Choosing what color to paint a brick house is one of the biggest exterior design decisions a homeowner can make. Unlike siding, painted brick creates a permanent transformation that dramatically changes a home’s curb appeal, style, and overall character. The right color can modernize an outdated exterior, increase visual appeal, and help your home stand out for all the right reasons.
Whether you’re updating traditional red brick, refreshing faded brick, or completely changing your home’s appearance, selecting the right paint color requires careful consideration. This guide covers the best colors for painted brick houses, how to choose the right shade, and expert tips to ensure your home looks beautiful for years to come.
Should You Paint a Brick House?
Before choosing a color, it’s important to decide whether painting brick is the right move.
Painting brick can:
- Modernize an older home
- Increase curb appeal
- Create a uniform appearance
- Cover damaged or mismatched brick
- Highlight architectural features
However, painted brick requires ongoing maintenance because the paint will eventually need refreshing. Make sure the brick is in good condition and properly prepared before painting.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Brick Paint Color
The best color depends on more than personal preference.
Architectural Style
Different home styles often work best with specific colors.
For example:
- Farmhouse homes often feature white brick
- Colonial homes may suit soft neutrals
- Modern homes can handle darker shades
- Cottage-style homes often look beautiful in warm colors
Roof Color
Your roof is one of the largest exterior features and should coordinate with the brick color.
- Black roofs work with nearly any paint color
- Brown roofs pair well with warm neutrals
- Gray roofs complement cool-toned paint colors
Surrounding Landscape
Consider your home’s environment.
Trees, gardens, stone pathways, and neighboring homes can all influence which colors look most natural.
Climate and Sunlight
Paint colors appear different depending on the amount of sunlight your home receives.
Bright sunlight can make colors appear lighter, while shaded homes may benefit from warmer tones.
Best Colors to Paint a Brick House
1. Classic White
White remains the most popular painted brick color and continues to dominate exterior design trends.
It creates a clean, timeless appearance that works with nearly every architectural style.
Why it works:
- Bright and fresh
- Enhances curb appeal
- Makes homes appear larger
- Pairs well with black shutters and doors
Best for:
- Farmhouse homes
- Traditional homes
- Colonial architecture
- Cottage-style houses
White-painted brick creates a crisp look that never goes out of style.
2. Warm White
Warm white offers a softer alternative to bright white.
Subtle cream undertones create a more inviting appearance while maintaining brightness.
Why it works:
- Cozy and welcoming
- Less stark than pure white
- Complements natural stone
- Timeless appeal
Best for:
- Traditional homes
- Cottage exteriors
- Homes with warm roofing materials
3. Soft Greige
Greige combines gray and beige to create one of the most versatile exterior paint colors available.
Why it works:
- Modern yet classic
- Complements many roof colors
- Adds sophistication
- Works in various climates
Best for:
- Transitional homes
- Contemporary exteriors
- Suburban neighborhoods
Greige provides subtle contrast without feeling trendy.
4. Light Gray
Light gray creates a fresh and modern appearance while remaining neutral.
It works particularly well with black trim and white accents.
Why it works:
- Sophisticated appearance
- Contemporary appeal
- Complements landscaping
- Easy to coordinate
Best for:
- Modern homes
- Ranch-style houses
- Urban properties
5. Cream
Cream-painted brick offers warmth and character that bright white sometimes lacks.
Why it works:
- Soft and welcoming
- Traditional charm
- Works beautifully with natural wood accents
- Creates a classic appearance
Best for:
- Cottage homes
- Traditional architecture
- Historic-style properties
6. Taupe
Taupe combines warm and cool undertones for a balanced exterior color.
It provides more depth than lighter neutrals while remaining timeless.
Why it works:
- Elegant appearance
- Hides dirt well
- Works with many roof colors
- Adds subtle richness
Best for:
- Traditional homes
- Craftsman houses
- Larger properties
7. Sage Green
Sage green has become one of the most popular exterior paint colors in recent years.
Its muted tone feels natural and sophisticated.
Why it works:
- Blends with landscaping
- Nature-inspired appearance
- Adds personality
- Timeless appeal
Best for:
- Farmhouse homes
- Cottage-style houses
- Rural properties
Sage green pairs beautifully with white trim and black accents.
