17 showstopping fireplace feature wall paint ideas

Toying with the idea of refreshing your fireplace? Great idea! If you want to ignite the style potential of your home, then repainting its surround or the chimney breast it’s mounted on is your ticket towards a look-book-worthy interior. From refined whitewashed brick fireplaces backing onto a neutral wall to graphic chimney breasts painted in a contemporary shade, here are 17 fireplace feature wall paint ideas, guaranteed to set your imagination alight.

settling on an aesthetic for your fireplace

Hold your horses! Before we delve into our top 17 fireplace feature wall ideas, it’s worth going over a few prerequisites that will ensure you’ve chosen the best look for your fireplace set-up, whether that’s touching up the chimney breast with a lick of new paint to create your feature wall or giving the area a full-scale makeover, miles away from the one you inherited.

your style preference

It all begins with you. Quite literally. After all, we all feel deep down that our homes should reflect our sense of style and individuality. Are you partial to more laid-back décor? Or are you the bubbly type, after a more dramatic transformation?

If you’re struggling to pin down your style preference – don’t worry – there’s a whole internet at your disposal. Take to Pinterest to see what mood boards others have created around different decorating trends and see what takes your fancy.

enhancing the fireplace

A room with a fireplace is blessed with an in-built focal point that makes a brilliant base for an arresting feature wall. However, it’s not as easy as simply picking your favourite colour and painting that feature wall; if the fireplace itself, surround, hearth or mantelpiece clash with your walls you’ll be hit with a wave of regret. Now, that’s one time-consuming mistake!

meshing your feature wall with your colour palette

No matter what you’re working from – be it a north-facing living room bereft of sunlight or an ultra-modern fireplace that you want to personalise – updating the colour scheme can have surprising results. A cohesive palette doesn’t only have the power to uplift a drab décor and make rooms look brighter, but it will allow you to enjoy your home to its fullest potential.

selecting a quality paint for the job

Going to DIY it? In that case, you’re going to need the highest quality paint for the job. This means carefully considering the brand and type of paint, not to mention looking up its eco-credentials such as its VOC levels and whether it’s a water-based paint.

For the fireplace itself, make sure you use a heat-resistant product and, for the surround, check that your paint is suitable for the surface – whether that’s wood, metal, stone or masonry. For a hint of drama, we suggest opting for an eggshell finish whose sheen will disguise any scuffs, but, of course, there’s a whole variety of finishes to choose from. Selecting a paint for the walls will be much easier – simply pick a high-quality brand and you’re good to go.

17 fireplace feature wall paint ideas for any interior

1. make the surround pop with a primary colour from F&B’s Carte Blanche

First up, a world of colour from Farrow & Ball’s capsule collection Carte Blanche. We especially love the combination of the citrus yellow of Hog Plum paired with the cheery pink, almost angel delight-tinged Shallot. With a plain white surround, the colour combinations practically hum with energy.

2. whitewash an exposed brick fireplace

Who doesn’t love shabby chic? By whitewashing your masonry, you can create a fascinating texture that is lighter in tone than the virgin brick. The best part is that it works so well with light and dark mantlepieces alike.

3. offset jewel tones with a traditional wood burner

Jewel tones are always in. We especially love the brilliant sheens of Mid Azure Green, Purpleheart and Deep Space Blue. Envision your wall as a magnificent peacock – all of those rich hues will look gorgeous against a traditional wood burner.

4. take inspiration from the Danish pastel trend

The Danish Pastel trend is an aesthetic that crept into relevance in 2020, with no signs of disappearing. Encapsulating the best of pastel colours, funky décor and interesting Scandinavian shapes, there’s no reason why you can’t incorporate this into your fireplace feature wall ideas. In fact, the hilariously named account @honeyidressedthepug spotlights how to do it perfectly. We could see shades like Sudberry Yellow and Lady Char’s Lilac being your go-to for this vibe.

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5. allow your tiles to shine with a near-white surround

An interesting way to change the décor is to paint your surround a near-white. For a bolder aesthetic, try Farrow and Ball’s Strong White. These pale hues provide a crisp backdrop that allows the tiles to be the focal point, enhancing their visual appeal and creating a clean, sophisticated look.

6. colour drench your fireplace wall

Colour drench your fireplace wall with vibrant hues like Paper & Paint Library’s Soumak or Squid Ink.  When you embrace bold colours to make a statement, you’re sure to infuse energy into your space. Whether you opt for a single vibrant shade or a combination of complementary colours, colour drenching can make a room bleed subtly outwards, masking the size of the space.

7. lightwash a brick wall to make your fireplace shine

By applying a light wash of paint over exposed brick, you can achieve a soft, muted look that highlights the texture and character of the brick while brightening the space. Consider using a subtle shade like Farrow and Ball’s Slipper Satin for a timeless and elegant finish.

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8.  recreate luxury with wall panelling in Railings

Railings by F&B makes any feature a showstopper. Combine it with panelling that adds depth and texture to the space and your room can exude a sense of unmistakable opulence and refinement.

