Category: News

Finding the Perfect Brick and Trim Color Combination for Your Exterior

Choosing the right brick can feel as challenging as selecting the perfect shade of white paint, and just when you’ve nailed down the brick, the next dilemma appears: how do you pick the best brick and trim color combination?

Brick generally showcases a range of different colors, all of which can shift with the natural lighting on your lot. The good news is, it’s incredibly versatile and often a pretty forgiving material to work with. To make the process less daunting, we’ve partnered with Sherwin-Williams Design Pros to bring you expert advice on exterior design. In this post, we’ll share best practices and insider tips to help you navigate the delicate dance between brick and paint.If you’re still in the early stages and haven’t yet narrowed down your brick options, be sure to check out our guide to selecting a brick first!

Define Your Style and Color Palette

Before you dive in, Pinpoint your Style! Gather a few inspiration photos (Pinterest is great for this) and look for patterns. Maybe you notice that many of your favorite images feature a single standout detail, like unique shutters or a bold front door against a light neutral background. Recognizing these similarities, whether it’s lighter homes with darker siding or pops of color in an otherwise subtle palette, helps you zero in on the look you love. 

No matter your style, in order to create visual harmony you’ll want  to stick to a consistent color ratio. A popular approach is the 60/30/10 Rule, in which your dominant color, in this case brick,  grounds the design, while secondary and accent hues add interest without overwhelming. 

10% Accent Color: Details such as your front door, shutters, and other standout features.

60% Dominant Color: Brick Siding

30% Secondary Color: Elements like window casings, rooflines, and door frames.

Coordinating Brick and Trim Color Combinations

Think of your exterior’s trim as the frame of your home. Emphasize architectural features by using a color that boldly stands out against your brick. Doing this will provide a sharp contrast! For example, with Magnolia brick, a predominantly white brick featuring a brown body (base), sample browns and blacks to create a striking, coordinated contrast. For darker bricks, a crisp white, ivory, or warm neutral trim can deliver a similarly sharp effect.

If you’re aiming for a softer, understated, balanced appearance, consider a harmonious approach. This involves choosing trim colors that are only a few shades lighter or darker than the predominant brick color, allowing for a gentle interplay of color that highlights the trim without overwhelming the brick. For example, with a brick like Oyster Cove, selecting shades of gray or taupe can subtly enhance your siding, or you might experiment with complementary or analogous hues for a nuanced variation.ry mortar provides, but of course there are exceptions.

For example, think about a brick like North Highland. Since this brick has minimal texture and color variation, ivory mortar won’t provide the same contrast as it would with a brick like Avalon or Magnolia. Instead, white mortar would become the choice for achieving a brighter, more cohesive look, and ivory for the a softer, subdued white. Neither option is superior; it simply depends on the look you’re aiming for!

The most foolproof option? Match your trim to your mortar color, for a unified, seamless appearance. Doing this will soften the transition between the brick and trim, creating a visually balanced and cohesive overall appearance. Below are paint swatches from Sherwin-Williams that are color-matched to common mortar colors. If none of these options are a perfect match to your specific shade, take your mortar stick sample to Sherwin-Williams for precise color matching.

Pro-Tip: ALWAYS keep in mind what sand color your mason will be using to mix your mortar! 

Choosing Accent Paint Colors for Your Brick Exterior

Remember, 10% of your exterior palette is reserved for accents, which can include front doors, shutters, lighting fixtures, house numbers, and even garage doors (if they’re meant to stand out). Accent doors, for example, offer a chance to express personality and serve as focal points. A common approach is to select a color that sits directly opposite your brick’s dominant tone on the color wheel; for instance, deep teal or muted green can look stunning with red brick, while navy or rich blue can beautifully complement orange-toned brick. 

If you’re leaning toward a more classic look, neutrals like white, black, soft gray, or brown are always a safe bet. Below are several accent paint swatches recommended by Sherwin-Williams Design Pros to help you get started designing the home of your dreams.

How to Make the Best Brick and Trim Color Combination Decision for Your Home

What looks perfect in a showroom or on a screen can appear entirely different on your home. Always view samples and finishes in the actual lighting conditions of your home’s exterior—morning, noon, and dusk—to capture true color shifts. Oftentimes people will use a site panel for this sampling, which we discuss more in our Brick Selection Process guide.

