Should I paint the front of the book shelves the same as wood mantle

4 years ago

I have a blank canvas, I have mostly white walls with some greys throughout the house. Should this mantle be painted to match front of bookcases ? ( for colour) this is not a real fireplace, and the gold has to go , I know. . I really have no idea what colours to use, maybe greys again?, change the tile? Also, ideas how to decorate, I like Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware look, I lean towards traditional style, but open to all and any suggestions. T

Thank you in advance.

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JAN MOYER

4 years ago

last modified: 4 years ago

Change the tile surround to something lighter, lose the shiny brass .............and paint the surround and mantel trim white.

Wall colors come from harmony with your upholstery, rugs etc. We have no clue what those may be. We don't know the dimensions of the room, a budget or anything else.

Are you saying you have NO furniture now?

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Comments (13)

Stacey
4 years ago
You could paint the backs of the bookcases or use peel and stick wallpaper. The clock and sconces look really pretty.
edmontongirln18 thanked Stacey
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I agree with "bethperson" about removing the top uprights. They are drawing the eye to the ceiling rather than framing the fireplace. I would not cover the niche with doors as it looks spectacular with the horse and other objects in it. I would kill for a spot like that to display things and make seasonal statements. I might consider a lighter color on the back wall of the niche to provide a contrasting backdrop for darker objects. You appear to have lighter paint behind the sofa so I would try a bit of that on the rear wall of the niche. I also agree with "bethperson's" idea of beefing up the mantel. I agree that the wood seems a bit orangey but if you are planning to replace your floors someday you might want to decide then on a color or wood stain that compliments the floor. Until then just removing the top uprights will minimize the overwhelming effect of the wood color. Also, I believe that wood is not a precious substance. It takes a little courage to paint or stain it sometimes but unless it is a pricey, endangered or historically antique wood just do what makes you happy. That's what a house of your own is for.
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ci_lantro
4 years ago
What Jan said. Or just remove it altogether. The fireplace style is out of sync w/ the bookshelves. Not terribly but enough to make me wonder if both elements are original to the house?
edmontongirln18 thanked ci_lantro
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Patricia Colwell Consulting
4 years ago
I am curious to know what you are planning on putting on all those shelves, I think the sconces are going to hamper the choice of art above the FP and I do agree to the lighter tile and paint the whole thing white but really with no context I am just guessing.
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Snaggy
4 years ago
I like it
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edmontongirln18
Original Author
4 years ago
Thank you all so much for taking the time to respond. . Many of my rooms are painted white, so i thought maybe the colour of the mantle could set the tone? (and should at least, the bookcases be the same?) Books will go into the book cases, I didn't want the room to look too formal, this did used to have Victorian furniture in there. The furniture with be leather, brown probably or maybe a velvet chesterfield, I don't have any furniture yet. I love ,but I'm afraid of colour, (love the teal colour also). The room size is 14 x20 , we will be refinishing the floors , maybe a shade darker. Ceilings , sadly are just 8 ft. The mantle was always there, bookcases were built in several years later. This house is 38 years old, it has morning sun and right now you would get snowblind if you walked in there. Its the first room to the left as you walk in from the hallway.
PRO
JAN MOYER
4 years ago
Skip the brown leather furniture, please? Make a diagrams to scale of the room. Decide how many need to sit, how you will USE it. will you have a tv....etc. Will you use it as a library /quiet space. ?

It isn't enough to say " you love Pottery Barn...or teal. "

Maybe some teal in a rug ?Or in Art over the mantel?

The point is, make some idea books of rooms that suit the style you like, and thing about how you want to USE the space,

At the very least, I'd do what I said above. Also CUT the arches right out of the book cases if you like the built in. Unless you have arches elsewhere??? Who needs them ?.

Who said the walls have to be white? Who said anything has to be white for that matter?
edmontongirln18 thanked JAN MOYER
tarhlfan
4 years ago
I like Jan's suggestions. For the bookcases, I would choose a darker shade for the back wall that is in the same family of what color you paint the walls. Lose the scones and clock. If you are really attached to the clock, put it somewhere else where you can enjoy it. It looks lost right now. Paint the mantle and trim white and replace tile.
edmontongirln18 thanked tarhlfan
typeandrun
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
OK I am going a different route. Is that tile original to the house? If so keep it, preserve it! And I would paint the mantle black and remove the screen. Whatever furniture you choose keep it proportional to the room. RH furniture is too massive for the space
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edmontongirln18
Original Author
4 years ago
Thank you all so much! big help indeed!. Love that dark wall Jan Moyer, (do i have the guts) I have been painting so much for the last year, I'm a bit wore out, too particular to hire someone. I know I can change it if I didn't like it.. I actually don't want the mantle white , I wasn't sure if i should paint at least paint the front of the shelves the same as the mantle. The tile is not original, I still like it, but it has to be changed. The room will be used for a quiet living room/library. I know Typeandrun.. love that RH look, would love to have high ceilings. Thank you all so much.
decoenthusiaste
4 years ago
I get the impression that mantel has been added above what is a pretty simple fireplace. Maybe someone with skills will "take if off" so you can see how it would look. What is your style? What is your favorite color (look in your closet for hints?)
edmontongirln18 thanked decoenthusiaste
PRO
JAN MOYER
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
You don't need ONE wall to be a color. The room has four walls. You don't have high ceilings, so what??! I have no clue what you mean by " The front of shelves."

The biggest mistakes made are those that come from over thinking the space, the colors, the POPS , the accents. One color on the front and another on the back

You want teal? Paint the BACKS the bookcases in teal. change the tile to a simple light tone stone or tile. Maybe a soap stone surround, if you want something darker. . Paint the mantel white.Then? Minimally add the teal in other accents. A rug with a dab of it..... art ...etc.

The point here is you give the room a POINT of view. Design is editing. It's to pick a loose thread from a sweater and follow the unravel . It's a combo of no fear, and a little restraint, all at the same time.

I am not a fan of the half way I can't make up my mind/ I can't commit look. : ) If yu want the backs painted? Echo the color elsewhere.

or WRAP the room in a color ( no, not teal )
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acm
4 years ago
I'd leave it all white, paint the fireplace mantel/framing to match, leave the arches. The interest comes from the woodwork, and it doesn't need paint to highlight it -- just add art over the fireplace, books and objects to the shelves, and move on in!

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