Painting a brick fireplace is an easy way to give a room a fresh new look. Many people want a simple update that makes a big change.
A coat of paint can turn an old, dark fireplace into a bright and clean part of the room. It doesn’t take a full remodel or a big budget to make it happen.
This blog shares ideas and inspiration from real painted fireplace makeovers.
It’s a great place to start if you’re thinking about doing the same in your home. A small project like this can bring big style without much effort.
Why Paint a Brick Fireplace?
Painting a brick fireplace is a simple way to update a room. Older brick can feel dark or outdated, especially in traditional homes. A fresh coat of paint helps lighten the space and makes it feel more modern.
It allows the fireplace to match modern design styles, whether you prefer crisp white, warm neutrals, or bold dark tones.
Beyond appearance, painted brick is often easier to clean because the sealed surface reduces dust and soot absorption.
It’s also a budget-friendly weekend project that delivers a dramatic visual change with minimal cost.
If you want a cozy cottage feel, a sleek contemporary look, or a timeless classic finish, painting offers flexibility and long-lasting charm while enhancing the overall character of your living space
Painted Brick Fireplace Ideas to Refresh Your Living Space
A painted brick fireplace can completely make your living space, adding warmth, character, and a modern touch without the need for a full renovation
1. Classic White
Makeover dated red brick into a timeless white focal point using matte finish paint. The before shows dark, heavy brick dominating the room, while the after reveals an airy, bright space.
This creates perfect contrast against dark mantels or colorful décor. White painted brick reflects light beautifully, making small rooms appear larger.
Use high-quality masonry paint for durability and apply two coats for optimal coverage and a fresh, clean appearance.
2. Charcoal Gray
Replace orange-toned brick with deep charcoal gray for modern elegance. The shifts from a dated 1970s aesthetic to contemporary chic.
Gray painted brick provides a neutral backdrop without the starkness of white, complementing both warm and cool color schemes.
This works exceptionally well in industrial or transitional spaces. The subtle texture of brick remains visible, adding architectural interest while the sophisticated hue grounds the room beautifully.
3. Soft Greige Warmth
Convert rustic red brick to soft greige, blending gray and beige tones. Before photos show overwhelming traditional brick, after reveals subtle warmth without heaviness.
Greige coordinates with virtually any décor style from farmhouse to modern. The neutral undertones create a cozy atmosphere while maintaining brightness.
This shade particularly flatters rooms with natural wood elements, creating a harmonious flow throughout living spaces.
4. Black Drama
Paint tired brick completely black for a bold, dramatic statement. The before shows lackluster beige brick, and the after reveals a striking architectural feature.
Black painted brick creates a stunning contrast against white walls and provides a perfect backdrop for metallic accents or colorful artwork.
This daring choice works beautifully in modern, eclectic, or Scandinavian interiors, adding unexpected sophistication and making the fireplace a commanding focal point.
5. Navy Blue Accent
Make an ordinary brick into a navy blue feature wall for coastal or traditional charm. Before displays faded red brick, after shows rich, saturated color that adds personality.
Navy creates a sense of depth and pairs beautifully with brass fixtures, white mantels, and natural textures.
This unexpected choice brings sophistication and works particularly well in rooms needing color injection.
6. Limewash Technique
Apply traditional limewash over brick for an authentic European aesthetic. Unlike solid paint, limewash creates a translucent, textured finish, allowing the brick character to shine through.
Before shows uniform red brick, after reveals a dimensional, aged appearance with subtle color variations.
This breathable coating is ideal for older homes, providing weathered, lived-in charm. The matte finish adds organic beauty and timeless appeal.
7. Soft Mint Green
Make a brick with pale mint green for fresh, vintage charm. Before shows harsh brick, after reveals delicate green, creating a cheerful, retro atmosphere.
Mint brings unexpected color while maintaining a light, airy feel. This shade works beautifully in kitchens, sunrooms, or eclectic living spaces.
Mint pairs wonderfully with white trim, gold accents, and botanical elements, creating a refreshing, personality-filled space
8. Sage Green Serenity
Paint outdated brick soft sage green for a calming, nature-inspired space. Before shows harsh red brick, after displays soothing green that connects indoors with outdoor views.
Sage works beautifully in bedrooms, sunrooms, or living areas seeking a tranquil atmosphere.
This on-trend color pairs wonderfully with natural materials, white trim, and botanical décor, creating a fresh, rejuvenating environment throughout the home.
