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Red brick is a timeless material that brings warmth and character to any home. Its rich, earthy tones can make a house feel inviting, but pairing it with the wrong paint color can clash with its beauty. That’s why choosing the right shades is essential.
When it comes to paint, I’ve always relied on Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore. These brands offer a wide range of high-quality colors that work perfectly with red brick, whether you’re looking to freshen up your exterior or bring harmony to an interior space. Today, I’m sharing 12 of the best paint colors—six from Sherwin-Williams and six from Benjamin Moore—that beautifully complement red brick.
Ready to find the perfect match? Let’s begin with why the right color choice makes all the difference.
Why Choosing the Right Color Matters
Red brick has its own unique personality—it’s bold, textured, and full of warmth. Pairing it with paint requires a little thought to bring out its best features.
Here are some things I always consider:
- Warm vs. Cool Undertones: Most red bricks have warm undertones, so I focus on neutrals and complementary colors that balance the warmth.
- Contrast or Blend?: If you want the brick to stand out, bold contrasts like deep navy or charcoal are great choices. For a softer look, warm whites or beiges are ideal.
- Curb Appeal: The right paint can enhance your home’s curb appeal, making it look polished and cohesive.
Getting the paint color right isn’t just about aesthetics—it can also boost your home’s value. According to a Zillow study, homes with light exterior tones or well-matched color palettes sell faster and for more money.
Sherwin-Williams Paint Colors That Pair Beautifully with Red Brick
Sherwin-Williams has always been my go-to for exterior projects. Their colors are rich, durable, and versatile. Here are six of my top picks for red brick:
- Accessible Beige (SW 7036)– This soft beige has just the right mix of warmth and neutrality. It doesn’t overpower the red tones in brick and works beautifully on exterior walls or interior spaces with a red brick fireplace. Pair it with crisp white trim for a classic, polished look.
- Urbane Bronze (SW 7048)– A deep, earthy brown-gray, Urbane Bronze provides striking contrast. It’s bold enough to add character while staying elegant, making it ideal for accents like shutters or a front door.
- Alabaster (SW 7008)– Alabaster is a warm white that looks soft and inviting against red brick. It’s perfect for trim, walls, or even larger areas where you want the brick to shine without competing tones.
- Neutral Ground (SW 7568)– If you’re looking for a tan with a hint of gray, Neutral Ground is your match. It blends seamlessly with the natural earthy tones of red brick, creating a harmonious look.
- Iron Ore (SW 7069)– Iron Ore is nearly black but leans charcoal gray, making it a bold choice for shutters, doors, or accents. It’s dramatic but doesn’t overwhelm the warmth of red brick.
- Sea Salt (SW 6204)– This green-gray is soft and understated, providing a refreshing contrast to red brick. It works wonderfully on exteriors or as an interior wall color near a brick feature.
Benjamin Moore Paint Colors for Red Brick
Benjamin Moore’s color palettes are equally fantastic, especially if you’re looking for rich pigments and subtle undertones. These six shades pair perfectly with red brick:
- Revere Pewter (HC-172)–This greige is a designer favorite for a reason. It’s warm yet balanced, complementing the earthy tones of red brick without overwhelming them.
- White Dove (OC-17)–A soft, creamy white, White Dove is versatile and adds brightness without looking too stark. It’s great for trim or large exterior surfaces.
- Hale Navy (HC-154)–For a bold, sophisticated contrast, Hale Navy is unmatched. Its deep blue tones look stunning against the warmth of red brick, especially on doors or shutters.
- Manchester Tan (HC-81)–If you want something subtle and timeless, Manchester Tan is a winner. Its earthy undertones make it a seamless match for red brick homes.
- Chelsea Gray (HC-168)–This mid-tone gray is neutral yet striking, offering a clean, modern look next to red brick.
- Sage Mountain (2136-40)-For a more natural pairing, Sage Mountain’s muted green tones beautifully balance the warmth of red brick.
Practical Tips for Painting Around Red Brick
From years of experience, I’ve learned that the perfect color isn’t just about the paint—it’s about how it works with the environment. Here are a few tips:
- Test First: Always try a sample of your chosen paint in different lighting. Natural light can shift how the color appears.
- Coordinate Finishes: For exteriors, matte or satin finishes work best as they complement the texture of brick. Avoid overly glossy finishes.
- Think Beyond the Walls: Consider your roof color, landscaping, and even the neighborhood aesthetic when selecting your paint.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Paint for Red Brick
Selecting the wrong paint color for red brick can lead to disappointment. Here are the most common mistakes I see and how to avoid them:
1. Ignoring Undertones
Red brick often has orange, brown, or even purple undertones. If you choose a paint color with clashing undertones (like a cool gray with blue hints), it can make the brick look dull or mismatched. Stick to colors that either balance or complement these tones.
