Staring at that dated red brick wall inside your home? Painting it could completely upgrade your space. But choosing the wrong color or technique can make it look worse, not better.
This article gives you specific painting ideas for interior brick walls that actually work. You’ll see which colors brighten rooms versus which ones add drama, how different paint finishes change the look, and the prep work you can’t skip. We cover everything from all-white German schmear to bold accent colors that pop.
These ideas come from real painted brick projects in homes like yours. Not just inspiration pics, but approaches with clear outcomes you can expect.
We’ve included what works in living rooms, bedrooms, and fireplaces so you can match the right technique to your space. Let’s turn that brick wall into something you’re proud to show off.
How to Prepare and Paint Your Brick Wall
I’m going to show you exactly how to prepare and paint brick the right way. Skip any of these steps, and your paint won’t last.
- Clean the Brick Thoroughly: Scrub your brick wall with a wire brush to remove dirt, dust, and loose mortar. Mix TSP cleaner with water, wear gloves and goggles, then wash the entire surface and rinse completely with clean water.
- Let It Dry Completely: Wait at least 24-48 hours for your brick to dry fully before painting. Moisture trapped under paint causes peeling and bubbles, so patience here saves you from redoing the entire job later.
- Prime With the Right Product: Apply alkaline-resistant primer specifically designed for masonry surfaces, paying special attention to mortar joints. This primer seals porous brick, prevents efflorescence, and helps your topcoat adhere properly for years.
- Choose Your Paint and Finish: Use quality masonry paint or acrylic latex paint formulated for brick surfaces. Pick matte for hiding imperfections, satin for easy cleaning, or semi-gloss for durability in high-traffic areas like hallways.
- Apply With Proper Technique: Use a thick-nap roller designed for textured surfaces to push paint into brick crevices. Work in small sections, use an angled brush for mortar lines, and apply two thin coats rather than one thick coat for even coverage.
13 Brilliant Painting Interior Brick Wall Ideas
I’ve painted brick walls in every color imaginable. Some choices change spaces while others fall flat.
Classic White Brick Wall
Paint your brick bright white to instantly brighten any room. This versatile choice works with literally every décor style you can imagine.
Clean your brick thoroughly, apply primer, then use two coats of white paint with a thick-nap roller. The white reflects light beautifully and makes small spaces feel larger and more open.
Light Grey Wall
Choose soft gray for a clean, modern look that creates a cozy neutral backdrop. Gray brick feels contemporary without being cold or sterile.
Use warm gray tones rather than blue-gray for bedroom spaces. Apply primer first, then paint in thin, even coats to maintain the brick’s natural texture while updating the color.
Bold Navy Blue Accent
Paint one brick wall navy blue to add instant depth and a polished look. This rich color works beautifully in living rooms, dining rooms, and home offices.
Pair navy brick with brass fixtures, white trim, and natural wood furniture. The dark color needs good lighting, so add lamps and sconces to prevent the space from feeling too dim.
Matte Black Fireplace Surround
Change your fireplace into a dramatic focal point with matte black paint. This grounding choice anchors your entire room.
Use heat-resistant paint if your fireplace is functional. Apply thin coats with a roller, working paint into mortar joints with an angled brush for complete coverage and professional results.
Canary Yellow Accent Wall
Choose bright yellow for a fun, cheerful, artistic vibe in creative spaces. This bold move works best in rooms with plenty of natural light.
Test your yellow shade first since it can look different on textured brick. Apply white primer to prevent the brick from absorbing too much paint, then build color with multiple thin coats.
Teal Feature Wall
Paint your brick wall teal for a bold, eye-catching statement in living rooms or bedrooms. This blue-green shade feels fresh and modern.
Balance teal brick with neutral furniture in cream, beige, or light gray. Add gold or copper accents to warm up the cool color and create visual interest throughout the space.
Ombre or Gradient Effect
Create subtle color transitions from dark at the bottom to light at the top. This creative technique adds artistic flair without overwhelming your room.
Start with your darkest shade at the base, then gradually mix in white as you work upward. Blend the transition areas while the paint is still wet for smooth gradation between colors.
Whitewashed Brick
Apply diluted white paint to soften your brick while maintaining its natural texture. This technique brightens without covering the character completely.
Mix white paint with water in a 1:1 ratio, then brush or roll it onto clean brick. Wipe away excess with a rag while wet to control coverage and let some original color show through.
Geometric Patterns
Paint stripes, triangles, or arches on your brick for modern visual interest. These patterns add personality while highlighting the texture underneath.
