Your old brick fireplace doesn’t have to stay stuck in the past. A simple coat of paint can turn a tired, outdated hearth into the star of your room.
These painted brick fireplace before and after photos will show you just how powerful this change can be.
From classic white makeovers to bold color choices, you’ll see real homes that went from drab to fab with just some paint and effort.
Ready to give your fireplace a fresh new look? Let’s check out these inspiring painted brick fireplaces before and after changes and learn how you can create your own impressive makeover story today.
This guide provides step-by-step instructions for success.
Why Paint Your Brick Fireplace?
Painting your brick fireplace offers benefits that go beyond just looks. It’s one of the most budget-friendly ways to update your living room without major construction.
Old brick can look dated, especially if it’s orange or red from decades past. Paint gives you the chance to match your fireplace to your current style and color scheme.
A painted fireplace can also make your room feel brighter and more open. Dark brick tends to absorb light, while lighter paint colors reflect it back into the space.
Bright & Classic Options
These enduring colors never go out of style and work beautifully with any home decor. Light, neutral tones make your fireplace feel fresh and open while creating a perfect backdrop for seasonal decorating.
1. Classic White Paint
White ranks among the best paint colors for any fireplace makeover. This enduring choice instantly brightens your fireplace and makes it the perfect focal point for any room style.
A white painted brick fireplace reflects light beautifully and creates a clean, fresh look that never goes out of style. Your fireplace will feel modern and spacious while maintaining its cozy charm.
Note: Use heat-resistant paint if your fireplace opening is within 18 inches of the painted area.
2. Soft Greige
This gentle blend of gray and beige creates a warm, neutral fireplace that complements any decor style. Your fireplace will feel refined yet welcoming with this flexible color that works in both modern and traditional spaces.
This color helps your fireplace blend seamlessly while still maintaining its role as a beautiful focal point.
Note: Greige works especially well in rooms with mixed lighting conditions.
3. Matte Black
A matte black fireplace creates a bold, dramatic impact that instantly changes your living space. This striking choice makes your fireplace the commanding centerpiece that draws every eye in the room.
Black paint on your fireplace provides the perfect contrast that makes orange flames appear even more vibrant and mesmerizing.
Note: Matte finish hides soot and dust better than glossy black paint.
4. Chalky Powder Blue
Soft powder blue paint changes your fireplace into a serene, peaceful retreat within your home. This gentle color makes your fireplace feel like a calming oasis that promotes relaxation and tranquility.
A chalky blue fireplace works beautifully in bedrooms, reading corners, or any space where you want soothing energy.
5. Crisp Off-White
Off-white paint gives your fireplace a softer, more welcoming appearance than harsh pure white tones.
An off-white fireplace pairs beautifully with cream furniture, natural wood, and other warm neutral elements in your room.
Note: Off-white shows less dirt and wear than pure white paint.
6. Creamy Taupe
Rich taupe paint warms up your fireplace and creates an instantly cozy, inviting atmosphere in any room.
This earthy neutral makes your fireplace feel like the natural heart of your home, where everyone wants to gather.
7. Light Gray Wash
A light gray wash technique softens harsh red or orange brick while preserving your fireplace’s original character and texture.
The gray wash makes your fireplace feel refreshed and updated while maintaining that authentic, rustic charm you love.
Note: Practice the wash technique on a hidden area first to perfect your application method.
8. German Schmear
The German schmear technique changes your fireplace into a charming focal point with authentic European cottage appeal.
This rustic whitewashing method gives your fireplace wonderful texture and Old World character that feels both classic and cozy.
German schmear makes your fireplace look like an original architectural feature that has been lovingly maintained for generations.
Note: Work in small sections and keep a damp cloth handy to adjust the texture as you go.
9. High Gloss White
High gloss white paint changes your fireplace into a sleek, modern statement piece that reflects light beautifully throughout the room.
This refined finish makes your fireplace appear larger and more prominent while creating a clean, minimalist look.
Note: High gloss paint shows fingerprints and smudges more easily than matte finishes.
10. Two-Tone White & Gray
Painting your fireplace mantel and surround in contrasting colors creates visual depth and architectural interest.
The two-tone approach gives your fireplace custom, designer appeal that looks professionally planned and executed.
Note: Use painter’s tape for clean, sharp lines between the two colors.
Contemporary & Bold Choices
For homeowners ready to make a statement, these modern colors change your fireplace into a dramatic focal point. Rich, saturated tones add personality and create a striking visual impact in both traditional and contemporary spaces.
11. Navy Blue Feature
Deep navy paint changes your fireplace into a striking focal point that commands attention. This rich color makes your fireplace feel refined and pairs beautifully with brass or gold accents.
A navy fireplace creates a dramatic contrast against light walls while maintaining a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Your fireplace becomes the room’s anchor, providing both grace and warmth.
Note: Navy blue works best in rooms with plenty of natural light to prevent the space from feeling too dark.
12. Deep Charcoal
Charcoal gray paint gives your fireplace an industrial yet cozy appeal that works in any style home. This flexible color makes your fireplace softer than black while still creating a strong visual impact.
