Brick fireplaces have been warming homes for centuries, but their design potential extends far beyond traditional red brick and basic mantels.
Whether you’re working with an existing brick fireplace or planning a new installation, the right design choices can turn this focal point into a stunning centerpiece that defines your entire room.
From sleek modern makeovers to cozy rustic retreats, brick fireplaces offer incredible versatility.
The natural texture and warmth of brick complement virtually any decorating style, while the material’s durability ensures your fireplace will look beautiful for decades to come.
Ready to discover fresh ways to style your brick fireplace? These 19 creative ideas will inspire you to reimagine this classic feature and create a space that perfectly reflects your personal taste.
1. Bold Painted Brick Fireplace
The standard masonry is completely concealed by a deep charcoal gray paint application.
A rich, saturated finish updates this traditional brick for a contemporary look.
This dark color selection makes the entire chimney breast a powerful statement wall.
The fireplace sits upon a matching painted brick hearth that extends into the room.
This transformation proves paint is an effective way to refresh dated brick.
2. Rustic Farmhouse Focal Point
This towering structure features genuine exposed brick with a light, creamy wash.
The distressed finish allows the varied brick colors to subtly show through.
This technique provides an authentic, aged texture without feeling too dark or heavy.
The floor-to-ceiling application creates a stunning vertical architectural element.
Its solid, wide foundation and hearth showcase the natural material beautifully.
3. Sleek and Modern Black Brick
The fireplace wall utilizes long, thin brick tiles rather than standard proportions.
This particular brick is finished in a dramatic, matte black color.
The result is a clean, horizontal emphasis that feels highly sophisticated.
The streamlined design is built flush with the wall, maximizing floor space and flow.
This contemporary styling suggests brick can be minimalist and very modern.
4. Light and Bright Whitewash
The brick texture is preserved under a delicate coat of white paint or a heavy wash.
This technique keeps the natural irregularities of the masonry visible and charming.
The firebox interior utilizes brick laid in an attractive herringbone pattern.
That detailed interior work adds a surprising layer of craftsmanship to the design.
This use of bright brick creates an airy focal point that elevates the entire room.
5. Mixed Materials Media Center
This design employs brick solely as a vertical structural column on the wall.
The masonry is painted a deep, sophisticated indigo or charcoal color.
The consistent brick pattern creates a wonderful contrast with the adjacent smooth wood paneling.
Using a dark hue ensures the brick acts as a solid anchor for the entertainment area.
The simple finish allows the material’s texture to remain the primary feature.
6. Cozy White Farmhouse Vibe
This square-shaped fireplace uses a heavily painted white brick for its finish.
The thick paint gives the surface a soft, almost plaster-like appearance.
It features a traditional mantel shelf built directly into the brick structure.
An integrated brick hearth extends slightly, making the fireplace structure feel sturdy.
This clean, bright white brick serves as a perfect backdrop for layered texture and decor.
7. Traditional Veneer Surround
This design features thin-brick veneer installed within a classic mantel frame.
The brick blend has a lovely range of brown, red, and deep purple tones.
A prominent, thick white mortar joint makes the texture of the brick pop.
This provides the appealing look of an exposed brick chimney without the structural depth.
The rustic brick finish contrasts beautifully with the surrounding crisp white millwork.
8. Charming Rustic Hearth
This fireplace features natural red brick with a very light, subtle whitewash application.
The brickwork has a charming, weathered patina that suggests age and character.
It includes a full brick hearth that extends outward, providing practical, rustic seating space.
The masonry stops neatly at the mantel line, letting the chunky wood beam stand out.
This simple, exposed brick adds timeless, cozy texture to the bright, shiplap-paneled wall.
9. Classic Red Brick Base
This fireplace showcases a rich, warm red brick left in its natural state.
The masonry extends from the floor, forming a traditional raised hearth and surround.
Leaving the brick unpainted highlights its traditional, rustic charm and color variation.
It provides a solid, textural base that contrasts beautifully with the clean white shiplap above.
The exposed brick face creates an immediate focal point, grounding the room’s decor.
10. Exposed Brick Chimney
The fireplace becomes a commanding floor-to-ceiling column with its raw brick facade.
This specific brick choice features a varied mix of burnt reds, browns, and subtle blacks.
Leaving the brick unpainted maintains a true industrial or rustic aesthetic.
Its verticality draws the eye up, emphasizing the high ceilings of the space.
The natural texture beautifully contrasts with the clean white walls and the built-in cabinetry on either side.
