Does this Fireplace look ok?

[pigleychez]

We have been debating a new fireplace as part of the lounge redecoration. I removed the old mahogany surround and painted it White. Only roughly as we def want a newer more modern design.

Anyway we cant decide if the white looks ok or we should go with an Oak? The white does seem to brighten up the room. The black cast iron bit is staying its just the surround we want to replace.

Any thoughts?

I would have preferred the mahogany myself but it still looks lovely.

The mahogany was what we inherited when we moved. It didn't match our furniture though and was very dark. It was a cheap mahogany veneer which was very red.

The white looks good - clean and simple. I did the same thing with a crappy dark stained fire surround some years ago. It was first painted cream then a few years later was painted white.

Ahh mahogany veneer -nasty!

I like the white.

We have a similar set up, and have painted our fireplace a pale ivory/magnolia colour. It's light enough to go with the rest of the room (modern), and warmer than a harsh white colour. Matches the candles on the hearth too!

I like the white, makes it pop! I too have a shiny veneer horrid mahogany fire surround. Please share what steps you took to manage to get it painted! Did you paint straight on it? Will be much appreciated, thanks!

I think you were asking the OP Pinki, but when I did mine I don't think I even bothered to sand it down first - I can't remember. I do know I used eggshell paint the time I painted it cream. When I painted it white, I used satinwood paint. It was two coats each time.

It has never chipped and can be washed down if needed.

Yes it looks good! I did the same with mine.

We've got a horrible shiny mahogany veneer surround too and have been thinking about painting it for ages. It's great to see a picture of a painted one - it looks really nice OP, much better IMO! Think we'll definitely do ours now - did you use a satinwood? I'm not sure whether to do brilliant white or an off-white, suggestions welcome..?

I'd prefer the oak, but I think the white matches your decor

Try Annie Sloan paint to paint straight on. No need for a primer and you can out a clear wax on to protect it.

I don't think the white goes with the wallpaper- maybe a cream or wood would go better. But if you're redecorating everything I think the white is fine.

unsolicited advice- do you have room to hang your mirror the other way round? Portrait rather than landscape.

pinki
I sanded it down abit then used 'Cupboard paint' from B and Q.

It took 2 coats. Could probably do with 3 but I wanted to do it enough to get the idea of how white would look.

No room for the mirror to be portrait. It would look too squished. I'm in two minds to change the mirror too

Thanks! I am going to attempt Annie Sloan paint on mine and if that doesn't help my horrendous looking surround, I'll get sanding!

I think yours looks great but agree with Tyranasaurus that cream/wood would be a better colour to go better with the wallpaper.