When choosing a paint color for your brick, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with choices. Choosing the right color reflects your personal style and your room’s personality. Think of the mood you want to project. Whether you want to create a tranquil sanctuary or make a dramatic statement, paint colors can make all the difference in the look and feel you’re trying to create.
Let’s take a look at some of the best painted brick color choices from bold and dramatic to light and airy to natural and authentic:
Bold & Dramatic
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Our Recommendations:
Natural – An Authentic “Real Brick” Look
Our Recommendation:
German Schmear
White – Light and Bright
Our Recommendation:
Whitewashed
Solid Neutrals
Brick Dye and Stain
Deciding on a Color
Ask yourself, “Do I want my fireplace to stand out or blend in with the room?” The color paint you choose will determine how much your fireplace becomes the focal point in your room. Dark colors will draw attention and create drama. If you want your fireplace to be the focal point in the room, a pop of color will draw attention to that area of your room.
Keep It Neutral
Shades of white and off-white create a calm neutral look. Tan, beige, cream and light gray blend in for a natural look. Soft shades of black and gray work well with contemporary style rooms. Whitewashing, painting a solid light neutral color, or using a product such as Brick-Anew to create a “real brick” look will blend in with any decor. Check out the Brick Anew process to choose fireplace paint colors.
Create a Contrast
Painting the fireplace brick a darker color with light colored walls can create an interesting contrast. You can also create a contrast by painting the brick and the mantel different shades.
For example, a white painted brick with a black mantel makes a bold statement.
Go Monochromatic
If you want the fireplace to blend in completely with the room, try painting the walls and the fireplace brick the same or similar colors. Soft, light shades create a calm, serene atmosphere in the room and downplay the fireplace as the focal point in the room.
Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Eric Hangartner is an overall creative with a flair for spatial and color design. Eric has always loved the idea of the fireplace makeover and how much can be done to improve the look of the home. Eric Graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Graphic Design and Video Production.
Joan
My walls are a very light celery I would like to paint my red brick fireplace a cream color the mantle is brown wood sort of a reddish stain what would you suggest
Serethiel Freeman
The Twilight Taupe Paint Kit from Brick Anew has some beautiful creamy colors. You can keep the natural brick look while brightening up your whole space. You can check it out here: https://brick-anew.com/product/fireplace-brick-paint-kit/
Hope this helps!
Darla Thienes
I will using charcoal matte chalked on a old red fireplace. Do I need a primer?
Thank you
Serethiel Freeman
As long as your brick is previously unpainted, you typically do not have to use a primer.
Kathy
If brick is painted a light color, is there something it can be sealed with so it can be cleaned I’d it. Elgin’s to discolor from smoke?
Serethiel Freeman
This clear matte sealer is a great option for sealing your fireplace: https://brick-anew.com/product/protect-brick-fireplaces-brick-anew-clear-matte-finish/
Sandra
Hi! I need your help. I am having my living room painted white- but not sure what color for a brick wall fireplace. The room is small, but it has high ceilings.
Serethiel Freeman
Hello Sandra!
In a white room, the Misty Harbor color by Brick Anew looks really fantastic. You can check out the paint kit here: https://brick-anew.com/product/stone-fireplace-paint-kit/. Since your walls are already white, I would recommend going with a neutral tone other than white for the fireplace. Or, if you prefer for the fireplace to blend into the walls, you can paint or whitewash it with that same wall color.
Sharon Blackmon
Hi, I want to paint my walls a white but I also want to paint my red brick fireplace a lighter but I’m not sure what color to use. Help please!!!
Serethiel Freeman
Hi Sharon!
You can paint the walls and the fireplace the same color to let the fireplace blend into the walls. Or you can use a complementary shade. The Misty Harbor Brick Anew Paint Kit looks really nice with white walls. We’d be happy to assist you further if you’d like to email us at [email protected]
Tyron Hooper
hi,
I have a room walls are polished limestone and the fireplace has a big mirror over the top. The carpet is a light cream color so was thinking of a Charcoal color for the brick. Let me know what you think?
Serethiel Freeman
Just from the description it sounds lovely! However, I do recommend getting advice from a friend or family member who can see the space in person.
Patricia
Hello,
My walls are light grey. What color would look nice to paint my brick fireplace.
Serethiel Freeman
Hello Patricia! It’s hard to give a good recommendation based just on your wall color. Your furniture, decor, and decor style should all play into this decision. However, here are three options to consider:
1. The Brick-Anew Paint Kit in the color scheme Misty Harbor. https://brick-anew.com/product/fireplace-brick-paint-kit/. This paint kit will give you a real brick look in a grey color scheme that looks lovely in spaces with light grey walls.
2. White. Painting your fireplace bright white is a classic look that is very popular right now. It pairs well with lots of different furniture and decor items and really brightens the space.
3. Black. Especially if your walls are a light grey, painting your fireplace black will make it stand out as a statement piece in your space.
Hope this helps!
Melia Fassett
I have a barn red dining room paint. What color would go good for the fireplace
Serethiel Freeman
Hello Melia! I just want to clarify what you have in your space currently. You have a barn-red dining room table set? Red works well with a lot of neutral colors so the color of your fireplace will need to be based on the colors of your walls and other decor. If you’d like to provide a little more information about your space, I’d be more than happy to provide a more specific recommendation.