Thoughts on painting the original fireplaces?

[Guest]

I have these beautiful ornate fireplaces in stained brown wood, however they do seem very dark in the small spaces.

Thoughts on painting it white?

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[Caroline]

Strip and stain light timber

[Rebecca]

I love the white. The shape and integrity of the piece is still there, you’ve just brought it into 2023.

[Grace]

I think it would be heartbreaking to paint them white. That original timber is absolutely beautiful and adds a sense of contrast and drama. I don't think everything needs to look light and bright. I'd be painting the walls they're on in a deep rich colour to make it tie in more Harmoniously.

[Violet]

I think white is stunning. It’s completely up to you. Everyone’s preference is different.

[Nicole]

Your fireplace, if you want to paint it go for it, white will look great.
It can always be stripped back later if dark wood ever comes back in vogue.

[Bethany]

Do it!! Brightens the space up so much. It still looks beautiful, the carvings are what makes them special & unique. I think they would look great any colour x

[Carrie]

I think I have the exact same surround and have been thinking about painting it white for the same reasons you mentioned - yes the timber is lovely, but if your room is on the small side it can feel quite dominating.

The only reason I haven’t painted mine yet is because it looks tricky and I didn’t want to botch it.

[Jann]

Hi Lia, The white paint provides a modern contemporary look. Once you paint it it will be an awful lot of work to restore to original condition.

Would be such a shame to loose the original detail.

Try Black Japan wood stain first. Then from your picture to right bring in the square slate front to the fire place,

[Gail]

I think they look beautiful with wood or painted white - lots of people paint them so even though I would go with wood myself I can understand being overpowering in a small space.