A dated fireplace can make an otherwise welcoming room feel stuck in the past. These 20 painted brick fireplace makeover ideas show how color, texture, trim, furniture, and decor can work together to create a complete new look. Current makeovers range from crisp white and dramatic black to warm greige, earthy green, limewash, and German schmear finishes. Whitewash and limewash allow more brick variation to remain visible, while opaque masonry paint creates a cleaner, more uniform result. () Before painting, clean the masonry, repair damaged mortar, and confirm that each product is appropriate for the fireplace surface. Use the following 20 painted brick fireplace makeover ideas to find a practical transformation that suits your room.
1. White Painted Brick Fireplace
Crisp white paint can turn a heavy red brick fireplace into a bright focal point without changing its original shape. Choose a soft white with subtle warm undertones rather than a harsh blue-white, especially when the room has beige upholstery or oak flooring. Paint the brick and mortar consistently, then add a medium-toned wood mantel to restore warmth. A simple black fire screen provides definition and keeps the white surface from feeling flat. Complete the room with a cream sofa, woven rug, linen curtains, and a pair of ceramic lamps. Keep the mantel arrangement restrained with one large landscape print, a small plant, and two sculptural objects. This balanced makeover works especially well in casual transitional and modern farmhouse living rooms.
2. Black Painted Brick Fireplace
A black painted brick fireplace creates a strong architectural anchor, particularly in a bright room with white or pale neutral walls. Use a matte or low-sheen masonry finish so the textured brick remains visible without reflecting too much light. Extend the black across the hearth for a unified appearance, then install a chunky natural oak mantel to soften the contrast. Furnish the room with a light gray sofa, cognac leather chair, and cream rug. Brass sconces or warm metal accessories can prevent the palette from looking cold. Above the mantel, choose one oversized piece of neutral artwork instead of several small decorations. This complete scheme feels modern and dramatic while still being comfortable enough for an everyday family room.
3. Greige Painted Brick Fireplace
Not every fireplace needs bold contrast. A warm greige finish gently updates brick while connecting beige, gray, cream, and wood tones throughout the room. Select a shade that is slightly deeper than the walls so the fireplace remains noticeable. Paint the brick, mortar joints, and raised hearth the same color for a quiet, continuous effect. Add a walnut mantel with a straightforward rectangular profile and pair it with an aged bronze fire screen. Build the surrounding room around soft oatmeal seating, taupe curtains, a faded patterned rug, and dark wood side tables. Black picture frames add small points of definition. Finish the mantel with layered artwork, a ceramic vase, and trailing greenery for a relaxed design that feels collected rather than overly coordinated.
4. Whitewashed Brick Fireplace
Can’t decide between exposed red brick and solid white paint? A translucent whitewash softens strong brick colors while allowing natural variation and mortar lines to remain visible. This technique creates a lighter, more casual appearance than opaque paint, and the coverage can be adjusted as the wash is applied. () Pair the finished brick with a reclaimed wood mantel and a simple charcoal firebox surround. Repeat the weathered character through a jute rug, linen slipcovered sofa, vintage-style coffee table, and black iron floor lamp. Use muted clay, cream, and faded blue accents throughout the seating area. An understated mirror and a few handmade pottery pieces complete the mantel without covering too much of the newly softened brick texture.
5. Limewashed Brick Fireplace
A limewashed fireplace brings chalky depth and gentle tonal movement to an ordinary brick surface. Use an off-white or pale limestone hue and allow darker areas of brick to show through selectively. Unlike a perfectly uniform painted finish, limewash emphasizes the irregular texture that gives masonry its character. It is commonly used on absorbent, unpainted masonry, so check surface compatibility before choosing this treatment. () Complete the look with a thick unfinished oak mantel, a dark iron screen, and a pale stone hearth. Furnish the room with a camel-colored sofa, ivory boucle chairs, and a vintage-inspired rug in rust and blue. A large arched mirror, olive branches, and handmade ceramics reinforce the relaxed European farmhouse character.
6. German Schmear Brick Fireplace
For an aged cottage appearance, German schmear adds irregular white mortar coverage while leaving portions of the original brick visible. The mortar is worked into the joints and lightly spread across the brick faces, creating heavier texture than standard whitewash. () Build a complete rustic room around this finish with a hand-hewn wood mantel, warm white walls, wide-plank oak flooring, and an iron fireplace screen. Choose a deep linen sofa, spindle-back chairs, and a muted Persian-style rug. Keep accessories simple but substantial, such as an antique-style mirror, stoneware crocks, and a basket of folded blankets. The variation should look intentional and balanced, with enough exposed red or brown brick to provide warmth and highlight the original construction.
7. Charcoal Painted Brick Fireplace
Charcoal offers much of black’s drama with a softer, more forgiving presence. It works particularly well when a room already includes gray upholstery, dark window frames, or cool-toned flooring. Cover the brick and mortar with a deep charcoal masonry paint, but leave the mantel in natural wood for contrast. A thin black metal fire screen will blend into the darker surface and create a streamlined center. Surround the fireplace with warm white walls, a light sectional, an oak coffee table, and a textured ivory rug. Introduce muted mustard and rust through pillows to warm the palette. Above the mantel, hang abstract artwork containing charcoal, cream, and tan. This coordinated arrangement makes the fireplace feel contemporary without turning the entire living room dark.
