The Best Paint Colours to Go With a Brick Fireplace

How to Coordinate MODERN Paint Colours With Your Brick Fireplace

Partner post: How to Update Your Fireplace – 4 Fireplace Update Ideas

If you’ve been following my blog for a while (bless your lil heart) you know that I LOVE to paint anything that men HATE to paint -brick, wood, you name it, I’ll paint it (including my body).

And I’m not picking on men here, I swear. It’s just that in my decorating adventures, I’ve found that men are the LEAST likely to want to paint brick or solid wood pieces – EVEN IF they are butt-ugly.

And I’m actually DEDICATING this blog post to the men (and the odd women) who despise painted brick and are desperately hoping to find a wall paint colour that makes their brick fireplace look fabulously updated!

The first thing I’m going to say about these colour suggestions is that these are ONLY ‘guideline colours’

Guideline colours are colours that get you off on the right foot – without being definite. There are SO many colours of brick out there, it would be IMPOSSIBLE to cover each and every one. I am my own personal hero, but I’m not THAT good.

Instead, I’m giving you one main colour to explore and then other colours that are similar but have different undertones and depths. This way, you have a good selection to play with, to see which one resonates best with your brick.

Please note these two important details:

• These colour suggestions are NOT for exteriors (although you can take some very general guidance from them). Paint colours can look CONSIDERABLY different on an exterior compared to the interior.

• MOST of these suggestions are with ‘softening and blending’ in mind, rather than accenting and highlighting – I can only fit SO much into one blog post!

• There’s no guarantee these colours WILL go with your particular brick, they’re just a place to start and you can adjust as needed depending on your brick and other interior finishes.

But before we start, we need to discuss your INTENTION…

HOW TO ENHANCE A BRICK FIREPLACE

If you LOVE your brick and want it to really come to life, you can do this via CONTRAST. Just remember, many warm colours don’t love being partnered with colours that are cooler AND lighter than them, so you have to tread carefully. Often, it’s best to contrast with a COOL colour that has some DEPTH to it (opposites attract and make each other stronger).

In this next photo, while the green undertone in the paint colour is a CONTRAST to the pink undertone in the brick, because it’s LIGHTER, it’s not doing a good job of CONTRASTING – it needs much more depth (such as Sherwin Williams Grizzle Gray).

• to REALLY get things popping choose a DARKER cool colour like a navy blue, gray-green or gray-blue

• some bricks can also humour a more medium-toned blue-green blend

HOW TO TONE DOWN & SOFTEN A BRICK FIREPLACE

In this next photo, the yellow undertone of the walls made the red-violet hues in the brick POP in comparison. However, in the photo on the right, the muted greige-taupe warmth tones down the look of the brick and modernizes its approach…

See this WHOLE HOME here

• find a paint colour that flows somewhat seamlessly with the MORTAR (which often has a warm violet or taupe undertone)

• the odd warm gray with a green undertone can work, depending on the colour/undertone of the mortar around the brick

• pick-up on the colours/undertones of the brick and choose neutrals with these undertones

• some mortars lean a bit warmer, picking up a subtle ‘tan’ look which means some tan paint colours can soften the intensity of some brick fireplaces

• remember, nothing will make your brick go away visually (short of painting it or refinishing it), this is more about softening its impact and modernizing its look

The 5 Best Paint Colours to Go With a Red or Red-Orange Brick Fireplace

This is one of the easier bricks as it suits a variety of paint colours!

1. SHERWIN WILLIAMS DOVETAIL SW 7018

MILD CONTRAST

Are you feeling brave and want a paint colour with a bit more DEPTH to partner up with your brick? Dovetail is a beautiful, medium-toned warm gray. It can be a subtle complement to your brick as isn’t overly colourful, while still pulling into the warm gray often found in this type of brick. You can consider Dovetail as an ‘accent wall’ colour and pair it with a light neutral or use it on ALL of your walls.

Paint colours that have a similar approach to Dovetail: Sherwin Williams Gauntlet Gray, Sherwin Williams Classic French Gray, Benjamin Moore Metropolis

FULL Paint Colour Review of Sherwin Williams Dovetail

2. SHERWIN WILLIAMS NATURAL TAN SW 7567

SOFTEN

Natural Tan is a fabulous (and popular) neutral tan colour – it’s like slapping your nicest pair of khaki pants on the wall! Natural Tan is slightly warm but is overall, a relatively neutral tan paint colour.

