Red brick is bold, warm, and full of character. Whether it’s part of your home’s exterior, an interior accent wall, or a traditional fireplace surround, it naturally draws the eye. But pairing paint with red brick? That’s where design decisions can get tricky. Choosing the wrong shade can clash with brick’s earthy tones, while the right colour can elevate the entire space. So, the big question: what paint goes with red brick?
what paint goes with red brick
There’s no universal answer—because red brick itself isn’t uniform. Some bricks lean brown or rusty, others more orange or burgundy. That’s what makes the pairing process both nuanced and creative. The good news? There are tried-and-true palettes that work with virtually every shade of red brick.
Let’s explore them.
1. Creams and Warm Whites: A Soft Backdrop
If you want to highlight the texture and richness of red brick without overwhelming it, warm whites and creams are your best friends. These hues soften the space, add brightness, and let the brick shine as the feature.
- Great picks: Alabaster, Swiss Coffee, White Dove
- Why it works: These whites have subtle yellow or beige undertones that harmonize with the warmth of red brick rather than contrast too starkly.
Avoid stark or blue-toned whites—they can make the brick look overly orange and unbalanced.
2. Earthy Greens: Nature’s Perfect Complement
Green and red are opposites on the colour wheel, making them complementary. But that doesn’t mean going with bright grass green. Think sage, olive, or moss—muted greens that feel grounded and organic.
- Try: Rosemary, Clary Sage, Evergreen Fog
- Best used for: Front doors, shutters, accent walls, cabinetry near brick features
These tones play beautifully with red brick, pulling the eye while maintaining a calm, natural aesthetic.
3. Cool and Charcoal Greys: Sleek Modern Contrast
Red brick feels traditional. Grey introduces balance. Whether you’re going for a cozy modern farmhouse or a cool industrial edge, a well-chosen grey makes the brick feel updated without erasing its roots.
- Ideal tones: Repose Gray, Kendall Charcoal, Peppercorn
- Where to use: Trim, siding, garage doors, living room walls near brick fireplaces
Cool greys contrast the warmth of brick, creating a dynamic, high-end look. Just make sure it’s not too blue-toned, or it may clash.
4. Navy and Deep Blue: Rich, Moody Elegance
For a bolder pairing, deep blues like navy or indigo offer elegance and drama. Used sparingly, they make red brick feel elevated and intentional rather than rustic.
- Think: Hale Navy, Naval, Inkwell
- Perfect for: Statement walls, entry doors, formal dining spaces
These shades work particularly well with brick that leans toward burgundy or cooler red tones.
5. Taupes and Greiges: The Middle Ground
Not quite beige, not quite grey—greige (grey + beige) is an incredibly versatile tone that acts as a neutral bridge between modern and traditional.
- Try: Edgecomb Gray, Agreeable Gray, Pale Oak
- Why it’s great: It adapts to different lighting conditions and doesn’t compete with brick’s natural complexity.
Greige tones work especially well in transitional spaces where red brick is present but not dominant.
What Paint Doesn’t Work Well with Red Brick?
- Pure black or bright white: Too stark, creating a jarring contrast
- Pastels: Soft pinks, baby blues, and lavenders often fight with the boldness of red brick
- Bold primaries: Unless you’re intentionally going eclectic, stay away from fire-engine red or lemon yellow
These hues can draw attention for the wrong reasons, often clashing with the brick’s earthy depth.
Exterior vs. Interior Paint Pairings
Outside, red brick needs colours that can withstand the harshness of direct sunlight and shifting shadows. Stick to mid-tones and neutrals with depth.
Inside, you have more flexibility. Consider how the brick interacts with lighting, flooring, and surrounding materials. A fireplace wall might call for something cozy and grounding, while a brick entryway might benefit from something brighter and more open.
Tips Before You Choose
- Test swatches in natural and artificial light
- Compare against the mortar as well as the brick
- Look at the surrounding finishes—roofing, flooring, furnishings, etc.
Paint doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Every shade behaves differently based on context, so live with samples for a few days before committing.
Read More : What Colour Paint Goes with Red Brick?
Conclusion
So, what paint goes with red brick? The answer is layered. It depends on tone, context, and your design goals. But whether you’re aiming for subtle harmony or striking contrast, the key is choosing colours that complement red brick’s warmth, not compete with it.
Brick is timeless. When paired with the right paint, it becomes even more powerful—elevating old structures, refreshing dated spaces, and adding richness to contemporary design. So choose your hues with care—and don’t be afraid to let the brick lead the way.