9. Warm Taupe Elegance
Replace dated brick with warm taupe for understated sophistication. Before reveals orange-toned brick clashing with décor, after shows harmonious neutral anchoring the space.
Taupe provides warmth without overwhelming, complementing both traditional and contemporary furnishings.
This versatile shade works across various lighting conditions, maintaining consistency from day to night. The subtle earthiness creates an inviting, grounded atmosphere perfect for spaces.
10. Two-Tone Contrast
Paint the brick fireplace in two contrasting colors for visual interest. Before shows a monochromatic brick; after features a white surround with a charcoal firebox, creating depth.
This technique highlights architectural details and draws the eye to the hearth.
The color blocking adds a modern edge while maintaining classic appeal. Consider pairing cream with navy, white with black, or gray with warm beige.
11. Soft Lavender Hue
Paint brick delicate lavender for a whimsical, calming retreat. Before displays standard brick, after shows subtle purple, creating a dreamy, romantic space.
Lavender works beautifully in bedrooms, reading nooks, or creative studios. This unexpected color choice pairs wonderfully with white trim, silver accents, and natural wood tones.
The gentle purple adds personality without overwhelming, creating a serene atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and playful throughout the room.
12. Weathered Gray Wash
Apply the gray wash technique for an aged, dimensional finish. Before shows flat brick appearance, after reveals varied tones creating depth and character.
This method allows original brick texture and subtle color variations to show through while neutralizing orange tones.
The weathered effect suits coastal, farmhouse, or industrial aesthetics. Unlike solid paint, wash maintains authentic brick character while modernizing overall appearance.
13. Pewter Metallic Finish
Apply pewter metallic paint for industrial glamour. Before shows ordinary brick, after features a subtle shimmer, creating a contemporary luxe aesthetic.
The metallic finish adds dimension as light changes throughout the day, creating a living artwork. Pewter suits modern, industrial, or eclectic spaces perfectly.
This sophisticated approach pairs beautifully with concrete, steel, and glass elements. The reflective quality adds unexpected elegance while maintaining an edgy, urban appeal
14. Cream Dream
Coat the brick in warm cream for a softer alternative to stark white. Before reveals dark, heavy brick, after shows creamy warmth that feels inviting and cozy.
Cream provides brightness while maintaining warmth, perfect for traditional or cottage-style homes.
This shade works beautifully with wood tones, antique furnishings, and layered textiles. The subtle yellow undertones create a welcoming glow throughout the room.
15. Whitewashed Rustic
Create a whitewashed effect, allowing brick texture and color to subtly show through. Before shows a prominent red brick; after displays a softened appearance with dimensional character.
This technique lightens the brick without completely covering its natural beauty. Whitewashing suits farmhouse, rustic, or coastal styles perfectly.
The semi-transparent finish maintains architectural integrity while modernizing the space and creating lived-in, authentic charm.
16. Bold Emerald Green
Paint brick striking emerald green for jewel-toned luxury. Before shows uninspired brick, after reveals rich, saturated color, making a dramatic statement.
Emerald creates a moody atmosphere perfect for libraries, dining rooms, or eclectic living spaces.
This bold choice pairs beautifully with brass fixtures, velvet furnishings, and marble accents. The deep green adds unexpected glamour and creates an unforgettable focal point.
17. Ombre Effect
Create a gradient ombre effect transitioning from dark to light. Before shows standard brick, after features artistic color progression from charcoal base to white top.
This creative technique adds contemporary artistry and visual movement. The ombre draws the eye upward, making ceilings appear higher.
This unique approach suits modern, eclectic, or artistic spaces, turning the fireplace into a functional art piece.
18. Coral Sunset Glow
Paint brick soft coral for vibrant, optimistic energy. Before shows dull brick, after displays peachy-pink, creating a warm, cheerful atmosphere.
Coral brings tropical warmth and contemporary flair, perfect for eclectic or bohemian spaces. This trendy shade pairs wonderfully with navy, gold, and natural materials.
The sunset-inspired color adds personality and warmth, creating an inviting focal point that energizes the room while maintaining a curated appearance.
19. Moody Charcoal Firebox with White Surround
Combine dark charcoal firebox with crisp white surround for striking contrast. Before shows a monotone brick, after features defined architectural elements creating visual interest.
The dark interior makes flames pop while the white surround brightens the space. This combination suits transitional, modern, or traditional styles.
The contrast highlights mantel and hearth details while creating a balanced, sophisticated composition.
