6 Before and After Examples of Whitewashed Brick Fireplaces
Outdated brick fireplaces can make rooms feel dark and closed in. Many homeowners struggle with these heavy, dominant features that don’t match their style.
We’ll show you how whitewashing can give your dull brick fireplace a fresh, bright makeover without losing its natural texture and charm. This simple technique brings new life to old fireplaces while preserving their character.
In this article, you’ll find six gorgeous before-and-after examples that show the amazing changes whitewashing can create. You’ll learn why whitewashing beats full painting, how it brightens rooms, and how it works with many design styles.
We’ll also share practical tips to help you tackle this project yourself. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to convert your brick fireplace into a beautiful focal point.
Why Whitewash a Brick Fireplace?
Whitewashing your brick fireplace adds a fresh look to your home without compromising its original charm. The soft white finish fits many home styles, from country to modern. When your fireplace feels too dark or heavy, whitewashing makes the room feel bigger and brighter.
Unlike full paint, whitewashing preserves the natural brick texture, adding depth and interest to your walls. If you change your mind later, whitewashed brick is much easier to update or restore than fully painted brick.
This simple change can change the entire feel of your room without requiring a major renovation.
6 Before and After Examples of Whitewashed Brick Fireplaces
These real-life examples show how whitewashing can change your fireplace and entire room. Each update solved a common brick fireplace problem with a simple whitewash treatment. Let’s look at the results.
1. From Dark and Dated to Bright and Modern
Before: The dark red brick fireplace felt heavy and old in the small living room, its deep color made the room seem even smaller and took attention away from other nice features. The dated look didn’t match the owners’ style.
After: With whitewash applied, the fireplace now has a fresh, open feel that complements modern furniture perfectly. The room appears larger, and the fireplace adds style without overwhelming the space. Light now bounces off the white surface, making the entire space brighter.
2. From Harsh and Industrial to Soft and Cozy
Before: The fireplace had a cold, factory-like appearance that clashed with the warm ambiance the homeowners sought in their living space. The rough bricks created harsh shadows and didn’t feel welcoming or comfortable.
After: The soft whitewash coating added warmth and gentleness, making the fireplace the cozy center of the room that draws people in. The muted tones blend seamlessly with soft furnishings, creating a peaceful space for a family gathering.
3. From Outdated to Classic Charm
Before: The orange-tinted brick clashed badly with the calm, neutral colors used throughout the rest of the room, this made the fireplace stand out in a bad way, like it belonged in a different house altogether.
After: The whitewashing created a perfect match with the room’s color scheme, and the fireplace now has a timeless look that will stay in style for years. The subtle white finish highlights the texture of the bricks while fitting in with the neutral palette.
4. From Heavy to Light and Airy
Before: The dark brick fireplace took over the room, making the entire space feel cramped and closed in. The heavy look pulled the eye down, creating a gloomy feeling that was hard to rectify with decor alone.
After: The light whitewash finish opens up the entire room, making the space feel larger, more welcoming, and the fireplace now blends seamlessly with the nearby walls. The visual weight is lifted, creating an airy quality that makes the whole room more pleasant.
5. From Traditional to Modern Farmhouse
Before: The plain red brick had an old-fashioned feel that didn’t fit with the modern country style the homeowners wanted. It looked like it belonged in a different decade and didn’t work with the fresh farmhouse elements.
After: The whitewashed surface changed everything, creating a lovely center point that matches modern farmhouse style. It kept the country feel while looking new and fresh. The soft white finish works perfectly with wooden beams and metal accents.
6. From Stark and Plain to Inviting and Cozy
Before: The plain brick fireplace had harsh colors that made the room feel cold and unwelcoming; the flat look lacked character and didn’t add any comfort to what should be the heart of the home.
After: The whitewashed finish added rich texture and warmth, and the room now feels like a place where people want to relax and spend time together. The softer look makes the fireplace appear to be giving a warm hug to the entire room.
Why Whitewashing Your Brick Fireplace Is a Game-Changer?
| Feature | Before | After (Whitewashed) |
| Color | Dark, dated (red, brown, orange) | Lighter, brighter (white/off-white tones) |
| Appearance | Heavy, dominant, potentially dated | Airy, updated, softer, more blended |
| Texture | Fully visible, raw | Still visible, softened by the wash |
| Color Detail | Strong original brick color & variation | Muted original color shows through subtly |
| Overall Vibe | Rustic, traditional, potentially heavy | Farmhouse, coastal, transitional, lighter |
Helpful Tips for Whitewashing Your Brick Fireplace
- Clean the Surface: Scrub your fireplace thoroughly to remove all dust, soot, and dirt before beginning the whitewashing process.
- Test a Small Area First: Try your whitewash mix on a hidden brick section to check the color and appearance before applying it to the entire fireplace.
- Choose the Right Whitewash: Pick the best whitewash type for your needs – lime-based for a true vintage look or watered-down paint for more control.
- Apply in Layers: Apply thin coats one at a time, letting each coat dry so you can build up to your desired level of coverage.
- Protect Surrounding Surfaces: Cover nearby walls, floors, and items with painter’s tape and drop cloths to avoid mess and stains.
- Seal the Brick if Needed: Apply a clear sealer after finishing to keep your whitewash job looking clean and fresh for years.
Conclusion
Whitewashing your brick fireplace offers a perfect middle ground between keeping old brick and completely painting over it. This simple change can make your entire room feel fresh and new without major construction.
As we’ve seen in our before-and-after examples, whitewashed brick fireplaces can fix many common problems. They can brighten dark rooms, soften harsh looks, and blend with many different home styles. The best part is that whitewashing keeps the natural brick texture while giving it an updated look.
The process is fairly simple: clean thoroughly, test in a small area, apply thin coats, and protect nearby surfaces. You can control how much brick shows through by adding more or fewer coats.
Why not try whitewashing your brick fireplace? It might be the budget-friendly update your room needs. We’d love to see your own before-and-after photos if you take on this project! What brick feature in your home would you like to whitewash?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Whitewash a Previously Painted Brick Fireplace?
Yes, but you’ll need to strip or sand the paint first to let the whitewash soak into the brick properly.
Will Whitewashing My Brick Fireplace Affect Its Function or Safety?
No, whitewashing doesn’t impact the fireplace’s function as long as you don’t apply it to the inside of the firebox.
How Much Does It Cost to Whitewash a Brick Fireplace as a Diy Project?
The cost runs between $50-$100 for basic supplies, making it one of the most wallet-friendly fireplace updates.
