Use this list of the best paint colors that complement red brick to help you find a natural fit for your home!
Some people think red brick looks dated, and it often gets painted over in many homes. But you might also love that classic red brick look – and with good reason. It’s rustic and timeless, and will never go out of style.
The key to making it feel updated is to choose paint colors that go with the colors in your brick.
However, many people find red brick can be challenging to match with paint colors. Although it can pair well with a range of colors, its earthy nature doesn’t make it a great natural fit for a majority of shades.
Don’t panic, though! If you have a brick home that needs a facelift, you’ve come to the right place. I remember the days when I would choose paint colors without having a clue about what I was doing. It wasn’t a pretty sight.
Thankfully, I’ve learned a TON about paint colors and matching them since then. And I’m here to help with a variety of paint color-related posts to help make the process of choosing paint colors easier for you.
In fact, I have an entire series of paint posts that cover a range of topics.
In this post, I’m sharing with you my favorite go-to shades to pair with red brick. I’ve covered a few of these shades in more depth. So, if you think you like one (or more) of them and want to learn more, just click through the links I provide.
So, what are great paint colors that compliment red brick? Let’s find out!
FAQs
What paint goes well with red brick?
I love neutrals and earthy colors on red brick homes. Some of my favorites include gray, taupe, creamy white, greige, beige, blue, sage green, and black.
What paint colors to avoid using with red bricks?
I recommend staying away from orange, burnt orange, and other reds. Occasionally they can work, but all too often, they clash with the bricks. Another thing that can happen with these colors is that they blend in with the bricks and offer no contrast or color variance, which is no bueno!
I also recommend staying away from cool whites and off-whites. The difference between warm brick tones and cool white tones can be harsh. Instead, choose warm, slightly creamy whites.
Is red brick really red?
Red brick isn’t a fire engine red, as the name might seem to imply. Instead, it’s more of a muted earthy color, more appropriately called “maroon” or “rust.” Also, red brick usually has a mix of gray shades from medium to dark that also help tone down the red. 
Tips for Success When Choosing Paint Colors That Compliment Red Brick
Choosing colors to pair with red brick can be a challenge, but I have a few tips that will help make the process faster and easier.
- I mentioned earlier that I recommend avoiding cool-toned whites and off-whites, and I think it’s worth mentioning again. Trust me on this one. Stay away from shades like Sherwin Williams Extra White when choosing paint colors that compliment red brick because the contrast will be so stark that the color will visually seem to protrude and look awkward.
- Pick muted colors that are a couple of shades lighter or a couple of shades darker than the brick, so the brick has a chance to shine.
- Muted earthy colors and neutrals are often great choices.
- Pick a color from the brick itself and work with it by matching the color (in the case of grays) or complimenting it.
- Warm off-whites and creams are usually great paint colors to go with red brick.
- These same colors can work with exterior or interior red bricks. It all depends on your home style and decor (and preferences, of course).
Pro Tip: ALWAYS use paint samples to see exactly how the colors you choose work with your brick and avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Samplize peel-and-stick paint samples are the tool I highly recommend using to see how colors look in your home before committing to buying any of them.
More Colors to Consider
I can’t possibly cover all the paint colors that compliment red brick in one single post. Although I cover my favorites down below, here are a few honorable mentions that shouldn’t go without, well, mention.
- Creamy (Sherwin Williams) – a very warm and creamy off-white.
- Kendall Charcoal (Benjamin Moore) – a deep, warm-leaning gray.
- Snowbound (Sherwin Williams) – a soft and creamy white.
- Comfort Gray (Sherwin Williams) – a light to medium gray with green undertones.
- Pewter Green (Sherwin Williams) – a deep forest green.
- Moonshine (Benjamin Moore) – a light greige with green undertones.
- If you’re looking for awesome exterior paint options, check out 17 Timeless Sherwin Williams Exterior Paint Colors
The Top Paint Colors That Compliment Red Brick
I’ve gathered up my top choices of shades that play well with red brick to give you a solid list of possibilities and help guide you as you pick your favorite colors.
For each color suggestion, I include a short description and a photo to show how it can appear in real life.
NOTE: I have published more in-depth paint color reviews on many of these shades. If you want more information about them (including undertone information and more real-life examples), simply click the provided links!
1. Sherwin Williams Shoji White
Shoji White (SW 7042) is a popular warm off-white from Sherwin Williams that has greige undertones that make it appear muted and soft rather than yellow and creamy.
Designing Vibes used it as an interior wall color to highlight that gorgeous fireplace. It just works on so many levels.
2. Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray
Mindful Gray (SW 7016) is exactly the type of muted warm greige that shines with red brick.
