A fireplace is often the heart of a home, serving as a gathering spot for family and friends. If you’re looking to update your brick fireplace without completely overhauling it, whitewashing might be the perfect solution. This technique can brighten your space, add a touch of rustic charm, and create a fresh, modern look. In this article, we’ll explore 16 inspiring whitewashed brick fireplace ideas to help you transform your home’s focal point.
1. Classic All-White Elegance
Nothing beats the timeless appeal of a classic all-white whitewashed brick fireplace. This look brings a clean, fresh feel to any room, making it appear brighter and more spacious. The subtle texture of the bricks adds depth and interest, preventing the white from feeling too stark or clinical.
To achieve this look, apply a thin white lime wash or diluted white paint to your brick fireplace. Allow some of the brick’s natural colour to peek through for added dimension. This technique works particularly well in traditional or farmhouse-style homes.
“White is not just a color, it’s a feeling.” – Kevin McCloud, design expert and TV presenter
Pro Tip: For a more durable finish, consider using a specialized brick paint instead of a lime wash. This will provide better coverage and longevity, especially for high-traffic areas.
2. Soft Gray Undertones
For a subtle twist on the classic white, consider incorporating soft gray undertones into your whitewash. This approach adds depth and sophistication to your fireplace while maintaining a light and airy feel. The grey tones can help bridge the gap between modern and traditional styles, making it a versatile choice for various home decor.
Mix a small amount of grey paint into your white wash solution to achieve this look. Experiment with different ratios to find the perfect shade for your space. This technique works well in contemporary or transitional-style homes.
Pro Tip: Test your grey-tinted whitewash on a small, inconspicuous area of the brick before applying it to the entire fireplace. This will help you ensure you’re happy with the colour before committing to the full project.
3. Distressed Vintage Charm
Embrace the imperfections and create a distressed, vintage look with your whitewashed brick fireplace. This style adds character and warmth to your space, perfect for those who love a rustic or shabby chic aesthetic. The key is to let more of the original brick show through in some areas while keeping others more heavily whitewashed.
Apply your whitewash unevenly, allowing for natural variations in coverage. Once dry, you can use sandpaper to distress certain areas further, revealing more of the underlying brick. This technique is ideal for older homes or those looking to add a touch of history to their space.
“Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius, and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.” – Marilyn Monroe
Pro Tip: To enhance the vintage look, consider adding some decorative elements around your fireplace, such as antique brass and irons or a reclaimed wood mantel.
4. Bright and Beachy
Create a light and breezy coastal vibe with a bright, beachy whitewashed brick fireplace. This look is perfect for beach houses or anyone wanting to bring a touch of seaside charm to their home. The key is to use a very light, almost translucent whitewash that allows the natural warmth of the brick to shine through.
Mix your whitewash solution with a higher ratio of water to paint for a more translucent finish. You can also incorporate subtle blue or green tints to enhance the coastal feel. Pair your beachy whitewashed fireplace with natural textures like jute rugs, woven baskets, and driftwood accents.
Pro Tip: To complete the coastal look, display a collection of seashells or coral on your mantel, or hang a large mirror with a driftwood frame above the fireplace.
5. Modern Minimalist
For those who prefer a sleek, contemporary look, a modern minimalist whitewashed brick fireplace might be the perfect choice. This style focuses on clean lines and a monochromatic colour scheme, allowing the subtle texture of the brick to add interest without overwhelming the space.
Apply a more opaque whitewash to your brick fireplace, aiming for a smooth, even finish. Pair it with a simple, streamlined mantel or forgo the mantel altogether for a truly minimalist look. This style works well in modern or industrial-style homes.
Pro Tip: Consider painting the surrounding walls in the same white shade as your fireplace to create a seamless, cohesive look that makes your space feel larger.
6. Warm and Cozy
Create a warm and inviting atmosphere with a whitewashed brick fireplace that leans towards warmer tones. This approach maintains the brightness of white while incorporating subtle hints of beige or cream for a cozy feel. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to brighten their space without losing the warmth associated with a traditional brick fireplace.
