Should you try a black brick house?

Did you wake up with the urge to paint your brick house black? Maybe you’re tired of the boring brick on your house. A black brick house is a bold choice, as brick is typically associated with warm, earthy tones such as red, brown, or beige. Many homes built in the 70s and 80s feature traditional brick facades that can look dated and unremarkable. Many people believe painting your brick house black can give it a fresh, contemporary look that brings it up-to-date with modern design trends. But is this the right decision for your home?

The allure of black in home design

It's no wonder you are drawn to the thought of painting your brick house black. Black is a beautiful choice for many elements in home design. It can be used in timeless design, but can also give a modern touch. A black modern house can make a bold statement and create a sleek, sophisticated look that's both elegant and edgy.

One of the advantages of using black in home design is that it's a neutral color that can be easily paired with other colors and textures to create a range of different styles. For example, black can be paired with white or cream to create a classic, timeless look that will never go out of style. Alternatively, it can be paired with bold, bright colors for a more playful and modern look.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, black can also be a practical choice for home design. It's a great color for concealing dirt and imperfections, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms. It's also a great choice for window frames and other architectural details, as it can create a sense of depth and contrast that adds interest to the design.

Overall, we adore black in design. It is a versatile and beautiful choice for many elements in home design. Whether you're going for a timeless or modern look, it can be used to create a bold statement that's both elegant and edgy.

Black paint: Does it belong on your brick?

Truth is, painting your brick house black will likely be a mistake that you regret. Don't go wasting time and money on a black painted brick house. While black is a timeless color for a house exterior, black brick is more of a trend that will not age well. Here are a few reasons why painting your brick house black may be a mistake:

1. Brick is porous: Brick is a porous material, which means that it absorbs moisture. If you paint your brick house black, it will absorb more heat from the sun, which could cause it to expand and contract, leading to cracks in the mortar or the brick itself. Furthermore, the black paint will trap moisture inside the brick, leading to mold growth and structural damage over time.
2. Maintenance: Painting brick is a tedious and time-consuming process. Once painted, the brick will need regular maintenance to prevent fading, chipping, or peeling. The black color will make any imperfections or damage to the brick more visible, requiring more frequent touch-ups or repaints.
3. Aesthetics: A black painted brick house may look sleek and modern in the beginning, but it may not be suitable for every architectural style. The color black can make a house look smaller and darker, and it may not complement the surrounding environment or neighborhood.

Painting your brick house black may seem like a bold and trendy choice, but it comes with a set of drawbacks and long-term consequences. It's essential to consider the potential maintenance, structural, and aesthetic issues before making such a drastic change to your home's exterior. It may be wiser to stick with more timeless and classic color choices that will increase your home's value and appeal.

The best color for a brick house?

We believe brick is best all-natural. Here's why:

1. Durability: Brick is made to withstand the elements, such as rain, wind, and sun, without peeling. Painted brick, on the other hand, can peel and crack over time, requiring costly and time-consuming maintenance.
2. Aesthetics: Natural brick has a timeless, classic look that many people find appealing. The natural texture and color variations of the brick can add character and depth to a building, while painted brick can appear flat and artificial.
3. Sustainability: All-natural brick is an environmentally friendly material because it is made from natural clay and does not contain any harmful chemicals. Painted brick, on the other hand, often contains toxins that can pollute the air and water.
4. Lower maintenance: Natural brick requires very little maintenance, as it is resistant to rot, insects, and decay. Painted brick, on the other hand, requires regular upkeep, such as repainting or power washing, which can be time-consuming and expensive.

Try instead: Natural brick house with black trim

Brick is a beautiful and natural material, and painting it completely black may detract from its unique texture and character. Instead of painting your entire house black, consider adding black accents. You can achieve a stylish look by painting your trim or front door black while keeping the rest of your brick house natural.

Black gutters on a brick house:

Black gutters can add a sleek and modern touch to a traditional brick house. The contrast between the black color of the gutters and the red-brown hue of the bricks can create a striking visual effect. Black gutters can also provide a more polished and finished look to a brick house than traditional white or aluminum gutters.

In addition to their aesthetic appeal, black gutters can also have functional benefits. They can help to protect the house from water damage by channeling rainwater away from the foundation and walls. Gutters made of durable materials like aluminum or steel can also provide long-lasting protection against the elements.

Black window trim on a brick house:

Black window trim is a popular choice for many homeowners looking to add a contemporary feel to their brick house. The black color of the trim can create a bold contrast against the warm, earthy tones of the brick, making the windows stand out and giving the house a more modern appearance.

Black window trim can also be used to create a sense of unity and cohesiveness in a brick house. By using black trim throughout the house, homeowners can create a cohesive design aesthetic that ties together different elements of the house's exterior.

Brick house with black shutters:

Black shutters can be a stylish and functional addition to a brick house. The contrast between the black shutters and the brick can create a dramatic effect that draws the eye. Shutters painted black also gives the house a more polished and finished look. Shutters can also help to regulate the amount of light and heat that enters the house, making them a practical choice as well.

When choosing black shutters for a brick house, it is important to consider the style and design of the house. Different styles of shutters, such as louvered or paneled shutters, can create different visual effects and may be more appropriate for certain architectural styles. Additionally, the size and placement of the shutters should be carefully considered to ensure they complement the overall design of the house.

Not convinced? Get your black brick house done right

If you're still dead set on black brick, we understand. When done well, a house with black brick can look ultramodern and sophisticated. It may not be the most timeless option, but it is sure a stylish one. To get the black brick aesthetic, keep two things in mind:

1. The shade of black being used
2. The overall style of the home

The best Benjamin Moore black paint

When choosing a black paint, be mindful of the shade. Some black paints can appear more gray than black, creating a dull and uninteresting appearance. Take the time to choose the right black shade that will complement your home's overall style.

Benjamin Moore offers a variety of black paint options that are suitable for use on house exteriors. Here are some of the best black paints from Benjamin Moore for house exteriors:

Black Knight (2136-10): Black Knight is a classic black paint that works well for modern and traditional exteriors. It has a deep, rich tone that provides a timeless look.

Onyx (2133-10): Onyx is a versatile black paint that can work well with a variety of architectural styles. It has a slightly warmer undertone than other black paints, which can create a cozy and inviting feel.

It's important to note that the best paint for your brick house exterior will depend on a variety of factors. These factors may include your home's architectural style, surrounding landscape, and personal style preferences. Before making a final decision, we recommend testing the paint color on a small area of your home's exterior and observing how it looks in different lighting conditions throughout the day.