34 Painted Brick Fireplace Ideas for a Fresh Look

By
Kristin Hohenadel
Kristin Hohenadel
Kristin Hohenadel
Kristin Hohenadel has written on design for publications including the New York Times, Interior Design, Slate, Fast Company, and the international editions of Elle Decor.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Published on 08/10/23
painted brick fireplace ideas

Mary Patton Design

If your brick fireplace has seen better days, or you’re looking to modernize the look of a traditional fireplace without remodeling, check out these painted brick fireplace ideas in a range of styles, colors, and finishes. From whitewashed to matte black to shades of blue and green, there’s a painted fireplace to suit any room for those looking for a modern makeover that is quick, simple, affordable, and DIYable if you are so inclined.

Here are 34 painted brick fireplace ideas to refresh your space.

  • 01 of 34

    Flat White Craftsman

    white brick painted fireplace

    Design by Velinda Hellen for Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

    In this cozy Craftsman home living room from Velinda Hellen for Emily Henderson Design, the brick fireplace, and built-in bookcases were painted in the same shade of white. The uniform paint job modernizes the feel of the space that likely began as a red brick and dark wood aesthetic.

    Continue to 2 of 34 below.
  • 02 of 34

    Whitewashed Exposed Brick

    whitewashed brick fireplace

    Design by Jessica Nelson Design / Photo by Carina Skrobecki Photography

    Whitewashing brick to allow some of the original color to peek through creates a much different effect than an all-over paint job. Jessica Nelson Design whitewashed the exposed brick fireplace wall, then added a bright white painted wood mantel to give this space an updated modern farmhouse feel with a sense of history.

    Continue to 3 of 34 below.
  • 03 of 34

    Dramatic Matte Black

    painted black brick fireplace

    Laquita Tate Interior Styling & Designs

    Laquita Tate Interior Styling & Designs created a dramatic towering focal point by painting the brick fireplace in this otherwise all-white living room in soft matte black. Warm woods, metal tones, and plenty of plants add warmth to the black-and-white color scheme. The room's natural light allows the floor-to-ceiling fireplace to stand out without overwhelming.

    Continue to 4 of 34 below.
  • 04 of 34

    Medium Gray Skim Coat

    gray skim coated brick fireplace

    Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Amy Neunsinger

    An alternative to paint is using a limewash or concrete skim coat on existing brick, like this cozy cabin fireplace from Leanne Ford Interiors. The purposefully rough and uneven texture of the fireplace adds rustic charm to the space and complements the whitewashed wood walls.

    Continue to 5 of 34 below.
  • 05 of 34

    Dark Charcoal Gray

    charcoal painted brick fireplace

    Home Consultant

    Charcoal gray paint grounds the floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace in this bright Southern California living room designed by Home Consultant. The color both accentuates and contrasts with the slanted ceilings and exposed beams. Skipping a mantel preserves the minimalist midcentury modern feel of the room.

    Continue to 6 of 34 below.
  • 06 of 34

    Bold Blue

    brick fireplace painted blue

    Dans le Lakehouse

    Dans le Lakehouse gave this brick fireplace a makeover with Annie Sloan chalk paint in a deep shade of blue. The color continues onto the wall behind the fireplace for a cohesive and integrated look that changes the whole feel of the room. Warm lighting from wall sconces adds balance and keeps the darker paint from feeling flat.

    Continue to 7 of 34 below.
  • 07 of 34

    Midcentury Modern White

    painted midcentury fireplace

    Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Photo by Margaret Austin Photo

    Cathie Hong Interiors gave this midcentury modern home a clean, 21st-century update with a smooth coat of white paint on the fireplace. This looks fresh and clean while preserving the original character of the architecture.

    Continue to 8 of 34 below.
  • 08 of 34

    Bluish Black

    painted black brick fireplace with white trim

    Arbor & Co.

