The Best Paint Colors to Modernize Your Existing Fireplace
Transforming the look of an outdated fireplace often requires nothing more than a fresh coat of paint in a modern, stylish color. Selecting the right hue can turn that dull brick box into a stunning focal point. The trick is choosing a color that works with your existing decor while adding visual interest. Certain factors like the room's style, details of the fireplace itself, lighting, and mantel decor impact the ideal color choice. Read on for expert guidance on selecting paint colors guaranteed to revitalize your fireplace.
Complement Your Room's Style
The color palette you select for your fireplace surround should align with the overall style of the space. Here are some recommended hues for popular interior design aesthetics:
- Traditional rooms featuring elegant furnishings and ornate details are complemented by rich, earthy fireplace colors like golden browns, deep reds, and forest greens.
- Rustic rooms full of weathered woods, worn leathers, and natural textiles pair best with rugged fireplace colors like aged brown and charcoal.
- Modern and minimalist spaces feel fresh and contemporary with a sleek black or crisp white fireplace surround.
Highlight Special Fireplace Features
Does your existing fireplace have unique decorative accents? Highlight ornamental brickwork, carved moldings, ceramic tiles or any special details by selecting a paint color to showcase their beauty.
Lighter, neutral shades of white, cream or tan allow intricate textures and designs to pop. A dark charcoal or black surround produces striking contrast against lighter detailed elements.
Consider the Lighting
The ambient lighting in your space also impacts the ideal fireplace color. Rooms washed in abundant natural light can easily handle darker paint colors. Yet in dimmer spaces with minimal light, darker fireplace paints might feel too domineering.
Lighter whites and creams are a safer choice in darker, moodily lit rooms. But if your space receives ample sunlight, don't shy away from bold blacks, charcoals or chocolates.
Coordinate With the Mantel and Decor
For a unified look, select a fireplace paint color that complements the hue and style of the mantel. If your mantel has a polished wood finish, choose a color that enhances its warm, organic beauty like a rich walnut brown.
The objects styled on your mantel also provide decor clues. Pull one of those colors onto the fireplace surround. For example, glossy black candlesticks could inspire a black surround.
Types of Color Schemes
Beyond just choosing one paint color, there are several fireplace color scheme options.
Neutral Tones
Sticking with neutral fireplace colors is a safe bet. Soft off-whites, warm tans, dove grays or oatmeal provide a clean, classic look in any room. Muted neutrals tend to be more pleasing than harsh bright whites.
Contrasting Darks and Lights
Playing with contrasting shades is a clever way to define the fireplace as a focal point. A light gray fireplace surround against deep charcoal walls really makes the fireplace pop. The reverse scheme of a black surround against pale walls also draws attention.
Monochromatic Colors
Using different tones within the same hue family ensures a sophisticated, pulled-together look. Try the wall color in a darker or lighter shade on the fireplace surround. For example, paint the walls in a tranquil blue and the fireplace a shade lighter in a soft sky blue.
Two-Tone Combinations
With a two-tone color scheme, the surround and mantel are painted in different hues. Often, the mantel reads lighter in color than the surround which frames it. But reversing this with a lighter surround and darker mantel also works beautifully.
Best Finish Options
Flat or matte paint finishes disguise imperfections in brickwork or wood surfaces best. They minimize the appearance of any cracks, scratches or flaws. Avoid a glossy finish, which reflects light and draws attention to any less than perfect surface.
Reviving a tired fireplace requires thoughtful color selection beyond just grabbing any bold hue. Consider how the color fits your room's style, showcases decorative details, pairs with lighting and coordinates with mantel decor. Following this criteria results in a seamlessly updated fireplace guaranteed to become the room's dazzling focal point.