Paint Colors for Brick Houses: 5 Inspiring Ideas: Practical palette ideas and real-world tips to repaint or refresh your brick home's exterior

I once had a client insist their 1920s brick house should be painted “sunset orange” — I nearly laughed, then we spent an afternoon testing samples and learned about undertones, scale, and how light can make or break a bold choice. That project reminded me small experiments beat big regrets, and that small spaces and old bricks often spark my best ideas. For some visual tools I used to preview color pairs, check out my kitchen layout example to see how color balance reads in a real facade.

1. Classic White Trim with Soft Gray Brick

I love soft gray paint on brick paired with crisp white trim; it instantly modernizes while keeping a timeless feel. The advantage is versatility — gray reads well with most roof colors — but watch the undertone: cool grays can look blue in shade, so test samples at different times.

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2. Warm Beige or Taupe — Soften the Look

Beige and warm taupe make older brick feel cozy rather than stark. They’re forgiving of imperfections and hide dirt better than white, which lowers maintenance. The trade-off is that beige can look flat without contrast, so add darker shutters or a saturated front door to lift the composition.

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3. Two-Tone Approach: Paint Sills and Accents Only

Instead of painting the whole wall, try painting sills, lintels, or a partial lower course for a two-tone effect — it preserves texture but updates style. I often mock this up in 3D to preview light and shadows; a room transformation in 3D helped a nervous client see how subtle versus bold treatments would read from the street. The challenge is matching mortar and brick porosity when painting small areas, so use proper masonry primer.

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4. Earthy Terracotta and Greens for Cottage Charm

Earthy terracotta, olive, or muted sage plays beautifully with red or brown bricks and suits cottage or craftsman homes. These hues enhance warmth and pair well with natural landscaping. They can look too rustic on contemporary homes, so balance with modern hardware or a sleek entry light if you want a fresher vibe.

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5. Bold Accents: Doors, Shutters, and Porches

If painting the entire brick feels risky, choose a bold door color—navy, forest green, or even a coral—and keep the brick neutral. I ran an AI-assisted color study once to narrow door colors that complement brick undertones; the right pop color can raise curb appeal without a full repaint. The downside is that trends shift, so pick something you’d still enjoy in five years.

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FAQ

Q1: Can I paint any brick?

A: Most bricks can be painted, but you should check for moisture issues first. Porous, damaged, or efflorescing bricks need repair and proper masonry primer before painting.

Q2: What paint finish works best on brick?

A: Low-sheen or satin acrylic masonry paints are common because they breathe and hide texture without excessive gloss. High-gloss will highlight imperfections.

Q3: How do I pick a color that won’t clash with my roof?

A: Bring swatches and test them on the wall near the roofline; observe them at morning and evening light. Neutral undertones usually pair safest with existing roofing.

Q4: How much does painting exterior brick cost?

A: Costs vary by prep work and size, but expect higher costs if tuckpointing or sealing is needed. Simple repaint jobs cost less but don’t skip proper priming — it pays off long-term.

Q5: Do I need a professional?

A: For full-brick painting or historic homes, professionals help with breathable paints and prep. For accent areas, a confident DIYer can handle it with the right masonry primer.

Q6: How long does painted brick last?

A: With good prep and quality masonry paint, expect 10–15 years before repainting, depending on exposure and weather.

Q7: How should I test colors?

A: Apply 2–3 large swatches on different facades and view them at dawn, midday, and dusk. Samples help reveal undertones that photos hide.

Q8: Where can I find authoritative guidance on brick paint?

A: For technical guidance on masonry primers and breathable paints, refer to manufacturer resources like Sherwin-Williams’ technical notes on exterior masonry (see: https://www.sherwin-williams.com/exterior-painting). Their specs on LRV and substrate prep are industry-standard and helpful for planning.

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