Choosing exterior brick paint color ideas is one of those decisions that seems simple until the options start adding up.
Brick has texture, depth, and its own natural tone, which means paint behaves very differently here than it does on siding or stucco.
A color that looks calm on a swatch can feel too dark, too cool, or completely off once it’s on the wall and exposed to sunlight all day.
That’s where most frustration begins. This guide is designed to cut through that confusion by focusing on what actually matters for painted brick, including undertones, light reflectance, and smart color pairing.
Instead of guessing or chasing trends, the focus stays on choices that look right, last longer, and feel intentional from the start.
Exterior Brick Paint Color Ideas That Work Long Term
Exterior brick paint color ideas should balance visual appeal with long-term performance.
The following color choices focus on undertones, light reflectance, and compatibility with brick surfaces to help achieve consistent exterior results over time.
1. Soft White for Painted Brick Exteriors
Soft white continues to lead exterior brick paint color ideas because it refreshes brick while keeping surface texture intact.
The most successful soft whites carry a warm undertone, which helps the color sit naturally against red, brown, and clay-based brick.
Sherwin-Williams Creamy (SW 7012) is widely used for painted brick because its beige-leaning undertone avoids glare in direct sunlight.
With an LRV of approximately 81, it reflects enough light to brighten shaded areas without making the brick appear flat.
This shade pairs well with darker roofing materials and neutral trim colors, making it suitable for both traditional and transitional homes.
2. Warm Greige for Balanced Brick and Paint Combinations
Warm greige remains a dependable choice among exterior brick paint color ideas when a neutral finish is needed without a cool or stark appearance.
Greige blends gray and beige undertones, allowing it to adapt well to changing daylight. Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter (HC-172) offers a balanced undertone that complements warm brick while avoiding yellow or blue shifts.
Its LRV of around 55 provides enough depth to ground the exterior while maintaining visual softness.
This color works especially well when paired with white or off-white trim and natural stone elements.
3. Light Gray for Clean Exterior Brick Finishes
Light gray is commonly chosen in exterior brick paint color ideas for homes aiming for a restrained and clean exterior look.
The undertone should remain neutral or slightly warm to prevent a blue cast outdoors.
Benjamin Moore Gray Mist (OC-30) meets this requirement with a subtle warmth that stays consistent in sunlight.
With an LRV close to 74, it reflects ample light and keeps the exterior looking open and balanced. This shade pairs best with darker accent colors on doors or window frames.
4. Charcoal Gray for Depth and Contrast on Brick
Charcoal gray adds structure and contrast without fully shifting into black, making it a popular option in exterior brick paint color ideas.
The most effective charcoal shades lean neutral rather than cool. Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore (SW 7069) carries a subtle warmth that prevents harsh contrast against brick.
Its low LRV of about 6 creates depth and definition, particularly on homes with ample natural light. This color pairs well with crisp white trim and metal accents.
5. Muted Sage Green for Natural Brick Pairings
Muted sage green works well in exterior brick paint color ideas where the goal is to connect the home visually with surrounding greenery.
A gray-based green avoids oversaturation and blends more smoothly with brick. Sherwin-Williams Svelte Sage (SW 6164) offers a soft green-gray undertone that complements warm brick tones.
With an LRV near 52, it provides balanced contrast while maintaining brick texture visibility. This shade performs best on homes with landscaped yards or stone features.
6. Navy Blue for Refined Exterior Brick Contrast
Navy blue is often used in exterior brick paint color ideas when a deeper contrast is desired without the starkness of black.
A gray-based navy remains stable in outdoor light. Benjamin Moore Hale Navy (HC-154) delivers depth without overpowering the brick surface.
Its LRV of approximately 8 keeps the color grounded, making it suitable for brick exteriors paired with white or light gray trim and neutral roofing.
7. Soft Beige for Traditional Brick Homes
Soft beige continues to be a reliable choice among exterior brick paint color ideas for long-term appeal.
Beige shades with a slight gray undertone avoid yellowing and remain consistent over time.
Behr Sandstone Cove provides a balanced beige that pairs naturally with warm brick tones.
With an LRV in the low 60s, it reflects enough light to maintain brightness while preserving warmth. This color suits traditional and craftsman-style homes.
