Paint brick fireplace?

6 years ago

I just painted the built ins and now I am eyeballing the brick fireplace. Any suggestions on ways to update it? Considering using the same creamy white as on built ins. What sheen would you recommend I use if I go that route? I am planning to paint the surround black and replacing the vent covers.

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PRO

RoominessTV

6 years ago

Hi Vivian! Very nice job with the built ins, they look clean and fresh. I can see how the fireplace is underwhelming in comparison.

How you handle the fireplace depends on the direction you want to go with the room. Matching the built-ins would create a more textural backdrop for everything else. The finished paint coat could match as well (semi-gloss, I'm guessing?) or you could go with a gloss to give the bricks a more tile-like look.

(An aside, I've never painted a fireplace, so make sure to check lots of resources on what kind of prep / primer / other steps should happen! I'm just commenting on the finished look.)

Personally, I might think about a light greige to give the look of a limestone hearth. Your textures might work well with that. In that case, I'd tend toward a semi-gloss or eggshell to mimic the velvety texture of limestone.

If, on the other hand, you have any reservations about painting the bricks, there's some more to consider. The high contrast you're seeing right now is in color, style, and texture. A triple whammy. To tone down the contrast, you would mix up your decorative elements. Place crisp, light accessories at the fireplace - maybe a set of BIG vases or jugs in a creamy porcelain on the hearth to pop against the brick texture. Maybe a cream painted iron piece (railing, grate, window frame) above the mantel. Then bring more rustic accessories onto your clean-lined shelves: driftwood, antiques, and shabby-chic pieces. By toning down the contrast between the fireplace and built ins, they could work better together.

Hopefully some of that is useful! - Doug

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Comments (7)

functionthenlook
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Please don't paint the brick. Brick is naturally beautiful. Painted brick is flat and lifeless. It looks like that cheap fake brick panels sold at big box stores. Once painted there is no way to remove it.
Vivian Dalton thanked functionthenlook
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PRO
Hansen Wholesale
6 years ago
I might suggest whitewashing the brick and then replacing the fireplace door with a new one. You can also have grills made to match the finish of the fireplace door. You can google "whitewash brick fireplace" to find many examples as well as processes for doing it. I have not done this personally, but I do know it is quite common and really softens the look without the stark look of paint.

Here's how it might look:

Shown in picture: Craftsman Style Fireplace Door with Matching Grill Covers

Mockup Provided by: Fireplace Door Design Service at Hansen Wholesale
Vivian Dalton thanked Hansen Wholesale
Nick Miller
6 years ago
To each their own of course but I wouldn't paint it.

Good plan on painting the fireplace box surround black... that's what looks dated to me. Else you could get a new one that's more modern.

What about replacing the mantel with something natural wood and not painted white? And maybe slightly less wide? I think a lighter wood like maple would look great with the red brick and white built-ins.

Maybe add a set of attractive, modern fireplace tools on the hearth.

Nelson Fireplace Tools

Rejuvenation Fireplace Tools

Once you add some books and objects to the built-ins it's not going to look as stark.

Not sure if you burn fires in the fireplace or if the vents are used but a few larger picture frame pieces of art would look good sitting on the mantel and minimize the brick.

Good job on not mounting the TV over the mantel :)
Vivian Dalton thanked Nick Miller
Vivian Dalton
Original Author
6 years ago
Thank you for all the suggestions. I know painting brick can be a somewhat controversial idea but when it is an outdated color, I feel open to the possibility. I wanted to move away from the dark 80s feel.

I agree with the stark difference in style and color playing against each other and will try the idea of putting cream colored decor against the brick and more rigged elements in the built ins.

Thank you for the mock up pic of how it would look with a white wash! If I move towards changing the color of brick, I will start with that.
Katho
6 years ago
I agree with whitewashing the brick. I love brick and am not a fan of painting it but the dark brick you have looks dated and dingy next to your bright, beautiful built-ins. Love the Hansen Wholesale mockup!
Jaime Collins
4 years ago
I have a brick fireplace similar to yours … I struggled with how to update it as well. My solution was to use white mortar- the result was amazing. The fireplace looked rustic but modern. I also put a big chunky wood beam on it. The white mortar really softens and refreshes the old dark fireplace.

Ps. I didn’t have the heart to cover the brick in paint - seems wrong. But that is just my opinion lol.