Introduction: Choosing Exterior Paint Colors That Complement Red Brick Walls
Red brick walls have a timeless appeal, offering a rich, classic look that can add substantial curb appeal to any home. However, selecting the right exterior paint colors to complement red brick can be a daunting task. The inherent warmth and texture of red brick can limit your color choices, making it essential to choose wisely to enhance both the brick and the overall look of your home.
The challenge lies in selecting paint colors that not only match the red brick but also elevate the property’s aesthetics. Colors that clash can make your home look disjointed, while the right colors can harmonize your home’s exterior features beautifully. To navigate this challenge, here are practical steps you can follow:
- Assess the Undertones: Begin by closely examining the undertones of the red brick. Red brick isn’t just red; it can have undertones of brown, orange, or even purple. Identifying these undertones will guide your color palette choices.
- Consider the Roof Color: Your roof color plays a significant role in your color scheme. Ensure the paint color you choose harmonizes with both the brick and the roof for a cohesive look.
- Look at the Big Picture: Consider the colors of fixed elements around your home, such as pathways, landscaping, and neighboring buildings. Your chosen paint should complement these elements as well.
- Test Your Choices: Always test paint colors in various lighting conditions by applying swatches on different areas of the exterior. Observe these at different times of the day to see how they look against the brick in natural light.
- Consult a Professional: If you’re still unsure, consulting with a design professional can provide personalized advice tailored to your home’s specific needs.
These steps are effective because they ensure that every aspect of your home’s exterior is considered, resulting in a harmonious and appealing look. By assessing undertones, you avoid clashes; by considering other elements, you ensure the color looks good in context; and by testing colors, you see exactly what you’ll get before making a final decision. Following this thorough approach will help you achieve a beautiful, cohesive home exterior that complements the red brick walls perfectly.

Understanding Color Theory: Exterior Paint Colors That Go with Red Brick Walls
Choosing the right exterior paint colors to complement a red brick wall can be a delightful yet challenging task. The rich, warm tones of red brick can limit your color choices due to its dominant hue. However, with a basic understanding of color theory and some practical tips, you can select paint colors that enhance the beauty of your brick exterior while expressing your unique style.
Why Is Choosing the Right Color Important?
Red brick has a strong presence and sets a specific tone for a building’s exterior. The right paint color should balance and enhance this feature, not clash with it. Colors that harmonize with red brick can create a cohesive look that enhances curb appeal and increases property value. On the other hand, a poor choice can detract from the brick’s natural beauty and make your home look disjointed.
Steps to Choose the Perfect Exterior Paint Color for Red Brick Walls
- Analyze the Undertone of the Brick: Look closely at your brick to determine the dominant colors and undertones. Red brick can have undertones of orange, brown, or even purple. This step is crucial as it influences your palette choices.
- Consider the Roof Color: Ensure that your chosen paint color for trim, doors, and other elements also complements the color of your roof. This creates a harmonious appearance from top to bottom.
- Use a Color Wheel: A color wheel can help you understand which colors complement or contrast with red. For instance, green is directly opposite red on the color wheel, making it a complementary color that can work well with red brick.
- Choose Neutral Colors for a Safe Bet: Neutrals like white, cream, beige, gray, or taupe are versatile and tend to work well with red brick. These colors allow the brick to stand out while providing a subtle, clean look.
- Test Paint Samples: Before making a final decision, purchase sample paints and apply them on small sections of the areas to be painted. Observe how these colors look at different times of the day and under various lighting conditions.
- Consider the Historical Context: If your home is historically significant, research period-appropriate color schemes that could also complement red brick. This adds an element of authenticity to your home’s exterior.
- Seek Professional Advice: If you’re still unsure, consider consulting with a professional designer or color expert. They can provide insights tailored to your specific situation.
Why These Steps Are Effective
The steps outlined above work effectively because they approach the color selection process systematically. By analyzing the undertones and considering other exterior elements, you ensure that the chosen colors will harmonize with the existing materials. Using a color wheel helps in understanding basic color theory, guiding you towards colors that naturally look appealing next to red. Testing colors in different lighting conditions avoids surprises after the painting is done, ensuring that you are satisfied with the final look in all types of light.
Ultimately, the goal is to enhance the natural beauty of your red brick walls, not overpower it. By following these steps, you can achieve a balanced, appealing exterior that stands the test of time.
Neutral Colors that Enhance Red Brick
Choosing the right exterior paint colors to complement a red brick wall can be a bit of a puzzle. The natural, rich tones of the brick already provide a strong style statement, so the key is to select paint colors that enhance, rather than clash with, this feature. The goal is to achieve a harmonious exterior that welcomes you into the space.
Here’s a practical guide to selecting neutral paint colors that work beautifully with red brick:
- Assess the Undertones: Start by looking closely at the red brick to determine its undertone. Red brick can have warm undertones (like orange or rust) or cooler undertones (like blue or gray). Identifying this will guide your color choice.
