What color to paint a huge fireplace surround??

J D

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

My wife and I recently moved into a home. In the back room is a fireplace with a really big surround:

The heart extends across the entire room and is 1 foot high. The distance from the hearth to the mantel is 5'7". Basically, if you're shorter than 5'7", you can stand on the hearth and not hit your head on the mantel. On the surround, the tiles have two colors: bristlecone and billiard green. The color of the walls is creamy white, and the trim is a pure white color.

We love the room and like having carpet, but we're not big fans of these paint colors on the surround & hearth. We're currently thinking that the best affordable option would be to re-paint the surround and the hearth. But we're stumped--what colors do we use for a region of space that is so large? Our furniture is kind of a mish-mash right now, and we're hoping to get new pieces over the long-term as we spend more time in the house. What do you recommend given how high the mantel is and how long the hearth is?

The home is older (built in 1923), but this fireplace is located in an addition that was built in the last 15-20 years, we think.

Thanks!!!

Featured Answer

User

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

NEVER paint tiles. Not unless you want a nasty peeling mess.

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Comments (9)

User
6 years ago
Before choosing paint for the fireplace, consider the furniture placement for better television viewing and conversation. That would dictate the future furniture choices you may make as well as give you a different perspective of the fireplace and built ins. Would you consider placing the television on the wall under the windows with the moose head? Place the sofa with its back to the sliders and facing the television. The two chairs can then be placed opposite each other facing more toward the coffee table that would be in front of the sofa.
J D thanked User
lisaam
6 years ago
Are you hoping to paint the tan and green tiles or are you looking for suggestions on wall paint color?
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J D
Original Author
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
@lisaam, we're hoping to paint the tan and green tiles! Or maybe an accent wall to give some color would be good too?
User
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
I can't tell on my monitor what color the carpet is, but I would think painting the fireplace surround and wall units a color close to the carpet color would be a good choice. A neutral beige/griege? Check out the attached link to a photo of a fireplace and carpet color "match up" https://www.houzz.com/photos/forest-avenue-modern-family-room-orlando-phvw-vp~2100924
J D thanked User
houssaon
6 years ago
If I were you I'd paint the walls a shade of the the bristlecone tiles. I'd get a large woodland print or painting for over the fireplace. I'd also change the brass fireplace screen to a black one.
J D thanked houssaon
User
6 years ago
Not every amateur or pro will have experience painting tile on a fireplace surround, but some do and have good success! Of course, there are a lot of options...remodeling, retiling, tearing out and replacing...or painting.
J D thanked User
J D
Original Author
6 years ago
Vistas Interior Design, thank you so much. The [photo[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/forest-avenue-modern-family-room-orlando-phvw-vp~2100924) you linked to looks beautiful. I never would've considered this possibility. That approach would shift the focus to whatever art, etc. we decide to decorate with. Houssaon, that's another extremely interesting suggestion--hanging a painting with some green would incorporate the green tiles in a way we might like. This is perhaps the easiest solution of all and it wouldn't require us to re-paint the tiles! Thanks! Sophie, I really appreciate the warning. We are inexperienced and will definitely proceed with great caution.
User
6 years ago
Right on, JD. When you provide a beautiful neutral backdrop for furnishings, décor, art, and entertainment you will have a lovely space to enjoy and celebrate! Thanks so much for allowing us to share.
J D thanked User