Should I paint my mantlepiece white?

[rmagee611]

Hello,

We live in a 1950s semi with a front room that has a fireplace with a pine-ish mantlepiece. As mantelpieces go it’s fairly plain, but the colour is sort of pine-ish (might not actually be pine but that’s what I think of when I see it!).

We’ve decorated the room in a light bright blue ish grey. We’ve kept the picture rail which is painted a gloss white. The wood floors are close in colour to the fire place. We also have white Venetian blinds. Everything is light and bright...but I think my parents would tell me it’s would be a sin to paint it!!

Am I mad?

I wouldn't paint that.

Had a very similar colour one in our 1930's home. Painted it white and it looks fab. Our room looks very much like this pic

It’s obviously not the original fire surround and it looks like oak. It has no knots and isn’t pine. I might be tempted to lime wash it. Keep the grain and make it less natural in colour if that suits you.

Yes, I would

Paint it the same colour as your walls...

Don't paint it the same colour as the walls. It will look awful.

I think painting it a Matt / chalky white would look lovely. Go for it.

Yes, I’d paint it. Maybe not white, but a pale, coordinating colour.

I painted mine and it's completely opened up the room

Post the pic OP

I’m finding it hard to visualise

It's a lovely light oak mantel, I wouldn't!

I'd lime wash it.

I’d paint it - use a couple of costs of primer then at least a couple of costs of f&b eggshell. It’ll look more expensive.

I like it as it is and anyway I'm lazy so I wouldn't paint it. If you do you'll need to repaint over the years. If you leave it natural you won't.

I'd probably paint it, but I like things quite minimal and then I'd probably regret it and wonder why my house is so plain! I'd wait until you have everything else in there and then decide if it needs it. Would look good either way I think. And its not like its an antique, that might be sinful! It looks quite modern.

I'd definitely leave it as it is. It looks nice and if you paint it white it's just yet more paintwork to clean and maintain.

I wouldn't paint it