8. Sage Green Painted Brick Fireplace
Soft sage green can transform a plain brick fireplace into a calm focal point that feels connected to nature. Choose a muted, slightly gray green rather than a bright botanical shade. Paint the full brick surround and hearth, then add a medium walnut mantel and dark bronze fire screen. Repeat the green in small amounts through patterned pillows, pottery, and leafy plants, but keep the walls warm white for balance. A cream sofa, woven leather chair, vintage oak table, and natural fiber rug complete the earthy palette. Display a quiet landscape painting above the mantel, accompanied by two aged brass candlesticks and a small ceramic vessel. The finished room feels warm and grounded, fitting comfortably within cottage, organic modern, or relaxed traditional interiors.
9. Navy Blue Painted Brick Fireplace
Deep navy paint gives brick a sophisticated identity without creating the severity of pure black. This look is especially effective in a study, den, or living room with generous natural light. Cover the fireplace from hearth to ceiling in a rich navy blue, then install a stained walnut mantel with clean edges. Add a black fire screen and aged brass sconces to create polished contrast. Continue the design with warm white walls, a cognac leather sofa, striped armchairs, and a faded red-and-blue rug. Keep the mantel styling symmetrical with framed artwork and two substantial ceramic vessels. Light wood flooring and cream curtains prevent the room from becoming too dark. The complete design feels classic, tailored, and inviting rather than themed or overly formal.
10. Cream Painted Brick Fireplace
Warm cream paint is a practical alternative when pure white looks too sharp against traditional furnishings. Select a creamy neutral that complements the room’s wall color, flooring, and existing woodwork. Paint the brick surround evenly, including deep mortar joints, while keeping the firebox opening dark for necessary visual contrast. Add a gently stained oak mantel and a honed beige stone hearth. Furnish the space with a tan sofa, floral or block-print chairs, an antique wood coffee table, and a soft patterned rug. Use brushed brass lighting and framed botanical artwork to continue the traditional mood. A ceramic lamp, stacked books, and clipped greenery make the mantel feel lived-in. The resulting fireplace is lighter and fresher but still appropriate for an older or character-filled home.
11. Dark Green Painted Brick Fireplace
Imagine a deep forest green fireplace surrounded by warm wood, aged metal, and soft neutral fabrics. This rich color makes brick texture noticeable while giving the room a cozy, library-like atmosphere. Paint the entire fireplace wall dark green, including the mortar, but preserve a natural walnut mantel as a warm horizontal break. Choose a black metal screen and install simple brass picture lights above framed art. Complete the seating area with a caramel leather sofa, cream armchairs, plaid cushions, and a traditional rug containing green, burgundy, and tan. Medium oak floors and ivory curtains keep the design from feeling enclosed. Limit mantel decor to books, a dark ceramic vase, and one landscape painting so the saturated brick remains the primary feature.
12. Light Gray Painted Brick Fireplace
A light gray painted fireplace provides a clean update for rooms where white would disappear into the walls. Choose a warm gray with a slight beige undertone to avoid a cold or industrial effect. Apply it across the brick surround and raised hearth, then introduce a white oak mantel for subtle contrast. Pair the fireplace with a black screen, pale walls, and medium-toned hardwood flooring. A soft blue-gray sofa, ivory chairs, and a cream rug create a quiet, airy foundation. Bring in texture through woven baskets, linen curtains, and boucle pillows. Above the mantel, hang a large black-framed mirror that reflects daylight around the room. Small branches, stoneware, and stacked books finish this approachable look without cluttering the soft architectural backdrop.
13. Two Tone Painted Brick Fireplace
A two-tone treatment can visually reshape a tall brick fireplace while giving it more architectural detail. Paint the lower firebox surround and hearth matte black, then cover the upper brick chimney in warm white. Separate the colors with a substantial natural oak mantel that extends slightly beyond the brick edges. This horizontal division grounds the fireplace and helps a high ceiling feel better proportioned. Continue the contrast with white walls, black window frames, a cream sectional, and an oak coffee table. Use a graphic neutral rug and a few rust-colored cushions to warm the scheme. Place large artwork above the mantel and keep the lower area free of unnecessary accessories. The result feels intentional, contemporary, and more layered than a single-color makeover.
14. Painted Brick Fireplace With Wood Mantel
Sometimes the mantel makes as much difference as the paint. Cover outdated brick in a soft warm white, then replace a narrow or undersized shelf with a thick reclaimed wood beam. The wood should span the full width of the masonry and display knots, saw marks, and a medium brown finish. Add a matte black fire screen and keep the hearth the same white as the brick for continuity. Arrange a comfortable room around the fireplace using a beige sofa, olive accent chairs, a patterned wool rug, and simple oak tables. Above the beam, hang one oversized vintage-style landscape. Finish with a ceramic vase, taper holders, and a small stack of books. This makeover blends clean painted masonry with rustic warmth in a balanced way.