More Practical Tips & Design Advice for the Home’s Exterior

• Consider your neighborhood, landscape, and surrounding architecture. A color that works in isolation might clash with its environment if not chosen with context in mind.
• Soffits & Fascia often coordinate with the trim color. 
• Gutters and Downspouts: For a cohesive look, match to the Trim, Soffits, and Fascia. Want an accent? Consider copper or a metal finish.
• Roof Colors: You can rarely go wrong with a classic slate or black roof, especially when using a cool-toned brick. To add warmth or to complement a warmer-toned brick, consider a brown or weathered wood-toned color roof. 
• White or off-white trim is a classic choice that works with nearly any brick color.
• Garage doors typically recede into the background which is why most often people will avoid using an accent or stark contrast here so it doesn’t compete for attention. If you want it to serve as an additional focal point, then disregard this tip! 
• Avoid high-gloss finishes unless highlighting a specific detail like the front door.
• Shutters are versatile, meaning they can be used as an accent or play a supporting role. Always opt for a powder-coated finish to prevent corrosion, eliminating maintenance down the line. 
• Windows: Dark window frames (black or bronze) are great for adding a modern, masculine, or industrial flair with brick. White frames offer the most traditional look. 
• Brick Painting: If painting brick, use a high-quality, breathable masonry paint like ROMABIO to prevent peeling. Fun Fact: US Brick makes painter bricks specifically crafted for painting, available in both smooth or textured finishes.

Finding the right brick and siding color combination is all about balance, style, and thoughtful coordination. With help from Sherwin Williams Design Pros, you can create a timeless and cohesive look that enhances your home’s exterior and overall curb appeal. By considering factors like trim contrast, accent colors, and your home’s natural surroundings, selecting the perfect paint colors will bring out the best in your brick home’s architecture. 

Get inspired by exploring our premium selection of brick options and expert resources. Then find a place to connect with one of our experts and start bringing your vision to life!

So, you want a white brick house? It’s a timeless classic, and we don’t blame you. If you’re planning your new construction build, there are several things to consider when choosing the perfect white brick. The first is whether you prefer natural white brick or painted white brick. Each option has its own advantages and considerations:

• A natural white brick is composed of the same durable materials as any traditional brick. Its color is achieved through heavy sand coatings baked into the surface during the firing process. Unlike painted brick, which can chip, peel, and require repainting, natural white brick, when properly cared for (no pressure washing!), retains its pristine appearance indefinitely.

• Painter bricks, on the other hand, are an excellent choice for those looking to color-match an exact shade of white or who prefer a brick with less natural color variation. We manufacture two types: one with a textured surface and another with a smooth, standard finish. That said, it’s crucial to use a breathable masonry paint like Romabio. It’s our go-to and can be color-matched to all the popular brand names like Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore.

What Color Mortar Goes Best With White Brick?

For those seeking an all-white, unified brick façade, the choice of mortar color for a white brick typically boils down to either ivory or white. Naturally, white mortar might seem like the obvious choice, but that’s not always the case! More often than not, ivory mortar is used to achieve a brighter, whiter, facade.Take Avalon brick for example:

Avalon brick has a unique texture that reveals subtle color variations. The softer, warmer white appearance seen on the left image is the result of using a white mortar. In contrast, the image on the right appears brighter, and whiter due to the subtle contrast of the ivory mortar. This rule of thumb applies to most white bricks, due to the subtle contrast the ivory mortar provides, but of course there are exceptions.

For example, think about a brick like North Highland. Since this brick has minimal texture and color variation, ivory mortar won’t provide the same contrast as it would with a brick like Avalon or Magnolia. Instead, white mortar would become the choice for achieving a brighter, more cohesive look, and ivory for the a softer, subdued white. Neither option is superior; it simply depends on the look you’re aiming for!

Brick Siding Color Guides

For more detailed information on undertones, shades, and textures check out our brick color guides.

One of the most captivating aspects of brick is the extensive variety of unique shapes, colors, and textures available. As a leading clay brick manufacturer and supplier, we take great pride in producing an array of distinctive textures for our bricks. While each brick texture is unique, we have grouped similar textures into categories to help you navigate our selections.

Antique

Our Antique texture features a moderately textured surface with unique indents throughout, giving each brick a character of its own. These bricks often have irregular edges that simulate a tumbled appearance.

Old-Fashioned

The Old-Fashioned texture boasts a cut and roll-back surface, characterized by natural-like scuffs and rolled-back edges. Unlike the more tumbled look of the Antique texture, these bricks have a rustic appearance with edges that are less straight than those of traditional bricks.

