Poll: To paint or not to paint? (Brick around fireplace)

5 år siden

sidst ændret:5 år siden

So I’m trying to give some thought to our fireplace area. Recently moved and have a fireplace. But there’s brick work all around it. Not to mention it’s assymetrical which kinda bothers me.... Anyway, would one paint the brick or not? I’ve seen brick painted before but idk if that would work with my situation.

Sorry about the pic

The carpet will be replaced to something lighter and marbled. Also the walls will be painted to something called “Cinncinnatian Hotel Hannaford” by Valspar. (https://images.myperfectcolor.com/repositories/images/colors/MPC00089441-2.jpg)

What say you, people? Any other tidbits about the fireplace you would care to share? Thank you!!

Fremhævet svar

PRO

Beth H. :

5 år siden

Sidst ændret: {last_modified_time}5 år siden

no need to take out the brick! and offset is fine once you get your mantel up.

magic!

look at both of these. put a nice plant or something on the right side. but for sure do a thick, longer mantel

you can even top the hearth w/a solid piece of black slate or similar stone

down the road, you could tile over the brick w/something else.

this is exactly how yours is built. look at how nice w/the mantel, decor items, and some pillows on the hearth.

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(31) kommentarer

yoboseiyo
5 år siden
i would wait on painting the brick until the rest of it is done. you never know, the new floors and paint may make you like the unpainted more. if not, break out the paint and brushes! no harm no foul.

as for the asymetry, i feel like that open space was probably for holding firewood, so if yours has been converted to gas or electric, maybe go for some decorative accents? you could do a small bundle or 3 of logs and then it wouldn't seem so bare and out of place.

i feel like a mantle that goes the whole way across might also help with that feeling.
PRO
Beth H. :
5 år siden
Sidst ændret: {last_modified_time}5 år siden
here's the wall color?

and the flooring will be something 'marbled' ? like, the marble tile that goes in a bathroom? could you be more specific?

what about your furniture?

first thing I'd do is paint the gold insert a matte black. use this stuff and follow on line instructions

if you want to paint it white, you could do that and add a chunky wood mantel

you could do a lime wash or white wash
Sushistew thanked Beth H. :
Sushistew
Forfatter
5 år siden
The fact that it is so skinny on the one side really throws me off. Hubby and I have talked about removing some of the brickwork from the right side.

I forgot there there was no mantle. Getting one up there would definitely look really nice!!
Rachel G
5 år siden
I really like Beth H's suggestions.
Sushistew thanked Rachel G
Sushistew
Forfatter
5 år siden
@Rachel I do too!

@Beth Perhaps marble was not the correct term. The carpet will not be solid but have flecks of other colors in it. Helps to hide dirt and whatnot (especially with little kids around).

