Without seeing the rest of the room it is hard to tell

You might consider painting the mantle white to match the other trim.

I would not paint the brick. Painting the mantle white is a great idea.

I would leaveit just as is but as you imply lighten up on all the stuff on the frieplace and mantel. Let the buyers decide waht they want to do with it.

Leave it alone.

I would leave both and let the new owners decide, as it won't make or break your home being sold. I would be simplifying the accessories though and would only keep the two tall candlesticks and then a larger piece of art overlapping your smaller one (see below) and remove the vase on the hearth. Good luck in quick sale!

If it were me, I wouldn't touch this for resale. It's clean, and looks very well maintained. That is very important when I look at a house to purchase. Personally, I like the fireplace as is. It's beautiful. Let the buyer decide, because this would be an easy and inexpensive fix.

Leave it alone! Many buyers would be turned off by painted brick and the mantel isn't that horrible.

Yup, concur with above comments. Both are just fine so new owners can decide.

Yes, leave it.....

Leave it as is. Let the new owners decide.

If you leave the brick as it is, you will appeal to those who like it that way, and to those who would prefer to paint it. If you paint it, you're eliminating the first group of prospective buyers.

I like your brick as is. I painted your mantle white and black. Perhaps it will help you decide.

I would check to find out what age buyers seem to be that are moving into that neighborhood...if it is younger first time home buyers...it can really modernize a home by painting the brick and make it more appealing.....I personally think it ages the space and I would be happy to already see it painted myself and I am middle aged....ask yourself If I was the buyer would I like it unpainted or painted?

Once you paint it is burnt toast. Leave it be. I do like the mantel painted black, but an easy job for the next HO so leave it also. You can always print the pictures of it painted and have handy to show if needed.

Agree with the others, leave it unpainted. It will give potential buys more options, as they can leave as-is, or paint or whitewash however they see fit. I would also leave the mantle. That doesn't look like something that's difficult to replace if a buyer has a different taste.

Looks like you have enough votes for declutter and walk away. Good luck with you house sale.

I would Whitewash or dry brush it- it shows off the texture and makes it clean & up to date.

It is amazing how things have changed when selling your home..I have moved and sold 7 houses in 34 years...the new buyers want everything...they don't want to paint or update anything unless you give your house away....I have helped stage homes.....and that is the first thing I would do..one day and a can of paint. Can add value to your home...I promise you.

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