I’ve seen how choosing the right exterior brick and paint color combinations can feel overwhelming; there are just so many options. Pick the wrong one, and your home can feel off. Pick the right one, and it can completely change the look and improve curb appeal.
Today, I’ll walk you through the different types of brick, the paint colors that pair best with each, and some simple tips to help you avoid common mistakes.
You’ll also get easy, proven combinations that make your home feel fresh, balanced, and inviting. Let’s find the perfect match for your brick and create a look you’ll love for years.
Identifying Your Brick Type and Color
Before choosing paint colors, it’s important to take a close look at the brick itself. Most homes use red, brown, white, or gray brick. Red is the most common, often with a warm orangey tone.
Brown can range from light tan to deep chocolate, white is usually cream or off-white, and gray varies from pale silver to rich charcoal.
Brick color and texture play a big role in how paint will look. Rough brick reflects light differently from smooth surfaces, and even “red” brick often has flecks of orange, brown, or purple.
It also helps to think about your home’s style, the look of nearby houses, and your surroundings. Shade from large trees or nearby buildings can change how colors appear throughout the day.
Exterior Brick and Paint Color Combinations
Choosing the right colors for your home’s exterior can feel hard.
But picking colors that look good together doesn’t have to be scary. Here are some easy combinations that work well:
1. Classic Red Brick + Crisp White Trim
This timeless combination is a favorite for many homeowners. Red brick paired with white paint creates a clean, welcoming look that never feels outdated.
The white trim highlights your windows and doors, making them stand out beautifully. It works for almost any home style and always gives off a fresh, inviting vibe.
2. Weathered Gray Brick + Sage Green Accents
Gray brick has a calm, soothing feel. When you add soft green paint, it blends naturally with trees and plants.
These exterior brick paint color ideas are perfect for homes surrounded by gardens, making the exterior feel like part of the landscape. It’s subtle yet full of charm, creating a peaceful, well-balanced appearance for your property.
3. Warm Tan Brick + Deep Navy Blue
Tan brick brings a cozy, friendly energy. Pairing it with deep navy blue adds a refined touch without being overwhelming. This color mix works well for both traditional and newer homes.
It feels safe yet still interesting, offering a nice balance between comfort and style while adding depth and visual interest to your exterior.
4. Charcoal Brick + Cream Paint
Charcoal brick looks sleek and modern, but it can feel intense on its own. Cream paint softens the look, keeping it fresh and inviting.
Together, they create a clean, updated appearance that works well for minimalists. This pairing is perfect for anyone who loves simple, contemporary design with a hint of warmth and approachability.
5. Rustic Orange Brick + Forest Green
Orange-red brick has a natural warmth that feels inviting. Forest green paint brings in an earthy, woodsy feel. This mix works beautifully for homes with plenty of plants or trees nearby.
It has a cozy, cabin-like style that feels connected to nature while still looking unique and full of character from the street view.
6. Light Gray Brick + Burgundy Red
Light gray brick is soft and easy on the eyes. Burgundy paint adds a bold, dramatic twist without overwhelming the overall look.
This combination works especially well for traditional homes, offering a mix of classic appeal and a confident pop of color that stands out in a tasteful, well-balanced way for lasting curb appeal.
7. Honey-Colored Brick + Slate Blue
Golden-toned brick has a sunny, cheerful warmth. Slate blue paint cools the look just enough for balance. Together, they create a cozy yet calming feel.
This pairing is versatile, making it a great option for many home styles. It’s a safe choice that still has enough personality to keep things visually interesting and welcoming.
8. Dark Brown Brick + Soft Yellow
Dark brown brick feels grounded and solid. Adding soft yellow paint brightens the mood and makes the home more cheerful.
This pairing has a friendly, welcoming feel that reminds people of sunshine and comfort. It’s a great choice if you want your exterior to feel both sturdy and warm without losing its inviting appearance.
9. Salmon Pink Brick + Deep Teal
Salmon pink brick offers a playful, unexpected appeal. Deep teal paint adds richness, creating a look that’s unique yet sophisticated.
