The front door of your red brick house is more than just an entrance—it’s a focal point that sets the tone for your entire property. Selecting the right door color can dramatically enhance your home’s curb appeal, express your personal style, and even increase your property value. With red brick’s timeless appeal and distinctive warm tones, finding the perfect complementary door color requires understanding color theory, architectural styles, and current design trends.
🏡 Pro Tip: Consider your trim color, roof shade, and landscape when choosing a front door color. These elements affect how the door color interacts with the red brick.
Whether you’re planning a complete exterior makeover or simply refreshing your entryway, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the many options for door colors that pair beautifully with red brick. From classic combinations that never go out of style to bold, contemporary choices that make a statement, we’ll explore how different colors interact with red brick to create various aesthetic effects.
Understanding Your Red Brick’s Undertones
Before selecting a door color, it’s essential to analyze the specific shade and undertones of your brick.
Identifying Your Brick’s Color Profile
Red brick isn’t just red—it contains a spectrum of undertones that influence which door colors will harmonize best:
- Orange-red brick: Contains warm, terracotta undertones
- Blue-red brick: Features cooler, burgundy or russet undertones
- Brown-red brick: Has earthy, muted undertones
- Variegated brick: Contains multiple colors and requires careful color coordination
Pro Tip: Take a photo of your brick in natural daylight and examine it closely for the predominant undertones. This will serve as your guide when selecting complementary door colors.
Best Front Door Colors for Red Brick Houses
Let’s explore the most popular and timeless front door color options that pair beautifully with red brick homes.
1. Classic Black: Timeless Elegance
A black front door offers bold contrast and timeless elegance against red brick. It’s a safe choice that pairs beautifully with both traditional and modern red brick exteriors:
- Black provides a neutral anchor that grounds the warm tones of brick
- The high-contrast look draws attention to architectural details around the entryway
- Black doors work with virtually any style of hardware and accessories
- This combination fits both traditional and contemporary architectural styles
Best for: Homes with white or cream trim.
Popular paint options:
- Benjamin Moore “Black Beauty” (2128-10)
- Benjamin Moore “Black Iron”
- Sherwin-Williams “Tricorn Black”
2. Navy Blue or Deep Blue: Sophisticated Contrast
Navy blue doors pair exceptionally well with red brick, creating a classic American look that’s both patriotic and sophisticated. This color combination works because:
- Navy blue provides a cool contrast to the warm tones of red brick
- The depth of navy adds visual weight to the entryway
- This pairing suits various architectural styles, from Colonial to Craftsman
- Navy blue is considered a “neutral” in exterior design, offering versatility with seasonal decorations
Best for: Colonial or craftsman-style homes.
Try these shades:
- Benjamin Moore “Hale Navy” (HC-154)
- Sherwin-Williams “Naval”
3. Forest Green: Natural Harmony
Forest green doors create a natural, harmonious look against red brick. This combination works particularly well for homes in wooded settings or traditional neighborhoods:
- Green sits opposite red on the color wheel, creating a pleasing complementary contrast
- The natural association with trees and plants helps blend the home into its surroundings
- Dark greens pair especially well with brick that has orange or brown undertones
- This color choice evokes a sense of stability and tradition
Paint suggestions:
- Benjamin Moore “Essex Green” (HC-188)
- Sherwin-Williams “Rookwood Dark Green”
- Benjamin Moore “Hunter Green”
4. Charcoal Gray: Sophisticated Neutral
For those who find black too stark but want a contemporary neutral, charcoal gray offers sophisticated appeal:
- Charcoal provides depth without the harshness of pure black
- This color often reveals subtle undertones (blue, green, or purple) that can complement specific brick tones
- Gray doors work exceptionally well on red brick homes with white or light-colored trim
- This versatile neutral pairs beautifully with both traditional and modern hardware finishes
Works well with: White, cream, or gray trim.
Paint options:
- Benjamin Moore “Kendall Charcoal” (HC-166)
- Behr “Intellectual Gray”
5. Warm White or Cream: Gentle Sophistication
Cream doors offer a softer alternative to bright white that’s particularly flattering with older or more variegated brick:
- Cream tones pick up the warmer undertones in red brick
- This combination creates a cohesive, slightly vintage appearance
- Cream doors work beautifully with brass or bronze hardware
- This color choice bridges traditional and contemporary styles effectively
Use with caution: Avoid stark, bright whites as they can clash with the brick’s warmth.