2. Overpowering the Brick
Red brick is already bold. If you choose a paint color that’s equally strong—like a bright red or vibrant yellow—it can create a chaotic look. Instead, lean toward neutrals or muted shades for balance.
3. Skipping the Sample Test
Lighting can dramatically change the appearance of a paint color. Always test a sample on your walls and observe it throughout the day before committing.
4. Forgetting the Trim
The wrong trim color can make or break your palette. For red brick, white, cream, or charcoal trims are safe and timeless choices. Avoid overly bright or pastel trim colors.
Red Brick Combinations
Example 1: A Cozy Suburban Home
- Brick Type: Warm red with orange undertones
- Paint Combo: Accessible Beige (SW 7036) for the exterior walls and Alabaster (SW 7008) for the trim
- Result: A warm, inviting look that blends effortlessly with the brick’s natural tones.
Example 2: A Bold, Modern Facade
- Brick Type: Deep red with brown undertones
- Paint Combo: Iron Ore (SW 7069) for shutters and doors, paired with Chelsea Gray (BM HC-168) for the siding
- Result: A modern, high-contrast design that exudes elegance.
Example 3: A Nature-Inspired Retreat
- Brick Type: Muted red with brown and gray tones
- Paint Combo: Sage Mountain (BM 2136-40) for the walls and White Dove (BM OC-17) for the trim
- Result: A soft, natural look that feels at home in lush landscapes.
Pairing paint with red brick may seem daunting, but with these tried-and-tested colors from Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore, you’re on your way to a stunning result. Whether you’re aiming for bold contrasts or subtle harmony, these shades will enhance the beauty of your home.
Remember to sample your favorites, think about lighting, and trust your instincts. A well-chosen paint color can elevate the entire look of your red brick home.
What do you think? Are you leaning toward bold contrasts like Hale Navy or soft neutrals like Accessible Beige? Let me know in the comments!
I enjoyed reading your article on paint colors for red brick. Mine is reddish/orange. I do want a more neutral classic subtle look. Would you recommend going with alabaster or sage mountain? And which trim color? Thank you in advance as this is pretty stressful!
Hi Sandra! It’s Maisie here 😊
Oh I so hear you—trying to pick the right color when you’ve got that orangey-red brick can feel like a total brain bender 😅 You want it to work with the brick, not fight with it, and at the same time still feel soft and classic. I’ve helped a few folks with almost this exact thing, so I’m really glad you asked!
So between Alabaster and Sage Mountain… here’s the deal:
👉 Alabaster (SW 7008) is a creamy soft white—it’s super popular because it doesn’t go too yellow or too stark. If you’re going for that clean, neutral feel, it’s a really solid choice. Especially if you want to quiet down the red/orange brick a bit and not pull more color out of it.
👉 Sage Mountain (Benjamin Moore 1488) is gorgeous, but it does bring in a natural green-gray tone that will definitely contrast more with the brick. That contrast can be beautiful, but it’s a little more of a statement. Not bold-bold, just not as soft and “quiet” as Alabaster.
👩🎨 I had a client last year—her house was this older ranch-style with that same kind of red-orange brick. She really wanted the house to feel softer and less “busy” from the street. We did Alabaster on the siding and Sherwin Williams Shoji White on the trim—it added just a hint of warmth to tie it together without getting muddy. She messaged me later saying she gets compliments from strangers walking by 🥹
If you go with Sage Mountain, I’d do a warm off-white trim, like BM Swiss Coffee or Shoji White—something that still keeps it soft, not blinding white.
But if you’re leaning classic and low-stress… I’d nudge you gently toward Alabaster. It plays nicer with red/orange tones and gives that subtle look you’re after.
Also… don’t forget to test the colors on your actual house first, not just a swatch. I know it’s one more step, but it can save so much regret down the line 🙈
You’ve got this! It’s gonna look so good 💛 Keep me posted, and let me know if you want to talk door color or shutters too! 😊
Thank you for the information! I’m still unsure of what color would best go with the brick in our house. It’s a dark red with some bricks being gray. Does that mean it flashes more of a purple? To make matters worse it has red mortar which looks pink. We are going to make the mortar white to see if that will help brighten it some. We hate the mortar color as is but don’t want to paint the actual brick. Our house is one level all brick in the front with shutters. The sides and back is mostly just siding without much brick showing. When we bought the house I chose the color SW peppercorn and I regret it immensely. The front shutters and front door are painted black. What do you suggest to lighten our house. I think revere pewter would be pretty on the siding but am totally lost for a color to paint the shutters and front door. Could you recommend a shutter and door color if we were to paint it revere pewter or a shutter color for if we keep it peppercorn? Thank you for your help!