- Choose Complementary Neutrals: Once you understand the undertone, select neutral colors that complement it. For warm undertones, consider creams, beiges, or warm grays. For cooler undertones, you might opt for cooler grays or even a muted navy.
- Test Your Colors: Before making a final decision, it’s crucial to test your chosen paint colors. Paint large swatches next to the brick, observing how they look at different times of the day. This step ensures the colors truly match under various lighting conditions.
- Consider the Trim: Don’t forget about the trim and other details. Choosing a contrasting color for the trim can highlight architectural details. For instance, a crisp white trim offers a classic look that pairs well with nearly any neutral body color.
- Look at the Roof: Ensure the chosen paint color harmonizes not only with the brick but also with your roofing material. This creates a cohesive look for the entire exterior.
Why are these steps effective? By starting with the undertone of the brick, you ensure that the paint color you choose harmonizes naturally with the main feature of your home’s exterior. Testing colors in different lighting conditions avoids surprises after the paint job is done. Considering trim and roofing ensures that all elements of your home’s exterior work together, creating a unified and appealing look.
Remember, the right neutral shades will highlight the beauty of red brick, enhancing curb appeal and adding to the overall value of your home. So, take your time, follow these steps, and choose colors that bring out the best in your red brick exterior.

Contrasting Colors for a Bold Look
Choosing the right exterior paint colors to complement a red brick wall can be a bit of a puzzle. Red brick has a strong, warm presence, and not every color will work well with it. The challenge lies in selecting a paint color that not only contrasts well with the red brick but also enhances the overall curb appeal of your home. Below, we’ll dive into some practical steps to select contrasting colors that create a bold and beautiful exterior.
Understanding the Color Wheel
Before we select colors, it’s essential to understand the basics of the color wheel. Colors opposite each other on the wheel are considered complementary and tend to offer the most vivid contrast. For red, the complementary color is green. However, this doesn’t mean you should rush out and buy bright green paint! Instead, look for shades that can subtly complement the brick.
Steps to Choose the Right Paint Color
- Observe Your Brick’s Undertone: Not all red bricks are the same; some have a more orange cast, while others might lean towards burgundy. Identifying this undertone is crucial as it influences which contrasting colors will work best.
- Consider the Lighting: Natural lighting can significantly affect how paint colors look. Observe your home at different times of the day to see how both the brick and potential paint colors look in varying light conditions.
- Choose a Few Contrasting Colors: Based on the undertone of your brick, select a few contrasting colors. For a bold look, consider dark hues like navy blue, forest green, or even a rich charcoal. These colors contrast well with the red brick and make the wall pop.
- Test Your Colors: Before making a final decision, it’s wise to test your chosen colors. Paint large swatches next to the brick in an inconspicuous area to see how they complement each other throughout the day.
- Consider the Trim: The trim color is just as important as the main house color. For a cohesive look, choose a trim color that either complements or neatly contrasts with your main color and the brick.
- Consult a Professional: If you’re still unsure, consulting with a color consultant or a professional painter can provide valuable insight and help you make the best choice.
Why These Steps Are Effective
Following these steps ensures that you consider all critical aspects of color selection, from the underlying tones of the brick to the lighting and overall aesthetic appeal. Testing colors in different lighting conditions helps avoid surprises after the painting is done. By considering a bold contrasting color, you ensure that your home stands out in the neighborhood, enhancing both its beauty and value.
In conclusion, while the task of choosing the perfect exterior paint color to complement a red brick wall may seem daunting, using a systematic approach makes it manageable. By understanding color theory, considering the undertones of the brick, testing colors, and possibly consulting professionals, you can confidently choose a color that adds a bold and beautiful contrast to your home’s exterior.
Earthy Tones for a Natural Blend
Choosing the right exterior paint colors to complement a red brick wall can be a delightful yet challenging task. The inherent warmth and texture of red brick can either be enhanced or overshadowed by the surrounding paint choices. The goal is to select colors that harmonize with the brick to create a cohesive and appealing look.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to select exterior paint colors that will beautifully blend with your red brick walls:
- Observe the Undertones: Start by closely looking at the undertones of the red brick. Red brick can have undertones of orange, brown, or even a bluish-gray. Identifying these undertones will help you determine which colors will best complement your walls.
- Consider Neutral Colors: Neutral colors are a safe and effective choice for accompanying bold elements like red brick. Shades such as taupe, beige, cream, and gray can enhance the red brick without overpowering it.
- Go Green: Green is a complementary color to red on the color wheel and can create a vibrant yet earthy look when paired with red brick. Opt for muted greens like sage or olive to maintain an earthy and understated aesthetic.
- Sample Before You Paint: Always test your chosen paint colors before committing. Paint large swatches next to the brick on different sides of your home to see how the color looks at various times of the day and in different lighting conditions.
- Consult a Professional: If you’re unsure, consider consulting with a professional color consultant or designer. They can provide insights and suggestions tailored to your specific home and style.