Map out your design with painter’s tape on the brick surface. Paint your pattern sections carefully, remove tape while the paint is tacky, and use the brick’s natural grid to guide your lines.
Rustic Cream or Beige
Choose warm cream or beige for a cozy, inviting feel that complements vintage décor. These soft neutrals add warmth without the starkness of white.
Apply these earth tones over a proper primer to ensure even coverage. The warm undertones make the brick feel softer and more approachable while maintaining its textured character.
Colored Backsplash in Kitchen
Paint your brick backsplash in bold colors as a functional yet stylish alternative to tile. This approach saves money while creating impact.
Use semi-gloss or high-gloss paint that’s easy to wipe clean in kitchen environments. Seal the painted brick with a clear polyurethane coat to protect against grease, moisture, and cooking splatters.
Eclectic Multicolor Accent
Mix bold colors in playful, artistic ways for eclectic spaces. Paint individual bricks different colors or create a rainbow gradient effect.
Plan your color placement before starting to ensure balanced distribution. Use small brushes to paint individual bricks in your chosen colors, creating a personal mosaic effect that’s impossible to replicate.
Minimalist Neutral Bedroom Wall
Paint bedroom brick in soft, calming neutrals like greige, taupe, or pale gray. These subtle shades create peaceful sleeping spaces.
Keep the paint finish matte to maintain a relaxed atmosphere. Style your neutral brick with layered textiles, simple furniture, and minimal décor to complete the serene, minimalist visual.
Tips for a Successful Painted Brick Wall
I’ve painted my share of brick walls, and I can tell you, it’s not like painting drywall. Brick demands patience.
- Test Your Color First: Paint a small hidden section or large sample board before committing to the entire wall. Brick absorbs paint differently than you expect, and colors look completely different once they dry on textured surfaces.
- Use Quality Tools: Invest in brushes and rollers designed specifically for textured surfaces. Cheap tools won’t push paint into brick crevices, leaving you with patchy coverage that looks unprofessional and requires extra coats.
- Let It Dry Completely: Wait the full recommended drying time between each coat, usually 24 hours for brick. Rushing causes uneven color, poor adhesion, and wasted effort when you have to redo sections later.
- Choose the Right Finish: Pick satin or semi-gloss paint finishes that highlight the brick’s natural texture instead of hiding it. Flat paint looks dull on brick, while high-gloss paint feels too shiny and shows every imperfection.
- Maintain It Regularly: Clean painted brick gently with mild soap and water, then touch up chips or worn spots promptly. Brick expands and contracts with temperature changes, so expect minor maintenance over time.
Conclusion
Painting interior brick wall ideas offers numerous possibilities to update your home’s character. If you’re drawn to crisp white for a clean modern look, bold colors for drama, or a soft whitewash to preserve texture, there’s a style that matches your vision.
The process is straightforward with the right prep work and materials. Clean your brick, choose quality paint, and apply with patience, you’ll be amazed at how changeable this simple update can be.
Now it’s time to pick up that paintbrush and give your brick wall the refresh it deserves. Don’t be afraid to experiment with colors and techniques until you find what feels right. Which painting interior brick wall idea inspired you most? Share your thoughts or photos in the comments. We can’t wait to see your results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best paint colors for interior brick walls?
White, gray, black, and navy are the most popular colors for interior brick walls. White brightens spaces and modernizes exposed brick, while gray adds a polished look. Black creates dramatic contrast, and muted colors like sage or terracotta complement various decor styles while preserving brick texture.
How do I prepare an interior brick wall for painting?
Clean the brick thoroughly with TSP cleaner or soap and water, removing dirt, grease, and efflorescence. Let dry completely for 24-48 hours. Fill major cracks with mortar, apply masonry primer, then paint. Proper preparation ensures paint adheres well and lasts for years.
Should I paint interior brick walls completely or use whitewash?
Full paint coverage offers a complete color change and hides imperfections, creating a uniform appearance. Whitewash or limewash allows brick texture to show through, maintaining character while lightening the wall. Choose based on desired look, modern and clean versus rustic and textured visual.
What type of paint works best on interior brick walls?
Elastomeric or latex masonry paint works best for interior brick walls. These paints are breathable, flexible, and adhere well to porous surfaces. Use flat or matte finishes to hide imperfections. Apply two coats for even coverage and durability on textured brick surfaces.
Can I paint interior brick walls back to the original exposed brick?
Removing paint from brick is extremely difficult, labor-intensive, and often damages the brick surface. Chemical strippers, sandblasting, or grinding may work, but can irreversibly harm brick. Consider painting a permanent decision. Test small hidden areas first if attempting paint removal professionally.
