Fireplaces are the heart of the home, providing warmth and ambiance. But a fireplace can also be a dated eyesore. If you want a quick and easy way to update your fireplace, consider painting it black.
Hello there!
This year has been the year of painting projects. I've been in a painting marathon. I've painted many walls/rooms, ceilings, staircases, dressers, coffee tables, and more walls and ceilings than I've ever painted before.
And here I am, in yet another painting project: Our fireplace.
The fact is that I've been using lots of white paint.
White walls.
White ceilings.
White built-ins.
You can see it right there in our family room, where the fireplace, which is the main focal point, was washed out from all the whiteness in the room.
*This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
| Mirror | Chandelier | Lamp | Coffee Table | Rug | Picture Light |
This fireplace went through a makeover ten years ago, when I added the overmantel.
You can see that fireplace makeover right here.
Earlier this year, I was getting ideas/inspiration to change the fireplace's traditional look for a more modern style. Well, I got busy with all those painting projects listed above. Last week, when planning the Christmas decor, I knew there was no time for a big fireplace remodel. Instead, I turned to black paint to give it a quick makeover.
However, there was one big issue with turning this fireplace all black. The filler panels on this fireplace are made of granite. I didn't want to remove them and wasn't sure about paint sticking hard enough on them.
I aimed to cover the granite with heat-resistant peel-and-stick wallpaper or something similar.
The most favorable choice for this situation was these heat-resistant Herringbone Aluminum Composite Panel Stick tiles.
A six-sheet package for about 40 bucks was all I ordered.
I prep/cut the first line of tiles to be installed, but I first gave the fireplace surround a coat of paint. I wanted to avoid dealing with paint on top of the tile.
And no, I didn't use black paint. This is a dark gray - BEHR Graphic Charcoal - flat.
CUTTING THE ALUMINUM TILE
The hardest part of this entire makeover was precisely this step.
Cutting the aluminum tile is tricky.
The aluminum is rugged. The instructions said to score the tile with a utility knife before separating both pieces. It also said to use metal shears to help with the cutting.
Well, I don't recommend any type of shears or scissors. The cuts don't come clean using those devices.
I scored the tile several times with the utility knife on both sides, the front black tile, and the sticky back.
Then, I placed the entire tile on the edge of a table. Using that edge as support, I bent the tiles against it to separate them. I often used nose pliers to break each tile apart because my hand wasn't strong enough.
That little triangle in the picture below still needed to be attached.
I struggled to complete this job with the six sheets of tile I bought. Almost an entire leg of that area had to be pieced one tiny tile at a time.
This is all that was left.
The cuts could be better, but this is a temporary solution. It works okay.
Here, a closer look from the front.
I love the contrast of the wooden mirror's frame on the dark surface. The little nails also got two coats of paint. Those are the ones I use to hang the garlands from.
I love how the black fireplace is now a solid focal point in this room.
The decorating has started!🎄
This wreath is my first Christmas decor piece.
| Christmas Wreath | Mirror |
Oh, finally, these are the ten reasons why you should paint your fireplace black:
1. Black is a sleek and sophisticated color that can instantly elevate the look of your room.
2. Black can make a small living room feel larger.
3. Black can help to hide dirt and grime.
4. Black can make a statement and add drama to your home.
5. Black can create various looks, from modern to rustic.
6. Black can help highlight other living room features, such as artwork or furniture.
7. Black is a versatile color that can be paired with a variety of different colors and styles.
8. Black is a durable color that can withstand the heat of a fire.
9. Black is a relatively inexpensive way to update your fireplace.
10. Black is a timeless color that will never go out of style.
Seriously love it!!!! Haven’t had many projects lately but…hum…dare I ?
ReplyDeleteAww thanks! Haha yeah, sometimes it goes like that.
DeleteAbsolutely LOVE it !!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'm loving how the dark paint made the dentil and fluted molding pop up again.
DeleteMakes a huge difference. Really looks nice,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! ❤️
Delete