Why are these steps effective? Observing the undertones helps in making informed decisions that sync well with the natural hues of the brick, rather than clashing with them. Neutral colors maintain the balance, ensuring that the brick stands out without the paint colors taking over. Green enhances red by providing a natural, vibrant contrast, which is pleasing to the eye. Sampling paint colors is crucial as it prevents costly mistakes and ensures that you are satisfied with the final outcome. Lastly, professional advice can be invaluable, especially when making decisions that impact the curb appeal and value of your home.
By following these steps, you can achieve a beautiful and harmonious exterior that complements the natural beauty of your red brick walls, enhancing both your home’s aesthetic and its overall appeal.
Additional Tips for Choosing Exterior Paint Colors That Go With Red Brick Walls
Choosing the right exterior paint colors to complement a red brick wall can be a daunting task. Red brick has a strong presence and can limit your color choices due to its bold and natural hue. However, when done correctly, the right color combinations can enhance the beauty and curb appeal of your home. Here’s a practical guide to help you select the perfect exterior paint colors that harmonize with red brick.
Understanding the Problem
Red brick walls have a distinct, vibrant color that can either be a focal point or a challenging backdrop for exterior paint choices. The main problem arises from the need to balance the boldness of the red with other colors that neither overpower it nor fade into insignificance. The goal is to achieve a harmonious look that enhances both the brick and the home’s architectural details.
Practical Steps to Choose Complementary Exterior Paint Colors
- Analyze the Undertones: Start by closely examining the undertones of the brick. Red brick can have undertones of brown, orange, or even blue. Identifying these can help you choose colors that naturally complement the brick.
- Consider Neutral Colors: Neutrals are a safe and versatile choice. Colors like taupe, beige, gray, and cream can balance the intensity of red brick without clashing. They also offer a timeless appeal, ensuring your home remains stylish for years.
- Look at Nature for Inspiration: Nature-inspired colors like greens or earthy tones can harmonize beautifully with red brick. These colors reflect natural elements and create a cohesive outdoor aesthetic.
- Use Contrast to Your Advantage: If you want the brick to stand out, consider using contrasting colors for the trim, doors, and shutters. For example, a dark navy or a deep forest green can make the red brick pop while adding a sophisticated touch.
- Test Your Colors: Before making a final decision, it’s crucial to test paint colors in different lighting conditions. Paint a small section of the exterior or use large boards that you can move around and view at different times of the day.
Why These Steps Are Effective
These steps are designed to offer a balanced approach to selecting paint colors that complement red brick walls:
- Undertone analysis ensures that the chosen colors naturally harmonize with the primary color palette of the bricks, thereby enhancing the overall aesthetic rather than clashing with it.
- Choosing neutral colors helps in creating a visually appealing and timeless look, which is particularly important for home exteriors that are not frequently changed.
- Inspiration from nature helps integrate the home with its surrounding environment, making it look more inviting and part of the landscape.
- Using contrast strategically allows for highlighting architectural features and can make the home’s facade more dynamic and interesting.
- Testing colors in various lighting conditions ensures that you won’t have any surprises after the painting is done, as colors can appear significantly different under natural and artificial lighting.
By following these steps, you can confidently choose exterior paint colors that enhance the beauty of your red brick walls, ensuring your home looks both welcoming and stylish.

Conclusion: Choosing Exterior Paint Colors That Complement Red Brick Walls
Choosing the right exterior paint color that harmonizes with a red brick wall can transform the aesthetic of your home, enhancing its curb appeal and potentially increasing its market value. The inherent warmth and natural texture of red brick can be either accentuated or balanced with thoughtful color choices. Below, we outline practical steps to help you select the perfect paint color that goes well with your red brick exterior.
- Evaluate the Undertones: Start by closely examining the undertones of the red brick. Red brick can have undertones of orange, brown, or even blue. Identifying these will guide you in selecting a paint color that complements these hues without clashing.
- Consider the Lighting: Observe how different lighting conditions affect the color of the brick and how it might interact with paint colors at various times of the day. This step is crucial as natural lighting can significantly alter how colors appear.
- Choose Neutral Tones: Neutral colors like greys, tans, or creams generally pair well with red brick. These colors support the vibrant brick with a subdued backdrop, allowing the brickwork to stand out.
- Test Paint Samples: Before making a final decision, purchase sample paints and apply them on small sections near the brick. View these samples over a few days under different lighting conditions to see which color truly complements your brickwork.
- Seek Professional Advice: If you’re still unsure, consulting with a color consultant or a professional painter can provide expert insight and help you make an informed decision.
These steps are effective because they ensure that every aspect of the color selection process is covered, from the basic analysis of the brick’s undertones to real-world testing of potential colors. By taking the time to evaluate and test, you can confidently choose a color that not only goes well with your red brick but also enhances the overall appeal of your home’s exterior.
Remember, the right color can make a significant difference, so it’s worth investing the effort to get it just right.