White fireplace mantel makeover

I’m happy to report that, after applying a coat of primer and three coats of semi-gloss trim paint (HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams in 7012 – Creamy), the fireplace mantel makeover is officially done!

White-fireplace-mantel-closeup

I really like the color change. I wasn’t sure how white would look next to the linen-colored marble surround (a few of you expressed concern about that, too, in my “What should I do with our fireplace” post). But for an almost? middle aged stay-at-home mom, this was a small chance for me to live on the edge 😉 so I just went for it.

Just to recap, here’s a picture of the fireplace “before:”

Thrifty-finds

And here are a few “after” pics:

White-fireplace-mantel-environmental

White-fireplace-mantel-closeup-2

White-fireplace-mantelWhite-fireplace-mantel-2

I think the bright white mantel helps draw more attention to the fireplace.

One word of caution: If you’re thinking of attempting a project like this, be sure to sand down and properly prepare your mantel before applying any primer. I did a quick once-over with some sandpaper because I was chomping at the bit to get on with the painting. As a result, my primer didn’t adhere as well as it could have. I’m crossing my fingers that the finish holds up. We’ll see next Christmas when the pokey pine boughs come out.

What do you think of my “new” white fireplace mantel?

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23 Responses

  1. Colbi Reese says:

    Really ties in with your painted wood trim. Great job!

  2. Monica says:

    I think it looks great!

  3. Monica says:

    That’s a big change! It looks very nice with the flooring, too.

  4. Lisa D says:

    It looks great! 🙂

  5. Dawn Rene says:

    What an amazing transformation from the dark to the light. I am not sure what your entire room looks like, but an amazing darker neutral textured rug would look great I think too! Beautiful work, my dear!

  6. Liliana Wells says:

    Much better! Look great!

  7. Susan says:

    The mantel looks great. It really belongs with the rest of the room now. Nice!

  8. Julia G. says:

    I love the white mantle. I have been wanting to paint ours white and now I can show my husband how great yours looks and get started on our own transformation!

  9. Looks so much better Susan – nice job!

  10. nancy says:

    I wasn’t sure the white on white would look good but think it looks great!

  11. Jamie says:

    Great! Beautiful! Clean! Love it! I like how it brings out the creamy marble and makes the fireplace pop. Never fear–it’s just paint! 🙂

  12. Sue says:

    Looks beautiful! I love it against the marble. Good call!

  13. Donna says:

    Love it! Great job!

  14. Joy2Journey says:

    You did great! I too get excited to get going but have realized that it is important to slow down or I will find myself redoing something instead of moving on to something new. It is beautiful!!!

  15. Patricia Routt says:

    I think it is beautiful, The marble stands out really well, there is just enough contrast. really good job. Never ever doubt yourself when it comes to your home.

  16. Cindy says:

    This looks really elegant! Love it. xo

  17. Ali Huckabee says:

    LOVE it!!! I think it looks better than the dark! ?

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