Mix a small amount of beige or cream paint into your whitewash solution to achieve this look. Apply the wash in thin layers, building up the colour gradually until you reach your desired warmth. This technique works well in traditional, farmhouse, or transitional-style homes.
“The essence of interior design will always be about people and how they live. It is about the realities of what makes for an attractive, civilized, meaningful environment, not about fashion or what’s in or what’s out.” – Albert Hadley, interior designer
Pro Tip: Enhance the cozy feel by adding warm-toned accessories around your fireplace, such as copper accents or rich, textured throw pillows.
7. Two-Tone Contrast
Add visual interest to your whitewashed brick fireplace by incorporating a two-tone design. This approach involves using two different shades of whitewash or combining whitewash with a contrasting colour. It’s a great way to make your fireplace a true focal point and add depth to your space.
To create this look, apply a lighter whitewash to the majority of the fireplace, then use a darker shade or a contrasting colour on select bricks or patterns. You could highlight the outline of the fireplace, create a geometric pattern, or randomly accent individual bricks for a more eclectic look.
Pro Tip: Use painter’s tape to create clean lines between your two colours, especially if you’re creating a specific pattern or design.
8. Rustic Farmhouse
Embrace the charm of a rustic farmhouse with a whitewashed brick fireplace that celebrates imperfections and natural textures. This style combines the brightness of white with the rugged appeal of exposed brick, creating a cozy, lived-in feel that’s perfect for farmhouse or country-style homes.
Apply your whitewash unevenly, allowing more of the original brick to show through in some areas. You can even leave some bricks completely untouched for added contrast. Pair your rustic whitewashed fireplace with a reclaimed wood mantel and vintage-inspired accessories.
Pro Tip: To enhance the rustic feel, consider adding a few strategically placed chips or cracks to the whitewash using a wire brush or sandpaper. Just be careful not to damage the underlying brick.
9. Scandinavian Simplicity
Create a serene, Scandinavian-inspired space with a whitewashed brick fireplace that embodies simplicity and functionality. This style focuses on clean lines, subtle textures, and a predominantly white palette with hints of natural elements.
Apply a relatively even whitewash to your brick fireplace, aiming for a light, airy feel. Pair it with a simple wooden mantel or floating shelves. Keep decorations minimal, focusing on a few key pieces that blend form and function.
“Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” – Steve Jobs
Pro Tip: Incorporate natural elements like potted plants, wooden picture frames, or a small stack of birch logs to add warmth to your Scandinavian-inspired whitewashed fireplace.
10. French Country Elegance
Bring a touch of French country charm to your home with a whitewashed brick fireplace that exudes elegance and sophistication. This style combines the rustic appeal of whitewashed brick with more refined elements for a look that’s both casual and chic.
Apply a whitewash that allows some of the brick’s natural colour to show through, creating a soft, aged appearance. Pair your fireplace with an ornate mantel painted in a complementary off-white or soft grey. Add French-inspired accessories like gilt-framed mirrors, crystal candlesticks, or topiaries.
Pro Tip: Consider adding decorative moulding around your fireplace opening to enhance the French country look. Paint it the same colour as your mantel for a cohesive appearance.
11. Industrial Chic
Combine the raw appeal of exposed brick with the brightness of whitewash for an industrial chic fireplace that makes a statement. This style works particularly well in loft apartments or homes with an edgy, urban vibe.
Apply a thin, somewhat uneven whitewash to your brick fireplace, allowing plenty of the original brick colour and texture to show through. Pair it with metal accents like a steel mantel or iron fireplace tools. Consider leaving some areas of the brick completely exposed for added contrast.
Pro Tip: To enhance the industrial feel, install metal pipe shelving above or beside your fireplace for a functional and stylish storage solution.
12. Bohemian Eclectic
Create a free-spirited, artistic atmosphere with a whitewashed brick fireplace that serves as a blank canvas for your bohemian style. This approach allows you to experiment with colour, texture, and pattern while maintaining a bright, airy backdrop.
