Paving bricks can turn a basic vehicle entrance into a polished feature that strengthens the character of the entire home. These 20 Paving Bricks Driveways Ideas explore practical ways to combine clay brick pavers with attractive patterns, durable borders, thoughtful layouts, and welcoming landscaping. You can choose classic red brick for a traditional property, muted gray pavers for a modern exterior, or reclaimed bricks for a relaxed country setting. Herringbone patterns provide a tightly interlocked appearance, while running bond and basket weave layouts create simpler visual lines. Proper grading, a compacted base, secure edge restraints, and driveway-rated bricks are essential for lasting results. The complete driveway looks below offer inspiration for different house styles, lot sizes, and budgets through 20 Paving Bricks Driveways Ideas.
1. Red Brick Herringbone Driveway
A red brick herringbone driveway creates a strong, traditional entrance that works especially well with Colonial, Georgian, and brick-front homes. Lay the paving bricks at a 45-degree angle to make the surface feel wider and more dynamic. A charcoal brick soldier-course border gives the pattern a crisp frame while defining the edges near the lawn. For a balanced landscape, add low boxwood hedges, white flowering shrubs, and a straight walkway that repeats the same red brick. Blend several warm brick tones rather than using one flat color. This hides minor staining and adds natural character. Because herringbone includes many interlocking joints, it is a sensible pattern for frequently used driveways when installed over a properly prepared, compacted base.
2. Running Bond Brick Driveway
Long, clean lines make a running bond brick driveway a natural fit for a narrow or straight approach. The staggered paving bricks can run toward the garage, visually guiding the eye from the curb to the house. Use rich reddish-brown clay bricks with a darker double border to prevent the simple pattern from looking unfinished. Neatly trimmed lawn on one side and a layered planting bed on the other will soften the long paved surface. Ornamental grasses, compact evergreen shrubs, and seasonal flowers provide texture without crowding vehicles. This complete look suits a Craftsman or traditional suburban home with warm siding and natural wood details. Keep the border firmly restrained, especially along open lawn edges, so the outer bricks remain aligned over time.
3. Basket Weave Brick Driveway
A basket weave brick driveway brings visible pattern to a compact front yard without requiring several colors or materials. Pairs of clay paving bricks alternate direction, creating small woven blocks across the surface. Choose weathered red and brown bricks for a cozy cottage appearance, then frame the driveway with a single row of upright soldier-course pavers. Curved garden beds filled with hydrangeas, lavender, and low evergreen mounds can soften both sides of the rectangular layout. A matching brick walkway leading to the porch helps the driveway feel connected to the house. Basket weave looks best when the pattern is carefully centered and the perimeter cuts are balanced. Use driveway-rated pavers and plan the layout before installation to avoid awkward partial units near the garage.
4. Diagonal Herringbone Brick Driveway
If a straight driveway feels too rigid, a diagonal herringbone layout can introduce movement without changing its practical shape. Use medium brown clay paving bricks set at 45 degrees, with a warm beige border running along both sides. The angled pattern creates energy and can make a short approach appear more spacious. Pair it with a modern farmhouse featuring white siding, black-framed windows, and natural wood garage doors. Simple planting works best around this detailed surface. Consider broad lawn panels, clipped shrubs, and two small flowering trees near the entrance. A brick walkway can branch from one side using a quieter running bond pattern. At the street, finish the design with a wide border course that creates a strong, clean transition from the curb.
5. Circular Brick Driveway
A circular brick driveway can make a large front yard easier to navigate while creating an impressive view of the home. Cover the entire horseshoe-shaped route with deep red clay paving bricks in herringbone, then outline it with charcoal brick borders. In the center, build a generous landscaped island with a specimen tree, low flowering shrubs, and ground cover that will not block sightlines. Matching brick entrance aprons can visually anchor both openings at the street. This layout complements a large Colonial, Tudor, or traditional estate-style home. Keep the center island proportionate to the turning area so vehicles have comfortable clearance. Gentle surface slopes and discreet drainage points should direct runoff away from the house, planting beds, and garage entrance.
6. Curved Brick Driveway
A curved brick driveway feels more natural on a deep lot where the garage is not directly aligned with the street. Choose mixed red and brown clay bricks in a running bond pattern that follows the curve without making the surface appear busy. Granite cobblestone edging can reinforce the sweeping outline and add a durable visual boundary. Along the outer bend, plant small ornamental trees, flowering shrubs, and low grasses in staggered groups. Keep landscaping lower on the inside curve to preserve a clear view of approaching vehicles. This design works beautifully with a country home, ranch house, or Craftsman exterior. Small brick changes in direction should look gradual and intentional, so detailed layout planning and clean perimeter cuts are particularly important on curved installations.
