Red Brick House? These Are the Best Shutter Colors to Pick

Choosing the perfect shutter color is key to making your red brick house exterior pop. The shade you select can complement the rich red hues, add contrast, and give your home curb appeal.

Complementary Shutter Colors for Red Brick Houses

Black Shutters

One of the most popular options, black shutters add a modern, sophisticated touch to red brick houses. The deep shade makes the vibrant red bricks truly stand out. Black creates a bold, dramatic look. It also pairs well with black window accents and lighting fixtures.

When selecting black, pay attention to undertones. Bluish-blacks have a cooler, sleeker appearance. Greener-blacks are richer and warmer. Matte finishes minimize glare in sunlight.

Gray Shutters

Gray is an elegant neutral that works beautifully with red bricks. It creates a more balanced, harmonious look than high-contrast black. The key is choosing the right tone of gray.

Light grays have a subtle, weathered appearance that exudes cottage charm. Medium grays like galvanized and dove gray are versatile neutrals. Charcoal gray has a sophistication similar to black, but slightly softer.

White and Off-White Shutters

White is a classic shutter choice that evokes traditional Americana style. Bright white has a crisp, clean look. However, it can be prone to dirt and requires frequent touch-ups.

Off-white is slightly warmer and more flexible. Shades like alabaster, ivory and pearl complement red brick without the starkness of pure white. Off-white also shows less wear.

Green Shutters

Green shutters add vintage cottage charm to a red brick home. Earthy shades like sage and olive mesh beautifully with red. Dark forest greens have a traditional European style. Consider lighter shades like seafoam to brighten a shady area.

Green also coordinates well with surrounding trees, plants and grass for a unified look. Avoid primary greens, which may overpower the red bricks.

Cream and Tan Shutters

Warm cream and tan shutters pair nicely with red brick. Cream has a welcoming look, whiledistinct from the coolness of white. Shades range from rich adobe and chestnut to softer buff and wheat.

When selecting a cream or tan, look at your environment. Warm shades complement red brick houses surrounded by natural, earthy tones. Save very pale tans or creams for brighter settings.

Key Factors When Selecting Shutter Color

Along with the shutter color itself, consider these factors:

• Brick hue and intensity. Soft pinkish bricks can pair with nearly any color. Deeper oranges and reds call for a more complementary shade.
• Architectural style. Traditional homes often suit lighter, neutral shutters. More modern red brick houses can handle bold black.
• Surroundings. Forested lots match green shutters. In an urban area, cream or gray blend in better than white.
• Roof color. With a charcoal roof, black shutters elegantly match. For light roofs, avoid darker shutters that look too heavy.
• Personal preferences. Historical accuracy matters less than choosing a shade you'll enjoy seeing daily.

Avoid Clashing Shutter Colors

Some shutter colors clash with red brick instead of complementing it. Avoid:

• Bright primary colors like blue, red and yellow. They overpower the brick.
• Neon or other vibrant shades. These feel dated and disruptive.
• Stark white on softer, paler red bricks. This can create too much contrast.

Shutter Color Combinations to Consider

Certain color combinations for shutters, brick and roofs have timeless appeal:

• Black shutters and roof with vibrant orange-red bricks.
• Sage green shutters on pinkish red bricks with neutral gray roof.
• Cream shutters against darker auburn bricks surrounded by earth tones.

Paint Finish Options

For colorfastness, use exterior grade acrylic-latex paints. Flat or matte finishes emphasize the texture of brick. Consider:

• Matte finish for a traditional look.
• Satin or semi-gloss for a subtle sheen.
• Glossy finish for a sleek, contemporary style.
• Stain for wood shutters to showcase the grain.

Accent Your Red Brick House Right

Choosing shutter colors for a red brick house requires careful thought. Black, gray, white, green and cream shutters are optimal choices. Look at all factors, especially the tones of your actual bricks. With the right shade, your shutters can make your red brick exterior irresistibly charming.

FAQs

What color shutters go best with red brick?

The best colors for red brick houses are neutral shades like black, gray, off-white, green, and cream. These complement or balance the intensity of the red bricks.

Do white shutters go with red brick?

White shutters can work with red brick but off-white is often a better choice. Pure white can look too stark and high-maintenance compared to softer red bricks.

What color shutters look best with a charcoal roof?

With a charcoal roof, black shutters make a sharp, cohesive combo. Gray and green shutters would also coordinate well.

Should shutters be darker or lighter than brick?

Darker shutters like black and charcoal gray make red bricks pop. Lighter shutters like cream and off-white create an elegant contrast against the bricks.

Yes, green shutters add unique, vintage charm against red bricks. Focus on muted, earthy greens that won't look garish or clash.