When you think of brick in a home, what comes to mind? Maybe a roaring fireplace (that was easy to get started without being an Eagle Scout), turtleneck sweaters, and mugs of hot chocolate? Or, a crumbling, eerie fireplace in the dark corner of a den. These mental images represent the two extreme ends of the spectrum. You, and many other fireplace owners, may instead have a fireplace that is not functional; you don’t quite hate it, but you aren’t sure what do with it either. You may not even have a fireplace, but a brick wall that you are displeased with. Rather than sigh and assume you’re stuck with it, why not turn it into a stylistic statement? If you read our recent post, you know you can paint brick, but here are some tips on how to strategically choose the best brick paint to match your design goals.
Choosing Brick Paint Colors
One option for painting brick is to simply paint around it, choosing interior colors that will complement it. If your brick is lighter, maybe more pink than deep red, try using soft colors like creamy white or or pale green on the surrounding walls. If your brick is a bit darker or more yellowed, try painting the area around it with deeper, earthier colors.
Painting Brick
If you decide on painting brick, here are a few strategies to think through:
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Draw attention to your brick – To help make it a focal point, try painting it to match the trim in your room. This will accentuate its importance to the structure of the space and make it stand out.
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Minimize your brick – Paint the brick either a shade or two darker OR lighter than the walls surrounding it. This will make it seem to recede into the wall rather than pop out.
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Paint your mantel – As a second way to minimize your fireplace, after painting the brick either a shade or two lighter (or darker) as mentioned before, paint the mantel to match the trim. This again will draw the eye away from the brick and instead help the mantel to tie the room together.
Do you have Interior Painting Questions?
If you have stylistic questions, or maybe have a unique situation that you are not sure quite how to address, it can be very helpful to research a reputable, local painting company and ask for help. They can give your further advice and tips for painting brick.