Best Front Door Colors for Houses with Red Brick

Choosing the perfect front door color for a red brick house can really make your home pop. The right door color can accentuate the natural beauty of the brick while also reflecting your personal style.

Complementary Colors for Red Brick Houses

Certain hues naturally complement the rich, warm reddish tones found in brick exteriors. Here are some of the most popular door colors that pair beautifully with red brick:

• Warm neutrals like beige, tan, light brown
• Earthy reds and deeper burgundies
• Soft greens that match surrounding trees and landscaping
• Vibrant yellows and oranges that really make your entryway pop
• Darker blues and grays that nicely contrast the brick

Stark black or bright white doors tend to clash with red brick instead of enhancing it. But there are always exceptions. For example, a bright white door could work nicely on a historic home with black shutters and trim. When in doubt, stick with more natural, brick-friendly hues for your front door.

Consider the Style of Your Red Brick House

The architectural style of your home is another factor when selecting the ideal door color. Here are some style-specific considerations:

• Colonial and Craftsman homes look great with doors stained in warm natural wood tones
• Farmhouse and cottage-style homes often suit light sage greens or bright white
• Modern brick homes can handle bold colors like cobalt blue or orange for contrast
• Historic red brick homes complement classic black doors or natural wood

In general, you'll want to choose a door color that fits the aesthetic of your home. A craftsman-style bungalow calls for an earthy wood door, while a sleek modern townhouse can pull off bright teal. Consider your home's style so the door color enhances the overall look.

Factor in Direction the Door Faces

The direction your front door faces should also inform your color selection. Here's how:

• North-facing doors can handle darker shades since they get less direct sunlight
• South-facing entries need lighter colors to avoid heat absorption
• East and west-facing doors work nicely with most colors

If your red brick house has an east or west-facing door, you've got the most flexibility. But for homes with south-facing entries, stick to light, reflective colors like pale yellow or light blue. Darker doors on southern exposures will quickly fade.

Select Finish and Sheen for Durability

When painting your front door, opt for a glossy paint finish rather than flat or matte. Glossy finishes better withstand weathering from sun, rain and wind. Satin or eggshell finishes also work well. They resist weather while still hiding surface imperfections better than super-reflective gloss.

As for sheen:

• Choose higher sheens like gloss for darker color doors
• Lower sheens like satin work best for lighter door colors

Higher gloss shows fewer flaws, so it suits bold darker doors. But too much gloss on a light door can showcase imperfections. Consider durability and how the finish impacts the color.

Look at Surrounding Exterior Features

For a cohesive look, the door color should coordinate with other exterior elements like:

• Trim around windows and corners
• Shutters flanking windows
• Front porch beams and overhangs
• Colorful gardens, plants and landscaping

Tying your front door color to other exterior features creates visual unity. For example, matching blue doors to blue shutters and trims pulls everything together. You can also intentionally offset bright doors against neutral brick and siding for statement appeal.

Test Paint Swatches During Different Times

Viewing paint swatches inside the store won't give you an accurate idea of how the color will look on your actual brick exterior. For best results:

• Order samples and test colors right on your door, or an exterior wall
• Note how natural light affects the hue at different times of day
• Check how the swatch looks against your brick at night under outdoor lighting

Don't just rely on the paint chip - green or blue can read entirely different on a large surface in natural vs artificial light. Test out a few favorite contenders to make the best choice.

Prepare the Door Surface Properly

Achieving an enduring, professional paint job starts with proper surface prep:

• Strip old paint completely or seal bare wood
• Fill any cracks, holes and gaps with caulk and wood filler
• Sand door thoroughly to roughness for paint adhesion
• Wipe away all dust before applying oil-based primer

An oil-based primer will block stains from bleeding through your new paint. It also helps paint stick tight to the door for many years of beauty and protection.

Use High-Quality Exterior Grade Paint

Invest in top-notch 100% acrylic latex paint formulated for exterior use. Avoid cheap paints that fade and peel quickly. Consider:

• Higher quality paints withstand sun and weather longer
• Opt for satin or semi-gloss finishes over flat
• Buy the best paint you can afford for lasting results

Multiple thin coats of quality paint also outperform one thick, gloopy coat. Patiently apply several fine layers following the manufacturer's recommendations for best protection.

Proper Application Techniques

Careful application ensures your new door color looks smooth and professional:

• Use an angled brush for panels, mini roller for large flat areas
• Apply paint evenly in thin coats, allowing proper drying time between
• Caulk edges after the first coat to seal gaps before the second coat
• Lightly sand and wipe surface clean between coats
• Add a clear coat for extra protection if desired

Rushing the job leads to unsightly brush marks, drips and uneven coverage. Take your time following proper techniques for beautiful, long-lasting results.

Maintain the Finish Regularly

To keep your door color vibrant for years to come:

• Inspect for any cracking, peeling or fading once a year
• Clean surface then spot prime and touch up worn areas
• Plan on a full repaint every 3-5 years
• Refinish wood doors when clear coat becomes dull

Proper maintenance preserves your door color, saving you from extensive prepping and repainting prematurely. A little upkeep goes a long way.

Whether you love elegant black doors or cheery sunshine yellow, selecting the ideal front door color should factor in your red brick exterior. Complementary colors enhance the home's curb appeal while contrasting shades make a bold statement. Proper prep work, quality paints and regular care keeps your chosen entryway color looking its best. With the right door hue, you can give your red brick house extra charm and character.