A charcoal fireplace provides the perfect backdrop for both modern and traditional room designs.
13. Moody Forest Green
Forest green paint brings nature indoors and makes your fireplace feel connected to the outdoors. This rich color changes your fireplace into a calming retreat that works especially well with natural wood elements.
A green fireplace creates a refined, organic focal point that feels both fresh and enduring.
14. Pure Slate
Slate gray paint gives your fireplace a sleek, urban appearance perfect for contemporary homes. This modern color makes your fireplace feel clean and architectural while maintaining warmth.
A slate fireplace provides refined neutrality that complements minimalist furniture and bold artwork.
15. Warm Terracotta
Terracotta paint changes your fireplace into a cozy, earthy focal point with Southwest or boho flair.
A terracotta fireplace brings warmth and personality to spaces that might otherwise feel cold or sterile.
Note: Terracotta can appear different throughout the day, so test the color in various lighting conditions.
16. Warm Sand
Sand-colored paint creates an earthy, minimalist fireplace that works beautifully in simple, clean design schemes.
This neutral tone makes your fireplace feel calm and understated while still providing visual interest. A sand-colored fireplace blends seamlessly with natural materials like wood and stone.
Your fireplace becomes a subtle focal point that enhances the room’s peaceful, zen-like atmosphere.
17. Muted Olive
Soft olive green paint changes your fireplace into a refined focal point with organic appeal. This subtle color makes your fireplace feel connected to nature while maintaining grace and refinement.
An olive fireplace pairs beautifully with natural materials and creates a calming, grounded atmosphere.
18. Barn Red
Rich red paint gives your fireplace a modern farmhouse twist that feels both classic and contemporary.
This warm color makes your fireplace the cozy heart of the room while adding personality and charm.
A red fireplace creates visual warmth and works especially well with white trim and natural wood accents.
19. Ombre Fade
The ombre technique creates an artistic fireplace that transitions from light to dark for dramatic visual impact.
This unique approach makes your fireplace a true work of art that serves as the room’s centerpiece. An ombre fireplace requires skill but results in a completely one-of-a-kind focal point.
20. Blush Pink Accent
Soft pink paint changes your fireplace into a cheerful, unexpected focal point that brightens any space.
This gentle color makes your fireplace feel romantic and works especially well in bedrooms or light-filled rooms. A blush pink fireplace adds warmth and femininity while remaining refined and tasteful.
Artistic, Rustic & Unique Ideas
These creative techniques and specialty finishes turn your fireplace into a true work of art. From weathered looks to decorative patterns, these approaches create one-of-a-kind fireplaces that showcase your personal style.
21. Partial Whitewash
A partial whitewash technique allows your fireplace to keep some original brick character while brightening the overall appearance.
This method makes your fireplace feel updated yet authentic, preserving the natural texture and warmth. The partial coverage creates depth and visual interest that makes your fireplace more architecturally significant.
22. Stenciled Patterns
Adding stenciled designs changes your fireplace into a personalized work of art that reflects your unique style.
This creative approach makes your fireplace a true focal point with patterns that complement your room’s decor.
Stenciled patterns give your fireplace texture and personality while allowing complete customization of the design.
23. Tile Accented Hearth
Combining painted brick with patterned tile creates a fireplace with multiple textures and visual layers.
This mixed-material approach makes your fireplace more dynamic and protects the floor area with beautiful, functional tile.
The contrast between painted brick and decorative tile gives your fireplace custom, high-end appeal.
24. Gold or Brass Detailing
Adding metallic accents over paint changes your fireplace into a glamorous, luxurious focal point. This technique makes your fireplace feel expensive and refined, especially on mantels or decorative elements.
Gold or brass details catch and reflect light, making your fireplace sparkle and shine beautifully.
25. Black-and-White Stripes
Striped paint creates a playful, contemporary fireplace that makes a bold design statement. This graphic approach changes your fireplace into modern art that works especially well in eclectic spaces.
The high contrast stripes give your fireplace dynamic visual movement and a contemporary edge. Your fireplace becomes a conversation piece that showcases fearless design choices and creative flair.
26. Mosaic of Pastel Colors
Painting each brick a different soft hue creates an artistic fireplace that resembles a beautiful watercolor painting.
This time-intensive technique makes your fireplace a true masterpiece that serves as functional art.
The gentle color variation gives your fireplace subtle depth while maintaining a cohesive, peaceful appearance.
27. Weathered Paint Technique
Creating deliberately aged paint gives your fireplace vintage cottage charm with authentic character. This distressing method makes your fireplace look like it has decades of history and stories to tell.
The weathered finish changes your fireplace into a cozy, romantic focal point perfect for shabby chic decor.
28. Dark Blue Mantel Only
Painting just the mantel creates contrast without overwhelming your fireplace or changing the entire brick surround.
This selective approach makes your fireplace more architecturally interesting while keeping the original brick character.
The colored mantel draws attention upward and creates a frame for your fireplace opening.
29. Moss Green with Whitewash
A green-tinted accent with whitewash enriches your fireplace with farmhouse charm while adding subtle color depth.
This technique makes your fireplace feel connected to nature while maintaining rustic, weathered appeal. The moss green tint gives your fireplace an organic character that works beautifully with natural wood and plants.
