What should I do with this dark fireplace ?
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Give it a Dry Brush with the colour of your carpet.
All thought that is a nice fireplace and mantel, I would also lighten it. I would either do a whitewash on it with paint, or put a layer of what is called Airstone ( you can get at Lowe's or HomeDepot or order online ) on it. With the paint you will still have the brick look. Airstone is actually small like little stones that you will have to apply. They have a few different colors and it is a natural look. Depends on the look you would like , and the time to do it. Either one will for sure take a day to do, the paint obviously not as long. I grabbed the pics off of pinterest. Best of luck!!
I would white wash it
In addition to the suggestions above, you could also paint it in a lighter color that coordinates with your walls and floors.
paint it
thank you
You could German Smear it (mortar wash) and have as much of the brick show through as you please.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBQFvb-5xVo
I would lower the mantel, its too high, and I would add more wood and mouldings to beef it up, and paint it white.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcrSkR9fGyw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3RHpvK5gXs
You are so lucky to have a nice fireplace! I would be inclined to paint it or dry brush a color from the surrounding area. I would also declutter it to make a more eye pleasing arrangement.
Handy HomeTalk video here....https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCNQYMUTW3g
Well, what you do is buy the pot of paint (colour of your choice) Dip brush in about a 3rd. of the way. take of excess off so not dripping, and brush on the bricks starting at the top, until the brush is dry -Repeat ! This should give you a random washed effect. If you want more colour on, you can always go back over when dry. If wished, you could go over with another colour here and there , until you have the effect you require. The Bricks will be porous and draw the paint in if you put too much on the brush. It's a way of brightening up the bricks without loosing the original. You may wish to practice on some bricks that won't be noticed, first. Good luck!
I think your best option is to paint it and leave the shelf as is and re-decorate the fire place with mirror and larger scale candle stick holders and your item are to small for size of the fireplace. Here's a few ideas to transform it☺️
Think about painting the mantel white and using lighter doodahs.
If it were mine, I'd paint it the color of the walls, then live with the shelf for a bit. I wouldn't rush in and paint the shelf immediately until I see how I like it with the painted brick. I'd remove a lot of your knick-knacks to give a "lighter" and less cluttered look overall. I think your clock will look nice staying the color it is and will show up more against the lighter brick. Remember, a few larger accessories are much, much better than a bunch of little accessories!