How to Choose a Paint Color for a Mantle
Fireplace mantels are generally placed at eye level making the mantel or the items located on the mantel easily noticeable when entering a room. The color choice can cause the mantel to jump forward or recede and blend into the room. Whether the mantel blends or "pops" its color should be harmonious with the dominant color in the room and especially to the fireplace as a whole. Picking paint colors becomes easier if you assess the room's decor by its various colors, textures and finishes. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Paint samples
- Fireplace material sample (stone, wood, brick, metal)
- Interior finish samples
Instructions
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1
Identify the dominant, secondary and accent color in the room.
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2
Match paint chips to these colors, or use actual finish samples (laminate, fabric, wood), and gather the three samples together to create a small palette of colors. Include a sample of the fireplace material too.
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3
Use the samples to choose possible paint colors for the mantel. Carry the samples when shopping for paint. The color chosen for the mantel should work with the dominant room color and the fireplace material. Consider shades of the secondary color or actually matching the accent color. Pulling a smaller, less noticeable color from the brick, stone or wood used in the fireplace can make the fireplace facade come alive.
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View the paint samples against the fireplace. View them at different times of the day and in varying light. Examine the colors fully by viewing them from across the room, from the different entry points into the room and any other angle that is important.
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Eliminate paint colors until 2 or 3 are left. Use larger samples to make the final decision if necessary. Consider painting portions of the existing mantel with the final paint colors.
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Tips & Warnings
Purchase a paint fan deck from a favorite paint manufacturer, and cut down on time spent searching for paint samples.
