Painting A Room With A Chimney Breast: A Step-By-Step Guide

Painting a room with a chimney breast can be a fun and creative project. Chimney breasts offer a versatile and prominent feature in modern homes, providing a unique focal point and a nod to historical architecture. Whether you're a bold colour-blocker or a neutral minimalist, there are endless possibilities to upgrade your space. The first step is to decide on the colour palette and whether you need specialty paint. Then, consider the finish, with options ranging from matt for a homely feel to a high sheen for a bright and striking look. From there, it's all about personal expression, whether that's experimenting with textures, stencils, murals, or simply a bold colour to make your chimney breast the centrepiece of the room.

Choosing the right paint

Surface Type

Consider the surface type of your chimney breast. If it is made of exposed brick, for instance, a masonry paint will provide better adhesion, prevent moisture issues, and ensure a longer-lasting finish. For other surface types, assess whether you need a specialty paint or if standard interior paint will suffice.

Colour and Design

The colour and design you choose for your chimney breast can significantly impact the overall aesthetic of your space. As the chimney breast is a prominent feature, it provides an excellent opportunity for experimenting with colours and designs. Consider whether you want to create a bold feature wall or opt for a more subtle, neutral palette. Bold colours like deep reds, emerald greens, and blacks can make a statement and add drama to the room. On the other hand, soft pinks, blues, and greys can create a romantic, soothing, or minimalist atmosphere. You can also play with textures, ombre effects, stencils, or geometric shapes to add depth and character to your space.

Sheen Level

The sheen level of your paint is an important consideration. Paint with a higher sheen level can make a bold statement and keep your space bright, while matt paint can create a more subdued and homely feel. Glossy paint tends to be more durable and is recommended for certain wall types or if you have specific maintenance requirements.

Amount of Paint

When painting just the chimney breast, a one-litre tin of paint is typically enough. However, consider buying a bit extra if you plan to do multiple coats or touch-ups.

Personal Preferences and Décor

Lastly, don't forget to consider your personal preferences and the existing décor of your room. Choose a colour that matches the style of your room and any artwork or accessories you plan to display. If you're unsure, neutral shades are a safe choice, providing a versatile backdrop that can easily be updated with décor changes.

Paint colours and combinations

Painting your chimney breast is a great way to upgrade your space without painting the entire room. When choosing a colour, it's important to consider the style of your room and your personal preferences. Here are some paint colour ideas and combinations to consider:

Bold and Bright Tones

If you want to make a statement, opt for bold and bright colours such as deep reds, emerald greens, or intense blues. These colours will make your chimney breast a unique design element that stands out in the room. You can even experiment with patterns, textures, or stencils to add depth and character.

Romantic and Soothing Hues

For a gentle and welcoming atmosphere, soft pinks and blues are a great choice. These colours create a romantic and soothing vibe, perfect for a relaxing space.

Modern and Minimalist Designs

Clean greys and two-tone cuts create a sleek and modern look. This combination is perfect for those who want a simple yet striking design.

Neutral Shades

Neutral colours, such as beiges, creams, and taupe, are a timeless choice that allows other elements in the room to stand out. This option is perfect if you're not ready to commit to a particular colour or if you want to create a versatile backdrop for artwork or décor items that can be easily interchanged.

Dramatic and Luxurious

If you want to create a bold statement, consider rich and vivid colours such as opulent black, deep burgundy, or dark teal. These colours can add drama and elegance to your space, especially if you're aiming for a Victorian Gothic design.

Contrasting Colours

To make your chimney breast a focal point, choose a colour that contrasts with the rest of the room. For example, if you have light-coloured walls, a deep shade like Ink Well or Decadent Damson can add depth and create a rich backdrop for shelves or artwork.

Remember, the paint finish is also important. A higher sheen level can keep your space bright and striking, while matt paint can create a more approachable and homely feel. Glossy paint tends to be more durable and is a good option for brick chimney breasts.