Paint colours that have a similar approach to Natural Tan: Sherwin Williams Canvas Tan, Sherwin Williams Neutral Ground, Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige

FULL Paint Colour Review of Sherwin Williams Natural Tan

3. BENJAMIN MOORE SIMPLY WHITE OC-117

CONTRAST

With its fresh warm yellow undertone, Simply White is a great way to create a bright look without the starkness of a more standard white paint colour. The brightness will contrast with the depth of the brick. 

Paint colours that have a similar approach to Simply White: Sherwin Williams Pure White, Benjamin Moore White Dove

FULL Paint Colour Review of Benjamin Moore Simply White

4. SHERWIN WILLIAMS WEB GRAY SW 7075

CONTRAST

If you want to have a bit more fun, Web Gray is a beautiful way to contrast with your brick and add some energy to the room. I recommend partnering it with a soft white or off-white paint colour.

Paint colours that have a similar approach to Web Gray: Benjamin Moore Trout Gray, Benjamin Moore Anchor Gray

5. BENJAMIN MOORE COLLINGWOOD OC-28

SLIGHTLY SOFTEN

Many red-brick fireplaces, particularly the darker ones, suit WARM gray paint colours (as well as taupes) that have a violet undertone. Collingwood is a light warm gray with a gentle violet undertone and is often as COOL as you can go.

Paint colours that have a similar approach to Collingwood: Sherwin Williams Popular Gray, Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist, Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray

FULL Paint Colour Review of Benjamin Moore Collingwood

Kylie M E-Design

IF YOU DON’T LIKE YOUR RED OR RED-ORANGE BRICK, AVOID THESE COLOURS…

If you have a surface you don’t love (like a red brick fireplace), the key is to not CONTRAST with it. Taking a low contrast approach means your brick won’t look any more red, orange or pink than it already does, and to do this, you’ll want to avoid cool paint colours. Cool colours (being opposite to the warmth of your brick will contrast, and therefore, ENHANCE the warmth of your brick. 

• avoid blue, green and blue-green undertones in gray or greige

The 5 Best Fireplace Update Ideas

The 5 Best Paint Colours to Go With a Brown Brick Fireplace

You can find brown in a LOT of brick blends, but some bricks commit to it MUCH more than others. These blends can also include cream, red, purple, peach and more!

 

1. BENJAMIN MOORE KINGSPORT GRAY HC-86

TONE-DOWN

Kingsport Gray is a medium-toned greige that leans more brown than gray.

Paint colours that have a similar approach to Kingsport Gray: Sherwin Williams Mega Greige, Benjamin Moore Alexandria Beige, Benjamin Moore Pashmina

FULL Review of Benjamin Moore Kingsport Gray

2. BENJAMIN MOORE BALLET WHITE OC-9

Ballet White is a beautiful warm neutral for brown brick fireplaces. It’s a cream that’s MAJORLY diluted by a tan/greige base, cutting back the degree of yellow that can pop up. Just be careful as it won’t necessarily suit a brown-PINK brick.

Paint colours that have a similar approach to Ballet White: Sherwin Williams White Duck, Sherwin Williams Neutral Ground

FULL Paint Colour Review of Benjamin Moore Ballet White

3. BENJAMIN MOORE MUSLIN OC-12

TONE-DOWN, SLIGHTLY CONTRAST (THE LIGHT DEPTH OFFERS THE CONTRAST)

Muslin is a soft, gentle beige with very flexible undertones that suit MANY of the brown-base brick fireplaces. While it won’t necessarily look ‘exciting and stimulating’ it might help to tone down the pink and neutralize your space.

Paint colours that have a similar approach to Muslin: Sherwin Williams Kilim Beige, Sherwin Williams Natural Linen, Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige

FULL Review of Benjamin Moore Muslin

4. SHERWIN WILLIAMS LOGGIA SW 7506

TONE-DOWN

Loggia is a light-medium beige with SUPER muted undertones, so no overly golden colours will pop up on you.

Paint colours that have a similar approach to Loggia: Sherwin Williams Balanced Beige, Benjamin Moore Stone Hearth

5. SHERWIN WILLIAMS ANEW GRAY SW 7030

TONE-DOWN & UPDATE

Anew Gray can be a stretch for a lot of brown brick fireplace, but it’s worth a try! Anew Gray is a light-medium greige that is pretty well-balanced.

