As noted you need layers of light- recessed lights, a pretty chandelier/ pendant. maybe sconces, table lamps. We also can't see the window treatments or current wall color. Don't paint the brick or trim!

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Lights not paint! I like the idea of lights showcasing the fireplace. It is too beautiful and original to the home to paint.

We replaced the hearth, which appears the same as yours, with the lightest shade we could find in tiles. Removing those red clay tiles and the grate will make a big difference.

your fireplace is beautiful .

Leave the fireplace alone, You mess with it and the value of your house will go down. The bricks were probably made locally and the company is probably out of business. I would go visit your county courthouse and look up the history of the property. The local historical society needs to be visited as well.

Please, back away and take a breath. That totally charming, beautifully crafted fireplace is a wonderful feature. Add some lighting.

You have a beautiful fireplace.

I realize my opinion won't be popular but I would totally support you painting the brick. I think it would look amazing. I have always been a fan of painted brick and how it brightens the room. I know a lot of people see historical charm here, and I respect those views (just adding my own), but your house is not a museum so if it makes you happy, do it. I would just personally prefer the uniformity and crispness of painted brick to the multicolored brick here. just my opinion. you have many well thought out opinions here on reasons to keep the brick. just wanted to add the reasons you may want to change it.

I would see if you could clean the brick and see what other options there are for the glass doors. They were added in a different time period.

I loathe messing with antique features in a home and I can't stand painted brick. Yet in this case, I find myself actually gravitating towards painting it. I just don't find it attractive. However, everyone is correct that you need to add layers of lighting to this room. I would do that first and then see if you like the fireplace any better.

It’s beautifu! I wouldn’t paint it. Maybe work on your lighting? I have a dark living room as well, and have lots of lamps. A lighter area rug could brighten up the floor.

Add more lighting and then wait 6 months before painting the fireplace. You have the right to paint it but it would be a shame to see the original brick covered. Last weekend was our annual historic houses tour and it is always interesting to see how much work homeowners put in to try to restore the original features which have been painted or altered over the years. I can say that your fireplace would definitely be a notable feature if anyone was listing highlights of the home.

If you do choose to paint, seal the brick first with a few coats of shellac to keep the brick from absorbing the paint.

I think your last response should be painting that brick and not the first response. However, I would definitely spray paint the chrome. I really believe that painted fireplaces will be our generations version of carpet over hardwoods. I would focus on lighting since that seems to be the biggest issue of the room, although more costly. I would invest rather than settling for the cheaper option which may or may not solve the lighting in the room. My guess is it would help nominally.

Hope this helps and congratulations on the charming Tudor!

I would paint it and paint it black .