To paint a fire surround black or white?

[Blossom4538]

Hi all,

In our soon to be new house there is a black wood burner surrounded by brick (inset) and a pine fire surround.

Sooo to paint the surround black or white? It is quite a dark room, with a bay window with leaded windows.

What paint should I use? Anyone got any pics?

Thanks! xx

Could you post a pic?

It's hard to imagine without a photo but I'd be inclined to go white as I think black might look odd.
I'd personally look at putting a wooden beam across instead of a surround if possible.

Just added pic!

I’m thinking of adding a wooden beam mantle to our other fireplace (no surround) which is no longer in use and stack logs up inside.

I always thought white but when I saw a friend’s black surround, it looked quite striking. Perhaps too heavy though.

Ah thanks for the photo. Hmm I'm not sure now. Do you hate the wood? I think it looks quite nice as is.
Maybe paint some sheets of paper and stick them round the surround to get an idea?
Also bear in mind wall colour if you'll be re-decorating

I like the wood too. Why do you think you have to paint it?

I'd live with it for a while before doing anything with it. (I'd leave it alone - any chips or dings wouldn't be as obvious on a wooden surround.)

We are initially painting the room white/off white. Good idea re: the paper!
I think you’re right, perhaps leave a while and see what we think.

We will also have a lot of wooden doors and frames, along with a wooden dado rail - a lot of wood!

You could also paint just the sides and leave the mantle and supports wooden. That would break up the wood colour and give the impression of a mantle beam.
So many options, I tie myself in knots deciding these things in my house!

Definitely black. A nice matte. Frenchic paint is good. Wood looks dated and the black will stand out against the wall nicely.