Choose the Perfect Exterior Paint Colors for Your Red Brick Home
Finding the ideal exterior paint colors to complement your home's red brick exterior can feel overwhelming. With so many potential color combinations, how do you narrow it down? The good news is that while red brick offers some unique challenges, there are tried and true principles to follow that will guide you to a cohesive, stylish look.
In this post, we'll walk through everything you need to know to pick foolproof paint colors for your red brick house. We'll cover which hues work best, which to avoid, expert color pairing tips, and more. Follow our guide and you'll have gorgeous exterior paint colors that enhance your home's curb appeal.
Complementary Color Theory is Key for Red Brick
Complementary colors are located opposite each other on the color wheel. When placed side-by-side, they create a vibrant contrast that lets both hues "pop." Examples of complementary color pairs include red and green, blue and orange, and yellow and purple.
This color theory is helpful when choosing paint colors for a red brick exterior. The red earth tones of the brick are enriched and accentuated by shades of green and blue.
Shades of Green Complement Red
Green is directly across from red on the color wheel, making it an ideal complement. From sage to hunter green, earthy greens are safe yet striking choices. They mute the red brick while allowing its undertones to show through. Dark green trims or accents also pop against red.
Different Blues Flatter Red
Like green, shades of blue complement the red hues of brick. From navy to sky blue, the contrast is eye-catching. For a more modern twist, consider an energetic teal or bright cobalt blue against brick red.
Best Color Categories for a Red Brick Exterior
While any color can technically work, some hues are especially compatible with red brick. Here are the best shades to consider across the color spectrum.
Warm, Earthy Neutral Tones
Earthy neutral colors are natural complements to red brick's organic quality. Hues like tan, taupe, greige and sage green have inherent warmth that flatters the red tones.
Soft beiges and cream colors also mute red brick nicely. Avoid stark whites, which can look harsh against the mellow red. Aim for warm off-whites instead.
Dark, Muted Color Tones
Darker colors contrast beautifully with red brick without competing with it. Deep greens, navy blues, charcoal grays, and black provide depth. These hues also camouflage any inconsistencies in brick color or texture.
Muted, dusty shades of purple, blue, and green are also safe bets that let the brick take center stage. Soft pastel versions of these colors work too.
Colors to Avoid with Red Brick
On the flip side, some colors clash with red brick instead of complementing it. Steer clear of these mismatched hues:
Bright, Saturated Colors
Vibrant, saturated colors like citrus orange, neon green, or magenta purple tend to compete with red brick instead of working in harmony. Red brick benefits from subtle, more subdued tones instead.
Cool, Crisp Whites
Bright whites with cool blue undertones can create too much contrast against warm, earthy red brick. The white appears jarring and out of sync. Soft whites with a hint of warmth work better.
Expert Tips for Picking Paint Colors
Beyond choosing complementary hues, here are some expert tips for selecting foolproof paint colors for your home's red brick exterior:
- Go for colors at least 2 tones darker than your planned paint color. This prevents the paint from appearing too bright against the brick.
- Always test swatches of potential colors on the brick first. This shows you how they'll look in real life.
- Factor in gray and brown undertones in the brick when coordinating colors.
- Match architectural style and accents. For example, black trim on a Tudor style home.
Choosing exterior paint colors for a red brick home presents unique challenges. But armed with complementary color theory and an awareness of which hues work best, you can pick a color scheme with confidence.
Stick to earth tones, muted tones, warm off-whites, and complementary greens and blues for a seamless look. Avoid bright, saturated colors as they compete too much with the brick. Test out swatches first, keeping undertones in mind.
You can choose paint colors that highlight the beauty of your home's red brick exterior. Your curb appeal and resale value will get an instant boost.