20. Soft Mushroom Tone
Paint brick warm mushroom shade for an earthy, organic feel. Before reveals harsh red brick, after shows subtle taupe-brown, creating a grounded atmosphere.
Mushroom provides neutral warmth without yellow undertones, complementing natural materials and earth-tone palettes.
This understated shade works beautifully in minimalist, Scandinavian, or organic modern spaces. The muted tone creates a calming presence while maintaining visual interest through texture.
21. Coastal Blue-Gray
Make brick with soft blue-gray for a beachy, relaxed vibe. Before shows dated brick, after displays color reminiscent of driftwood and sea glass.
This shade brings coastal serenity inland, perfect for living rooms or bedrooms. Blue-gray pairs beautifully with white trim, natural fiber textures, and nautical accents.
The cool-toned neutral creates an airy, peaceful atmosphere while maintaining sophistication.
22. Mortar-Only Painting
Paint only mortar lines white while leaving bricks exposed for a subtle makeover. Before shows standard brick with matching mortar, after features crisp white lines creating a graphic pattern.
This technique brightens the fireplace without completely covering the brick character. The white mortar creates a clean, updated look while honoring original materials.
This approach suits those wanting change without dramatic commitment.
23. Warm Honey Beige
Replace red brick with warm honey beige for a golden, inviting glow. Before shows cool-toned brick, after reveals warm neutral, creating a cozy atmosphere.
Honey beige provides brightness while maintaining warmth, perfect for traditional or transitional spaces.
This shade complements wood furniture, brass accents, and warm-toned fabrics beautifully. The golden undertones create a welcoming ambiance throughout the room.
24. Matte Black Modern
Paint the entire brick surround matte black for an ultra-modern aesthetic. Before shows dated brick, after features a monochromatic statement.
Matte finish prevents glare while black creates a dramatic backdrop for minimalist décor. This bold choice works beautifully with white walls, creating a striking contrast.
Black painted brick adds a contemporary edge, making the fireplace a sculptural element rather than a traditional focal point.
25. Soft Dove Gray
Transform brick with soft dove gray for a versatile neutral. Before reveals warm brick, after shows cool-toned gray, creating a serene atmosphere.
Dove gray provides subtle sophistication without the darkness of charcoal or the starkness of white. This shade works across design styles from contemporary to traditional.
The light gray reflects ambient light while maintaining a cozy feel, creating a perfect backdrop for seasonal décor changes.
26. Terracotta Revival
Paint brick warm terracotta for Mediterranean-inspired warmth. Before shows dull brick, after features rich, earthy orange-red, creating vibrant energy.
Terracotta brings warmth without traditional brick’s heaviness, perfect for Southwestern, Mediterranean, or bohemian styles.
This unexpected choice pairs beautifully with warm woods, textured textiles, and natural materials. The earthy tone creates an inviting, sun-baked atmosphere.
27. Warm Latte Tone
Paint brick creamy latte shade for coffee-inspired warmth. Before reveals dated brick, after shows smooth, comforting neutral, creating café-like coziness.
Latte provides warmth without yellow undertones, complementing various décor styles. This shade works beautifully with leather furniture, warm metals, and layered textures.
The sophisticated neutral creates an inviting atmosphere perfect for entertaining or relaxing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the best color choice won’t shine if you overlook these frequent fireplace-painting mistakes.
- Skipping the cleaning step: Soot, dust, and residue prevent paint from adhering properly and can cause peeling.
- Using the wrong type of paint: Interior wall paint isn’t designed for brick or heat exposure; always use masonry paint or heat-resistant paint near the firebox.
- Painting directly over moisture or mold: Moisture causes bubbling and flaking; mold can bleed through the paint if not treated first.
- Applying thick, heavy coats leads to drips, uneven texture, and loss of the natural brick pattern; multiple thin coats are better.
- Painting over damaged brick: Cracked or crumbling brick should be repaired before painting to ensure a smooth, lasting finish.
- Painting too close to high-heat areas: Standard paint cannot be applied inside the firebox or on surfaces that reach high temperatures.
Conclusion
As you’ve seen, updating your brick fireplace can completely change the look and feel of your entire room.
You don’t need to tear anything down or hire expensive contractors. With the right prep work, quality paint, and a weekend of effort, you can achieve professional-looking results.
Remember, every amazing painted brick fireplace before and after story started with someone taking that first step.
Gather your supplies, pick your perfect paint color, and get ready to fall in love with your fireplace all over again. Your dream living space is just a few coats of paint away!