Red brick—warm, rich, and full of character—has a way of stealing the show, whether it’s framing your exterior, accenting an interior wall, or anchoring a fireplace. But when it comes to pairing it with paint, many homeowners hit pause. It’s not as simple as grabbing a neutral swatch and hoping for the best. You might be wondering: what paint actually goes with red brick?
Spoiler: it depends. Context, undertones, lighting, and your style goals all matter. Let’s unpack it.
Understanding Red Brick’s Natural Tones
Not all red bricks are created equal. Some lean warm and earthy, like terracotta. Others have burgundy or brownish hints. Before picking a paint colour, get up close and personal with your brick. Look for:
- Flecks of black
- Orange undertones
- Purple-ish hues
These subtleties can make or break a colour match. The goal? Harmony, not a visual clash.
Timeless Paint Colours That Pair Beautifully with Red Brick
1. Creamy Whites and Soft Off-Whites
Soft, warm whites are like a gentle hug for red brick. Avoid stark, clinical whites—they can feel harsh and modern, which might fight with traditional brick charm. Instead, look for shades with beige or ivory undertones to create a cozy, welcoming backdrop.
Examples:
- Alabaster
- Swiss Coffee
- Natural Linen
2. Greige and Warm Taupes
Greige (grey + beige) is the quiet hero of colour palettes. It tones down red without dulling the space and adds a sophisticated edge. Warm taupes work similarly, letting brick pop without overwhelming the room.
Best for: Exterior trim, siding, garage doors—especially with red brick facades.
3. Sage Green and Olive Tones
Green is red’s natural counterpart on the colour wheel. Think sage, olive, or muted eucalyptus for an organic, calming vibe. Perfect for indoor spaces like living rooms, home offices, or reading nooks.
These tones soften the boldness of red brick while keeping things stylishly grounded.
4. Charcoal Grey and Deep Graphite
For drama and contrast, deep greys are your friend. Charcoal adds contemporary sophistication, whether on shutters, window trim, or interior accent walls. Works beautifully with darker, older bricks too—hello, industrial chic!
5. Navy Blue and Deep Teal
Bold yet timeless. Navy adds a cool balance to warm red brick, ideal for front doors, kitchen cabinets, or statement walls. Teal brings a subtle unexpected twist while keeping depth and richness intact.
Choosing Colours by Location
Exterior:
Your brick dominates the view. Stick to muted neutrals for trim, siding, and doors. Bright, saturated colours can feel jarring next to earthy red.
Interior:
More freedom! Accent walls, adjacent drywall, or cabinetry offer chances to go bold or soft. Think about how textures, lighting, and furnishings interact with your brick.
What to Avoid
- Cool, stark greys—they can make red brick look sterile
- Bright primary colours (fire-engine red, pure yellow) that compete aggressively
- High-gloss finishes, which can flatten the brick’s natural charm
Read More : Should You Paint a Brick Fireplace?
Pro Tips for Seamless Colour Pairing
- Test colours in both natural and artificial light—midday and evening can look very different
- Use large swatches, not tiny paint chips—brick surfaces are expansive
- Pay attention to undertones—if your brick leans orange, a taupe with pink undertones might fight rather than complement
Red brick is a statement piece on its own. With the right colours, you can either highlight its warmth, create contrast, or let it shine as a subtle backdrop. Think of it like dressing for a night out: your brick is the outfit, your paint is the accessories. Pick wisely, and everything clicks.
