Painting Brick Wall: 5 Creative Ideas: Small-space friendly ways I’ve used to repaint brick and make rooms feel bigger, cozier, or bolder

Once I agreed to paint a client’s fireplace bright coral because she swore it would “make Tuesday mornings happier.” It did—until the neighbors called. I learned that painting brick is equal parts personality and patience, and small tweaks can create big impact. If you’re looking for brick accent ideas, I’ve tested plenty in tight apartments and old houses to know what works.

1. Soft Whitewash for Airy Rooms

I love whitewashing because it keeps texture but softens the heaviness of old brick. It brightens dark corners and suits small living rooms, though you’ll need to accept a slightly imperfect, lived-in look. Prep is cheap—clean, dilute latex paint, and a rag—so it’s budget-friendly but not as permanent as full coverage.

save pin

2. Full Color Block for Drama

Want bold? Pick one wall and go saturated—think deep teal or warm terracotta. It reads like an accent wall rather than an architectural afterthought, but mortar soaks up paint unevenly, so expect more coats and extra primer. I once spent an afternoon sanding and realized good tape and a steady hand are worth the extra hour.

save pin

3. Subtle Patterning with Washes or Stencils

For a layered look, try a diluted glaze or stencil over painted brick—this adds depth without hiding texture. It’s a bit more labor and needs steady technique, but the payoff is a bespoke surface that still breathes. If you’re reworking compact spaces, these small space tricks helped me plan sightlines before committing to color.

save pin

4. Two-Tone: Natural Brick Meets Painted Surface

Paint the upper portion or a single vertical strip and leave the rest natural for an artisanal two-tone effect. It’s great for rental-friendly statements because you can reverse the change later, though blending the seam cleanly takes patience. Sealers are essential on the painted part to avoid scuffing where furniture rubs.

save pin

5. Kitchen-Friendly Sealed Finishes

In kitchens I prefer washable, semi-gloss paints with a clear sealer—practical for backsplash areas behind stoves. This approach resists grease and is easier to clean than bare brick, but it emphasizes brush marks so prep and primer matter. For a full kitchen refresh inspiration, pair the paint choice with thoughtful layout changes to maximize light and workflow.

save pin

Tips 1:

Short budget tip: test a 1 sq ft sample and live with it for a week—lighting changes everything. Use masonry primer for longevity, and consider a matte sealer if you want protection without shine.

save pin

FAQ

Q1: Can you paint exterior brick?

Yes—you can, but exterior brick needs breathable masonry paint and proper weatherproofing. Poorly chosen paints trap moisture and can lead to spalling, so use products rated for exterior masonry.

Q2: How do I prep brick for painting?

Clean thoroughly (pressure wash for exteriors), repair crumbling mortar, and always use a masonry primer. Skipping primer is the fastest route to peeling down the line.

Q3: Will paint ruin my brick?

Paint changes the brick’s ability to breathe and can hide its natural beauty; sealed paint is removable but not always easily. If preservation is a priority, test a reversible finish on a small area first.

Q4: Is painting brick a good idea for small rooms?

Absolutely—light washes or partial paint treatments can make a tiny room feel larger by reducing visual weight. Dark, full-coverage colors can work too if balanced with plenty of light and reflective surfaces.

Q5: How many coats do I need?

Expect at least two coats of quality paint over primer on porous brick; sometimes three if you want full opacity. Mortar absorbs more, so don’t be surprised to double your coat estimate.

Q6: Any health or safety concerns?

If your home was built before 1978, test for lead-based paint before sanding—according to the U.S. EPA, homes built prior to 1978 may contain lead paint and require special handling. When in doubt, hire a certified contractor for testing and removal.

Q7: Can I repaint brick back to natural later?

Removing paint from brick is possible but labor-intensive; chemical strippers or sandblasting may be required and can damage soft brick. If reversibility matters, choose translucent finishes like limewash instead of full coverage.

Q8: How do I choose the right sheen?

Satin or semi-gloss fares best for kitchens and high-traffic areas because it cleans well; matte and eggshell hide imperfections and suit living spaces. Match sheen to function: higher shine equals easier cleaning but more visible flaws.

save pin