8. Blue-Gray
Blue-gray offers a fresh alternative to traditional neutrals.
The subtle color creates character without overwhelming the home’s exterior.
Why it works:
- Unique but timeless
- Coastal-inspired appeal
- Works with white trim
- Creates visual interest
Best for:
- Coastal homes
- Traditional architecture
- Contemporary properties
9. Charcoal Gray
Charcoal gray creates a bold and sophisticated appearance.
It is particularly popular in modern home designs.
Why it works:
- Dramatic curb appeal
- Modern aesthetic
- Highlights architectural details
- Pairs well with wood accents
Best for:
- Contemporary homes
- Modern farmhouses
- Large properties
Good sunlight helps prevent charcoal from appearing too dark.
10. Black
Black-painted brick creates maximum impact and luxury appeal.
While bold, it has become increasingly popular in high-end exterior design.
Why it works:
- Striking visual presence
- Modern sophistication
- Highlights landscaping
- Creates strong contrast
Best for:
- Modern architecture
- Large homes
- Homes with abundant natural light
Black exteriors often look stunning when paired with natural wood elements.
Best Brick House Colors by Style
Modern Farmhouse
Popular choices include:
- White
- Warm white
- Sage green
- Charcoal gray
These colors balance rustic charm with modern simplicity.
Traditional Homes
Recommended colors include:
- Cream
- Warm white
- Taupe
- Soft greige
These shades provide timeless elegance.
Contemporary Homes
Best options include:
- Charcoal gray
- Black
- Light gray
- Greige
These colors emphasize clean lines and modern design.
Cottage Style
Popular choices include:
- Cream
- Warm white
- Sage green
- Soft blue-gray
These colors create charm and warmth.
Choosing the Right Trim Color
The trim color is just as important as the brick color.
White Trim
Works beautifully with:
- Sage green
- Gray
- Blue-gray
- Taupe
White trim creates crisp contrast and classic appeal.
Black Trim
Pairs well with:
- White brick
- Light gray brick
- Greige brick
Black trim adds sophistication and modern style.
Wood Accents
Natural wood complements:
- White
- Sage green
- Charcoal gray
- Black
Wood softens strong exterior colors and adds warmth.
Front Door Colors That Work With Painted Brick
Popular front door colors include:
- Black
- Deep navy
- Forest green
- Natural wood
- Red
- Charcoal gray
The front door offers an opportunity to add personality and contrast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing a Trend Without Considering Longevity
Exterior paint lasts for years, so choose a color you’ll continue to love.
Ignoring Roof Color
Your roof and brick color should work together rather than compete.
Going Too Dark on a Small Home
Very dark colors can make smaller homes appear smaller.
Forgetting About Landscaping
Paint should complement the surrounding environment.
Skipping Paint Samples
Always test colors on multiple sections of brick before making a final decision.
Best Paint Finish for Brick Houses
Most exterior brick houses look best with:
Flat or Matte Finish
Benefits include:
- Natural appearance
- Hides imperfections
- Reduces glare
Low-Lustre Finish
Benefits include:
- Slight durability boost
- Easy maintenance
- Subtle sheen
Avoid high-gloss finishes, which can make brick look unnatural.
Designer Tips for Painted Brick Houses
To achieve a professional-looking exterior:
- Test colors in different lighting conditions
- Coordinate paint with roof and trim colors
- Use contrasting shutters for visual interest
- Add exterior lighting to highlight architectural details
- Incorporate landscaping that complements the paint color
- Choose timeless colors over short-lived trends
These strategies help create lasting curb appeal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering what color to paint a brick house, white remains the most popular and versatile option because it modernizes the exterior, increases curb appeal, and works with nearly every architectural style. However, colors like sage green, greige, taupe, charcoal gray, and blue-gray offer additional character while maintaining timeless appeal.
The best brick house color ultimately depends on your home’s architecture, roof color, landscaping, and personal style. By carefully considering these factors and testing paint samples before committing, you can choose a color that enhances your home’s beauty and creates an exterior you’ll enjoy for many years to come.