I have a '60's fireplace that looks much like yours. I am seriously considering painting it white to match all the molding and trim work in the room. I considered black or a grey, but decided that white would be a better solution. It could also be refaced with stone, real or faux in shades of beiges or greys; whatever color shades you prefer. Another option is to construct a new mantle which has facial boards under the horizontal mantle board and on either side down to the raised hearth. Different molding can be used and you can get assistance at your local Lowe's Home Improvement Store or Home Depot, etc., where you can sometimes get pieces cut to size. A friend of mine painted her brick fireplace with sand textured paint. She wanted it to blend in better with the living room but still have some texture.
I was so tired of the red brick. Though about putting tile over the brick, so glad I didn't. It only took a weekend to complete this project, and I kept old mantel natural. PS I knocked the bricks off to have a flat surface to put tile on....had to add it back...
I really don’t see anything wrong with your fireplace ... except for the fact (in my opinion) you just have too much “stuff” which is making it look dated and overdone. If you dislike the color, painting it is easy. Painting the brick the same color as the adjacent walls will make the room look larger if that is a look you are after.
If it was mine, I would remove everything then buy a large rectangular mirror that can be propped up on the mantel. There’s no need to hang it; just make sure the longest side runs upwards, i.e. vertically. This will draw the eye upwards. On one side, place a cluster of three items, such as three varying heights of candlesticks or a vase with some interesting branches (or empty) and two candlesticks or whatever you have in the house. Just keep it to three items. You could use one of your vases that has the white branches. Then on the other side, place a stack of hardcover books (about three) flat side down (not propped upwards) and maybe an interesting bowl sitting on top of the books or a large stone you found and like. Then stop. The mantel will be accessorized enough at this point.
Go on Google and Pinterest and type: “How to style a mantel” and you will get good ideas. The basket of pinecones is nice but just place it off to the side with nothing else on the hearth.
if you want to read about a woman who stalled for years before painting her brick wall, go on the blog: The Art of Doing Stuff”. She basically covered the brick with a thin coat of paint and found she was happy enough that she didn’t apply a second, more opaque, coat.
One more thing ... remember when accessorizing, to keep in mind the Season. In other words, if it’s Fall, remove any Summer-type florals you may have on the mantel and likewise, if it’s Spring, remove any Fall/winter accessories. By the way, if you like the idea of books (I use them a lot to add height to a vase, etc.), remove the dust jacket and if you don’t like the color of the book, simply paint it with cheap craft paint. Whatever you decide, good luck with your decorating.
If painting the brick isn't an option, and you don't want to spend a lot of $, I have some suggestions. Take everything away except the clock. "Age" your mantel by applying a gray toned stain. Reclaimed wood is very popular right now :). Once it's dry, put your plant back where it was, put the black vases on the left side of the clock, but vary their heights (suggested above), think about putting the pine cones, on a rustic looking tray on one side of the hearth or the other. Happy decorating!
If this fireplace were mine, I would paint the brick and surround a DARK grey or black. I think either DARK grey or black would look better with the flooring color rather than white or off white. And I agree with the comment about too much stuff,...that tends to date a fireplace. The size/scale of things around and on the fireplace need to be size/scale appropriate. The things currently around the fireplace are a tad overpowering because they are so very large. The fireplace should be the room's focal point,...not the stuff around the fireplace. Painting brick is easy,...check with your favorite home store for paint type and instructions. It is an exciting upgrade that will change your entire room!
Thanks, Linda ... I love decor and when I see a photo such as this, I’m wishing I could jump in the computer screen and accessorize! lol! As I said, I see nothing wrong with the fireplace, at all, unless the owner wishes to paint it. I love the mantel and brackets ... they are nice and bulky so the two items work well together. If the owner liked a more rustic look, all they need to do is sand the mantel/brackets down a bit to achieve that popular-right-now “driftwood” look.
There IS one other solution (if they hate the fireplace) that I will post below.
hi again Sal2003 ... As I said earlier, I like your fireplace and especially the bulky mantel and brackets as they are a good size and look right with the brick. Painting was an option if you dislike the color of brick and want a lighter look. I also touched on the subject of accessorizing.
I neglected to mention there is one other project you could do depending on your energy, skills and budget and that is ... “boxing in“ or covering the brick with drywall. I think it’s also referred to as sheet rock. It is a more formal look but completely covers the brick IF you like that look. I will try and post a photo and site for you.
Just bought this house. It's got great bones but needs updates everywhere. That means the budget is tight. I need ideas to update this fireplace. It is boring and...
