DIY: Painted Brick Fireplace

When we moved into our brick ranch fixer house a little over a year ago, we originally planned on painting the exterior brick on the house. In the end because of the era and placement of the house, we decided to leave it and add some other elements to break up the monotony of brick.

So what does that have to do with the fireplace??? Good question! Even though we were definite on keeping the exterior brick natural, I had an equally definitely feeling that the brick fireplace inside had to be painted!

So what color did I choose? BLACK! I love a good focal wall that introduces black. I feel that with lighter elements in the space, black (or a darker hue, in general) gives such amazing contrast.

I’ll admit, even though the designer-side of me know black was best, I hesitated. And then one day, I just went for it!

I’ve heard certain types of paint are best for brick, but I had a gallon of low lustre semi-gloss black paint from another project and it worked great (and is still holding up perfect 4 months later).

With a good-quality angled brush, I put on some good tunes and simply, painted the brick. Here are pictures during the transformation…

Two full coats of paint + a third coat for a few spots that needed additional coverage, it was complete.

Thankfully, I love the result. The fireplace is not only a striking focal point now, but the natural brick was too busy + distracting (plus dirty). With the brick being one color now, it really gives the eye a calming place and provides a beautiful backdrop for layering.

Check out the before & after again…

And can spot another difference between the before and after?!? I’ll give you a hint… look at the hearth.