Wood burning stove - which paint colour

[Snowkey]

We have a contemporary living room - painted white and fairly minimal. We're having a stove fitted into a recess, no mantel or surround, the hearth is black honed granite. I'm wondering what colour to paint the recess - white will become discoloured I'm told, so was thinking of black, does that sound awful?

Anyone got a link to a photo which would help me visualise the look.

Hi Snowkey, we have a wood burner (not in a recess) no mantel or surround the hearth is glass we have pale walls and we have had no discolouration so far after 2 years!!

Hi Snowkey, we have a wood burner (not in a recess) no mantel or surround the hearth is glass we have pale walls and we have had no discolouration so far after 2 years!!

Paint the recess white or a light colour to reflect the heat into the room, Black is the worst colour to use as it will absorb the heat. I use tiles behind my wood burner to reflect the heat and protect the wall which means it is pretty maintenance free.

Thank you, have decided to paint it white, like the rest of the room....saw a friend's last night and she has had no discolouration after 2 years. Just waiting for the render to dry before I start painting.