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Hello, they make grout markers in different colors which would highlight the color in the brick more. https://www.etsy.com/listing/528239752/grout-aid-markers-34-different-colors?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_b-craft_supplies_and_tools-paints_inks_and_dyes-other&utm_custom1=4477bbde-f8d7-4593-8379-8fd80c72aa67&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIw87s3eHx1gIVByaGCh0deQGHEAQYBCABEgLnY_D_BwE
Hello, they make grout markers that would highlight the brick better. Here is a link to check them out. https://www.etsy.com/listing/528239752/grout-aid-markers-34-different-colors?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_b-craft_supplies_and_tools-paints_inks_and_dyes-other&utm_custom1=4477bbde-f8d7-4593-8379-8fd80c72aa67&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIw87s3eHx1gIVByaGCh0deQGHEAQYBCABEgLnY_D_BwE
I have a '60's fireplace that looks much like yours. I am seriously considering painting it white to match all the molding and trim work in the room. I considered black or a grey, but decided that white would be a better solution. It could also be refaced with stone, real or faux in shades of beiges or greys; whatever color shades you prefer. Another option is to construct a new mantle which has facial boards under the horizontal mantle board and on either side down to the raised hearth. Different molding can be used and you can get assistance at your local Lowe's Home Improvement Store or Home Depot, etc., where you can sometimes get pieces cut to size. A friend of mine painted her brick fireplace with sand textured paint. She wanted it to blend in better with the living room but still have some texture.
http://www.hometalk.com/categories/makeovers/fireplaces-mantels/fireplaces
I would suggest whitewashing it!
i have seriously thought about that. Thanks
https://www.brick-anew.com/
I was so tired of the red brick. Though about putting tile over the brick, so glad I didn't. It only took a weekend to complete this project, and I kept old mantel natural. PS I knocked the bricks off to have a flat surface to put tile on....had to add it back...
I really don’t see anything wrong with your fireplace ... except for the fact (in my opinion) you just have too much “stuff” which is making it look dated and overdone. If you dislike the color, painting it is easy. Painting the brick the same color as the adjacent walls will make the room look larger if that is a look you are after.
If it was mine, I would remove everything then buy a large rectangular mirror that can be propped up on the mantel. There’s no need to hang it; just make sure the longest side runs upwards, i.e. vertically. This will draw the eye upwards. On one side, place a cluster of three items, such as three varying heights of candlesticks or a vase with some interesting branches (or empty) and two candlesticks or whatever you have in the house. Just keep it to three items. You could use one of your vases that has the white branches. Then on the other side, place a stack of hardcover books (about three) flat side down (not propped upwards) and maybe an interesting bowl sitting on top of the books or a large stone you found and like. Then stop. The mantel will be accessorized enough at this point.
Go on Google and Pinterest and type: “How to style a mantel” and you will get good ideas. The basket of pinecones is nice but just place it off to the side with nothing else on the hearth.
if you want to read about a woman who stalled for years before painting her brick wall, go on the blog: The Art of Doing Stuff”. She basically covered the brick with a thin coat of paint and found she was happy enough that she didn’t apply a second, more opaque, coat.
One more thing ... remember when accessorizing, to keep in mind the Season. In other words, if it’s Fall, remove any Summer-type florals you may have on the mantel and likewise, if it’s Spring, remove any Fall/winter accessories. By the way, if you like the idea of books (I use them a lot to add height to a vase, etc.), remove the dust jacket and if you don’t like the color of the book, simply paint it with cheap craft paint. Whatever you decide, good luck with your decorating.
If painting the brick isn't an option, and you don't want to spend a lot of $, I have some suggestions. Take everything away except the clock. "Age" your mantel by applying a gray toned stain. Reclaimed wood is very popular right now :). Once it's dry, put your plant back where it was, put the black vases on the left side of the clock, but vary their heights (suggested above), think about putting the pine cones, on a rustic looking tray on one side of the hearth or the other. Happy decorating!
If this fireplace were mine, I would paint the brick and surround a DARK grey or black. I think either DARK grey or black would look better with the flooring color rather than white or off white. And I agree with the comment about too much stuff,...that tends to date a fireplace. The size/scale of things around and on the fireplace need to be size/scale appropriate. The things currently around the fireplace are a tad overpowering because they are so very large. The fireplace should be the room's focal point,...not the stuff around the fireplace. Painting brick is easy,...check with your favorite home store for paint type and instructions. It is an exciting upgrade that will change your entire room!
Thanks, Linda ... I love decor and when I see a photo such as this, I’m wishing I could jump in the computer screen and accessorize! lol! As I said, I see nothing wrong with the fireplace, at all, unless the owner wishes to paint it. I love the mantel and brackets ... they are nice and bulky so the two items work well together. If the owner liked a more rustic look, all they need to do is sand the mantel/brackets down a bit to achieve that popular-right-now “driftwood” look.
There IS one other solution (if they hate the fireplace) that I will post below.
hi again Sal2003 ... As I said earlier, I like your fireplace and especially the bulky mantel and brackets as they are a good size and look right with the brick. Painting was an option if you dislike the color of brick and want a lighter look. I also touched on the subject of accessorizing.
I neglected to mention there is one other project you could do depending on your energy, skills and budget and that is ... “boxing in“ or covering the brick with drywall. I think it’s also referred to as sheet rock. It is a more formal look but completely covers the brick IF you like that look. I will try and post a photo and site for you.
I will surely look into this. Thanks
thank you.