Apply a light whitewash to your brick fireplace, allowing some of the natural brick to peek through. Use your fireplace as a focal point for displaying an eclectic mix of artwork, textiles, and found objects. Don’t be afraid to incorporate bold colours and patterns in your accessories.
“The essence of interior design will always be about people and how they live. It is about the realities of what makes for an attractive, civilized, meaningful environment, not about fashion or what’s in or what’s out.” – Albert Hadley, interior designer
Pro Tip: Hang a colourful tapestry or macramé wall hanging above your whitewashed fireplace to add texture and bohemian flair.
13. Subtle Color Wash
For those who want to brighten their fireplace without committing to pure white, consider a subtle color wash. This technique involves using a very diluted colour instead of white, allowing you to add a hint of your favourite hue while still maintaining the brick’s natural texture.
Choose a pale shade that complements your room’s colour scheme. Dilute the paint heavily with water to create a translucent wash. Apply it in thin layers, building up the colour gradually until you achieve your desired effect.
Pro Tip: Popular colour choices for this technique include soft blues, pale pinks, and light sage greens. Remember, the goal is a subtle tint, not a bold colour statement.
14. Textured Whitewash
Enhance the natural texture of your brick fireplace with a heavily textured whitewash. This technique adds depth and visual interest to your fireplace while still brightening the space.
Mix sand or a texturing agent into your whitewash solution before applying it to the brick. Use a rough-bristled brush to apply the mixture, working it into the mortar lines and crevices of the brick. This technique works particularly well for older fireplaces with uneven or damaged bricks.
Pro Tip: For an even more pronounced texture, consider using a lime mortar wash instead of paint. This traditional technique creates a beautiful, old-world effect.
15. Ombre Effect
Create a stunning visual impact with an ombre whitewashed brick fireplace. This gradient effect transitions from a heavier whitewash at the top to more exposed brick at the bottom (or vice versa), adding a unique and artistic element to your space.
Start by applying a full-coverage whitewash to the area you want to be the lightest. As you move down (or up), gradually decrease the opacity of your whitewash by adding more water to your mixture. This technique requires patience and practice to achieve a smooth transition.
Pro Tip: Use a spray bottle to mist your whitewash between layers. This helps blend the different opacities and create a more seamless ombre effect.
16. Whitewashed Accent Wall
Why stop at just the fireplace? Consider extending your whitewash to create a full accent wall. This approach can make your fireplace area a true focal point while adding texture and interest to your entire room.
Apply your chosen whitewash technique to both the fireplace and the surrounding wall. You can either use the same technique throughout or vary it slightly between the fireplace and wall for added dimension.
Pro Tip: If you’re whitewashing an entire wall, work in small sections and have a helper to ensure even coverage and prevent visible seams.
Now that we’ve explored these 16 inspiring whitewashed brick fireplace ideas, let’s take a closer look at some key considerations when undertaking this project:
Materials Needed for Whitewashing
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| White latex paint | To dilute the paint for desired opacity |
| Water | To dilute paint for desired opacity |
| Bucket | For mixing whitewash solution |
| Stir stick | To mix whitewash thoroughly |
| Wide paintbrush or roller | For applying whitewash |
| Spray bottle | For misting brick and blending |
| Rags or sponges | For wiping excess and creating texture |
| Protective gear | Gloves, goggles, and old clothes |
Steps to Whitewash Your Brick Fireplace
- Clean the brick thoroughly
- Repair any damaged bricks or mortar
- Protect surrounding areas with drop cloths and tape
- Mix your whitewash solution
- Dampen the bricks with a spray bottle
- Apply the whitewash in small sections
- Wipe off excess with a rag for the desired effect
- Allow to dry completely
- Apply additional coats if needed
- Seal the whitewash (optional)
Remember, the key to a successful whitewashed brick fireplace is preparation and patience. Take your time to achieve the perfect look for your space.
For more inspiration and detailed tutorials, check out these helpful resources:
By following these ideas and tips, you’ll be well on your way to transforming your brick fireplace into a beautiful, whitewashed focal point that enhances your home’s style and atmosphere.