    Arbor & Co. gave this traditional brick living room fireplace a modern update with semi-gloss bluish-black paint on the brick exterior and true black paint on the interior firebox that adds depth. A crisp white wood mantel echoes the built-in bookcases and window trim.

    Continue to 9 of 34 below.
  • 09 of 34

    Mint Green

    green painted fireplace

    Mary Patton Design

    Mary Patton Design transformed an ordinary fireplace into a statement piece with mint green paint. Shades of pink complement the color choice and balance the color component of an otherwise white room. Bold colors can instantly change the feel of a room or update an older home with a single gesture.

    Tips

    If you love the idea of painting your brick fireplace in a bold color but are afraid to try it, remember that it's just paint. While removing paint from brick is more challenging than painting it, you can always change the color if you don't get it right the first time.

    Continue to 10 of 34 below.
  • 10 of 34

    Light Wash Brick Wall

    white painted brick fireplace wall

    Design by Marie Flanigan Interiors / Photo by Julie Soefer

    This bedroom fireplace from Marie Flanigan Interiors mixes light-washed white brick walls with dark wood accents on the mantel, echoing the rich, stained wood-clad slanted ceilings and beams. Adding a light all-over coat of paint to the brick wall allows some of the original color to show through, adding texture to the fireplace wall.

    Continue to 11 of 34 below.
  • 11 of 34

    White on White

    white painted brick fireplace

    Design by Bria Hammel Interiors / Photo by Spacecrafting

    The painted brick surround and wood mantel of this fireplace from Bria Hammel Interiors create a serene feel. It all adds a bit of texture that suits the modern aesthetic of the space more than traditional red bricks would.

    Continue to 12 of 34 below.
  • 12 of 34

    White + Beige Firebox

    white brick and tan fireplace

    Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Erin Kelly

    In this open-plan living room from Leanne Ford Interiors, white paint creates a textural look on the fireplace wall. A beige firebox echoes the taupe-y beige paint that covers two-thirds of the wall.

    Continue to 13 of 34 below.
  • 13 of 34

    White + Black

    white painted brick fireplace

    Ashley Montgomery Design

    Ashley Montgomery Design added texture to a modern living room with a white-painted brick fireplace wall. The firebox features graphic black subway tile in a herringbone pattern with white grout, and a rustic stained wood mantel completes the transitional look of the space.

    Continue to 14 of 34 below.
  • 14 of 34

    White Outdoor Brick

    outdoor white brick painted fireplace

    Mary Patton Design

    A semi-gloss white brick outdoor fireplace anchors the corner of this contemporary covered outdoor kitchen patio from Mary Patton Design. The white brick contrasts with the brown furniture and fencing of the semi-outdoor space, while stainless steel appliances and green accents echo the bright lawn.

    Continue to 15 of 34 below.
  • 15 of 34

    Olive Green

    olive green painted brick fireplace

    Cassie Bustamante

    Cassie Bustamante turned a dated fireplace into a modern focal point with earthy olive green paint. The color is carried onto the adjacent wall and contrasted with shades of white and black throughout the open-plan space for a modern look.

    Continue to 16 of 34 below.
  • 16 of 34

    Double-Sided and Stepped

    double-sided white brick fireplace

    Design by Chango & Co. / Photo by Raquel Langworthy

    Chango & Co. modernized the stepped, double-sided faded red brick fireplace in this open-plan space with a fresh coat of white paint. The all-over white paint helps the large fireplace wall blend with the architecture of the room while making the renovated space feel fresh.

    Continue to 17 of 34 below.
  • 17 of 34

    Soothing Blue

    brick fireplace painted blue

    Lovely Etc.

    Lovely Etc. first painted a plain red brick fireplace with messy grout lines in a uniform shade of white, an improvement that didn't feel quite like an upgrade. The next paint attempt was successful, resulting in this soothing shade of blue that stands out against white walls. The look is completed with a chunky DIY stained wood mantel and a DIY TV frame.

