17 Brick Fireplace Paint Ideas That Will Transform Your Space
I’ve walked into countless living rooms where the brick fireplace feels like a heavy anchor dragging the whole design down. It’s often dark, dated, or just plain imposing. But I’ve also found that painting that brick is one of the highest-impact DIY projects you can tackle in a weekend.
It doesn’t just look better; it can actually pay off. Zillow’s latest analysis of over 4,200 homebuyers revealed that specific paint colors in living rooms—like charcoal gray—can boost a home’s offer price by over $2,500. Whether you want to increase your home’s value or just love your living room again, here are 17 brick fireplace paint ideas to get you inspired.
1. The Classic White Facelift
I always start with the most popular choice for a reason: it works. Painting your fireplace a crisp, clean white instantly brightens the room and makes the space feel larger. It creates a blank canvas that lets your decor shine rather than competing with busy brick patterns.
Pro Tip: Don’t just slap latex paint on raw brick. I recommend using a specialized masonry primer like Loxon Concrete & Masonry Primer from Sherwin-Williams. It seals porous surfaces and tolerates the high pH found in mortar, ensuring your beautiful white finish doesn’t peel next year.
2. The Subtle Whitewash
If you aren’t ready to say goodbye to the brick texture entirely, I suggest a whitewash. This technique involves diluting your paint with water (usually a 1:1 ratio) to create a translucent finish.
You apply it with a rag or brush, wiping away excess as you go. This softens the harsh red or orange tones while letting the natural character of the brick peek through. It gives you that farmhouse charm without completely erasing the fireplace’s history.
3. Authentic Limewash
For an Old World, European feel, I love using real limewash. Unlike standard paint which sits on top of the brick, limewash is mineral-based and calcifies to the surface. This creates a chalky, nuanced texture that looks aged and authentic rather than “painted.”
It’s also breathable, which keeps your brick healthy. Since limewash is naturally resistant to bacteria and mold, it’s a smart choice for older homes that might have moisture issues.
4. The German Schmear
This is my favorite technique for creating immediate drama and texture. Instead of paint, you smear wet mortar over the brick and then wipe some of it off before it dries.
The result mimics the look of centuries-old cottages found in northern Germany. It’s heavy, textured, and incredibly durable. Just be sure you’re committed—once that mortar sets, it is extremely difficult to remove!
5. Charcoal Gray (The Value Booster)
If you want to modernize your space and potentially increase your home’s value, go with charcoal gray. Zillow data shows that dark gray living rooms can command a premium of $2,593 in offer prices.
This color acts as a sophisticated neutral. It anchors the room and makes a television or artwork above the mantel pop. Pair it with light-colored furniture to keep the room from feeling too cave-like.
6. Moody Matte Black
For the boldest statement possible, I paint it black. specifically, a matte black finish. This absorbs light and hides soot stains perfectly, making it a practical choice for wood-burning fireplaces.
A black fireplace creates a stunning focal point, especially in rooms with white walls. It feels architectural and modern. Just make sure your room has plenty of natural light so the feature doesn’t become a “black hole.”
7. Deep Navy Blue
If black feels too harsh, I often pivot to navy blue. It offers the same cozy, enveloping depth but with a bit more color and life. Zillow found navy blue to be a top performer in bedrooms (adding $1,815 in value), and that soothing energy translates beautifully to a living room hearth.
Navy pairs exceptionally well with brass fireplace screens or gold mantel decor. It strikes a balance between traditional elegance and modern trendiness.
8. Organic Olive Green
Biophilic design—bringing the outdoors in—is huge right now. I’ve seen olive green kitchens boost sale prices by nearly $1,600, and an olive green fireplace brings that same organic, calming vibe to your living area.
Choose a muted, earthy olive rather than a bright lime. It complements natural wood mantels and houseplants perfectly, turning your fireplace into a grounded, nature-inspired centerpiece.
9. Warm Greige
If stark white feels too sterile but you don’t want a dark color, I recommend “greige” (gray-beige). It’s the perfect middle ground.
Greige adds warmth that pure gray lacks and sophistication that basic beige misses. It blends seamlessly with almost any decor style, from traditional to contemporary, making it a safe yet stylish bet.
10. Creamy Off-White
Sometimes pure white is too blinding, especially in a room with warm lighting. An off-white or cream color softens the look while still brightening the brick.
I look for whites with warm undertones to coordinate with the natural warmth of wood floors or furniture. It creates a cozy, “lived-in” feeling that feels inviting rather than institutional.
11. The High-Gloss Modern
For a touch of glam, I skip the matte finish and go for high-gloss. This reflects light and draws the eye, turning the texture of the brick into a shimmering feature.
Be warned: high-gloss paint highlights every imperfection. If your brick is chipped or the mortar is messy, this finish will exaggerate it. Use this only on brickwork that is in excellent condition.
12. Refresh the Firebox and Insert
Nothing ruins a newly painted fireplace like a rusty, soot-stained metal insert. I always finish the job by spraying the metal surround with high-heat paint.
I use Rust-Oleum High Heat Ultra, which withstands temperatures up to 1200°F. It keeps the metal looking brand new. Just remember: do not use this inside the firebox directly exposed to flames unless the product specifically says it’s safe for that use.
13. Two-Tone Contrast
You don’t have to paint the mantel and the brick the same color. I love the look of a crisp white mantel against a moody gray or black painted brick.
This contrast highlights the architectural details of the mantel. Alternatively, keep the brick white and paint the mantel a bold charcoal or natural wood tone to frame the hearth.
14. Mid-Tone Brown
Brown is back. Zillow’s data indicates that mid-tone brown bathrooms are generating higher offers, signaling a shift away from the “all gray everything” era toward warmer earth tones.
Painting your fireplace a rich cocoa or taupe grounds the space. It feels retro yet modern, especially when paired with mid-century modern furniture and textures like boucle or velvet.
15. The “Sponge” Effect
If you want the look of natural stone without the cost, I use a sponge technique. Start with a solid base coat (like gray), then sponge on slightly lighter and darker shades.
This adds dimension and mimics the variegation found in real stone. It takes more time than a solid coat, but the depth it adds is worth the effort if you want to avoid a flat look.
16. Floor-to-Ceiling Monochromatic
If you have a massive floor-to-ceiling fireplace that dominates the room, I say camouflage it. Paint the brick the exact same color as your surrounding walls.
This visual trick helps the fireplace blend in, making the room feel larger and less cluttered. The texture of the brick remains, adding interest without demanding all the attention.
17. The Antiqued Distressed Look
For a rustic vibe, I paint the brick a solid color (like white or gray) and then distress it. Once the paint is dry, use coarse sandpaper to scuff up high points on the bricks.
This reveals bits of the original red clay underneath, creating a weathered, time-worn appearance. It’s perfect for cottages or industrial-style lofts where you want character, not perfection.
Sum Up
Painting your fireplace is one of the smartest investments you can make in your home’s aesthetic. It’s low cost, high impact, and—as the data suggests—can even put money back in your pocket when you sell.
If you’re ready to ditch the dated red brick, pick your favorite idea from this list, grab a gallon of masonry primer, and get started. You’ll be amazed at how a few coats of paint can completely redefine your living room.