This pretty shade has very subtle blue undertones that aren’t noticeable but work really well to compliment the rustic appearance of the brick.
Here, @bainbridge_road used Mindful Gray with a warm white for the perfect color pairing for this red brick fireplace!
3. Sherwin Williams Alabaster
Alabaster (SW 7008) is a popular creamy off-white color that is a perfect fit for pairing with bricks. This light warm shade picks cues from the brick color and offers a cohesive look.
It looks incredible painted over the bricks on this porch from Downtown Acres, and I have to say I’m in love with the red brick flooring on this porch!
Naval (SW 6244) is one of my favorite navy blue colors anyway, so it’s no coincidence that it’s one of my favorite paint colors that compliment red brick.
Thanks to its low LRV and deep color, navy acts neutral while offering a pop of color.
On Sutton Place shows off Naval’s ability to play well with this exterior brick by using it as a touch of color for the front door!
5. Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
Black may be dark and moody, but it’s the ultimate sophisticated neutral!
Tricorn Black (SW 6258) is one of my favorite paint colors to compliment red brick because it draws out the neutral grays and flecks of black rather than highlighting the redder shades.
Papermoon Painting used Tricorn Black on the shutters and the front door for a timeless, chic look.
6. Sherwin Williams Iron Ore
Iron Ore (SW 7069) is a warm-tinted deep charcoal paint color that delivers a sophisticated look that perfectly compliments the earthy and rustic red brick.
This color combination from @vintagethreshold is stunning! Check out how Iron Ore pulls out the darker accents in the brick fireplace while at the same time providing a backdrop for the fireplace to stand out as the visual interest. Love!
7. Sherwin Williams Cyberspace
Can you see it? That hint of navy in Cyberspace (SW 7076)?
This shade looks black at first glance until you look closer and see that hint of blue that compliments red brick to perfection – especially the deep red brick on this house from @dbdliving.
8. Benjamin Moore White Dove
White Dove (OC-17) has a soft and creamy glow that many people love.
And its warm off-white nature is a perfect compliment for red brick on its own or as part of a color palette as Life on Virginia Street did with it on this home.
9. Sherwin Williams Functional Gray
Functional Gray (SW 7024) is a neutral gray with brown undertones, making it a perfect pairing for red brick. This subtle warm greige paint creates the ideal backdrop to let the brick be the focal point!
Try pairing it with Tricorn Black (or another similar shade) as @to_mimishousewego did on this amazing covered porch.
10. Sherwin Williams Sea Salt
Sea Salt (SW 6204) is a muted green paint color that looks subtle and subdued. This nature-inspired shade compliments the red brick and looks especially incredible with transitional, farmhouse, and coastal design styles!
With its brick flooring, this fun design from Allie Crowe is the epitome of the drool-worthy farmhouse laundry room.
11. Sherwin Williams Jogging Path
Warm and greige, Jogging Path (SW 7638) provides a great muted complimentary shade that excels at taking a step back so that the red brick can take center stage.
This fireplace from Sincerely Marie Designs shows off how amazing this pairing looks.
12. Sherwin Williams Granite Peak
Granite Peak (SW 6250) is a deep slate gray with blue undertones, although there are times (like this image from @gantfamtimes) when this shade can look more blue than gray.
But no matter how it appears, it practically sparkles when paired with red brick.
13. Sherwin Williams Rushing River
Rushing River (SW 7746) is a light gray with green undertones as you can see here from Thistlewood Farms.
Pair it with red brick and a creamy off-white for the ultimate light, airy, and endlessly chic color palette.
14. Benjamin Moore Wythe Blue
Are you looking for a light and airy shade of blue-green? If so, Wythe Blue may be the perfect choice!
The DIY Village used it for their front door, and I have to stay, it stuns as a fun accent color with red brick.
15. Sherwin Williams Show Stopper
Our own home has a very traditional look with red brick. If you’re looking for a color that doesn’t play the red down, then consider Show Stopper by Sherwin Williams (SW 7588).
It’s a popular front door color, and we love it for our own home.
Apologies this pic doesn’t show a ton of the color, but until I snap a new one, this is the best one I have (right before we went to chaperone the high school homecoming dance 🙌).
That’s a wrap, friends! Do any of these paint colors that compliment red brick catch your eye?
Just remember you’ll get the best results when you work with the brick rather than trying to ignore it! And don’t forget to use paint samples to thoroughly vet shades before using them.
Pin these paint colors for later! And if you use one, leave a comment on the pin. That helps others decide whether a color mentioned here is one that they’d like to try, too!
Ready to show those boring, beige walls who’s the boss at home? Grab my free guide to help you sidestep the mistakes that almost everyone makes when it comes to picking paint! You’ll be on your way to perfect paint promptly…pinky swear.
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