Paint colours that have a similar approach to Anew Gray: SW Mega Greige, Sherwin Williams Versatile Gray, Benjamin Moore London Fog

FULL Review of Sherwin Williams Anew Gray

The 10 Best Gray and Greige Paint Colours

IF YOU DON’T LIKE YOUR BROWN BRICK, AVOID THESE COLOURS…

Click HERE or on the above image for available packages!

Let’s take a quick break to talk about paint samples…

Undoubtedly, you’ll be heading out in the near future to grab paint samples – stop right there! I want you to check out SAMPLIZE. Samplize offers peel and stick paint samples that are more AFFORDABLE, EASIER and more ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY than traditional paint pots. Here are just a FEW reasons why I recommend Samplize to my clients…

• samples arrive ON YOUR DOORSTEP in 1-3 business days, depending on location

• at $6.99, they’re more affordable than the samples pots/rollers/foam boards that are needed for traditional paint sampling

• if you keep the samples on their white paper, you can move them around the room

Visit the SAMPLIZE website HERE

The 4 Best Paint Colours to Go With a Pink or Salmon Coloured Brick Fireplace

I’d love to show you some LOVELY images of rooms redecorated with a pink brick fireplace, however…they don’t exist. Also, in order to show you photos of REAL HOMES with REAL BUDGETS, I only use photos from my Online Paint Colour Consulting clients.

Both of the fireplaces above have pink tones

This next photo shows a stone, not brick, but it CERTAINLY has those pink undertones! Which sample do you think works best with this fireplace?

If you guessed the far-right – YOU’D BE RIGHT! Why? Because the pink undertone picks up on the undertones in the stone and mortar.

BENJAMIN MOORE CEDAR KEY 982

TONE-DOWN & MODERNIZE

With its beige base and slightly gray-taupe undertone, Cedar Key can work nicely with a pink-toned fireplace. While it won’t necessarily look ‘exciting and stimulating’ it might help to tone down the pink and neutralize your space.

Paint colours that have a similar approach to Cedar Key: Benjamin Moore Baby Fawn, Benjamin Moore Maritime White 

BENJAMIN MOORE MARITIME WHITE 963

TONE-DOWN WITH SUBTLE CONTRAST

Maritime White is an off-white that has a soft, cream look, but also harbours a wink o’ pink.  

Paint colours that have a similar approach to Maritime White: Sherwin Williams Moderate White, Benjamin Moore Muslin 

FULL Paint Colour Review of Benjamin Moore Maritime White

BENJAMIN MOORE METROPOLIS CC-546

For a look that’s more rich and exciting, consider Metropolis as an accent wall colour. When paired with a soft off-white paint colour, Metropolis will add depth to your space and could sit nicely with your pinkish fireplace. Or be brave and paint the whole damn room!

Paint colours that have a similar approach to Metropolis: Sherwin Williams Dovetail, Sherwin Williams Pewter Tankard

FULL Paint Colour Review of Benjamin Moore Metropolis

BENJAMIN MOORE PALE OAK OC-20

TONE-DOWN & UPDATE

Pale Oak is a soft, gentle light taupe paint colour with violet-pink undertones.

Paint colours that have a similar approach to Pale Oak: Benjamin Moore Classic Gray, Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist, Sherwin Williams Alpaca, Sherwin Williams City Loft

FULL Paint Colour Review of Benjamin Moore Pale Oak

IF YOU DON’T LIKE YOUR PINK BRICK, AVOID THESE COLOURS…

• you need to avoid greens and blues and these undertones as they’ll CONTRAST with the warmth of the pink

• unless it’s in a baby’s room, pink and yellow can be totally nauseating combo

The Best Paint Colours to Coordinate with a Purple or Purple-Red Brick

I’m a BIG fan of brick with violet undertones as it’s often a rich, stately look, creating a beautiful focal point for a living or family room.

I apologize for the lack of light in this photo, I do rely on E-design clients to send me their photos and interiors can be tricky! 

SHERWIN WILLIAMS REPOSE GRAY SW 7015

Repose Gray is a light warm gray that favours a mild purple undertone. But be careful, it can sometimes flash a wink green or even blue – grays are known to do this.

Paint colours that have a similar approach to Repose Gray: Not much, maybe the slightly darker SW Mindful Gray

FULL Paint Colour Review of Sherwin Williams Repose Gray

SHERWIN WILLIAMS ANEW GRAY 7030

Anew Gray is a gorgeous, light-medium greige that sits nicely between gray and beige.