Traditional

Traditional texture bricks offer a lightly pitted, classic smooth surface texture. They predominantly feature straight, classic edges.

Artisanal

Artisanal texture bricks are highly textured with subtle indentations and simulated tumbled edges. This texture exudes a handcrafted feel.

Mudstone

Mudstone texture bricks present a tactile natural surface texture with mud coatings. This texture gives the bricks a raw, earthy feel.

Chiseled

Our Chiseled texture showcases a highly textured, rugged surface that mimics the appearance of chiseling. These bricks feature subtle natural clay specks throughout, offering a distinctive, weathered look that adds character and depth to any structure.

The Bottom Line

By categorizing our brick textures, we aim to make it easier for you to find the perfect match for your project. Each category offers its unique charm, allowing you to select the texture that best complements your design vision. 

Investing in brick is not just about the aesthetic appeal; it’s about making a smart, sustainable choice for your home’s future. When you stack up brick against other popular siding options like fiber cement, stucco, and vinyl, brick consistently comes out on top. Don’t believe us? Let’s break down why brick is the superior choice, aside from aesthetics.

Initial Cost vs. Long-Term Savings

While the initial investment in brick may seem higher, its durability, low maintenance requirements, energy efficiency, and potential insurance savings make it a cost-effective solution over time.

• Low Maintenance: Brick requires minimal maintenance over its lifetime, whereas fiber cement needs repainting and caulking, stucco requires regular inspections and crack repairs, and vinyl may need cleaning and can suffer from fading and cracking.
• Longevity: Brick can last over 100 years, outlasting the typical lifespan of fiber cement (30-50 years), stucco (50-80 years), and vinyl (20-30 years). This means fewer replacements and less frequent need for repairs, which translates to cost savings over tim
• Energy Efficiency: Brick’s natural thermal mass helps regulate indoor temperatures, reducing heating and cooling costs. This can lead to significant energy savings over the life of a home.
• Insurance Savings: Some insurance companies offer lower premiums for homes built with brick due to its durability and fire resistance.
  

Durability

Brick can last over 100 years with minimal maintenance, outlasting fiber cement, stucco, and vinyl, which typically need more frequent replacements.

Material	Durability
Brick	100+ years, highly durable
Stucco	50-80 years, moderate durability
Fiber Cement	30-50 years, durable
Vinyl	20-30 years, susceptible to damage

Maintenance

Fiber cement, vinyl and stucco require regular inspections, repainting, and repairs. Brick requires little to no maintenance. 

Material	Maintenance
Brick	Low, occasional repointing
Stucco	High, regular inspections and crack repairs
Fiber Cement	Moderate, repainting every 10-15 years
Vinyl	Low, but can fade and crack, needs annual cleaning and inspections

Energy Efficiency

Brick’s natural thermal mass helps regulate indoor temperatures, reducing heating and cooling costs. Fiber cement and vinyl do not offer the same level of insulation, and stucco’s insulation properties are only moderate.

Material	Energy Efficiency
Brick	High thermal mass, good insulation
Stucco	Moderate, can be enhanced with EIFS
Fiber Cement	Good insulation
Vinyl	Poor, requires additional insulation

Fire Resistance

Brick is non-combustible and offers excellent fire resistance, providing about 1.5 hours of protection before a fire breaches your home, whereas vinyl and fiber cement siding won’t withstand 30 minutes.

Material	Fire Resistance
Brick	Excellent, non-combustible
Stucco	Good, non-combustible
Fiber Cement	Good, non-combustible
Vinyl	Poor, melts and burns easily, releases harmful chemicals

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Brick is made from natural, locally sourced materials like clay and shale and is highly recyclable, making it an eco-friendly choice. In contrast, fiber cement and vinyl have a higher environmental impact due to their manufacturing processes. Brick’s long lifespan also means fewer replacements and less waste.

Material	Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Brick	Low environmental impact, natural materials, 100% recyclable, high thermal mass, good insulation
Stucco	Moderate environmental impact, natural materials, energy-intensive production
Fiber Cement	Moderate environmental impact, manufactured materials, some recyclability
Vinyl	High environmental impact, petroleum-based, not easily recyclable

Extra Benefits

Brick adds significant structural value to a home, contributing to its resale value. It’s also excellent at sound insulation, providing a quieter indoor environment compared to fiber cement, stucco, and vinyl. Insurance companies often offer lower premiums for homes built with brick due to its various benefits.