15. Painted Brick Fireplace With Built Ins
Floor-to-ceiling built-ins can make a painted fireplace look like an original part of the room rather than a separate feature. Paint the brick a soft white and surround it with matching bookcases and lower cabinets. Use a light oak mantel to create a warm break between the firebox and display area. Style the shelves with books, pottery, framed photos, and baskets, leaving open space around each grouping. Add discreet picture lights in aged brass above the bookcases. A light gray sectional, cognac chair, round wood table, and vintage rug complete the family-friendly layout. Keep the television off the mantel when possible and place artwork there instead. The finished wall provides storage, symmetry, and a polished focal point without losing the brick’s original texture.
16. Blue Gray Painted Brick Fireplace
A dusty blue-gray fireplace introduces color while remaining easy to coordinate with everyday neutral furnishings. Select a medium-light shade with muted undertones, then apply it evenly to the brick face, mortar, and hearth. Add a slim natural maple mantel and a simple dark gray fireplace screen. Surround the feature with warm white walls and honey-toned wood floors to keep the blue from appearing cold. Choose an oatmeal sofa, navy accent chair, and softly patterned rug containing denim blue, taupe, and cream. Brushed nickel or pewter lighting reinforces the cooler color without overwhelming the room. Style the mantel with a coastal landscape, white pottery, and pale branches. The overall look is fresh and restful without relying on obvious seaside decorations.
17. Terracotta Painted Brick Fireplace
Warm terracotta paint celebrates brick’s earthy origins while hiding stains, inconsistent coloring, or an outdated glossy finish. Choose a muted clay shade with brown and red undertones rather than vivid orange. Paint the brick and mortar together for a solid but richly textured appearance. Install a dark walnut mantel and a simple black iron screen to sharpen the warm palette. Complete the room with creamy plaster-look walls, a natural linen sofa, woven chairs, and a faded rug in rust, sand, and olive. Add handcrafted pottery, dark wood tables, and leafy plants for an organic feel. A large abstract artwork with cream and charcoal accents keeps the setting modern. This makeover is particularly effective in Southwestern, Mediterranean, and eclectic living spaces.
18. Beige Painted Brick Fireplace
Soft beige paint can quietly modernize brick without making it appear stark, trendy, or disconnected from the rest of the house. Match the fireplace color to the room’s warm neutral walls, but choose a shade one step deeper to preserve architectural definition. Paint the raised hearth as well, then add a white oak mantel and a dark bronze screen. Build a tonal seating area with an ivory sofa, mushroom-colored chairs, a nubby wool rug, and pale oak tables. Introduce contrast through black-framed artwork and a few chocolate brown accessories. The mantel can hold an asymmetrical arrangement of a round mirror, stone vase, and small branch. Layered textures prevent the restrained palette from looking flat while maintaining an uncluttered, restful atmosphere.
19. Pink Painted Brick Fireplace
Muted dusty pink gives a brick fireplace personality while remaining more versatile than a bright or sugary hue. Choose an earthy blush with beige or clay undertones and paint the full surround for a confident, unified result. Add a dark stained wood mantel to ground the color, then use a slim black screen for contrast. Keep surrounding walls warm white and furnish the room with a cream sofa, olive velvet chair, and patterned rug featuring faded rose, brown, and green. A brass floor lamp and antique-style wood table add age and warmth. Above the mantel, display modern abstract artwork containing pink, cream, and charcoal. Sparse ceramic decor allows the unusual fireplace color to stand out while the complete room still feels mature and welcoming.
20. Color Block Painted Brick Fireplace
A geometric color-block treatment turns a basic brick fireplace into a customized architectural statement. Paint most of the fireplace warm white, then create a broad charcoal rectangle around the firebox opening. Keep edges aligned with the brick courses so the design looks deliberate rather than randomly taped. Add a clean white oak mantel across the transition and finish the hearth in matching charcoal. Continue the modern scheme with pale walls, a camel sofa, black lounge chair, and flatweave rug in cream and gray. Repeat the fireplace colors through cushions, frames, and lighting, but avoid additional bold patterns. One large abstract print above the mantel completes the composition. This option offers graphic impact without covering the entire brick feature in a dark color.
Conclusion:
The best painted fireplace makeover considers more than the brick color. The mantel, hearth, fire screen, wall color, furniture, lighting, and decor should support one complete design. Before beginning, clean the brick thoroughly, repair loose mortar, and test the chosen color in several lighting conditions. Confirm that primers and paints are suitable for masonry, and use a heat-rated product wherever the manufacturer or fireplace professional recommends it. Never apply ordinary wall paint inside an active firebox. Whether you prefer bright white, dramatic charcoal, earthy sage, textured limewash, or warm terracotta, these 20 painted brick fireplace makeover ideas can help you build a focal point that feels intentional, practical, and connected to the surrounding room.
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