What’s the best color to paint your fireplace?
A lot of the time folk are wanting to paint or re-paint a brick fireplace, but you can also paint stone, concrete, metal, tile, wood, or plaster. As long as the surface is properly prepared, almost anything can take a layer of paint.
As a former professional painter and decorator, I would most often use an oil-based sealer/primer for preparing brick and other fireplace surfaces for painting, but there are good water-based sealers and primers out there now that are just as good.
However, the focus of this article is not to show how to paint a fireplace but rather to give some good paint color suggestions for fireplaces. These colors from Sherwin-Williams are good paint colors for a fireplace makeover.
Paint Color Ideas For Fireplaces
Keep in mind that a white fireplace will show soot and dust more readily than a darker color. You’ll need to clean it regularly to keep it looking its best.
If you’re painting the interior of the fireplace or a part that gets hot, you should use heat-resistant paint to prevent peeling and cracking. Whites and greys might not be available in a heat-resistant variety, so check with Sherwin-Williams for your best options.
1. Pure White (SW 7005)
Sherwin-Williams Pure White (SW 7005) is a timeless and versatile shade that carries with it a sense of clarity and simplicity. It’s a true white paint color, lacking any strong undertones, which makes it an excellent choice for creating a clean, modern look. This color works exceptionally well in a contemporary setting where the aim is to promote a sense of brightness and space. A fireplace painted in Pure White immediately stands out as a striking focal point and can beautifully anchor a room.
When applied to a fireplace, the shade Pure White creates a visually cooling effect, a serene backdrop that enhances the warm glow of the fire. The beauty of this shade lies in its ability to seamlessly blend with a wide range of color schemes and decor styles, from modern minimalist to farmhouse chic. It’s an especially good choice if your aim is to create a light, airy ambiance, or to provide a neutral backdrop against which other elements in the room can shine.
However, it’s worth noting that while a Pure White fireplace can add a beautiful freshness to your room, it does come with certain considerations. For instance, white shows soot and dirt more readily than darker shades, meaning you may need to clean your fireplace more often to keep it looking its best. Additionally, if your walls are also a light color, a Pure White fireplace might not provide as much contrast as a darker or more saturated color might.
In terms of overall feel and aesthetic, a Pure White fireplace can lend a sense of calm sophistication to your space. This shade can add an air of elegance and can enhance the architectural details of your fireplace. In essence, Sherwin-Williams Pure White on your fireplace would offer a balance of simplicity and style, acting as a captivating feature within your room.
2. Greek Villa (SW 7551)
Sherwin-Williams Greek Villa (SW 7551) is a soft, warm off-white paint color with a slight undertone of beige. It’s known for its versatility and it can complement a wide range of interior designs.
If you choose Greek Villa for your fireplace, it can give the room a warm, inviting feel. It is particularly effective in achieving a farmhouse or rustic style, especially if you’re looking to maintain a light, airy room with an expansive feel. It also complements well with a wide range of other colors, making it a safe choice if you want to change other elements of your room’s design in the future.
However, if your walls are also a very light color, a Greek Villa fireplace might not stand out as much as it would with a contrasting wall color. You may want to consider this if you want your fireplace to be a strong focal point in the room.
Greek Villa is a great choice if you are looking for a cozy, understated elegance. As with any paint color, consider your overall design, the amount of natural light in your room, and your personal preferences when choosing whether this color is right for your fireplace.
3. Tricorn Black (SW 6258)
Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black (SW 6258) is a deep, true black color that is bold and impactful. It has a strong presence and is capable of transforming the aesthetic of any room, making it a dramatic choice for a fireplace. The use of such a dark, solid color on a typically focal point in a room creates a sense of drama and draws the eye, making the fireplace an unmissable centerpiece.
A fireplace painted in Tricorn Black can add a significant amount of depth to your space. This deep, dark hue is reminiscent of the cozy and inviting nature of a traditional hearth and, against the backdrop of the flames, it can create a captivating contrast. This contrast not only enhances the visual appeal of the fireplace but also accentuates the warm and inviting ambiance that a fireplace naturally creates.
However, while Tricorn Black can certainly add a wow factor to your space, it’s important to consider the overall palette and lighting in your room. Darker colors like Tricorn Black tend to absorb more light, potentially making a small room feel even smaller. But when used in a larger, well-lit room, or balanced with lighter elements in the space, this color can create an incredibly chic and sophisticated look without feeling overpowering.
Emotionally, Tricorn Black can create a feeling of stability and grounding in a space. It’s a color often associated with elegance and sophistication. When used on a fireplace, it can create a striking statement and add a contemporary touch to the room. If you’re seeking a color that’s both bold and timeless for your fireplace, Tricorn Black is a fantastic choice.
4. Sage (SW 2860)
Sherwin-Williams Sage (SW 2860) is a calming shade of green with subtle gray undertones. This color’s inspiration from nature gives it a sense of tranquility and balance, making it a soothing choice for a fireplace. When applied to a fireplace, Sage infuses a space with a serene and welcoming ambiance, softly inviting a connection to the outdoors.
A Sage-colored fireplace could serve as a subtle focal point in the room, standing out without overpowering other elements. This warm, muted color harmonizes beautifully with a variety of palettes, offering a sense of unity and coordination within the space. Whether complementing a neutral color scheme or balancing more vibrant hues, Sage adds an element of refreshing calm to your decor.
