External Brick Slips – Choosing Between Red or Orange Brick Slips

Brick slips are a popular choice for both modern and traditional building projects, offering the aesthetic of full bricks without the weight or depth. Perfect for external façades, they provide a quick and effective way to enhance a property’s exterior. One of the most common dilemmas homeowners and designers face is choosing between red or orange External brick slips. Both offer unique visual appeal, but the right choice depends on several key factors including design style, location, and personal preference.

Understanding the Differences

Red brick slips are timeless and widely used across the UK and Europe. They often evoke a classic, historic charm, making them ideal for period properties or those aiming for a more traditional look. The depth of red can vary, ranging from deep burgundy to a brighter, rusty red, giving you flexibility to match surrounding materials.

Orange brick slips, on the other hand, offer a warmer and sometimes more contemporary tone. They can give a brighter, more vibrant feel to a building’s exterior. Orange tones are often found in Mediterranean-style builds or urban developments looking to stand out with a more modern twist.

Aesthetic Considerations

When deciding between red or orange brick slips, aesthetics play a huge role. Red slips often provide a more grounded, earthy appearance, and work well with slate or dark roof tiles, wooden frames, and neutral render tones. If you want a more subdued and established feel, red is often the go-to.

Orange external brick slips can inject energy and brightness into a façade. They work beautifully with lighter trims, pale roofing, and minimalist landscaping. If your project leans toward Scandi or modern design, orange may offer the fresh appeal you're after.

Environment and Lighting

External lighting and the surrounding environment can greatly influence how brick slips appear once installed. Red bricks tend to hold their colour well in shaded or overcast conditions, maintaining their rich tone throughout the year.

Orange bricks, however, look particularly striking in sunny or well-lit areas, where their warm hue can come alive. If your property gets a lot of direct sunlight or is in a brighter, southern location, orange may enhance the visual impact.

Planning and Local Aesthetics

Always consider local planning guidelines and the aesthetic of neighbouring buildings. In areas where red brick is dominant, choosing orange may cause your property to visually clash, which could affect resale value or planning permissions. On the other hand, in a new development or a more eclectic neighbourhood, orange bricks might add character and individuality.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between red and orange external brick slips isn’t just a matter of colour—it’s about the overall atmosphere you want to create. Red offers timeless tradition and broad compatibility, while orange brings warmth, energy, and a touch of boldness. Think about your setting, lighting, and architectural style before making your decision.

Whichever you choose, both red and orange brick slips provide durable, stylish solutions for external walls—bringing texture, depth, and visual interest to any building façade.