What Color Should I Paint My Brick Fireplace?

Painting your fireplace the right color can change the entire atmosphere of the room. There are endless color options when it comes to painting a brick fireplace.

However, it can be overwhelmingly stressful at times as people struggle with “what color should I paint my brick fireplace?”

A bare, and stark brick fireplace may be the look some people are going for. But if you lean more toward painting your fireplace, rest assured that these are some of the best color options for your fireplace.

Knowing What Look You’re Aiming For

Before you start, you have to be clear on the final look that you are aiming for. If you want the fireplace to be the center of attention and drama, choose a dark color as it will act as the focal point of the room.

If you desire a more adaptable and well-blended brick fireplace, either choose a light-colored paint or paint it a monochromatic duo to your wall paint.

Pro Tip: Before painting your fireplace, it’s essential to use a high-bonding primer. Consider using KILZ Adhesion High-Bonding Primer or Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer for the best results on brick surfaces.

Beautiful brick fireplace color ideasPin

1. Soft Neutral Look

Soft Neutral Look Brick fireplace PaintingPin
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Some paint color options to go for a soft neutral look are beige, cream, light gray, and tan. These are shades of white that you can broadly and richly choose from.

These colors will blend well with contemporary designed rooms.

Recommendation: For a soft neutral finish, try Rust-Oleum High Heat Ultra Enamel Spray Paint or Krylon High Heat Max Brush-On Paint, both of which are designed for heat-resistant surfaces like fireplaces.

2. Contrasting Look

Contrasting Look Brick FireplacePin
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Sometimes a fireplace is more than a fireplace, it is an area of art and creativity. Thus, a contrasting look may appeal very delightful to some people.

Paint the brick and the mantel with two contrasting colors such as black and white, or other contrasting colors.

Related: Mantel Decor Ideas with Farmhouse Style

3. The Blended Look

The Blended Look FireplacePin
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For a subtly beautiful atmosphere to the room, make sure to have a blended look. Color the fireplace the same or similar shade to your overall room. This will create seamless and calming energy in the living space.

Those are the three basic guides to choosing a color to paint your brick fireplace. It will reflect the personality of the room and beautifully exude your personal style.

Furthermore, let’s take a look at some practically painted brick fireplaces for inspiration, from dramatic and bold, to soft and subtle.

Practical Tips about What Color Should I Paint My Brick Fireplace

1. Dramatically Bold

Dramatically Bold Brick Fireplace PaintingPin
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A bold and dramatic brick fireplace does not always mean black and white. Many complementary colors can be a choice to paint the bricks such as orange and blue, green and red, and yellow and purple.

Depending on how bold you want to be, the color option is yours to choose. Typically, however, the most elegant-looking brick fireplace is a black accent wall against a white room.

Pro Tip: Use Wooster Brush R233-9 Texture Maker Roller Cover to achieve even coverage on rough brick surfaces.

2. Natural, Authentic Brick

Natural Brick PaintingPin
fireplacepainting.com

A natural, authentic, and rustic-looking brick fireplace is timeless. It is the original fireplace, especially when the fire cracks and warms up the room with mixes of teal orange and blue-colored fire.

3. Smearing Brick

German Shmear Brick Fireplace PaintingPin
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The smearing brick is the perfect timeless-meets-modern look. Splashes of white paint against the natural orange bricks are extremely pleasing to the eye. It creates warmth through its colors.

4. The Blended Fireplace

The Blended Fireplace PaintingPin
thespruce.com

A monochromatic space will be an endless joy to the eye of the beholder. A blended fireplace with similar colors to the walls creates a seamless transition to the focal point of the room. With crevices from the brick, the fireplace maintains its delicacy.

5. Whitewashed

Whitewashed Brick Fireplace PaintingPin
bobvila.com

A whitewashed brick fireplace against a white wall will create an open and larger space, whereas a whitewashed brick fireplace against a colored wall will create a soft contrast.

Pro Tip: For a soft whitewashed look, try Rust-Oleum High Heat Ultra Enamel Spray Paint, perfect for both heat resistance and elegant style.

6. One-colored Neutrals

One-colored Neutrals FireplacePin
fireplacepainting.com

A one-colored brick fireplace can never go wrong. Go bold or go soft with your desired paint color.

7. Natural Brick

Natural Brick Painting for fireplacePin
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The color of natural bricks is somewhat endearing to many people. However, for a brick fireplace, it is best to stain the bricks for a brighter and richer color. This will bring attention to the natural texture of the bricks.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to clean your brick thoroughly before painting. Use Zep Industrial Degreaser and Cleaner or Goo Gone Grout & Tile Cleaner to prep the surface for painting.


Those were the many practical options that hopefully answered the question, “What Color Should I Paint My Brick Fireplace?”

Make sure to have a thorough consideration before choosing the color for your brick fireplace and let it be a source of comfort for your home.

Bonus Tip: Enhance the look of your newly painted fireplace with stylish decor, like the Ameriwood Home Lamont Mantel Fireplace or Stonebriar Decorative Wall Mirror.

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