8. Deep Neutral Gray for Modern Brick Exteriors
Deep neutral gray is frequently used in modern exterior brick paint color ideas where minimal contrast and cohesion are preferred.
These shades sit between mid-gray and charcoal. Sherwin-Williams Dovetail (SW 7018) offers a warm-leaning gray with an LRV around 26, allowing the brick to feel grounded without appearing heavy.
This color pairs well with dark trim or wood accents.
9. Warm Cream for Softer Painted Brick Looks
Warm cream provides a softer alternative to white in exterior brick paint color ideas.
Cream shades with subtle warmth blend smoothly with brick undertones.
Benjamin Moore White Down (OC-131) offers a gentle, creamy base with an LRV near 76, allowing the exterior to remain bright without sharp contrast.
This shade pairs well with darker trim and classic architectural detailing.
10. Black Accents for Definition on Brick Exteriors
Black is commonly used as an accent in exterior brick paint color ideas rather than a full-body color.
Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black (SW 6258) is a true black with no visible undertone, making it predictable in outdoor conditions.
Its very low LRV of around 3 creates strong contrast and is best suited for doors, window frames, and architectural details on painted brick homes.
How Undertones Affect Exterior Brick Paint Color Ideas?
Undertones determine how a paint color reacts once applied to exterior brick, especially under natural light.
Warm undertones, such as beige, cream, or soft brown, blend more easily with red and clay-based brick and help reduce visual contrast.
Cool undertones, including blue or green bases, can create a sharper contrast and may appear stronger in direct sunlight, sometimes shifting the color unexpectedly.
Neutral undertones sit between warm and cool, making them the safest choice for painted brick because they remain stable across different lighting conditions and seasons.
Selecting the correct undertone ensures the brick surface looks cohesive rather than patchy or mismatched.
Understanding LRV for Exterior Brick Paint Colors
Light Reflectance Value, or LRV, measures how much light a paint color reflects on a scale from 0 to 100.
On exterior brick, LRV affects brightness, heat absorption, and long-term appearance.
Higher LRV colors reflect more light and help keep brick exteriors visually open, while lower LRV colors absorb more heat and create depth.
For painted brick, an LRV range between 25 and 75 is generally considered safe for long-term performance, as it balances durability with visual comfort.
Extremely low or very high LRV values can increase fading, heat stress, or surface wear over time.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Exterior Brick Paint Colors
Understanding common errors helps prevent visual imbalance and ensures exterior brick paint colors remain consistent and durable.
Ignoring the natural undertone of the brick can cause the paint color to appear mismatched or uneven once exposed to outdoor light.
Selecting paint colors based only on indoor samples or online images, without accounting for how sunlight intensifies undertones on exterior brick surfaces.
Overlooking Light Reflectance Value results in colors that absorb excessive heat or reflect too much light, which can impact durability and long-term appearance.
Choosing high-contrast or trend-driven colors without considering roof color, trim, or surrounding materials can lead to a visually unbalanced exterior.
Conclusion
Exterior brick paint color ideas work best when color selection is guided by undertones, light exposure, and long-term performance rather than appearance alone.
Brick surfaces react differently to paint than standard siding, making undertone compatibility and LRV especially important for maintaining a consistent exterior finish.
Neutral and balanced shades tend to age better, while thoughtful color combinations help create harmony with trim, roofing, and surrounding materials.
Avoiding common selection mistakes and testing colors in real outdoor conditions can prevent costly corrections later.
A well-chosen exterior brick paint color enhances curb appeal while preserving the texture and character that brick naturally provides.
With a Master’s in Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley, Alexander Martin has dedicated the last 18 years to enhancing outdoor living through thoughtful and robust structure design. His career kicked off in urban planning, giving him a unique perspective on integrating structures into diverse environments. In 2019, Alexander brought his expertise to our website, offering insights into creating versatile outdoor spaces. Since then, he has been the lead advisor for our outdoor design projects and is known for his ability to merge functionality with environmental consciousness. Alexander enjoys rock climbing outside of work and participates in community development projects, activities that reflect his passion for the outdoors and sustainable design.