Paint ideas:
- Benjamin Moore “Swiss Coffee”
- Sherwin-Williams “Alabaster”
6. Teal and Turquoise: Refreshing Pop
Bold teals and turquoises create an unexpected, refreshing contrast against red brick:
- These blue-green hues provide a vibrant focal point
- They work particularly well with brick that has blue-red undertones
- This combination creates a modern, slightly coastal aesthetic
- Teal doors stand out beautifully in listing photos for real estate purposes
Popular teal shades:
- Benjamin Moore “Teal Ocean”
- Benjamin Moore “Aegean Teal”
- Sherwin-Williams “Oceanside”
7. Burnt Orange or Terracotta: Monochromatic Harmony
For a monochromatic, rustic feel, go for a door that’s a shade or two lighter or darker than your brick:
- Burnt orange and terracotta work beautifully with older or southwestern-style homes
- Creates a bold yet cohesive look
- Particularly effective with traditional red brick that has orange undertones
- Brings warmth and character to the entryway
Paint options:
- Benjamin Moore “Rust”
- Behr “Canyon Dusk”
8. Bold Statement Colors: Mustard, Plum, or Coral
For those willing to make a bold statement, several unexpected colors can create striking combinations with red brick:
Mustard Yellow: Creates a cheerful, energetic entrance
- Sherwin-Williams “Gold Crest”
Plum Purple: Deep plum or aubergine doors create rich, unexpected elegance
- Behr “Vintage Grape”
Coral or Salmon: Offers complementary warmth with a contemporary feel
- Benjamin Moore “Caliente” (AF-290) – A bold red for a daring choice
Front Door Colors Based on Trim Color
The trim color plays a significant role in your door color choice. Here’s a quick guide:
Red Brick House with White Trim
Best door colors: Black, navy blue, dark green, soft gray
White trim offers a crisp, clean contrast that allows bold door colors to shine. This classic combination works well with nearly any door color, but especially with those that create strong contrast.
Red Brick House with Black Trim
Best door colors: Deep red, white, charcoal gray
Black trim creates a dramatic look and pairs well with strong, rich tones. When working with black trim, consider door colors that either match the trim for a cohesive look or provide striking contrast.
Red Brick House with Wood Trim
Best door colors: Forest green, cream, muted blue
Wood trim adds warmth, making it ideal for earthy or natural color schemes. Look for door colors that complement rather than compete with the natural wood tones.
Considering Your Home’s Architectural Style
The architectural style of your red brick home should influence your door color selection.
Colonial and Federal Style Homes
Traditional red brick Colonial and Federal homes typically pair best with:
- Deep navy blue doors
- Black doors with white surrounds
- Forest green doors
- White or cream doors with transom windows
Victorian and Queen Anne Homes
Ornate Victorian brick homes offer opportunities for more decorative doors and richer colors:
- Burgundy or wine-colored doors
- Deep plum or aubergine
- Forest green with gold hardware
- Black with ornate hardware
Mid-Century and Ranch Style Brick Homes
For mid-century modern or ranch style brick homes, consider:
- Teal or turquoise doors
- Bright yellow or orange doors
- Charcoal gray with modern hardware
- Black with minimal, streamlined hardware
Farmhouse or Cottage Style
For farmhouse or cottage-style brick homes, opt for softer colors:
- Sage green
- Cream
- Light blue
- Soft gray
Modern Front Door Colors for Contemporary Red Brick Houses
Modern design favors clean lines and bold contrasts. If you want a contemporary look for your red brick home, consider:
- Matte black or steel gray doors
- Sleek navy or deep teal
- Minimalist wooden doors with glass panels
- Bright white with modern hardware
Coordinating with Other Exterior Elements
Your door color shouldn’t exist in isolation—it should coordinate with other exterior elements.
Harmonizing with Trim Colors
Most red brick homes feature trim in white, cream, beige, or gray. Consider how your door color will interact with:
- Window trim
- Fascia and soffits
- Columns and decorative elements
- Garage doors
Design Tip: For a cohesive look, either match your door exactly to your trim color (classic approach) or choose a door color that clearly contrasts with both the brick and the trim (contemporary approach).