11. Hearth with Wood Stove Nook
This design features a traditional brick chimney breast built to house a freestanding wood stove.
The bricks are a classic blend of warm reds with sporadic darker, burnt accents for visual interest.
A perfectly formed arched opening uses radial bricks to create a beautiful architectural detail.
The interior brickwork of the recess matches the facade, providing a cohesive and rustic look.
A dark stone slab serves as the hearth, offering a practical and safe base for the black stove.
12. German Schmear Treatment
This fireplace uses a German Schmear technique to achieve its distinctive finish.
The bricks are almost fully covered with mortar, creating a whitewash with heavy texture.
This method ensures the natural brick’s uneven character remains highly visible.
A simple, dark wood mantel provides a crisp, horizontal contrast to the light, vertical brick.
The clean lines of the rectangular chimney breast and extended hearth maintain a classic shape.
13. Floating Mantel Stove Surround
This beautiful fireplace utilizes a rustic brick veneer to create an inviting surround for the wood stove.
The exposed red tones and varied colors of the brick offer incredible warmth and texture.
It features a chunky, natural wood mantel that appears to float above the brick structure.
Notice the installation of small downlights just under the mantel to showcase the masonry texture.
A generous slate stone hearth provides a rugged, dark base that complements the black stove.
14. Detailed Herringbone Inset
This is an exceptional example of combining different brick patterns within a single fireplace.
The surrounding chimney breast uses a classic running bond pattern with thick, light mortar.
Inside the firebox, the brick is expertly laid in a striking herringbone pattern.
Both areas utilize brick with a beautiful, natural mix of red, orange, and tan hues.
A rustic, heavy wood beam serves as a simple lintel above the recess, creating an authentic farmhouse feel.
15. High Contrast Black Brick
The entire structure is coated in a uniform matte black paint, creating a dramatic feature wall.
This design uses standard-sized brick, but the dark color choice gives it a contemporary feel.
The deep black texture beautifully contrasts with the light wood floating mantel and surrounding white cabinetry.
An extended, matching black brick hearth provides a cohesive and durable base for the firebox.
This is a bold transformation that emphasizes the classic masonry texture against a modern color palette.
16. Floating Brick Feature
This design uses reclaimed or distressed brick to create a striking centerpiece wall.
The masonry extends from the floor to the ceiling in a clean, narrow vertical column.
A heavy application of whitewash on the brick brightens the material while retaining texture.
It features a matching, flat brick hearth that projects minimally from the main structure.
The rustic brick provides excellent contrast against the clean white walls and modern recessed lighting.
17. Minimalist White and Black
This fireplace showcases a high-contrast, minimalist aesthetic.
The entire masonry structure is painted a uniform, clean white, including the mortar.
This crisp finish allows the basic brick shape and running bond pattern to provide subtle texture.
A black tile hearth and a modern black glass firebox insert create a sharp contrast.
The clean lines make this painted brick design look Scandinavian or strikingly contemporary.
18. Brick and Wood Beams
This beautiful design features a floor-to-ceiling exposed brick chimney breast.
The brick has a classic, varied look, mixing red-brown tones with a light, rustic patina.
A dramatic white wooden mantel is used to frame the firebox, giving the rustic brick a formal touch.
The contrast between the rough natural brick and the smooth, bright millwork is highly appealing.
Its substantial texture perfectly complements the surrounding warm wood cabinetry and ceiling beams.
19. Grand Vaulted Chimney
This incredible tall brick structure extends dramatically into the room’s high vaulted ceiling.
The brickwork uses a heavy, textured whitewash finish that lightens the overall massive scale.
The texture allows the subtle natural tones of the brick to peek through the mortar treatment.
Its impressive height emphasizes the architecture and provides a stunning vertical anchor for the space.
The rustic brick finish perfectly complements the exposed wooden ceiling beams and farmhouse decor.
Transform Your Space with These Brick Fireplace Ideas
Your brick fireplace has the potential to become the most captivating feature in your home. Whether you prefer the timeless appeal of painted white brick, the drama of floor-to-ceiling installations, or the warmth of rustic farmhouse styling, there’s a design approach that will perfectly suit your space and lifestyle.
Start by assessing your current fireplace and room’s overall style. Consider factors like ceiling height, room size, and existing color palette when choosing your approach.
Remember that even small changes like updating the mantel or adding decorative accessories can make a significant impact.
Take time to plan your fireplace transformation carefully, especially if you’re considering major changes like painting or structural modifications.
With the right design choices, your brick fireplace will become a stunning focal point that enhances your home’s beauty and value for years to come.