While Sage is a versatile color, it’s crucial to consider the room’s overall aesthetic and lighting conditions. In a space with less natural light, the color may appear more muted and lean towards its gray undertones. However, in a well-lit room, Sage can bloom into a more vibrant and uplifting hue, further enhancing its connection to nature.
Emotionally, Sage can bring a sense of serenity and peace to a room. It’s a color often linked to renewal and tranquility, offering a gentle touch of color without overwhelming the senses. When used on a fireplace, it can create a calming focal point, contributing to a soothing and harmonious environment. If you’re seeking to create a tranquil and comforting space, a Sage-colored fireplace could be the perfect addition.
5. Antique Copper (SW 7704)
Sherwin-Williams Antique Copper (SW 7704) is a rich, warm, earthy shade that exudes a certain old-world charm. Its deep terracotta hue and copper undertones create a sense of warmth and coziness, making it an inviting color for a fireplace. By painting your fireplace Antique Copper, you’re infusing your space with a rich, welcoming tone that naturally enhances the warm ambiance a fireplace provides.
A fireplace adorned in Antique Copper immediately stands out as a focal point, creating a captivating contrast with lighter or neutral wall colors. Its warm, deep color draws the eye and encourages a sense of intimacy. It can lend itself well to a variety of styles, from rustic and traditional to more contemporary settings, where it can add a warm, surprising twist.
That said, it’s important to consider the overall color scheme and lighting conditions of your room. Antique Copper is a bold, deep color, and it can darken a room if not balanced with lighter hues or ample lighting. However, in a well-lit room or when paired with a lighter palette, this color can bring an incredibly chic and warm feel without overwhelming the space.
Emotionally, Antique Copper can create a feeling of warmth, comfort, and sophistication. Its depth and richness evoke a sense of luxury and elegance, while its earthy undertone maintains a touch of the natural and familiar. When applied to a fireplace, it can act as a captivating statement, adding an unexpected yet pleasant touch of color to the room. If you’re after a color that’s both warm and elegant, Antique Copper might be just the choice for your fireplace.
6. Accessible Beige (SW 7036)
Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige (SW 7036) is a warm and welcoming shade of beige with subtle gray undertones. This color’s unique balance of warmth and neutrality makes it a highly adaptable choice for a fireplace. When you paint your fireplace Accessible Beige, you’re introducing a soft, comfortable tone to your space, subtly elevating the aesthetic without making it feel overwhelming.
An Accessible Beige fireplace can serve as a gentle focal point, offering warmth without commanding too much attention. This color has a remarkable ability to complement various design styles and color schemes, adding a sense of cohesion to your space. It blends effortlessly with a wide range of hues, making it a safe and versatile choice, especially if you’re prone to frequently changing your decor.
However, while Accessible Beige is a wonderfully flexible color, it’s still important to consider your room’s overall aesthetic and lighting. In spaces with less natural light, the color may lean into its gray undertones, appearing slightly cooler. But in well-lit spaces, its warm beige quality shines, offering a comforting and inviting hue.
Emotionally, Accessible Beige can bring a sense of calm and balance to a room. It’s a color often associated with simplicity and elegance, providing a soft backdrop that feels both comforting and refined. When used on a fireplace, it can create a cozy and inviting focal point, contributing to a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. If you’re seeking a color that offers versatility, warmth, and understated elegance, an Accessible Beige fireplace could be the ideal choice.
7. Naval (SW 6244)
Sherwin-Williams Naval (SW 6244) is a deep, rich navy blue that exudes a sense of calm and sophistication. This color carries an element of timeless elegance, making it a bold yet refined choice for a fireplace, whether electric or wood burning. When your fireplace is painted in Naval, you’re introducing a backdrop of depth and serenity to your space, which can significantly enhance the overall aesthetic.
A fireplace painted in Naval serves as a striking focal point. The deep blue hue stands out beautifully against lighter walls, commanding attention without overpowering the room. This color’s sophistication allows it to harmonize with a wide range of color palettes and styles, from traditional to modern, bringing an element of classic charm and modern freshness simultaneously.
However, as with any deep color, it’s important to consider your room’s overall color scheme and lighting. Naval can absorb light, making a smaller or poorly lit room feel even smaller. But when used in a large, well-lit room or balanced with lighter elements in the space, Naval can add a touch of timeless elegance and depth without making the space feel closed in.
Emotionally, Naval can create a sense of tranquility and stability in a room. The deep, rich blue is often associated with qualities like calmness and reliability. When used on a fireplace, it can create a relaxing and elegant focal point, setting the stage for a sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere. If you’re seeking a color that combines boldness with tranquility, a Naval fireplace could be the perfect addition to your space.
Fireplace Paint Ideas
Selecting the perfect paint color for your fireplace involves balancing aesthetic preferences, the room’s existing color palette, and the overall mood you wish to create. Each color brings its own unique feel and can dramatically alter the ambiance of the space.
For a clean, bright aesthetic, Sherwin-Williams Pure White (SW 7005) offers a timeless appeal, though it may require more frequent cleaning due to its light tone. Tricorn Black (SW 6258) is bold and dramatic, creating a stunning contrast against the warmth of the flames, but it may absorb light and potentially make a small room feel smaller.
For those seeking a more natural, soothing vibe, Sage (SW 2860) offers a tranquil touch, but bear in mind its appearance may vary with different lighting conditions. Antique Copper (SW 7704) exudes a warm, sophisticated charm, but balancing this deep hue with the right room palette is essential to prevent it from darkening the space. Your chosen color should complement the room’s style, enhance the fireplace as a focal point, and resonate with your personal taste.
