I think your brick looks nice and wouldn’t paint it. Maybe a different fire screen, but in your picture it looks like the closed, heavy curtains are the reason the room is so dark. Are they closed for privacy or light control?

Closed for light control at that moment. The Tv is directly across, so often, they are closed. I’m hoping to get blinds to help this.

I would not rush to paint the fireplace. I do not believe it is the reason your room is dark. Is it feeling dark or crowded?

You can't complain about the room being dark while at the same time keeping blackout curtains closed. The fireplace isn't the problem. The problem is that the TV is in the wrong place.

The fireplace surround is dark reddish brown brick. And a lot of it. It's not particulary attractive.

I would paint it.

wow, to me that brick color is so unattractive and it completely dominates the room. I would absolutely paint it. It would really freshen up the space and make it feel less drab. When my Mom was selling her house the realtor suggested we paint the brick fireplace and it was the best decision we made. completely made the room feel fresh and clean. Here are some great examples.

If you don't like the white painted fireplace, find a new fresh wall color and paint the fireplace the same color. To me, our fireplace over powered the room (dark brick and dark "railroad tie" mantel. I wanted the fireplace to blend in and be an accent not the focus. I tried painting it white but decided that it still did not blend/compliment the room enough to make me happy. So my husband removed the railroad tie mantel and replaced it with a traditional white mantel and I painted it the wall color. For years it has been this way and no matter how the styles/colors change, it still compliments the room. The prefab mantel and side decorative pieces were purchased locally at a local building supply store. Also, we don't use it so we added an electric insert that is only used at Christmas for the grandchildren.

Do you have more photos of the space? Try some with the windows open? I am all about lightness but the fireplace may not be the first thing to paint. That may not take the heavy feeling away. Once I see other areas of the room I can have a better feel for the need for paint.

A few questions...When you say eclectic what do you lean towards? What is your favorite color? What are the items in the room you Love? The rug, the sofa, the curtains, the books shelf? What is something you want to keep and work around? Once you paint a fireplace you can never go back. Well, not without thousands upon thousands to hire someone to remove the paint and go back to brick. Make sure this is what you REALLY want.

If you do paint the fireplace, please don't paint the mantle. Is it wood? It might be nice to keep it wood. And what about the fireplace screen.. is that a keeper?

Fireplaces that have not been painted in an eclectic home....

My Houzz: A Deconstructed Saltbox in the Hamptons · More Info

Williamsburg Home · More Info

Brooklyn Loft · More Info

Publications · More Info

now some painted ones....

Family Room · More Info

Daniel Island Custom Home- Golf Course · More Info

Farmhouse Kitchen and Living room · More Info

I see ashes in the firebox. If you burn wood the paint will quickly become smoke stained. In the seven examples posted above (boxerpal) only the first is actually used. Decide the issue of "to burn or not to burn" before proceeding. I have a huge 2-story fireplace which I'm going to drywall over. It will be there if a future occupant wishes to use it.

The brick coloring is not too bad, but if you want to brighten the room up & make it feel bigger, painting the brick would definitely help.

The 1st thing I noticed in the photo wasn't the fireplace itself. It's how empty the wall is above the fireplace. A big piece of art or possibly a mirror with a nice frame. would really look nice up there.

Painting a fireplace a lighter color does help it blend more into the lighter walls.

if not sure to do a white wash or solid color, attempt the whitewash 1st, add lightly until you get the whitewash tone preferred. let it dry fully. If it's not white enough & want to go solid, that's still possible over whitewash. It's not to go solid then back to whitewash. At least much more difficult.

I would paint it...the brick is really dark. My living room is oak-paneled (ugh) and had an antique red brick fireplace surround (double ugh). I painted the brick a cream color, and it made a huge difference. I use my fireplace and have not had any discoloration from smoke or soot.

There are other issues here that FP paint won't fix. Leave the FP until last on your list. Rug should be 12-18" from the hearth for safety, sectional is crowded into the space, TV is obviously in the wrong spot, as is the shelving unit, and the curtains need some help. Post photos of all walls for best help.

Thank you all! Agreed, there is much more to fix than just the fireplace! I’m having a hard time envisioning this room put together. Instead of looking at little pieces to change, I probably need to have a picture of what I want in the end, so as I get money, I can get what I need.

Couch will need to stay for now. We just painted, so that will stay. We removed the awful tan paint from the fireplace, so we really want to be sure about painting again.

Any my ideas are much appreciated!

Solar shades for the windows will help with heat and light control but still allow you to see outside , then add drapes for night time privacy. I happen to like those fireplaces painted . It would be nice to actually see the whole space because right now that sofa is pretty useless with that huge coffee table.