I would like to paint my fireplace a light beige but am afraid

Hello -- Updating a fireplace is always a good idea. However, you did not indicate if your fireplace is made of brick or not. These ideas are for painting over a brick fireplace. Hope this helps!

http://www.hometalk.com/categories/painting-techniques/painting-over-finishes/brick-fireplaces

Well once its painted you can always repaint it white if you don't like the beige. You can also use a wire brush to expose some of the brick for a more rustic look, or as your painting it use a car sponge to wipe some off showing the brick and see which you like. White washing lets some of the brick show a bit.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbqFMK28sVY

There are lots of videos on YouTube to help you pick the technique you like....

Be brave! You can always repaint if you don't like it. You can "test" the color somewhere it doesn't show much or on similar bricks that aren't part of the fireplace.

take a look at what others have done .http://www.hometalk.com/categories/painting-techniques/interior/brick-fireplaces

You can do this and your going to love it, remember it's only paint and keep painting until your sick of painting. This will add the decorative focal point you may need and love❤️

Paint it! It works! Just do It!