Paint colours that have a similar approach to Anew Gray: Sherwin Williams Mega Greige, Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray, Benjamin Moore London Fog, Benjamin Moore Cumulus Cloud

FULL Paint Colour Review of Sherwin Williams Anew Gray

SHERWIN WILLIAMS ARGOS SW 7065

CONTRAST

Argos is one of my fave green-gray-blue blends and its cool approach is a pretty contrast to some violet-inspired brick fireplaces.

Paint colours that have a similar approach to Argos: Sherwin Williams Magnetic Gray, Sherwin Williams Comfort Gray, Benjamin Moore Gray Wisp

FULL Paint Colour Review of Sherwin Williams Argos

BENJAMIN MOORE CLASSIC GRAY 1546

Classic Gray is an off-white warm gray with a subtle purple undertone.

Paint colours that have a similar approach to Classic Gray: Benjamin Moore Silver Satin, Sherwin Williams Incredible White, Sherwin Williams Eider White

FULL Paint Colour Review of Benjamin Moore Classic Gray

SHERWIN WILLIAMS GAUNTLET GRAY SW 7019

Gauntlet Gray is a gray paint colour with a solid brown/taupe base.

Other darker grays to explore: Benjamin Moore Amherst Gray, Benjamin Moore Metropolis, Sherwin Williams Dovetail

FULL Paint Colour Review of Sherwin Williams Gauntlet Gray

Colours and undertones to avoid on your walls if you DON’T like your purple brick…

• true blue never works

• yellow/cream can be touchy

• green can work if you are looking to further enhance the tones of this brick, however, if you want to keep things on the down-low, then refer to the wall colours listed above

The Best Paint Colours to Coordinate with a Yellow and Orange Brick Fireplace

This brick is not as common as others (thank God) because it can be challenging to update – and the more yellow it is, the more challenging it is. If you want me to be brutally honest with you, this is one brick that I would paint. You could paint the walls and say ‘Well it looks better than it used to…’ or you could just paint the brick and say to yourself, ‘NOW I can decorate my room the way I WANT to without being held hostage by this damn brick!’

However, for those of you who are enamoured with your brick, I DO have a few ideas up my sleeves…

If you don’t believe me, then here are a few colour thoughts for you…

Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray

You’ll be living on the wild side with this one! Yellow and gray is a lovely colour combo in the design world! Chelsea Gray is a lovely rich-toned charcoal gray that will tap nicely into the grout of your brick fireplace, bringing a sense of calm and balance to the room.

Paint colours that have a similar approach to Chelsea Gray: Sherwin Williams Classic French Gray, Sherwin Williams Dovetail, Benjamin Moore Amherst Gray

FULL Paint Colour Review of Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray

Benjamin Moore Whitall Brown

If you’re dealing with predominantly yellow brick, this is the ONE colour that I could really live with on my walls. Whitall Brown is a chocolate brown that is neutral; meaning that it’s not overly orange-toned nor too gray.

Paint colours that have a similar approach to Whitall Brown: Benjamin Moore Brown Horse, Benjamin Moore Willow

Benjamin Moore White Down OC-131

White Down is a soft warm off-white. It’s a cream but has a strong neutral base to calm it down. It ALL depends on which colours your brick favours.

Paint colours that have a similar approach to White Down: Sherwin Williams Creamy, Benjamin Moore Ballet White, Sherwin Williams Steamed Milk

FULL Paint Colour Review of Benjamin Moore White Down

Benjamin Moore Navajo White OC-95

Navajo White is a lovely light cream with a warmth in it that is softened by a modest neutral base.

Paint colours that have a similar approach to Navajo White: Benjamin Moore Gentle Cream, Benjamin Moore Indian White, Sherwin Williams Antique White, Sherwin Williams Creamy

The Best Cream Paint Colours

Colours and undertones to avoid on your walls with yellow-orange brick…

• Opposites will attract. Avoid greens and blues if you are hoping to keep your brick fireplace as soft and gentle looking as possible. By pairing an orange/yellow toned brick with cooler tones, you will bring out the colour of it which might be a good thing – but usually isn’t.

• Pink tones are DEFINITELY not good as pink and yellow/orange are pretty gross together (not including kids rooms) and I would also avoid purple 

Need help with picking the right colour? 

Check out my Online Consulting for your own personal colour consultation! 

Originally written in 2017, awesome updated in 2019