Should we paint this wall?

10 years ago

We have an off center fireplace and recently added an extra long piece of barn-wood to try and center the room. We like it a lot but now we are thinking about painting the wall behind the mantle. We were thinking of keeping the bookcases white and then painting the wall behind the mantle Pismo Dunes from Benjamin Moore to match the rest if the room. Thoughts? Also, we would also love to hear thoughts on how to decorate the bookcases. Thanks.

Featured Answer

k4duke

10 years ago

Yes paint the wall the same color that is on the wall next to it but I would leave the cabinet doors white and the bookshelves white only along with the borders of course. I think the item on the far left on the fireplace could be replaced with a medium size boxwood tree that would reach the similar height. I would also remove the red plant and the green basket, and the urn thats on the left side of the fireplace to the right side and possibly put a moss ball in it or a grass ball....sometimes a green decor will really brighten the area.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (12)

User
10 years ago
I like the idea of painting the wall. You might consider painting the backs of the bookcase the same color as well.
PRO
Business_Name_Placeholder
10 years ago
Consider painting the wall a different color. Use the green from the pillow and basket, or another object in the room. I like to look at the entire room and connecting rooms to aid in my decisions on wall color. Take a chance ! If you don't really care for it, do it again. Paint samples are great. I think a light sage would look great though............
Related Discussions
Painting a newly finished attic - What is wall and what is ceiling?
Q
Comments (4)
Your second photo brings me right to the stairwell scene in Hitchcock's "Vertigo," although I realize I'm looking up, not down. It's really rather wonderful. I'm just wondering, looking to the upper left in particular, if it's been recently checked out by a structural engineer. As for paint, I'll be interested to see what others say. For me, who doesn't do a lot of white, I think I actually would stay with a white here. A muddy green might be nice as well, but you'd need to incorporate a bit of lighting -- perhaps uplighting along the beams unseen from below, with something amazing hanging from that cool, crazy peak you have. [houzz=]
...See More
Paint neutral over yellow wall
Q
Comments (9)
You definitely want to use a primer first. Paint it one coat to be absolutely sure no yellow is showing through. A second coat if necessary. Otherwise you will find the everso slight tinge of yellow will upset the other walls
...See More
What rug should I buy for my living room ?
Q
Comments (2)
Photos didn't attach. Mint is a horrible colour (IMHO) and I have it in spades in my rental. I've ignored it and accented the way I want. It seems to have calmed down since I started using bold colours like red (rugs) and orange (painted cafe street scene). The light in my place is quite warm...so I've been having fun by ignoring the mint. Colours like burnt sienna and many forms of orange seem to work well with mint. Photos would help.
...See More
what color should we paint the wall?
Q
Comments (0)
Hi, I would like to get some suggestions on the color of the wall. We love the wood panelling. Our bed is wood so would like a lighter wall color. I’m thinking of a cream but I don’t want boring cream. Please help as I’ve had bad experience in paint which looked light on the chart but really dark once painted.
...See More
PRO
Angela Klein, Architect
10 years ago
Yes, I would match the rest of the room on this wall.
Jennifer Abbott
10 years ago
Does the mantel go all the way across to the bookcases so there's no gap on each side? If so, I would paint above the mantel the color of the other walls. Paint below the mantel a different color (pick up one of the muted darker shades in the fireplace brick). Leave the bookcases white.
Elizabeth Doyle
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks for the great ideas. The mantle doesn't meet the bookcases. There is a 5 inch gap on each side. And the bookcases are set a few inches out from the mantle wall so there is clear separation.
Darzy
10 years ago
The new mantel looks terrific! Yes, I think I'd paint the FP wall the same color as the other walls. I like that your bookcases aren't overcrowded. The general rule is 1/3 books, 1/3 objects and 1/3 empty space. How about spreading the books around, some flat (with object on top)?
Elizabeth Doyle thanked Darzy
Darzy
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
I'd remove the item on the far left on the mantel. There are two items similar in height, plus, odd number of items is more pleasing to the eye.
parsocal
10 years ago
Yes I would paint the wall and agree that adding color to the back of the built-ins is a great idea. The eye will travel without stopping abruptly at that wall.
decoenthusiaste
10 years ago
Looks as though the shelves in the bookcases are adjustable. I'd like to see more shelves and less of the large spacing. I agree with painting the mantel wall to match the others and would paint the backs of the bookcases to match. Then rework the decor in the shelves as per Darzy's 1/3 rules. Darker items will look better on bottom and lighter ones on top to keep it from looking top heavy. Books can stack to raise items, lean on each other and stand rigid too. I'd take the wine bottle to the DR buffet though. I'd love to see one of your framed art pieces centered above the firebox (it should be no larger than the firebox) and the mantel clock on the other side, anchored between the two trimmed out panels. The hanging firetools are already a decorative element so keep the mantel above them clear. I think I'd remove everything else from the mantel and hearth and keep to the simple shaker look its leaning towards. Anything on the mantel should be below the bookcase opening at the top. I think the lack of symmetry is great and I'd keep a tad of it for more interest.
Elizabeth Doyle thanked decoenthusiaste
PRO
JudyG Designs
10 years ago
I vote for Pismo dunes, also. I suggest moving the mirror ( t v?) directly over the fireplace box.
Elizabeth Doyle thanked JudyG Designs
Geneviève
10 years ago
I second judyG
Elizabeth Doyle thanked Geneviève

Should we paint this wall?

k4duke

Comments (12)

User

Business_Name_Placeholder

Related Discussions

Angela Klein, Architect

Jennifer Abbott

Elizabeth Doyle
Original Author

Darzy

Darzy

parsocal

decoenthusiaste

JudyG Designs

Geneviève

COMPANY

EXPLORE HOUZZ

CONNECT WITH US

Should we paint this wall?

Comments (12)

Related Discussions

Elizabeth DoyleOriginal Author

COMPANY

EXPLORE HOUZZ

CONNECT WITH US

Elizabeth Doyle
Original Author