What should we do with our fireplace?

Since installing our new hardwood floors, I’ve been thinking more and more of making a change to the color of our fireplace surround. Here’s what it looks like now:

Fireplace surroundI think painting it a creamy off-white color would look good.

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Via Pinterest

I also like this driftwood color:

fa18b33a67779dabc150974f2e8fac45Via Pinterest

I love the look of this distressed wood finish, too:

6ae9930d900e6f45ab4b24186790a814Via Pinterest

What do you think I should do to the mantel color? Paint it? Leave it alone? Check out my living room home tour pictures to get a better sense of what the rest of the room looks like. I’d love to read your input.

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22 Responses

  1. Jane H. says:

    The white or off-white would really make a huge difference! You can dress it up or down; it provides so much more latitude in decor!

  2. Linda Rahmeyer says:

    It is hard for me to say without seeing more of the room. What is the rest of your woodwork like? The surround might look good matching the rest of the woodwok and the mantle a different color.

  3. Linda Rahmeyer says:

    Well, I went back to look at your home tour to see the living room and I have to say I like the color it is. You have several other darker wood pieces that give it a cohesive look. But I know whatever you decide will look great. I will look forward to seeing what you decide.

    • Susan says:

      Thanks, Linda. The surround does sorta match some of our furniture pieces. I guess I’m just feeling like there are too many different wood colors going on now.

    • christie says:

      Go ahead and paint it creamy white and also add vertical trim going up from the ends of the mantle to the ceiling and paint that the same color. I have that and it is really dramatic. The height of the ceiling should be considered for this look.

  4. suzykillers says:

    It depends on what you want to be the focal point in your room.

  5. Lisa D says:

    It’s hard to make a call not seeing the entire room. I looked at your house tour and if your living room still looks the same, then, You have a lot of dark pieces. Painting the mantel light, would be the only light piece in the room. Again, it’s hard to make a call without seeing it in person. Whatever you choose I’m sure will look lovely. Let us know what you decide 🙂

  6. Donna Gibson says:

    Susan:
    If you studied your picture, a white or beige would put too much white or beige in the scene. Take a close look at the color of the bottom of the chair to the left of the fireplace. Look at the leg colors of it. Go for that color and it will make the whole room pop out with color. Match the fireplace color to the color of the furniture legs. It is a darker brown. I think it would bring out the colors much better. Anxious to see what you choose. A white would get dirty from the fireplace if you use it and would be so hard to keep clean. The brown will hide any marks, and would match the furniture. Have fun with whatever you choose.
    Donna G

  7. Leah says:

    I think if you go with the distressed or driftwood you will have a very monotone look with no pop or pizzazz. Your marble surround needs to have a “frame” to show it off. Because your walls are a lighter and very neutral color and the floor also is light, I would go for color.

  8. Marianne says:

    Go with the creamy white or white. Will pull it all together.

  9. Mary says:

    I have always loved a white fireplace surround! It looks clean and very classy. The rest of your home seems to be traditional so it would work well with your decor. It would also look beautiful next to your wall color! Besides, it’s just paint, if you don’t like it you can change it! 🙂

  10. Liliana Wells says:

    I like it the way it is. But I would put something on the floor in front of the fireplace to protect the wood. I hope you will take this constructive criticism – bu I would change the decor on top of the mantle. Good luck.

  11. Sylvia says:

    I just found this via Pinterest. Immediately thought of you. I know your fireplace is not in the corner, but the way they beefed this one up is amazing. Love the tile surround too. Thought you might like to add it to your list of inspiration photos.
    http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.ca/2011/11/fireplace-redo.html

  12. Jamie says:

    I agree with Donna G. I like the softer brown of the chair leg and think it will balance out with the creamy marble around the fireplace and play off the natural colors on the floor.

    I’m sure it will turn out great with whatever you decide.

  13. Patricia Routt says:

    If the tile wasn’t white I think it would be beautiful painted, I’m not sure there would be enough contrast from the white to the creamy white. I’m sure whatever you do it will be gorgeous.

  14. Nicki says:

    Have you see Kim’s fireplace on Savvy Southern Style. I love it and it is what I thought of when you asked the question. take a look at it and see what you think. I think something similar will look good in your room!

  15. Adam P. says:

    Hi, Susan.

    If I were you, I would go with the off-white colour. One would think that a lot of the same hue within a room would make it boring and sort of bland, but quite on the contrary, I find that shades and tones of one monochromatic colour scheme work really well. There are no distractions to the space, beige makes the the space airy, lightened and open. Smaller rooms benefit from harmonious colour tones too, since the walls then create a sense of a larger space. I think off-white would go well with your carpet, sofa and the textile decor of your living room. I have recently published an article on fireplace designs myself, have a look if you are interested. Good luck with the project, I hope it turns out well!

    Adam

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