7. Brick Driveway With Cobblestone Border
Combining clay paving bricks with a cobblestone border gives the driveway a substantial, carefully finished appearance. Use muted red brick pavers in a 90-degree herringbone pattern for the main surface, then install two rows of gray granite cobbles around the perimeter. The contrast separates the warm driveway from surrounding green lawn and provides a strong transition at flower beds. Repeat the granite beside a matching brick walkway or near the front steps for consistency. This complete look suits a Tudor, European-inspired, or stone-front home. Layered landscaping can include upright evergreens, white roses, and compact ground cover. Choose border stones with reasonably consistent thickness so the finished edge remains level and does not create an uncomfortable bump near the garage or sidewalk.
8. Reclaimed Brick Country Driveway
Reclaimed paving bricks offer irregular color, softened edges, and an established appearance that feels appropriate beside an older country home. Mix faded red, brown, and charcoal bricks in a simple running bond pattern so the natural variation remains the main feature. A gently curved driveway with flush steel or dark brick edging will look relaxed while still maintaining a defined shape. Surround it with broad grass areas, mature shade trees, native flowering plants, and an informal stone walkway. Avoid overly formal hedges that could compete with the weathered surface. Before using reclaimed material, confirm that the bricks are suitable for paving and strong enough for vehicle traffic. Sorting them by thickness and condition will also help create a smoother, more stable finished driveway.
9. Gray Brick Modern Driveway
A gray brick driveway gives contemporary homes a cleaner alternative to traditional red clay paving. Select rectangular charcoal and light gray pavers with a lightly textured finish, arranging them in a 90-degree herringbone pattern. A solid charcoal soldier-course border will sharpen the straight driveway edges and connect visually with dark window frames or garage doors. Keep the surrounding landscape simple and architectural. Linear beds containing ornamental grasses, compact evergreens, and pale gravel can complement the paving without hiding it. A wide concrete or matching gray brick walkway may run parallel to the drive. For a more cohesive exterior, repeat one of the driveway tones on porch steps or low garden walls. Careful color blending prevents isolated light or dark patches across the paved area.
10. Tan Brick Mediterranean Driveway
Warm tan paving bricks can create a sunlit, welcoming entrance for a Mediterranean, Spanish, or stucco home. Use tumbled clay pavers in sand, buff, and soft terracotta tones, laid in a gentle basket weave or modular pattern. Frame the driveway with darker terracotta bricks to distinguish it from nearby planting beds. A curved layout leading to an arched garage can reinforce the relaxed architectural character. Complete the scene with olive-like ornamental trees suited to the local climate, rosemary, lavender, decorative grasses, and pale stone mulch. A matching brick walkway should flow toward the front door without narrowing the driveway. Keep the color palette warm but restrained. Too many strongly contrasting pavers can make a large surface appear fragmented rather than naturally varied.
11. Permeable Brick Driveway
A permeable brick driveway combines an organized paved surface with joints designed to accept water instead of sending all runoff toward the street. Use reddish-brown permeable clay pavers in herringbone, separated by carefully sized joints filled with an appropriate open-graded aggregate. A flush dark brick border can contain the surface without interfering with drainage. Surround the straight driveway with rain-friendly planting beds, native grasses, and shallow landscaped areas positioned according to the site’s grading. This look pairs well with an updated Craftsman or environmentally conscious modern home. The installation beneath the bricks matters as much as the visible pattern, so the base and joint materials should be selected as one complete system. Periodic joint cleaning can help maintain the driveway’s neat appearance and drainage function.
12. Red And Charcoal Brick Driveway
Two brick colors can define a driveway without making it overly decorative. Build the main surface from warm red clay paving bricks in a herringbone pattern, then add a charcoal perimeter and narrow charcoal accent bands across the width. Position the bands at meaningful points, such as the street entrance, walkway crossing, and garage threshold. This creates rhythm along a long, straight driveway. A red brick Colonial or traditional home provides an ideal backdrop, especially when the dark accents repeat black shutters or a charcoal roof. Frame the paving with lawn, low boxwood, and white flowering shrubs for a controlled color palette. Before installation, map the location of every band so the spacing appears intentional and no narrow sections are left near the garage.
13. Brick Driveway With Fan Entrance
A fan-pattern brick apron can give a simple driveway a more distinctive street entrance. Use red and brown clay paving bricks arranged in radiating arcs across the wide apron, then transition into a 90-degree herringbone pattern for the main straight driveway. A charcoal brick border can outline both sections and create a clean connection between them. Pair the design with low brick pillars, open lawn, and symmetrical flowering beds near the curb. Farther up the driveway, use smaller shrubs so the patterned paving remains visible from the street. This approach works well with a traditional brick house or formal suburban home. The curved fan pattern requires careful cutting and alignment, so it is best treated as a planned focal point rather than an improvised decorative insert.
14. Small Brick Driveway
Limited frontage does not prevent a small brick driveway from looking complete and intentional. Use medium red clay pavers in running bond, placing the lines lengthwise to make the short approach feel deeper. A narrow charcoal soldier-course border provides definition without taking up excessive visual space. Connect one side to the porch with a matching brick walkway, keeping the transition flush and easy to follow. Compact foundation shrubs, a small flowering tree, and narrow planting beds can add greenery while leaving enough room for doors and foot traffic. This setup complements a Cape Cod, bungalow, or small Craftsman home. Avoid complicated multicolor patterns on a confined surface. A simple layout, consistent joints, tidy edges, and an uncluttered landscape will usually create a more spacious impression.