Considering Roof and Landscaping
Other factors that should influence your door color choice include:
- Roof color (especially important for visible front-facing rooflines)
- Established landscaping colors
- Hardscaping materials like stone pathways or driveways
- Seasonal color changes in your environment
Benjamin Moore Front Door Colors with Red Brick
Benjamin Moore offers many curated shades perfect for red brick homes. Here are top picks:
- Black Beauty (2128-10) – Deep and dramatic
- Hale Navy (HC-154) – Sophisticated blue
- Essex Green (HC-188) – A timeless green
- Caliente (AF-290) – Bold red for a daring choice
- Kendall Charcoal (HC-166) – A deep, warm gray
Testing Door Colors: Practical Approaches
Before committing to a color, use these practical approaches to test your options:
- Digital visualization: Use home exterior design apps or software to virtually “paint” your door
- Sample boards: Paint large boards with potential colors and prop them against your door
- Tape-off method: Tape off a section of your existing door and paint a small test patch
- Color swatches: View large color swatches against your brick at different times of day
Testing Period: Live with a color sample for at least a week before committing. Observe how it looks in different lighting conditions throughout the day.
Paint Finish Considerations for Front Doors
The finish of your door paint is just as important as the color:
- High-gloss finish: Creates a reflective, attention-grabbing surface that highlights architectural details and is extremely durable
- Semi-gloss finish: Offers a good balance of shine and subtlety with excellent durability
- Satin finish: Provides a soft glow that hides imperfections while remaining practical
- Matte finish: Creates a sophisticated, modern look but requires more maintenance and may not be ideal for front doors
Most design professionals recommend semi-gloss or high-gloss finishes for front doors on brick homes, as they:
- Stand up better to weathering
- Create a visual contrast with the matte texture of brick
- Are easier to clean and maintain
- Reflect light, making the entrance more welcoming
Styling Tips for the Perfect Curb Appeal
A great front door color is only part of the equation. Here’s how to elevate your entryway:
- Add stylish hardware: Think brushed nickel or matte black for contemporary homes, or brass and bronze for traditional styles
- Include seasonal decor: Wreaths, welcome signs, or planters that complement your door color
- Upgrade lighting: Install sconces or pendant lights that match your door style and hardware finish
- Landscaping: Use plants to frame your entry and highlight the door color
FAQ: People Also Ask
What color of door looks best with red brick?
Classic black, navy blue, and forest green are top favorites. These colors offer contrast while complementing the warmth of red brick. Your choice should ultimately depend on your home’s architectural style, trim color, and your personal preference.
What color compliments red brick?
Neutral tones like cream, gray, and sage green complement red brick beautifully. Blue-based hues also contrast well with the warm undertones in red brick. For a more cohesive look, consider colors that pick up undertones already present in your particular brick.
What color door for red house?
For a red house (especially painted ones), white, gray, or black doors work well to provide visual relief and balance. If your house is painted red rather than natural brick, consider more neutral door colors to avoid overwhelming the façade.
Suggested Visuals for Your Red Brick Home Project
To help you make the best decision for your red brick house, consider these visual aids:
- Infographic: “Top 8 Door Colors for Red Brick Homes” showing color swatches with matching trim suggestions
- Chart: “Best Front Door Colors Based on Trim Color” for quick reference
- Illustration: Modern vs. Traditional front door style comparison for different architectural styles
- Gallery: Photo examples of red brick homes with different door colors in various lighting conditions
Final Thoughts: Making Your Decision
When choosing a front door color for your red brick home, consider these final points:
- Personal preference: While design principles are important, you’ll be living with this color daily
- Neighborhood context: Consider how your choice fits within your neighborhood without feeling obligated to match
- Testing period: Live with a color sample for at least a week before committing
- Long-term plans: If you’re planning to sell soon, more neutral choices may have broader appeal
The perfect door color transforms your red brick house from simply an address to a memorable home that reflects your personal style while honoring the timeless quality of brick architecture.
Whether you opt for classic black, sophisticated navy, bold teal, or another perfect pairing, the right door color creates a welcoming entrance that enhances your home’s overall curb appeal and makes a lasting impression on visitors and passersby alike.
Ready to transform your red brick home’s entrance? Test paint samples in different lights and start small — your dream curb appeal is just a door away.