    Continue to 18 of 34 below.
  • 18 of 34

    White Brick Fireplace Wall

    white painted brick fireplace

    Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Erin Kelly

    Leanne Ford Interiors updated the brick fireplace and matching brick fireplace wall of this '70s home living room with white paint that highlights the texture of the brick while modernizing the space. Deep black paint highlights the arched shape of the firebox. The overall effect is minimalist and streamlined rather than dated and overbearing.

    Continue to 19 of 34 below.
  • 19 of 34

    Weathered and Whitewashed

    whitewashed fireplace

    Design by Bria Hammel Interiors / Photo by Spacecrafting

    This whitewashed fireplace from Bria Hammel Interiors features a weathered wood fireplace mantel that echoes the ceiling beams. It complements the room decorated with traditional furniture, vintage accents, and a soft coastal palette of whites and blues.

    Continue to 20 of 34 below.
  • 20 of 34

    Black on Black

    black painted brick fireplace

    Arbor & Co.

    Arbor & Co. paired black painted bricks with a black glass-front fireplace and slate floors to create a layered and modern feel. Instead of a mantel, a trio of staggered floating shelves creates a styling opportunity for a few choice accessories like candles and plants.

    Continue to 21 of 34 below.
  • 21 of 34

    Outdoor Brick Fireplace

    painted white brick corner fireplace

    Fantastic Frank

    This painted white outdoor brick fireplace from Fantastic Frank is built into a corner of the deck. The white brick echoes the white trim on the windows and doors and contrasts with the black siding and roof.

    Continue to 22 of 34 below.
  • 22 of 34

    Modern Farmhouse

    modern farmhouse painted brick fireplace

    Design by Chango & Co. / Photo by Sarah Elliott

    This sleek double-sided brick fireplace from Chango & Co. is painted white, adding texture that complements the white shiplap walls and adds contrast to the warm wood ceilings and flooring.

    Continue to 23 of 34 below.
  • 23 of 34

    German Schmear

    german schmear brick fireplace

    Design by Kate Marker Interiors / Photo by Stoffer Photography

    Kate Marker Interiors used a German Schmear technique on this brick fireplace. This German masonry treatment involves smearing brick with mortar, then wiping it off before it dries to achieve a lived-in look. You can hire a professional to achieve this look or do it yourself.

    Continue to 24 of 34 below.
  • 24 of 34

    Mixed Finishes

    painted outdoor brick fireplace

    Design by Mindy Gayer Design Co. / Photo by Vanessa Lentine

    Mindy Gayer Design Co. painted the brick fireplace anchoring this outdoor kitchen and lounge space with white paint. Modern black herringbone brick tile on the inside with white grout and white logs in the firebox add contrast with the more rustic red brick floor tiles on the patio.

    Continue to 25 of 34 below.
  • 25 of 34

    White + Unpainted

    modern farmhouse painted brick fireplace

    Design by Kate Marker Interiors / Photo by Stoffer Photography

    Kate Marker Interiors used the same blinding white paint on the brick fireplace, walls, and window trim of this bright space. The soot-covered unpainted brick walls of the working fireplace were left to reveal their time-worn patina, adding a rustic feel that is complemented by a chunky natural wood mantel.

    Continue to 26 of 34 below.
  • 26 of 34

    Matte White

    coastal white brick painted fireplace

    Ashley Montgomery Design

    Ashley Montgomery Design painted the floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace in flat white paint that highlights the texture of the brick and adds a handmade quality to a room outfitted with sleek modern furniture and gold accents.

    Continue to 27 of 34 below.
  • 27 of 34

    Partial Whitewash

    whitewashed farmhouse brick fireplace

    Design by Jessica Nelson Design / Photo by Carina Skrobecki Photography

    Jessica Nelson Design partially whitewashed the brick in this airy family room, leaving the original rusty color of random bricks untouched or partially exposed. Doing this created contrast and a more dynamic feel than a uniform look, and the result suits the modern farmhouse vibes of the space.