30. Gradient “Firelight” Reds & Oranges
Blending warm sunset colors creates a fireplace that appears to glow even when no fire is burning. This artistic technique makes your fireplace a dramatic focal point that mimics the natural colors of flames.
The gradient effect gives your fireplace movement and energy that changes throughout the day with different lighting.
Design Ideas to Complete the Look
Once your painted brick fireplace before and after project is complete, finishing touches make all the difference. These design ideas help create a polished, cohesive look that showcases your beautiful new fireplace.
- Add a Mantel: A wooden mantel can frame your newly painted fireplace beautifully. Choose a style that matches your room’s decor, from rustic barn wood to sleek modern designs.
- Update the Hearth. Consider painting or tiling the hearth area to complement your new fireplace color. This small detail can make a big difference in the overall look.
- Style the Mantel: Once your paint is dry, decorate your mantel with items that reflect your style. Mix different heights and textures for the most pleasing arrangement.
- Consider Built-ins: Adding shelves or cabinets on either side of your fireplace creates a custom, expensive look. Paint them the same color as your fireplace for a cohesive design.
Surprising Before and After Changes
These real painted brick fireplace before-and-after examples show just how dramatic a simple paint job can be.
1. Red Brick to Clean White
This outdated red brick fireplace looked heavy and dark in a small living room. After painting it bright white and adding a wooden mantel, the space feels open and modern.
The white paint reflects light and makes the room appear twice as large.
2. Orange Brick to Soft Gray
An orange-toned fireplace from the 1970s clashed with updated furniture and decor.
A coat of warm gray paint solved the problem instantly. Now the fireplace blends perfectly with the neutral color scheme.
3. Brown Brick to Matte Black
This brown brick fireplace looked dated with its brass trim and dark surround.
Painting everything matte black, including the trim, created a sleek, modern centerpiece. The dark color makes the fire glow even brighter.
4. Patchy Brick to Two-Tone Design
Years of repairs left this fireplace with mismatched brick colors. The homeowners painted the bottom half charcoal and the top half white.
This two-tone approach adds visual interest and hides the old patchwork.
5. Rust-Colored Brick to Whitewashed Look
A heavy, rust-colored fireplace dominated this small den. Using a whitewash technique allowed some of the original brick texture to show through.
The result feels cozy and cottage-like instead of overwhelming.
6. Plain Brick to Navy Feature Wall
This basic brick fireplace had no personality or style. Painting it navy blue and adding white trim turned it into a stunning feature wall.
The bold color choice makes the whole room feel more designed.
7. Yellowed Brick to Fresh White
Age had yellowed this once-white painted brick fireplace. A fresh coat of pure white paint brought it back to life.
Adding built-in shelves on either side completed the custom look. This makeover proves that even previously painted fireplaces can benefit from a fresh update.
Maintenance Tips for Your Painted Fireplace
Follow these simple maintenance steps to protect your investment and maintain that stunning before-and-after appearance.
| Maintenance Task | How Often | What To Do |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Dusting | Weekly | Use a soft brush or vacuum attachment to gently remove dust buildup |
| Touch-Up Paint | As needed | Fix small chips or scratches immediately to prevent larger problems |
| Heat Damage Check | Monthly (if used regularly) | Inspect the firebox area for any heat-related paint damage |
| Deep Cleaning | Twice yearly | Clean with mild soap and water, avoid harsh chemicals |
| Professional Inspection | Annually | Have your chimney and fireplace checked by a professional |
Remember that regular maintenance is much easier than major repairs later on. Taking care of small issues quickly will keep your painted fireplace looking like new for many years.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These common errors can ruin your before-and-after results, so avoid them to ensure your fireplace makeover looks professional.
Always use a masonry primer before painting brick. Regular primer won’t stick properly to the porous surface, and your paint job won’t last.
Regular wall paint isn’t designed for the texture and porosity of brick. Invest in quality masonry paint for the best results. Take time to properly clean and prep your fireplace. This extra effort will show in the final result and help your paint job last longer.
Fix any cracks or loose mortar before painting. Paint won’t hide structural problems and may make them worse over time.
Conclusion
A painted brick fireplace before and after a change can completely update your living space. With just some paint and weekend effort, you can turn an outdated eyesore into a beautiful focal point.
If choose classic white, bold black, or something in between, painting your brick fireplace is a simple way to update your home.
The best part is that if you ever want to change colors again, you can simply paint over your current choice.
Start planning your own fireplace makeover today. With these ideas and tips, you’ll have a beautiful new centerpiece that you’ll love for years to come.
Alex Guerrero, a graduate with a Fine Arts degree from the Rhode Island School of Design, has been a visionary in the world of color and design for over 15 years. His professional journey began in the heart of the fashion industry in Milan, where he developed an acute sense for color harmonies and trends. Alex joined our team in 2018, offering fresh and innovative perspectives on color utilization in various spaces. Renowned for his ability to blend contemporary trends with timeless elegance. Outside of work, Alex is an accomplished painter and a volunteer art therapist, his artistic talents further enriching his professional insights.
