Our fireplace makeover project has been a long time coming. Would you dare paint natural wood?
My husband tried for years to convince me to paint the fireplace white but I just love the oak. Our kitchen cabinets are oak and we even have oak furniture.
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Ours is a wood burning fireplace which has given us much pleasure on cool fall nights and cold winter evenings through the years. It’s been decorated for many seasons. The before picture I chose is one with fond memories for me. I did an all out blitz on Pinterest crafts to decorate the mantle for my ‘Ode to Pinterest’.
BEFORE
Decorating for Fall is my favorite since it’s the best season! I may be slightly addicted to making those fabric pumpkins piled into my antique dough bowl.
My husband has the ability to paint without ever making a mess. Not me. Anytime I’m painting, no matter how large or small the project, both of my hands and arms will be covered in paint. That is a guarantee. I keep a nail brush by the bathroom sink when I’m painting.
He used that small piece of cardboard to sit the paint can on and never let a single drop of paint fall. Blue painters tape was used to protect the surrounding wall and hearth.
We both love the way it turned out. As much as I loved the natural oak, I love this even more for our Den. It is rare for us to spend time in the den but with our open floor plan, we can enjoy the new look while having dinner at the kitchen table every evening.
Our inspiration came from the great house hunt we have currently embarked upon. Most of the homes we have really liked have white fireplaces. We fell in love with the look and knew we needed to update ours before we list our home for sale. Neither of us are sorry. We both love it!
The pillows are covered with Envelope pillow covers using this tutorial.
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Vickie Shafer says
Did you sand it with a sander and what kind of paint did you use?
Shirley Wood says
No sanding. We used Interior Latex paint.
Carol ("Mimi") says
The fireplace surround and mantel look great in white! I am always reluctant to paint natural wood if the wood is a good quality hardwood with a beautiful grain. So, I completely understand that it might have been a tough decision. But the result is really attractive. Great job!
Erlene says
I love the new white color. It looks fresh and white is always a nice background color for any decor.
Kristin says
Wow! You did an incredible job. The after is absolutely gorgeous! So fresh and modern looking!
Jennifer says
Wow!! You did a fantastic job with that! We just have a portable fireplace and it’s not nearly as cute as yours! I can’t believe you were able to give the natural wood such an awesome makeover.
JenellBStewart says
Wow. It looks really good. is it just me or does it look bigger?
Alicia Taylor says
Wow! What an amazing difference! I would never guess it was the same fireplace.
Dawn Nieves says
I love the white! It looks amazing. You really did a agreat job!
Milena says
I love the change! It looks so much lighter and elegant. Great job!
Ashley says
Ours is a green marble looking one. I would love to make it wooden like yours but I’m not sure where to start.
Heather Lawrence says
I think it looks great!
Our fireplace just got a little touching up too, we actually modified the height on ours and hung our tv above it.
(Never thought that day would come)
Rebecca Bryant says
Oh, my what a beautiful makeover. That white makes it really pop and love the pillows. This was really well done.
Ashley S says
What an improvement!! Your fireplace looks great. I definitely like the white better.