Our fireplace was covered up in the renovation of our house before we moved in. We are definitely upset that we missed out on the opportunity to have one, so we find ourselves longingly looking at pictures of them online. We love all white decor, but we find ourselves turning to the dark side when it comes to the fireplace.
There's something so masculine and extremely sexy about a black fireplace. They exude style, sophistication and class — three elements many of us strive to achieve in our homes. We've seen glossy and matte and have to say that both work really well.
Just because a fireplace is bold and black doesn't mean the rest of the room has to be! Here are some of our favorite black fireplaces:
• Lonny | Angele Parlange's Manhattan Apartment
• Coco Cozy | Modern London Living Room
• Apartment Therapy | A Georgian Renovation
• House Beautiful | The Best Paint Colors for Your Style
• Decor Pad | Black Glossy Fireplace
Would you paint your fireplace black?
Images: as linked above
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Can you have your house's fireplace reopened?
I like the dark options, you should go for it!
I love the fireplace in the bathroom, so luxurious...
I had a boyfriend many years ago who owned a flat in an old (1850's) rowhouse in London. Sometime during the '80s, his place was renovated and the fireplace was plastered over. He called me up one day and told me that he was going to put his fireplace back in. He tap-tap-tapped at the wall looking for the sound of the opening, and then took a sledgehammer to the plaster. Although we broke up before the project was completed, apparently he was successful, and even found a period black iron mantle/fireplace to re-install.
@Miami's Elaine: Unfortunately we're just renting, so that's not an option! Fingers crossed our next apartment will have one though!
My house has all white trim and the fireplace was painted white. My husband and I painted it black-it instantly changed the mood of the room. I love black for a fireplace! It's dramatic.
#4, please!
Number 1 is pretty bad -- painted brick is one thing, but BLACK painted brick doesn't work for me at all!
Miami's Elaine, opening old fireplaces depends on the condition of everything. (If you mean for it to be functional.) DO NOT assume that just uncovering it is enough to burn in it! My library has a 1927 fireplace which was not used to burn in for years, probably since the 1990 addition. We had a gas log installed, but found out that we can't burn that, either, because the flue is damaged and needs extensive repairs that are going to cost thousands of dollars. Nobody knew. But using the thing under the circumstances would result in combustion gasses in the building, a very bad thing! Make sure you have any re-opened fireplace professionally inspected before using it!
@SherryBinNH, Good to know for future reference--thanks!
Very cool. Esp. #4.
Though, I REALLY dislike #1. Maybe because the paint it too glossy? Or black and brick don't go together? Or it doesn't looks good with the walls? I can't put my finger on it.
Most of the time, I don't like black fireplaces ( picture #1). #4 though I could love.
I think the problem with #1 is the level of gloss on the fireplace. See how classy the black painted brick fireplace looks in The Brick House:
http://www.the-brick-house.com/tour/living
I definitely agree that it's the glossy paint in #1 that makes it problematic. I'm don't particularly care for painted brick, but sometimes there is no choice.
We moved into a 1926 bungalow with a fireplace that has many many layers of paint...when trying to strip it, I discovered white, a creamy yellow, turquoise, and "brick" red. It would have taken forever to truly strip it because the brick is textured, so my boyfriend suggested painting it black.
It now looks fantastic! It's a strong, silent presence in our living room :)