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9. enchant with a biophilic scheme in sage green

Why not enchant your guests with a biophilic scheme in sage green? Bring the outdoors in with a biophilic design approach, incorporating natural elements such as wood, plants and soothing colours from cappuccino creams to earthy greens. This earthy hue, reminiscent of lush foliage, creates a calming and harmonious atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for a fireplace feature wall inspired by nature.

10. pare back the design with warm neutrals and a wood mantel

Create a cosy and inviting ambiance by opting for warm neutral tones from Little Greene’s Sweet Treats Collection for your fireplace feature wall. Pairing these soft, earthy hues with a natural wood mantel adds warmth and texture to the space, resulting in a timeless and understated look.

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11. invite nostalgia with a burnt orange x teal combo

Channel retro vibes with a nostalgic colour combination of burnt orange and teal for your fireplace feature wall. This dynamic duo evokes a sense of nostalgia while infusing the space with warmth and personality, creating a visually striking focal point that sparks conversation.

12. try muted and elegant with Little Greene’s Pink Slip

Soft and sophisticated, Little Greene’s Pink Slip adds a touch of understated elegance to your interiors. This muted hue complements a variety of interior styles, from traditional to contemporary, creating a timeless and refined look that exudes charm and sophistication. A similar option is Masquerade, which looks wonderful with a marble white.

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13. incorporate your fireplace feature wall into a duotone concept

Experiment with a pair of contrasting hues to create visual interest and depth in your living room. We suggest not holding back from bold colours. However, if you want to tone down your fireplace feature wall, the mixture of F&B’s Green Smoke and Mouse’s Back creates a reposeful and contemplative appeal, perfect for rooms with an abundance of natural light.

14. get the Mediterranean look with a brick fireplace and white backdrop

Embrace the rustic charm of the Mediterranean with a brick fireplace feature wall against a crisp white backdrop. This classic combination creates a bright and airy atmosphere reminiscent of sun-drenched villas and coastal retreats.

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bonus fireplace feature wall ideas

15. make a statement with an opulent wallpaper

Choose a bold pattern or metallic finish to create a luxurious focal point that commands attention. Whether it’s a rich damask design, a shimmering geometric print, or a botanical motif, an opulent wallpaper can instantly elevate the ambience of your space.

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16. keep things breezy with a pale fireplace and wood slats

Keep things breezy with a pale fireplace and wood slats that evoke a sense of coastal charm and relaxation. There’s something about this serene combination that instantly transports you to a tranquil seaside getaway, making it perfect for creating a comfy and inviting atmosphere in any interior space.

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17. lean into cluttercore with a ditsy floral wallpaper

Cluttercore is an anti-minimalism trend that revels in the chaos of colour, patterns and prints. To incorporate this into your fireplace feature wall ideas, you could paper the chimney breast in a busy floral wallpaper, dripping in flowers, and then paint the adjoining walls in a simple, light shade of your liking – ready to become a base for a joyfully sentimental gallery wall. Top it all off by adding your favourite decorations to the mantelpiece.

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fireplace colour FAQs

Making a statement with your fireplace is easy – there are so many paint colours that work wonderfully – but so many colours it’s difficult to choose. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions to help you out.

What is the best colour for a fireplace wall?

Truly? The sky is the limit. Any colour can work for a fireplace as long as you coordinate it with the rest.

What’s the best colour for a wood fireplace?

There are 3 routes to go down if your fireplace has a wooden surround. A) Lean into soft neutrals and natural tints for a cosy feel. B) Allow the natural wood to take centre stage with a complementary colour. C) Repaint the surround a bold colour. The choice is yours.

Should a fireplace be lighter or darker than the walls?

It depends. Dark on light and vice versa both allow the feature to pop. This said, darker fireplaces tend to be more imposing, whereas light fireplaces on darker walls can create a chic or sometimes delicate feel.

What about painting your fireplace and walls the same colour?

Unless you’re going for a colour drenching look like this Edwardian house on Inigo, we recommend contrasting your fireplace (hearth & surround included) with the walls. This will create visual intrigue. Plus, it’s worth remembering that painting an ugly fireplace the same colours as the walls won’t make it disappear – better off you take the eyesore and turn it into a focal point.

How do you make an old fireplace look modern?

Light and breezy colours are an instant way to make your fireplace look more modern, whether that’s painting the fireplace itself or freshening up the chimney breast. Using contemporary or daring tiles is another way you can transform stale into statement.

Can I (re)paint any type of fireplace?

Pretty much. Some fireplaces are more difficult to paint than others, namely brick fireplaces and stone. However, it is possible – just make sure to select the right type of paint and reach out to a decorator if the project is beyond your abilities.

Need more inspiration?

Hopefully, this blog post has satisfied your inspo needs for fireplace feature wall paint colour ideas – which ones are your favourites? Let us know if any styles are missing – and we’d jump to see how you’ve implemented this trend in your own home!

For more suggestions on your next decoration project, why not head on over to our blog?