What should I do with this dark fireplace ?

Sal17130543
by Sal17130543
This was built in the 70's. The walls are light and the carpet is in light neutral colors.
  13 answers
  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Aug 26, 2017

    Give it a Dry Brush with the colour of your carpet.

  • Mne28760313 Mne28760313 on Aug 26, 2017

    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!!

  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Aug 26, 2017

    I would white wash it

  • Bonnie Bonnie on Aug 26, 2017

    In addition to the suggestions above, you could also paint it in a lighter color that coordinates with your walls and floors.

  • Han28352533 Han28352533 on Aug 26, 2017

    paint it

  • Sal17130543 Sal17130543 on Aug 26, 2017

    thank you

  • Sharon Sharon on Aug 26, 2017

    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

  • Julie M. Julie M. on Aug 26, 2017

    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.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Aug 26, 2017

    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!

  • Barb Barb on Aug 26, 2017

    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☺️

  • Ginyan Ginyan on Aug 28, 2017

    Think about painting the mantel white and using lighter doodahs.


  • Elaine Elaine on Aug 28, 2017

    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!