The Best Shutter Colors for Red Brick Homes
- srcustommasonry
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
Key Takeaways
Black, white, gray, navy blue, brown, and olive green are some of the best shutter colors for red brick houses because they complement the brick without overwhelming it.
The undertones in your brick play a big role in choosing the right shutter color, so it's important to consider whether your brick leans warm, cool, or earthy.
Coordinating your shutters with your roof, trim, and front door helps create a more balanced and polished exterior.
Testing paint samples in natural light is one of the easiest ways to make sure you're happy with your shutter color before committing.
The right shutter color can boost curb appeal, highlight your home's architectural features, and give your red brick house a fresh, updated look.
If you’re looking for an easy way to give your home a fresh look, shutter colors for red brick houses are a great place to start. The right color of shutters can make your brick stand out in all the right ways, improve your curb appeal, and bring the whole exterior together. Keep reading, and we’ll go over the shutter colors that go best with red brick, how to choose the right shutters for your home, and moreÂ
Best Shutter Colors for Red Brick Houses
White Shutters
White shutters are one of the most timeless choices for a red brick house. They create a clean, crisp contrast that works really well with traditional homes, Colonial-style architecture, and brick with warm red or orange undertones. White shutters also pair really nicely with white trim, helping the entire exterior feel balanced.Â
Black Shutters
Black shutters are a really great option if you’re going for more of a bold, elegant look. Black provides a strong contrast against almost any shade of red brick, from lighter reds to deep, rich burgundy tones. Black works really well on homes with black roofing, black window frames, or other dark accents.Â
Navy Blue Shutters
Navy blue shutters still create plenty of contrast but offer a softer look than black. Navy pairs especially well with traditional red brick that has rich red or slightly cooler undertones, and goes great with white trim. Navy is more versatile than you might think and works well with Colonial, Cape Cod, and Craftsman-style homes, adding a touch of color without feeling overly bold or trendy.Â
Olive Green Shutters
Olive green complements red brick really well and gives off a warm, earthy vibe. This muted shade works well with brick that has brown, tan, or rust-colored undertones, making it a great fit for farmhouse, Craftsman, or rustic-style homes. Olive offers a more relaxed, natural look than the darker green hues and blends nicely with stone accents and mature landscaping.
Gray Shutters
Charcoal accents are really popular right now and pair really well with the deeper red brick that has cooler or even slightly purple undertones. Lighter gray shutters can also work with softer red brick if you’re aiming for a more understated appearance.Â
Brown Shutters
Brown might not be the first color that comes to mind as a complement to red brick, but the natural look blends beautifully with several different shades of red brick. Dark chocolate and espresso browns go especially well with brick that has brown, rust, or earthy undertones, while medium wood-tone browns can give the home a more rustic feel. If you’re looking for a softer, more subtle contrast than black, brown shutters can add a lot of character without drawing too much attention.Â
How to Choose Shutter Colors for Your Brick House
With so many paint choices out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or worry about picking a shutter color that won’t look right with your specific brick. Instead of choosing a color based on what seems to be trending, take some time to consider your home’s existing features. The following tips can help you narrow your options and find a color you’ll love.
Pay attention to your brick's undertones. Not all red brick looks the same. Some bricks have warm orange or brown tones, while others lean toward deeper reds or even purple. Choosing a shutter color that works with those undertones will create a more cohesive look.
Think about the style of your home. Traditional brick homes often pair well with classic colors like black, deep green, or navy. If your home has a more modern design, charcoal gray or even natural wood-tone shutters can give it a fresh, updated appearance.
Coordinate with your roof and trim. Your shutters shouldn't be chosen in isolation. Look at the color of your roof, fascia, trim, front door, and even your garage door. When these elements work together, your home's exterior feels much more intentional.
Consider how much contrast you want. Dark shutters create a bold, eye-catching look against red brick, while softer colors blend in for a more subtle appearance. Neither approach is wrong; it simply depends on whether you want your shutters to stand out or quietly complement the rest of your home.
Try samples before making a final decision. Colors can tend to look different outside than they do on a computer screen or paint chip. Viewing samples in natural light at different times of the day can help you avoid surprises and feel more confident about the color you choose.
Shutter Color | Best Brick Undertones | Home Style |
White | Warm reds | Colonial |
Black | Almost all | Traditional |
Navy | Deep reds | Cape Cod |
Gray | Cool reds | Modern |
Brown | Earthy reds | Craftsman |
Olive | Rustic reds | Farmhouse |
Choosing the Right Shutter Finish and Material
While color usually gets the most attention, the finish and material you choose can have just as much impact on the final look. A matte or low-luster finish creates a softer, more traditional appearance that's especially popular on brick homes. Satin finishes are another great option because they add just a slight sheen while being easier to clean and maintain. High-gloss finishes are less common for shutters, but they can work well if you're going for a more formal or historic look.
The material you choose is also really important. Wood shutters offer authentic character and can be painted or stained, but they require more upkeep to protect them from the elements. Composite shutters have become a popular alternative because they closely resemble real wood while resisting moisture, warping, and insects. Vinyl shutters are often the most budget-friendly option and require very little maintenance, although they don’t typically have the same premium appearance as wood or composite. If you're planning to stay in your home for several years, investing in high-quality shutters with a durable finish can help keep your home's exterior looking its best for a long time.
Bring Out the Best in Your Brick Home
Choosing new shutters is one of those projects that can completely change the feel of your home’s exterior without a major renovation. Taking the time to find a color that complements your brick and also fits your personal style can pay off every time you pull into the driveway. And if your project goes beyond new shutters and includes repairing, updating, or adding brick or stonework, contact our team at S&R Custom Masonry. We'd be happy to help you create an exterior that's both beautiful and built to stand the test of time. We serve the entire Wasatch Front from Lehi to Herriman to Ogden.
FAQs
What is the best shutter color for a red brick house?
There isn’t one single best color, but black, white, gray, navy blue, dark green, and brown are among the most popular choices. The right option depends on your home's architectural style, the undertones in your brick, and the amount of contrast you want.
Should shutters on a house be darker or lighter than the house color?
Most homeowners choose shutters that are darker than the brick because they create more definition around the windows. That said, lighter colors like white can look just as attractive on traditional red brick homes, especially when paired with matching trim.
What colors best complement red brick?
Neutral colors such as black, white, gray, and brown are timeless options. These colors help balance the warm tones of the brick without overpowering it.
Should my shutters match my front door?
They don't have to, but many homeowners choose to coordinate them for a more cohesive look. Matching or closely related colors can help tie the entire exterior together while still allowing other features to stand out.
What shutter colors should I avoid with red brick?
Very bright or highly saturated colors, such as neon shades or overly vibrant reds and oranges, can clash with red brick and make the exterior feel busy. In most cases, classic, muted colors provide a more balanced and timeless appearance.