15. Wide Brick Driveway With Inlay
A wide driveway offers enough space for brick inlays that break up the paved surface and organize parking areas. Start with muted brown clay paving bricks in a herringbone pattern, then add large rectangular outlines using charcoal bricks. Keep the inlays broad and limited in number so they can be understood from the curb. A double charcoal border around the full driveway will connect the internal details. Pair the design with a broad modern farmhouse or transitional home featuring multiple garage bays. Islands of ornamental grasses and low shrubs can soften the outer corners, while evenly spaced trees frame the approach. Make sure decorative bands do not create fragile slivers of cut brick. Full or nearly full pavers produce a cleaner pattern and a more professional-looking installation.
16. Sloped Brick Driveway
A sloped brick driveway needs a design that handles elevation changes while maintaining a level-looking, orderly surface. Use textured dark red clay paving bricks in 45-degree herringbone, which creates a tightly interlocked visual pattern across the incline. Add sturdy charcoal soldier-course borders and a discreet linear drainage channel near the garage entrance where necessary. Tiered planting beds with stone retaining edges can follow the slope on both sides, preventing the landscape from appearing disconnected from the driveway. Low junipers, ornamental grasses, and spreading ground covers help soften the grade. This design is suitable for hillside Craftsman, ranch, or contemporary homes. The finished surface should follow a carefully planned grade, with transitions that feel smooth rather than forming sudden dips near the curb or garage.
17. Brick Driveway With Gate And Pillars
A gated brick driveway can feel welcoming rather than imposing when the paving, entrance, and landscaping share the same materials. Choose rich red clay bricks in a running bond or herringbone pattern for a gently curved approach. At the curb, add low red brick pillars with natural stone caps and a simple black metal gate. Continue the driveway border neatly through the gate opening so the entrance looks unified. Plant clipped evergreens and flowering shrubs around the pillars, but leave enough open space for visibility and gate movement. This complete design suits a large Colonial, traditional farmhouse, or brick estate home. Include a practical pedestrian route beside the gate if needed. The entrance should be wide enough for comfortable turning without vehicles driving over the brick edging.
18. Brick Driveway With Landscape Lighting
Landscape lighting can strengthen the shape of a brick driveway while making the surrounding yard feel more organized. Use warm brown clay paving bricks in a 90-degree herringbone pattern along a curved approach to a Craftsman home. Border the surface with dark brick pavers and position low, simple path lights outside the edge restraint, where they will not interfere with vehicles. Add layered beds containing compact shrubs, ornamental grasses, and one or two flowering trees. During the day, the fixtures should blend quietly into the planting instead of becoming the main feature. At the garage, a wider brick band can create a clear visual finish. Plan fixture placement with snow removal, mowing, drainage, and vehicle overhang in mind so the complete driveway remains easy to maintain.
19. Brick Driveway With Garden Borders
Lush garden borders can soften the large amount of hard surface created by a brick driveway. Lay traditional red clay paving bricks in a running bond pattern along a straight or slightly curved approach, then contain them with a dark soldier-course edge. Beyond that edge, build generous planting beds with evergreen structure, flowering perennials, ornamental grasses, and low ground cover. Vary plant heights gradually, keeping taller shrubs away from the curb and inside turns. A cottage, Cape Cod, or traditional siding home makes a fitting backdrop for this welcoming design. Repeat a few plant varieties on both sides to create balance without making the layout perfectly symmetrical. Leave a narrow maintenance strip where needed so spreading plants do not cover the brick border or trap damp debris.
20. Brick Horseshoe Driveway
A brick horseshoe driveway provides two street connections and a graceful approach for a wide front yard. Cover the continuous curved route with blended red and brown clay paving bricks in herringbone, using dark charcoal bricks around the inside and outside edges. Create a broad central lawn with one well-positioned shade tree and low planting beds near the house. Matching brick aprons at both entrances make the layout feel balanced, while modest stone or brick markers can define the openings without blocking views. This design complements a ranch, Southern Colonial, or large traditional home. Keep the driving lane at a consistent width through the curves and avoid placing plants too close to turning areas. A coordinated walkway can cross the inner lawn and meet the driveway near the front entrance.
Conclusion:
The best brick driveway brings the surface, pattern, border, layout, landscaping, and architecture together in one coordinated entrance. As these 20 Paving Bricks Driveways Ideas show, clay pavers can support everything from a compact Cape Cod approach to a broad circular motor court. Herringbone adds movement and visual interlock, while running bond and basket weave create quieter surfaces. Borders, entrance aprons, planting beds, and walkways help the driveway feel connected to the wider property. Before choosing a look, consider vehicle movement, drainage, slope, maintenance, and the colors already present on your home. Most importantly, select driveway-rated paving bricks and prioritize careful base preparation, grading, joint filling, and edge restraint for a polished, lasting result.
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