This combo is perfect for homeowners who want their property to stand out without being flashy. It feels fresh, artistic, and memorable, giving your home a distinctive personality that draws attention in the best way.
10. Black Brick + Warm Beige
Black brick creates a bold, modern statement. Warm beige paint softens it, adding friendliness without losing style. This mix feels sleek and high-end, perfect for contemporary homes.
It works well if you want a dramatic look with just enough warmth to keep it welcoming, making your house feel both stylish and approachable to visitors.
11. Buff Brick + Plum Purple
Buff brick, with its neutral light brown tone, is a versatile base. Plum purple paint adds unexpected richness, making the home stand out tastefully.
This color combination feels special and refined without being over the top. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a neutral foundation with a bold, eye-catching accent that feels sophisticated and memorable.
12. White-Washed Brick + Dusty Rose
White-washed brick gives a soft, weathered feel that’s relaxed and timeless. Pairing it with dusty rose paint adds a gentle, romantic touch.
This combination works beautifully for cottages or garden-style homes, especially when surrounded by flowers. It creates a warm, inviting exterior that feels personal and welcoming, perfect for anyone who loves a softer look.
Take your time, look at samples in different light, and pick what feels right for you and your family.
Paint Colors for Different Types of Brick
Every brick color has its own personality. Finding the right paint to go with your brick is like finding the perfect friend; they should bring out the best in each other.
Red brick house trim colors are bold and strong. White paint is the best choice because it makes the red really stand out. Black paint looks fancy and dramatic.
Gray paint is safe and modern; it makes the red calmer. Navy blue paint looks classy and works great with windows and doors.
White brick goes with almost any color. You can try lots of different paint colors. Deep blue makes it look fresh and clean. Forest green gives it a natural feel.
Warm colors like orange or yellow make it cozy. Even bold colors like purple work if you want something special.
Brown and tan bricks feel warm and earthy. They work best with natural colors. Soft cream or beige paint keeps everything calm.
Light pastels like pale yellow or soft pink are sweet and gentle. Olive green paint looks like trees and grass. Soft gray can work too if you want something more modern.
Gray brick is cool and modern. It works with both dark and bright colors. Charcoal or black paint makes it look expensive and sleek.
Warm colors like orange or red make it more friendly and welcoming. Bright white keeps it clean and simple. Cream adds just a little bit of warmth.
Calm and peaceful? Pick colors that match that feeling, and your house will look just right.
Tips for Choosing the Right Paint Color Combination
Picking paint colors for your home doesn’t have to be hard. These simple tips will help you choose colors that look great and make you smile every day:
- Consider Your Roof and Trim: Look at your roof color first, it’s like the hat on your house. If your roof is dark, pick lighter paint colors to balance things out. If your roof is light, you can go darker.
- Climate Considerations: Where you live really matters for paint colors. Hot and sunny places work best with light colors. Light colors bounce heat away and keep your house cooler. This saves money on air conditioning, too.
- Test Before You Commit: Never pick paint from just a tiny color card. Paint looks totally different on your real house in real light. Buy bigger samples and paint them on your walls. Check how they look in the morning, afternoon, and night.
Take your time picking colors. The right choice will make your house feel perfect for you.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even good homeowners can slip up when picking colors. One big mistake is using too many. If you have more than three, your house can look messy. Keep it simple so your brick stands out.
Another mistake is ignoring the style of your home. A Victorian house needs different colors from a ranch. Match the colors to the style you already have.
Lastly, avoid covering up the brick’s natural beauty with loud or harsh colors. The brick should be the main focus, not the paint. Choose shades that make it look even better.
When the colors work with your brick, your home will look friendly, balanced, and easy on the eyes.
Conclusion
The right exterior brick and paint color combinations can completely change how your home looks and feels.
By understanding your brick type, testing colors in real light, and matching shades to your home’s style, you can create a look that’s welcoming and classic. Think about what mood you want to create: warm and cozy, modern and sleek, or fresh and bright, and choose colors that bring that vision to life.
Remember, keeping it simple often makes the biggest impact. Take your time, trust your instincts, and enjoy the process.
For more ideas and inspiration to help with your next home project, check out my other blogs.