I vote for the wide white mantle just as you have described, but to keep the brick as is.

I actually really like the look of painted white brick with the wider, white mantel. I am in the minority, however. I think it would look terrific in that space. I love the painted brick and mantels look in these attached photos:

Highland Park Custom Home Remodel · More Info

Belgian Chic in a 1970's Ranch · More Info

Don't paint the brick. Sooner or later people will stop painting everything grey. Then you'll have painted brick you can't change. Add a white mantle, a bright painted fire screen would be really neat with that fireplace too. Painting good brick is a bad idea.

Thanks for all the comments. JudyG Designs, what does it mean to frame it?

No, don't paint.

Just like in the picture I posted...run trim up either side. You might even want to run crown molding (like what is over your fireplace now) all around the room.

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