outdoor trims, followed suit. But, of course, after a full day of observation, I was pleased to discover that black never disappoints.
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
Your roof's color should help you decide what color to paint the rest of your exterior.
If you are not changing the color of your roof, the color scheme you choose should match the roof.
Additionally, matching the color of your roof to the exterior paint colors will create an elegant and chic appearance.
You can also coordinate the exterior paint colors with 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 handle yourself, you should always stick a few paint swatches or samples outside, like I did. This precaution will give you an idea of how the color looks in all light stages. I also noted that most colors look brighter 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 create different sensations depending on the color scheme you choose. Keep in mind that your home type will also have a significant role.
A sleek or contemporary home, for example, will look great with matte black outside trim and accent walls.
If your home is more colonial in style, white will highlight all of its best characteristics and character.
Finally, if your property was built in the Victorian era, milder colors such as beige and tan may be appropriate.
It also comes down to personal preferences. If you like different hues, go for it. Multiple trial-and-error situations proved effective for me.
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
I found that the time I invested in creating swatches and testing paint colors was worthwhile.
When seeking strategies to brighten up your red brick house, you should be able to find some answers.
That being said, if you are not experienced in DIY or a professional, always stick to the safe side of the color palette.
