When choosing an exterior house color for a home with a brick facade, there are a few key factors to consider. The color should complement the undertones of the brick, coordinate with the roof and trim colors, and enhance the overall aesthetic of the home. Selecting the right hue can really make the brick pop and give the home great curb appeal. In this article, we’ll explore the best color options for houses with brick exteriors and provide some useful tips for choosing a shade that works.
Consider the Undertones of the Brick
The first thing to look at when picking a color for a brick house is the undertone of the bricks. Brick can come in warm red/orange tones or cooler grey/brown tones. It’s important to choose an exterior color that flatters the natural shade of the masonry.
Warm brick with red and orange undertones looks best with earthy exterior colors in tan, brown, terra cotta and olive green hues. Cool toned grey and brown brick complements lighter neutrals like greige, taupe, pale yellow and sage green. Contrasting tones can work too – for example, a crisp white or light blue on a red brick home. Just be sure the undertones don’t clash.
Take a look at the brick in both sunlight and shade to determine its true color before selecting your exterior paint. Brick can look quite different in different lighting. Choosing a color that enhances the brick in both bright and subdued light is key.
Coordinate with Roof and Trim
Along with the shade of the brick, the color of the roofing and trim should also inform your exterior color selection. For a cohesive look, the siding color should complement the tones of the roof and trim.
If your brick house has reddish roof tiles, a warm exterior hue like tan, brown or terra cotta would tie together nicely. For a charcoal roof, greige, taupe or olive exterior colors are fetching. With white trim, many colors can work well, but beware of too much contrast against light trim when choosing a dark paint color.
Think of the exterior color, roof color and trim colors as a palette, with each element complementing the others. This creates balance and visual interest. Don’t be afraid to use a few harmonious tones. For example, olive green siding with terra cotta trim on a brown roof can look very pulled together.
Consider the Style of Your Home
The architectural style of your brick home should also inform your color selection. Traditional styles like Craftsman bungalows and Colonial homes often look best in subdued, earthy tones like sage, brown, khaki and slate blue. More ornate Victorian homes can handle brighter, saturated hues like cherry red, navy blue or emerald green.
Contemporary brick homes look sharp in greige, taupe, light grey or even black, which creates contrast against the brickwork. For a Tudor style home, avoid stark whites and opt for softer Linen White or Pale Oak colors that complement the dark wood accents. Think about what color truly enhances your home’s unique style.
Factor in the Environment
The geographic location and positioning of your brick house on the lot can also impact color choice. For hot, sunny climates, light exterior colors help reflect heat. Cool tones like pale blue, green and grey are fitting. In northern regions, darker colors like terra cotta, olive and chocolate brown add warmth.
Also consider your home’s visibility from the street. Bolder colors show up better from a distance than paler hues. Make sure the color reads well from the curb and pops against landscaping. On a wooded lot, aim for contrast against the natural backdrop. Lighter earth tones and greens complement the setting without fading into the scenery.
Test Color Samples on the Brick
When you’ve narrowed down your exterior color options, test them out on the actual brick before fully committing to a paint color. Samples on painted siding don’t give you the full picture of how the color will look on the masonry.
Paint a few 2×2 foot squares directly on the brick in your top color contenders. Look at them at different times of day to see how the color changes in various lighting against the brickwork. Seeing real paint swatches on the brick façade makes color selection much easier.
Consider Curb Appeal and Resale Value
While personal taste is important, also think about which exterior color will have the broadest appeal for resale purposes, if applicable. Neutral earth tones are generally safest and most preferred by buyers. Bold colors make more of a statement but may polarize opinions.
Choose colors that complement neighboring homes. You want your home to stand out while still fitting into the overall streetscape. Stay away from unusual colors that buyers may not want to paint over someday. Aim for timeless over trendy.
Our Top Exterior Color Picks for Brick Homes
Based on all these factors, here are our top recommended exterior paint colors for houses with brick facades:
| Color | Undertone | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Château Grey | Cool grey | A light warm greige that complements grey/brown brick |
| Sandstone | Warm tan | A creamy beige that flatters red brick |
| Cyprus | Olive green | An earthy sage green for red brick homes |
| Glacier | Cool blue | A pale blue-grey that brightens dark brick |
| Spiced Cider | Warm orange | A rich clay color that pops on red brick |
| Chelsea Gray | Charcoal grey | A dark grey that contrasts light brick |
| Black bean | Cool black | A modern black for contemporary homes |
| Rockport Brown | Chocolate brown | A deep brown for warmth on grey/brown brick |
| Harbor Haze | Cool blue grey | A sleek blue-grey for modern brick homes |
These versatile, timeless colors should complement most brick homes and boost curb appeal. Always test colors on your actual brick before fully committing to get the best look.
Tips for Painting a Brick House Exterior
Once you’ve selected the perfect exterior color for your brick house, proper prep and application are key for best results:
– Clean the brick thoroughly with a power washer before painting to remove dust, dirt and loose paint. Let it dry completely.
– Repair any damaged or cracked brick before painting. Use brick filler epoxy for a durable fix.
– For previously painted brick, sand and spot prime to ensure proper adhesion of new paint.
– Prime the brick before painting, especially for drastic color changes. This helps the paint stick.
– Opt for a high-quality exterior masonry paint, which withstands weathering. Satin or semi-gloss sheens are ideal.
– Use an extension pole and high-density foam roller to apply paint evenly across the brick surface.
– Work in small sections and maintain a wet edge as you paint. Follow all drying time recommendations.
– Apply at least 2-3 coats for best coverage and lasting results.
With proper prep and application, your chosen exterior color will look gorgeous on your brick home for years to come. Take your time choosing that perfect shade and you’ll love the end results!
Conclusion
Choosing the ideal exterior color for a brick house involves assessing the undertones of the brick, coordinating with the roof and trim, factoring in architectural style and environment, and selecting a versatile, timeless shade. Our top color picks of earthy neutrals, greys and blues should complement most brick homes beautifully. Always test colors directly on the brick before fully committing. With thoughtful color selection and proper paint application, you can give your brick façade real curb appeal and standout style!
