How to Choose Exterior Colors with Brick

To decide which colors go best with brick, consider the color schemes you find most appealing. What do you like about them? Many color palettes are based on the color wheel, which demonstrates how colors work together and can help you decide on the right scheme. In analogous color combinations, you pick one main color and accent it with the colors to either side of it on the color wheel (for example, yellow with green and orange). Complementary color schemes work well because they include colors that are across from each other on the color wheel, such as blue and orange. Another important consideration is deciding how to combine the shades in the right proportions. For exterior schemes with three colors, try the 60/30/10 rule: Designate 60% of the facade for the dominant color, use a secondary hue for 30%, and paint the remaining 10% in an accent color. In many cases with brick homes, the color of the brick itself serves as the dominant color.

Matching Exterior Paint Colors with Brick

Bricks come in a variety of styles and hues, including streamlined neutrals and more exuberant reds. Even within a single type, bricks can vary in color from one to the next. Before you choose exterior paint colors with brick, you’ll need to determine the colors that are inherent to your facade. Some red brick, for example, might have more brown undertones, while others might lean more purple. To determine the base color of your brick, hold up paint swatches in a range of colors to see how they compare. Then use the tone of your brick to help you choose the best paint colors to include in your scheme. Other exterior features of your home will also play a role in your color scheme. The roof, for example, is a dominant element that, depending on its color, might be a key factor in choosing the rest of the palette. A red brick home with a black roof, for example, establishes two of the main colors already in the home. Some brick homes have a facade that includes another material, such as stucco, which means the brick might hold less color dominance. The landscaping will also help determine how your brick color scheme looks. A front yard that features lots of flowers and colors might look best with an exterior palette that’s more neutral, while a mostly green yard might benefit from a home that includes strategic pops of brighter hues.

Best Exterior Colors for Brick

The paint color choice for your front door, trim, windows, and other exterior elements ultimately comes down to your personal design preferences and what colors you think look best. If you’re stuck, consider these combinations for exterior colors with brick that’s red, orange, neutral, or white.

  • Sage green + taupe: Because red and green are complementary colors, these exterior paint colors work well with red brick homes. In a muted shade like sage, the green brings out the color of the brick without overwhelming it.
  • Plum + cream or taupe: Neutral brick houses benefit from a dose of rich color, such as plum. When used on the front door or shutters, this deep shade adds dimension and keeps beige or tan brick from looking too bland.
  • Cool gray + hunter green: Try this color scheme with warm-toned brick, such as red or orange. Cool shades of gray and green can help balance the brick siding for a subtly colorful palette.
  • Forest green + black: For white brick exteriors, consider using darker colors for the painted exterior elements for a high-contrast color scheme. This emphasizes architectural details and creates a crisp, polished look. For more information on brick homes, check out The Better Buy, our new podcast. Julia Marcum, the designer behind Chris Loves Julia, shares how she chose their red brick home and the first DIY project she tackled in their new house.