Material	Extra Benefits
Brick	High resale value, excellent sound insulation, potential insurance discounts
Stucco	Moderate resale value, good sound insulation
Fiber Cement	Moderate resale value, good sound insulation
Vinyl	Low resale value, poor sound insulation

The Bottom Line: 

Brick siding outshines fiber cement, stucco, and vinyl across various critical factors such as durability, maintenance, energy efficiency, fire resistance, environmental impact, and overall benefits. Choosing brick means investing in a solution that offers long-term savings, low maintenance, and greater home value. For those looking to understand more about the advantages of brick, from its sustainability to its thermal benefits, visit the Brick Industry Association’s detailed overview on brick benefits.

Trends come and go, but classics like red brick always return. We forecasted this rising trend for 2024, and it’s gaining momentum! Pinterest has shown that interest in limewash and painted brick exteriors has declined by 30%, while searches for “red brick house exteriors” have surged by 1,000%! This indicates a notable shift back to the timeless charm of red brick.

What Color(s) Coordinate with Red Brick?

Red brick exteriors are versatile and suit various architectural styles beyond the classic or traditional colonial. When selecting paint colors for areas like window trim, front doors, and garages, choose shades that complement your brick.

Red Brick Home Color Schemes – Pro Tips

Determine Brick Undertones: Before choosing paint colors, identify your brick’s predominant color. Hold up paint swatches to your brick to see if it has brown, maroon, terracotta, or true red undertones. Use this to guide your paint color choices.
60/30/10 Rule: For brick homes, the brick itself often serves as the dominant color. Apply the 60/30/10 rule to pick out two coordinating colors: 60% dominant color (brick), 30% secondary hue, and 10% accent color.
Analogous Colors: Choose one primary color (brick) and accent it with colors on either side of the color wheel Example: True Red Color Brick (Primary) paired with a warm tan from the orange range and a soft gray from the violet range. This ensures the undertones from the paint and brick will complement each other.
Complementary Colors: Opposing colors also work! Pick hues opposite each other on the color wheel for a pop. Example: True Red Color Brick (Primary) paired with a green accent door.

Red Brick Home Styles & Inspiration

Classic or Traditional Colonial Style: Symmetrical design, simple lines, black shutters, and white trim create a timeless, sophisticated, and inviting look.

Craftsman or Tudor Revival Style: These styles feature natural materials, including muted red bricks with warm brown tones. Emphasize handcrafted details like wood trim, exposed beams, and stone accents with earthy and muted tones that blend seamlessly with the natural environment.

Transitional Style: Blending traditional and contemporary elements, this style uses a palette of browns, earth tones, and creams. A red brick exterior combined with these warm, neutral tones offers a sophisticated yet approachable exterior.

Farmhouse Style: Combining rustic charm with modern simplicity, red brick homes in this style often use warm, earthy tones and materials like wood for accents. Gray or white trim creates a cozy yet elegant look that emphasizes natural materials and clean lines.

Incorporate Cool Tones: Red brick homes paired with gray and blue families offer a modern look or a twist to the traditional colonial style. This look features sleek lines and minimalistic details with cool tones to contrast the warm red brick.

Thin brick offers the look and feel of traditional brick without the weight and bulk, making the material great for a variety of interior and exterior applications. But with so many names and misconceptions floating around, it can be tricky to understand exactly what thin brick is and how it can be used. Below we hope to clear up the confusion and help you decide if thin brick is the right choice for your project.

What Is Thin Brick?

Thin brick, also known as brick veneer, fake brick, or even clay tiles, is actually just the face sliced off of a real, traditional clay brick. If your project requires the strength of structural brick, thin brick is not the right choice. However, if you’re looking to achieve the look of brick without the need for structural support, thin brick is ideal.

Why People Love It

Our Thin Brick is typically between a half-inch and an inch thick. It’s compatible with face brick and has the benefits of being cost-efficient as well as quicker to produce. Our designer friends tell us thin brick is one of the best ways to add texture and interest to living spaces. It’s also lightweight and easy to cut making it a great material for DIY projects. 

What to Use Thin Brick for

Thin brick is incredibly versatile and can be used in many settings where traditional brick might be impractical or unaffordable. Here are some of our favorites: 

Interior Walls, Floors, and Ceilings

Thin brick can add warmth and texture to your interior spaces without the need for reinforcing your walls to support the weight of traditional brick. Some of our favorite creative uses with thin brick are ceilings in small spaces like butler pantries, home libraries and accent flooring in sunrooms and laundry rooms.

