Besides keeping you warm and toasty on cold nights, your fireplace also serves as the focal point of your room – so its color will have a huge impact on the design of the entire space. So what color should you paint your fireplace surround? We’ve gathered information from design experts to give you the answer.
Painting your fireplace surround the same color as your walls or using a neutral hue like white or beige will seamlessly blend it into the room and highlight other furniture pieces or decor. However, if you prefer a statement piece, you can paint it a bold hue such as red, yellow, blue, or two-toned.
Ultimately, your color choice will depend on how you want your fireplace to play into your desired color palette. We’ll dive deeper into the details of each color choice and how they’ll affect the look of the space. We’ve also got answers to more of your questions on this matter, so stay tuned!
Colors To Paint Your Fireplace Surround
The style of your fireplace is equally as important as its function. Whether you’re decorating your new home or deciding if you should do anything about your old and worn fireplace, remember that this part of your living room is crucial in determining the overall aesthetic of your home.
Now one of the easiest ways to dress up your fireplace is by painting the surround! There are a wide variety of color choices that suit fireplace surrounds. All you have to do is pick one that will help make your vision for your space come to life.
1. Monochromatic
A fireplace effortlessly grabs attention wherever it’s placed. But if your fireplace isn’t exactly anything to write home about design-wise or looks out of place amongst other furnishings in your living room, you might want to make it blend in or simply conceal it.
Painting your fireplace surround the same color as your walls will help you achieve this goal. This way, it will function as a backdrop against other features that you feel deserve to be more prominently featured, whether it’s a cushy couch or an expensive art piece.
Don’t worry: your fireplace won’t look like an afterthought! On the contrary, this will help you establish a monochromatic color palette, which offers an intentionally and stunningly simple look that revels in its cleanness and uniformity.
You can also paint your fireplace surround a few shades lighter or darker than your walls for more visual interest. This will prevent the space from looking too flat or dull while keeping a streamlined appearance.
2. Neutral
Going the safest route and picking neutral hues for your fireplace surround doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll be a dud. Beige or cream can enhance your fireplace’s warmth and regal aura, while gray can bring a touch of modern sophistication to this otherwise traditional-looking furnishing.
Other colors like white, brown, or black are also suitable for fireplace surrounds. As an earthy neutral commonly associated with nature, brown brings a sense of grounding and comfort into your space.
Black and white can go with practically any style or color scheme, so they’re perfect if you like to change things up every once in a while. This is especially useful if you love to get creative for the holidays, as these hues won’t clash with any decorations.
It’s also best to go with this option if you already have bold wall colors. Keeping your fireplace surround in a neutral, laid-back hue will help tie the room together and maintain visual balance.
3. Vibrant
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Now if you want to maximize the visually arresting nature of your fireplace and allow it to take center stage in your living room, then paint it a vibrant color!
Warm and saturated colors like sunny yellows, rich reds, and lovely oranges will intensify the warmth of your fireplace and establish it as the heart of the room.
The lightness of these hues will also draw the eye towards the intricate details of your fireplace surround, bringing attention to its exquisite molding.
Unexpected colors that don’t usually go with fireplaces can also make a bold statement that brings your fun and eclectic tastes to life. Bright purple or sky blue are among these hues; a fireplace in either color is sure to create a lasting impression on guests!
4. Dramatic
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A fireplace undoubtedly adds a bit of drama and classic elegance to any space, so why not go all out and paint it in a bewitchingly moody hue?
Navy blue, moss green, mauve, and dark gray are just a few of the colors that give off a mysterious vibe and create an air of indulgent luxury at the same time. From contemporary chic to vintage glam, these hues can go with different styles and inspirations.
Their cool tones can also contrast with the colors of the actual fire, creating an impressive effect that you simply can’t take your eyes off of once the fireplace is lit.
Better yet, these hues also hide flaws exceptionally well. So if you’re looking to upgrade your fireplace and bring it to the modern era without a lot of fuss, paint it in a dark, bold color.
5. Two-Toned
Fallen in love with two colors and torn between them? No need to choose—just go for a two-toned look! Paint the mantel a certain color and the facing header, legs, and hearth another for a dynamic duo that’ll make your fireplace surround stand out.
Keep in mind that these colors have to complement each other for the design to work. You can pair up complementary colors or hues that are extreme opposites of one another such as black and white for a visually gripping contrast.
For a subtler contrast that’s easier on the eyes but still quite striking, you can also go with analogous colors. A good example of this is brown and orange, a pairing that evokes the color of wood and fire, making them perfect for the fireplace surround.
Do you need high heat paint for fireplace?
The answer to this question depends. If you’re only painting the exterior of your fireplace, then any indoor paint will suffice.
However, it’s still best to go for heat-resistant paint when painting your fireplace surround to ensure that the coating can withstand higher temperatures.
What paint should I use to paint a fire surround?
The best paint for fireplace surrounds is indoor latex or enamel paint. You can go with gloss, semi-gloss, or flat for the finish, but take note that a semi-gloss finish is particularly suitable for a fireplace. Again, it’s always wiser to be safe and choose heat-resistant paint that’s ideally also non-toxic.
Check out this heat-resistant black enamel paint on Amazon.
Don’t forget to use a primer before painting the fireplace surround to ensure the paint sticks well and provides the smoothest finish possible.
Check out this all-purpose primer on Amazon.
How do you paint a wood fireplace surround?
Painting a wooden fireplace surround is a fairly straightforward project that you can accomplish in a day. Follow these steps carefully to ensure optimal results:
- Clean the surface with a degreaser or a mixture of vinegar and water.
- Sand down the surface to even it out and help improve the paint’s adhesion. Wipe away any debris after sanding.
- Apply your primer.
- Apply the first coat of paint. Leave to dry.
- Apply the second coat of paint.
Top tip: while you can use a roller for this task, it’s easier to use a brush to ensure full and proper coverage for uneven surfaces such as your fireplace surround.
To see the steps of how a wooden fireplace surround is painted in action, watch the video below:
Should fireplace be painted same color as trim?
Not necessarily, but you can do this if it suits your style! This is also a great way to employ a monochromatic color scheme in your home without disguising your fireplace – which tends to happen when you paint it the same color as your walls.
Matching the color of your fireplace to your trim also emphasizes your attention to detail, giving your space a cohesive, well-thought out-look.
The Wrap-Up
Painting your fireplace surround is an easy way to give it a much-needed refresh or have it go with the color palette you want for your home.
Going for neutral hues or a monochromatic look gives your fireplace an understated yet elegant look that allows it to fade into the background. However, if you want your fireplace to attract attention, choose brighter hues like red or yellow or darker, more dramatic colors like navy blue or green.
With a few fresh coats of paint, you can completely transform the look of your fireplace in less than a day!
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