I love your suggestions! Thanks for also including examples and stuff! You rock!
ellie31
5 år siden
I recently painted mine and couldn’t be happier. Wish I did it years ago. Brightened up the whole room.
Sushistew thanked ellie31
ptreckel
5 år siden
I love the asymmetry of your fireplace. And the long hearth that stretches to the wall. Remove everything from the fireplace. The sconces and the small brass item. You have a beautiful expansive space to adorn with a wonderful modern piece of art or a rustic mantle. The hearth to the right could be dressed with a cushion. I wouldn’t touch the fireplace or the brick until you paint and carpet the room. But you have a beautiful modern fireplace wall. Embrace it!
Oliviag
5 år siden
I'd honestly like to see more of the home before offering comments. Sometimes, the brick fits with the rest, sometimes it's an afterthought. the little bit we see indicates a vaulted ceiling, and maybe a midcentury feel to the home? Does it tie to the rest of the home, and the exterior?
Though, like Beth said, painting the brass black can make a hige difference. and, maybd a thick mantelpiece that runs the length. I love big walls of fireplace in mid mod and contemporary homes...
I'd like to ser more, and hood you aren't feeling pressure t3make hasty decisions.
melinda1977
5 år siden
I had the same color brick as you do, and I painted mine a cream color. I wish I had done it a long time ago. As Beth suggested, I also painted my fireplace screen a dark grey...updated it immediately.
Sushistew thanked melinda1977
Oliviag
5 år siden
i can't change my misspellings on previous posts... on a phone. apoligies
i hope you will not rush decisions. I like the fireplace. maybe even the lovely brass, depending on your decor.... not sure I am in. love with the paint choice...
Hana Hania
5 år siden
Halfway through my childhood, my parents painted our brick fireplace wall white and it was an impeccable outcome. The room looked fresh and airy. Now every time i see a brick fireplace, i wish it was painted! I think making that awkward wall into a gallery space with hung art work, some floating shelves and maybe an accent chair might create balance.
Sushistew thanked Hana Hania
Sushistew
Forfatter
5 år siden
Sidst ændret: {last_modified_time}5 år siden
I will probably wait after we get carpet and paint in there. I’ll have to post an update and then re-poll this question. Lol But I’m glad so many of you have mentioned the asymmetrical fireplace. I honestly didn’t know that could be a GOOD thing!! But seeing some pics makes me reconsider removing brickwork.
Rachel Lee
5 år siden
Take down the items on the brick, paint the firebox trim all black, and then wait and see how it looks after the floor and walls are done. You’ll be able to assess it better then.
PRO
Focal Point Hardware
5 år siden
I personally don't like the look of painted brick. so my suggestion would be to either change it completely or leave it alone. the brick color you have gives a rustic but comfortable look to the room. not sure if your into that look though.
Sushistew thanked Focal Point Hardware
Sushistew
Forfatter
5 år siden
I definitely think I want to at least paint the brass parts to black. I'm not feeling the brass right now - feels a bit outdated at the moment.
mark_rachel
5 år siden
100% yes paint the brick. My inlaws recently painted their bricks then took a chisel to the corners & edges. It took awhile, but it really added the texture they were worried about losing when painting it white.
Sushistew thanked mark_rachel
greenfish1234
5 år siden
I'm not a fan of painting brick for the most part. Some brick is hideous and nothing can be done but to paint it. This is beautiful brick and appears to be a key feature of the room. Painting it would make it just another wall. I do love the assymetey and agree that a long, centered mantle would be perfect. I generally don't love bright brassy surrounds and would say paint it black for sure but yours looks like it might be cool-can we see a closer picture?
greenfish1234
5 år siden
Another thought about the asymmetry: the otherwise nice bookcase may need to move. It may be wrecking the beauty of the asymmetrical FP
Sushistew thanked greenfish1234
ShadyWillowFarm
5 år siden
Paint
Sushistew thanked ShadyWillowFarm
PRO
Norwood Architects
5 år siden
This fireplace would definitely benefit from being painted. A word of caution though - once painted, brick can really never be unpainted. Also, if you actually use the fireplace there will be some discoloration above the firebox which will require repainting in the future. Good luck!
Sushistew thanked Norwood Architects
PRO
Gialluisi Custom Homes
5 år siden
You should really take advantage of the fact that the fireplace is asymmetrical.

Our advice is to leave the brick as it is right now (pant it later if needed). Add a nice mantel and create a sitting space in the right side - there's enough space to create a cozy reading nook, for example. Plus, the brick will create a beautiful contrast with the rest of the colors you picked for the space. However, you can paint the brick at the end, if you are not satisfied how it looks.

If you want to get more ideas, check out some of our projects at www.gialluisihomes.com.
Sushistew thanked Gialluisi Custom Homes
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Norwood Architects
5 år siden
BTW the asymmetry doesn't bother me at all. It's more about balance. Beth H. has done a beautiful job of achieving balance in her rendition. Her use of accessories "balances" out the asymmetry in a very successful way. In fact, it makes very good use of the firebox being asymmetrically placed. Whatever you do please post photos of the finished project. Good luck!
Sushistew thanked Norwood Architects
PRO
Gavin Historical Bricks
5 år siden
We would wait to do anything to the brick until after you paint and have the carpet put in. That way you can come back and add another picture and we can see if everything works together or not.
Sushistew thanked Gavin Historical Bricks
Sushistew
Forfatter
5 år siden
Sidst ændret: {last_modified_time}5 år siden

Update: So I’m thinking of keeping the brick unpainted for the time being. I like the color of our walls. I tried taking a close up of the brass of our fireplace but I don’t know if the pics uploaded properly. I will definitely need some advice down the road for more fireplace ideas. I love what you all have shared so far.

Is hanging a mantle pretty simple?
Sophia M.
5 år siden
Love it pained in white!
PRO
Beth H. :
5 år siden
depends what kind of mantel it is. you can drill in lag bolts in the mortar joints of the brick, and match those up w/holes in the back of your mantel. slide it on. (this is for a floating wood mantel).

you could always do some wood millwork around the brick like they've done here

As for that gold insert, please, just paint it. there is nothing nice looking about it's current state

get this spray paint as pictured, tape off everything, and give it a few light coats.
plenty of how to's online. (how to spray a brass fireplace insert)
Sushistew
Forfatter
5 år siden
I defin like the look for a floating mantle!!! Will have to work on that down the road
Sushistew
Forfatter
sidste år
Here’s the floating shelf we did :)
PRO
Beth H. :
sidste år
Sushistew, nice mantle.

now, replace the ancient gold insert

or remove it
Momof5x
sidste år
I would keep it as it, add a mantel and add the decor as shown below which is very nice.