What is the Best Color to Paint a Fireplace Surround?

Selecting the ideal paint color for a fireplace surround is an important decision that can dramatically transform the look and feel of a room. With so many hues to choose from, it can be challenging to decide which shade will complement your existing decor while also creating the desired ambiance.

Read on for useful tips and ideas to help you choose a color that brings out the warmth and charm of your hearth.

Factors to Consider When Picking Fireplace Surround Paint Colors

When deciding on paint for your fireplace surround, there are a few key factors to keep in mind:

Existing Room Decor and Color Scheme

Look at the current wall color, furnishings, artwork and accents in the room with the fireplace. Cool-toned grays and blues tend to work well with similarly cool hues while warm earth tones complement beiges, browns and terra cotta shades. If your room has a vibrant accent wall or colorful furnishings, select a fireplace color that plays off these existing shades.

Fireplace Construction Material

Stone, brick, marble, wood paneling, tile and other fireplace surround materials should help guide your color selection. For natural stone or brick, lean towards earthy neutrals that highlight the texture. On sleek marble, creamy whites or light grays keep the veining prominent. For a wood surround, medium-toned neutrals enhance the wood grain versus covering it up.

Size and Shape of the Fireplace

On a larger, expansive fireplace surround, deeper tones can anchor the substantial space. For smaller fireplaces or those with intricate molding, carving or tile work, lighter neutrals prevent those lovely details from getting lost. Fireplace mantels offer versatility for using bolder hues like navy blue as an accent.

Room Lighting

The room's lighting also affects how paint colors appear on a fireplace. North or east facing rooms with cool natural light may cast warm paint shades differently than southern exposures. Rooms illuminated after dark primarily by lamp light take on a cozier ambiance. Factor in both natural and artificial lighting when selecting fireplace paint colors.

Personal Color Preferences

While design trends and room elements impact color selection, personal preference is key. If you adore jewel tones or nautical hues, don't shy away from navy blue or emerald greens on your fireplace purely for design cohesion. The fireplace is often a focal point, so choose a color you'll enjoy seeing day after day.

Popular Paint Color Choices for Fireplace Surrounds and Mantels

When considering the countless paint options for fireplaces, it helps to start with the most commonly used shades:

Whites and Off-Whites

Crisp whites like Wimbledon White, Oxford White and Extra White work beautifully on fireplace surrounds, especially if the mantel will remain wood. Warmer off-whites like Alabaster, Ivory Lace and Creamy evoke a subtle elegance. Soft white paint allows brickwork and stone to take center stage.

Beige and Tan Neutrals

For a natural, earthy aesthetic, beiges like Khaki Tan, Sandy Toes and Buttercream blend seamlessly with stone. Chestnut, Kraft Brown and Dark Tan suit wood paneling. Creamsicle, Peach Bloosom and Blush Pink lend a touch of color while keeping things neutral.

Grays

Charcoal grays like Tricorn Black and Peppercorn create a sophisticated, moody effect. Softer tones like Gray Owl, Rockport Gray and London Fog keep things light and airy. Light grays shine on detailed marble while darker grays make wood paneling pop.

Blues

From light and powdery to deep and dramatic, blue offers versatility. Robin's Egg, Breezeway, Moonraker and Poseidon give subtle color without overpowering. Naval, Midnight Blue and Stormy Seas turn up the volume for bold contrast. Crisp whites or beiges paired with a navy fireplace surround creates a coastal vibe.

Greens

Earthy greens like Granny Smith Apple, Celery and Pistachio pairs well with brick and wood. Mossy tones like Palmer Green and Laurel Wreath complement bolder room colors. Deeper shades like English Holly and Black Magic add moodiness. Sage greens boost beiges and creams.

Black

For modern to rustic spaces, black offers drama and elegance. Soft charcoal blacks still allow texture to show through while pitch blacks like Black Satin and Lamp Black create bold contrast. Black with white trim gives a crisp, tailored cottage look.

Fireplace Surround Color Ideas Based on Style

Certain fireplace surround paint colors work especially well for particular decor styles:

Traditional Rooms

In traditional spaces with floral fabrics and dark wood, soft antique whites and ivories keep things light and fresh. Mossy greens, peach tones and robin's egg blue offer subtle color. For more contrast, deep forest greens and navy blues nod to traditional style.

Farmhouse and Cottage Style

Whites, beiges, soft grays and calming blues suit casual cottage style rooms. For a bit of drama, charcoal gray or black provide striking contrast. Warm antique whites with distressed wood finishes feel inviting and cozy.

Contemporary and Modern Spaces

Crisp whites, slate grays and contrasting blacks give fireplaces a sleek, modern look. Bold citrus tones like lemon yellow, lime green and tangerine orange make the fireplace a sculptural focal point. Glossy paint finishes amp up the contemporary vibe.

Rustic Mountain Cabins

Embrace the rustic aesthetic with earthy browns, golden harvest tones, forest greens and brick reds. Whitewashed wood surrounds lighten and brighten while staying organic. A black fireplace makeover adds bold contrast.

Coastal Inspired Rooms

Cool blues, grays and seafoam greens evoke calming coastal colors. Creamy white or light gray paired with navy blue trim celebrates the nautical look. Weathered wood finishes and white washed brick complement beachy spaces.

Fireplace Paint Finish Options

Another consideration is the paint's sheen or finish which impacts its appearance:

Flat, Eggshell, Satin and Semi-Gloss

Flat paint has no shine and disguises surface irregularities. It's prone to scuffing on a heavily used fireplace. Eggshell offers subtle sheen and is a popular choice. Easy-clean satin provides a smooth appearance for high-traffic areas. Semi-gloss offers a shiny, lightly reflective surface.

Using Sheen to Highlight Architectural Details

The finish itself can become a decorative detail. High-gloss paint emphasizes carved accents and tile patterns. Combining a glossy mantel with a flat surround provides contrast. Distressed paint techniques also introduce dimension and texture.

Creative Painting Techniques for Fireplaces

DIYers can utilize a number of painting techniques to further personalize a fireplace facelift:

Prepping the Surface

Proper prep work ensures better paint adhesion. Clean surface thoroughly, fill cracks, sand rough areas, and mask off any nearby walls. Primer formulated for masonry or tile provides added durability.

Brushing Versus Rolling Paint

For intricate details, a high-quality angled brush allows careful painting around moldings and in crevices. A mini foam roller speeds up painting flat brick or stucco expanses. Combining rolling and brushwork often works best.