Paint finish

Painting your chimney breast is a great way to upgrade your space without painting the entire room. When it comes to paint finishes, you have a variety of options to choose from, each creating a different aesthetic and atmosphere in your room.

If you want to create a bold and striking look, opt for a paint with a higher sheen level. Glossy paint, for example, will make your chimney breast pop while also being more durable. On the other hand, if you want a more subdued and inviting feel, matte paint is a better option as it feels more approachable and homely.

The sheen level of your paint can also depend on the type of wall you're painting and how much maintenance you want to undertake. For instance, if you have a brick chimney breast, using a masonry paint will ensure better adhesion, prevent moisture issues, and increase the lifespan of your paint job.

The colour you choose will also have a significant impact on the overall aesthetic of your space. If you want to make a statement, consider using bold and bright colours, or even creating a feature wall with patterns or stencils. For a more subtle look, neutral shades are a timeless option that allows other elements in the room to stand out. You can also create a sense of depth and make the room feel brighter and lighter by painting the chimney breast halfway up the wall with a darker colour.

Ultimately, the paint finish and colour you choose for your chimney breast will depend on your personal preferences and the style you want to achieve. Whether you decide to go bold or keep it neutral, painting your chimney breast is a great way to showcase your creativity and add a unique touch to your home.

Exposed brick chimney breasts

Raw Industrial Aesthetic

Embrace the rugged, authentic look of exposed bricks by leaving them untouched. This approach celebrates the raw and industrial aesthetic, creating a unique and captivating focal point in your room.

Whitewash Wonder

If you're looking for a softer and more contemporary feel, consider whitewashing your exposed bricks. This technique brightens the space while maintaining the texture and charm of the brickwork. It's a simple way to update the look of your chimney breast while preserving its unique character.

Contrasting Paint

For a bold statement, paint the exposed brick chimney breast in a colour that contrasts with the surrounding walls. This technique instantly draws attention to the chimney breast, creating a striking focal point. Whether you choose a deep red, a vibrant emerald, or a sleek grey, a contrasting colour can add drama and elegance to the space.

Integrate Shelves

Enhance the appeal of your exposed brick chimney breast by integrating shelves. This not only adds functionality but also provides an opportunity to display decorative items or personal mementos. Shelves can create a sense of balance and symmetry, while the contrast between the brickwork and the shelves adds visual interest.

Maintenance and Cleaning

To maintain the beauty of your exposed brick chimney breast, regular cleaning is essential. Use warm water and a mild detergent to clean the brickwork, and for more stubborn dirt or marks, a sponge can be used for gentle scrubbing. Remember to seal the brickwork annually with brick sealant to protect and preserve the exposed wall. Bricks tend to absorb moisture, so proper sealing is crucial to prevent damage.

Chimney breast as a feature wall

Chimney breasts are a prominent feature in a room, and painting them as a feature wall is a great way to highlight them. It is a chance to be creative and inject personality into your space.

When choosing a colour, consider the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. A bold colour that contrasts with the rest of the room will make the chimney breast a focal point, while a neutral palette will create a timeless and elegant look. You could also try colour blocking, ombre effects, or intricate stencils to add depth and character. If you want to create a high-contrast look, choose colours on opposite sides of the colour wheel. For a cool look, blues are a good choice, while warm colours like yellows and oranges are great for a living room. If you are painting a small room, use lighter colours to create the illusion of space.

You can also experiment with different textures and finishes. Consider using textured paint or wallpaper to add depth and a unique tactile element to the wall. If you want to make a statement, try a mural or a gradient wallpaper for a stunning visual impact. Alternatively, you can use tiles to add texture and visual appeal, with the added benefit of being durable and heat-resistant.

Don't forget to consider the overall décor of the room and choose a design that coordinates with the fireplace surround and the rest of the space. If you are unsure, you can always start with a single feature wall and see how it looks before deciding to paint the other walls.

Frequently asked questions