    Continue to 28 of 34 below.
  • 28 of 34

    Charcoal Black

    charcoal black fireplace

    Design by Bria Hammel Interiors / Photo by Spacecrafting

    This bright living room from Bria Hammel Interiors has white walls and built-ins that are contrasted with a painted matte charcoal black brick fireplace. The dark color of the fireplace anchors the back wall and helps to ground the space.

    Continue to 29 of 34 below.
  • 29 of 34

    Two-Tone Brick

    two tone painted brick fireplace

    Sara Toufali

    Sara Toufali highlighted the mixed materials and freeform shape of this brick-and-stone fireplace by painting the brick fireplace wall in the same soft white as the surrounding walls. Without the coat of white, the rustic unpainted red brick-and-stone fireplace and red brick firebox take the spotlight.

    Continue to 30 of 34 below.
  • 30 of 34

    White Brick + Black Firebox

    white brick painted fireplace with black firebox

    Home Made By Carmona

    Blogger Ursula Carmona of Home Made By Carmona painted her dated gray brick fireplace with a uniform coat of white that matches the walls, and the firebox in a saturated black for contrast.

    Continue to 31 of 34 below.
  • 31 of 34

    White and Black

    white and black painted brick fireplace

    A Beautiful Mess

    A Beautiful Mess modernizes a brick fireplace with bright white paint and a matching painted wood mantel with corbels. The black painted firebox echos the dark-stained hardwood flooring and ceiling beams.

    Continue to 32 of 34 below.
  • 32 of 34

    Whitewashed Fireplace Wall

    whitewashed brick fireplace with wood mantel

    Design by Marie Flanigan Interiors / Photo by Julie Soefer

    Marie Flanigan Interiors whitewashed the bedroom fireplace wall for a soft, lived-in feel. She added a dark wood-stained mantel for contrast that echoes the finish on the dramatic antique four-poster bed and nightstands, creating a timeless and cohesive look.

    Continue to 33 of 34 below.
  • 33 of 34

    Gray Brick Wood-Fired Oven

    painted brick pizza oven

    Home Consultant

    Home Consultant added warm medium gray paint to define this outdoor brick wood-fired pizza oven, creating a modern feel in the enclosed Southern California backyard.

    Continue to 34 of 34 below.
  • 34 of 34

    Chalk White

    painted white brick fireplace with firewood niche

    Tina Ramchandani Creative

    Tina Ramchandani Creative painted this fireplace chalk white, allowing the dominant feature to feel more integrated into the room, and styling it with black-and-white framed photographs and decor objects.

What kinds of colors look the best painted on a brick fireplace?

White and black are the colors that look the best painted on a brick fireplace. Sticking to neutral colors will work with any decor scheme and minimize the risk that you will tire of the color. If the idea of a white or black fireplace bores you, then go ahead and pick your favorite color, be it yellow, pink, red, green, or any other hue. Remember that you can always paint over it if you tire of it or want to try something new.

How do you make a brick fireplace look modern?

You can make a brick fireplace look modern by painting it in a solid color. Many modern interiors feature brick fireplaces painted in stark white or true black: neutrals that will fade into the background and become part of the architecture. But you can also create a modern look with a statement color such as green, yellow, pink, or blue, to name a few.

What is the best type of paint for a brick fireplace? 

The best type of paint for a brick fireplace is latex paint that is affordable, covers easily, and minimizes imperfections. Choose a satin, eggshell, or semi-gloss finish that will be easier to clean than a matte paint if you're concerned about maintenance. The paint used for exterior brick should be able to withstand temperatures up to about 200°F. If you are painting the firebox, use paint adapted to much higher temperatures, and be sure to read labels or ask a professional for advice to make sure that you are choosing a paint that can stand up to a roaring fire.