Whitewash the brick in the same color that you use on the walls. Whitewashing will still show the different shades but will brighten it up. Take the fireplace surround off and spray paint it black or aged bronze with high temperature paint. Then I would paint the mantle the same color as the trim in the room.
I would not paint, as this is a passing trend. Instead, a bright painting above the fireplace. And light accessories, like some white pottery, a pair of candle holders . Sconces on either side of the painting. Install or paint your mantel white.
I would lower the mantel piece and not have a mirror that can not reflect people. That isn't what you are asking but that would improve the overall appearance. You can white wash or paint or you could enclose the brick in wood, or tile. That may be easier to change if in the future you choose to do so.
Painting is permanent and who knows with decorating tips others have given, the original brick can still be attractive. A carpenter can add furring strips then you can attach any kind of material you want such as planks, panels, drywall, etc. The paneling or planks can be removed later on when you (or a new owner) are tired of that look and go back to the original fireplace bricks that have not been damaged by paint. The furring strips can be attached to the grout lines so as not to damage the face of the bricks. (any kind of adhesive or mastic is very hard to remove, so don't use that) If you can spend more money, have the brick face removed and put whatever stone you like in it's place, be prepared for dust and sand while it is being done. We replaced Roman brick with Tumbled Travertine from Turkey for a lighter more contemporary look. In our case the old brick was not attached to the studs, it was just standing like a wall.
I agree with Kelly, I am not a fan of painting brick but the results can be fabulous. Just remember, once brick is painted, it is very difficult to impossible to remove. I suggest you first start with lighter color accessories on the fireplace and mantle. Again as Kelly recommended, consider your lights. If that is a mirror above the mantle, you could either replace or paint the frame or hang a light or colorful piece of art instead. The mantle could be painted but I would try faking it first by covering it with a cloth, (a dresser scarf or folded table cloth or just a remenant of fabric) for awhile to see if you like the look of the mantle being light colored against the dark brick . Good luck with whatever you choose to do and please share with us when you are done.
You might consider refacing it with one of the nice rock facings they have now. You can even choose the tint of stone, either greys or the more brown looks. A more rustic mantle, like one of those live edge ones would really highlight it.
Yes off the new stopover finishes they sell at Home Depot or lowes will greatly improve and update the look workout painting it. The stone looks natural like the fireplace was originally built with stone.
I mistyped using the swype method on my phones keyboard. I meant to say the new stone they have at Home Depot, and Lowes looks like real stone and updates the look. It costs more than paint but it's not a passing trend like painting the brick. The stone can add value to the home, adding natural beauty to the fireplace.
I would replace that mantle with a heavier one in more or a colonial style painted in gloss white and installed lower. I think fire codes place it no lower than 12inches from the top of the firebox. Add a coordinating crown moulding above to match. If possible add two led recessed can lights to highlight everything. Can also try scrubbing the brick on the hearth to brighten it up a bit. And on the left side maybe a wood rack or some beautiful new fireplace tools that hang from individual hooks anchored into the brick. Or even a nice tall lovely vase with some coordinating floral accents.
white wash or paint it
Maybe it is other items or lack of lighting that makes it appear too dark. I don't like painting brick fireplaces but It is an option.
Here is what some Hometalker's have done, maybe one of these will inspire you... https://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=brick%20fireplace
Whitewash the brick in the same color that you use on the walls. Whitewashing will still show the different shades but will brighten it up. Take the fireplace surround off and spray paint it black or aged bronze with high temperature paint. Then I would paint the mantle the same color as the trim in the room.
I would not paint, as this is a passing trend. Instead, a bright painting above the fireplace. And light accessories, like some white pottery, a pair of candle holders . Sconces on either side of the painting. Install or paint your mantel white.
There are several instructionals online on how to paint it by watering down paint, brushing on and dabbing off with a rag to desired color saturation.
I would lower the mantel piece and not have a mirror that can not reflect people. That isn't what you are asking but that would improve the overall appearance. You can white wash or paint or you could enclose the brick in wood, or tile. That may be easier to change if in the future you choose to do so.
Painting is permanent and who knows with decorating tips others have given, the original brick can still be attractive. A carpenter can add furring strips then you can attach any kind of material you want such as planks, panels, drywall, etc. The paneling or planks can be removed later on when you (or a new owner) are tired of that look and go back to the original fireplace bricks that have not been damaged by paint. The furring strips can be attached to the grout lines so as not to damage the face of the bricks. (any kind of adhesive or mastic is very hard to remove, so don't use that) If you can spend more money, have the brick face removed and put whatever stone you like in it's place, be prepared for dust and sand while it is being done. We replaced Roman brick with Tumbled Travertine from Turkey for a lighter more contemporary look. In our case the old brick was not attached to the studs, it was just standing like a wall.
I agree with Kelly, I am not a fan of painting brick but the results can be fabulous. Just remember, once brick is painted, it is very difficult to impossible to remove. I suggest you first start with lighter color accessories on the fireplace and mantle. Again as Kelly recommended, consider your lights. If that is a mirror above the mantle, you could either replace or paint the frame or hang a light or colorful piece of art instead. The mantle could be painted but I would try faking it first by covering it with a cloth, (a dresser scarf or folded table cloth or just a remenant of fabric) for awhile to see if you like the look of the mantle being light colored against the dark brick . Good luck with whatever you choose to do and please share with us when you are done.
The cheapest solution is to whitewash it. But leave the grout alone that will make the brick stand out more.
I sparkled my fire place and then white washed it, it turned out beautiful. It was super easy and there are tons of tutorials on YouTube.
You might consider refacing it with one of the nice rock facings they have now. You can even choose the tint of stone, either greys or the more brown looks. A more rustic mantle, like one of those live edge ones would really highlight it.
Yes off the new stopover finishes they sell at Home Depot or lowes will greatly improve and update the look workout painting it. The stone looks natural like the fireplace was originally built with stone.
I mistyped using the swype method on my phones keyboard. I meant to say the new stone they have at Home Depot, and Lowes looks like real stone and updates the look. It costs more than paint but it's not a passing trend like painting the brick. The stone can add value to the home, adding natural beauty to the fireplace.
Simple simple simple. Whitewash it.
I would replace that mantle with a heavier one in more or a colonial style painted in gloss white and installed lower. I think fire codes place it no lower than 12inches from the top of the firebox. Add a coordinating crown moulding above to match. If possible add two led recessed can lights to highlight everything. Can also try scrubbing the brick on the hearth to brighten it up a bit. And on the left side maybe a wood rack or some beautiful new fireplace tools that hang from individual hooks anchored into the brick. Or even a nice tall lovely vase with some coordinating floral accents.