Fireplaces

Thin brick is perfect for creating a cozy, authentic brick fireplace without the need for extensive masonry work. It’s also one of the best ways to easily DIY or update an existing fireplace. See here for a video transformation from stone to thin brick fireplace.

Backsplashes and Accent Walls

Thin brick can be used to create stunning kitchen backsplashes or accent walls in any room. Popular examples include kitchen backsplashes that add a rustic charm or accent arches in living rooms that provide a focal point.

Where to Find Thin Brick? 

Whether you’re looking for a classic red, a modern gray, or something in between, we have a thin brick option for you. Both our commercial and residential collections are available in thin brick sizes. This means you can achieve the same look with thin brick as you can with our standard bricks, or coordinate your interior accents with your exterior siding! If you have questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to shoot us a message – our inbox is always open!

Frequently Asked Questions About Thin Brick

• Do I need to seal my thin brick?
  Sealing is not always necessary for thin brick applications, but there are a few scenarios where we strongly recommend it. For example, if you’re applying thin brick as a backsplash in your kitchen, a sealant should be used so that it can be easily cleaned.  Another common instance is for flooring. Sealing the floor will help keep the original colors, texture, and coatings intact in high-traffic areas, and your broom will thank you for it!
• How do I clean thin brick?
  Thin brick is low-maintenance – regular dusting or vacuuming for interior applications will suffice. If you want to clean your thin brick, occasional mild soap and water cleaning are usually all that’s needed. For high-traffic areas, consider adding rugs or a sealant to minimize wear.
• Is thin brick real brick?
  Yes, thin brick is real clay brick that has been cut into thin slices. It offers the same aesthetic qualities as traditional brick.
• Can thin brick be used outside?
  Absolutely! Thin brick can be used for exterior facades and other outdoor applications. Just ensure it’s installed correctly to withstand the elements, including using proper mortar and sealing techniques.
• How is thin brick installed?
  Thin brick is typically installed using a type S mortar, similar to how tiles are installed. It’s crucial to follow proper installation guidelines to ensure a long-lasting finish, including preparing the surface, applying the mortar, and sealing the brick if necessary.
• Is thin brick as durable as regular brick?
  While thin brick is durable, it’s not meant for structural purposes. However, when used correctly, it can last just as long as traditional brick in aesthetic applications.

Choosing the right brick for your home can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help make the process as smooth as possible. Here’s a straightforward, no-nonsense guide to get you started on selecting the perfect brick for your home’s exterior.

Define Your Style

Before diving into the sea of brick options, it’s crucial to pinpoint the style you envision for your home. Start by using Pinterest or other inspiration boards to organize your thoughts. Look for common color schemes and styles that resonate with you. Are you drawn to a classic red brick, or do you prefer a more modern, sleek look with black or gray bricks? Knowing your preferred style will narrow down your options and make the selection process easier.

Harmonize Your Materials

When choosing your brick, remember to keep the colors of your roof, windows, and other exterior materials in mind. Your home’s exterior should have a harmonious look, where all elements complement each other. For instance, if you have a dark-colored roof, a lighter or softer color brick might create a pleasing contrast, or vice versa. 

Visualize Your Choice

Whether you’re a visual thinker or not, seeing is believing when it comes to brick selection. Visit showrooms, ask for pictures, and, if possible, get addresses of homes that have used the bricks you’re considering. Seeing the brick in a real-life setting can give you a much better idea of how it will look on your home.

Mortar Matters

Don’t overlook the importance of mortar color. Mortar can make up to 25% of your home’s exterior! For example, using black mortar with black brick can create a sleek, monochromatic look, whereas white mortar with black brick can provide a striking contrast. Generally, lighter mortar can highlight individual bricks and color variations, while darker mortar can tone down color variations and mute the colors. It all depends on the brick itself, so just be mindful when considering the mortar color.

OUR BEST ADVICE: Sample in Your Setting

Ask your builder or architect for a site/field panel sample. This is a sample display set up on your chosen site, giving you a large-scale preview of how your choices will look under different lighting conditions and against your home’s specific backdrop. 10/10 we always recommend! 

If you’re struggling to make a decision or don’t know where to begin, shoot us a message, our inbox is always open! Remember, choosing brick is an exciting step in building your dream home. Take your time, explore your options, and enjoy the process. You’ve got this!