- Paint. An ugly brick fireplace can date your decor, especially if the brick is dark and stained with soot. ...
- Mantel and Surrounds. If a firebox opening in the wall is the only thing that distinguishes your ugly fireplace from the surrounding walls, you can add architectural details to decorate ...
- Faux Panels. Faux panels added to the wall or brick surrounding the firebox and the hearth are an effective, inexpensive way to modernize an old, ugly fireplace.
- Knickknacks and Accessories. Lean a decorative framed mirror against the back wall of the firebox and fill it with different sizes of white pillar candles.
How to make an ugly fireplace look like a new one?
These products give your ugly fireplace a facelift and appear as though you had a new fireplace installed. Lean a decorative framed mirror against the back wall of the firebox and fill it with different sizes of white pillar candles. When you light the candles, the firebox fills with a soft glow and draws your attention to the area.
How to decorate an unattractive fireplace?
Prop an old picture frame on the mantel; add a few old books and a candle or two. Place an old window pane in front of the firebox or fill it with white birch logs. These decorative touches can draw the eye from an unattractive fireplace.
How can I modernize an old fireplace?
Faux panels added to the wall or brick surrounding the firebox and the hearth are an effective, inexpensive way to modernize an old, ugly fireplace.
Can you paint an ugly brick fireplace?
An ugly brick fireplace can date your decor, especially if the brick is dark and stained with soot. Cleaning the brick might brighten the appearance of the fireplace, but painting it can completely change its look. Preparing the fireplace for painting takes a bit of effort.
How to make a fireplace focal point?
Why use a textured stone fireplace surround?
What is a wood mantel?
Do realtors tell you about fireplaces?
Is a fireplace more traditional than a brick fireplace?
What can I do with a big ugly fireplace?
Paint It. There's a reason old mantels are often thick with layers of paint: It's one of the easiest and least expensive ways to change the look of a fireplace. When done well, with an appropriate amount of paint — not gobs, which can clump, drip and look unsightly — painting can be surprisingly effective.
How can I make my old fireplace look better?
But if your mantel is looking a little tired there are lots of budget-friendly, practical tips to give it a makeover.Start by giving it a good clean. ... Brush it up with paint. ... Embrace the materials. ... Whitewash it. ... Tile in style. ... Fit a floating beam. ... Replace the mantelpiece. ... Try a faux fire.More items...•
How do you modernize a fireplace on a budget?
Learning to DIY: How to Update a Fireplace on a BudgetAdd a touch of paint. Gone are the days of design elements such as bold and bright red fireplaces and natural, oak-colored wall paneling and trim. ... Turn your brick to stone. ... Add a mantel. ... Think — and build — outside the box. ... Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize.
How do you modernize a traditional fireplace?
17 Fireplace Remodel IdeasAdd Glass Fireplace Doors. A cozy fire on a cold night is a delight. ... Get Your Firebrick in Shape. ... Install a Mantel. ... Opt for a Salvaged Mantel. ... Add a Gas Fireplace. ... Put in a Fireplace Insert. ... Tile a Hearth. ... Choose the Right Tiles.More items...
How do I change the look of my brick fireplace?
You can change the entire look of your living room with a can of paint by updating the wall and fireplace brick color to coordinate. Gray walls look gorgeous next to a gray painted fireplace. Using a sheer painting technique will help you keep the natural variations in brick color while still taking out the red.
How do you do a facelift with a fireplace?
Paint or tile the interior of your fireplace black while painting the exterior surround a clean white. Add a black floating mantel for an even more modern touch. Unique fireplace surrounds, such as dark textured stone or smooth reflective tile, can also turn your fireplace into a dramatic focal point.
How do you update a wood burning fireplace?
Paint the existing fireplace. Update the existing fireplace with paint and wood, e.g. mantel, trim. Restore fireplace to be usable: Keep firebox shape, possibly add electric/gas insert, update mantel and/or replace hearth. Reface fireplace: Update entire fireplace surface but keep firebox shape and possibly add new ...
How do you update a stone fireplace?
There are lots of ways to update a stone fireplace or update a brick fireplace....Ideas To Update A FireplacePaint the stone or brick fireplace. ... Install a new mantel. ... Convert to a gas fireplace. ... Retile the surround or the hearth. ... Reface or resurface the fireplace.
How do you restore a fireplace?
6:129:22How to Restore a Historic Fireplace | Ask This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo bob one of the big problems that we have when we're trying to restore a fireplace like this isMoreSo bob one of the big problems that we have when we're trying to restore a fireplace like this is the joints. Can you see how thin that is yes normal joints for us are about 3 8 of an inch.
What should I put on my fireplace hearth?
Stone, brick, cement, or fire-rated drywall finish are go-to materials for making fireplace hearths durable and fireproof. They're also fairly adaptable when it comes to design: They can be left as they are or painted to match surrounding elements in a room.
How do you update a fireplace hearth?
How to Update Your Fireplace – 5 Easy & Affordable IdeasFIREPLACE UPDATE IDEA: paint the brass surround. ... FIREPLACE UPDATE IDEA: retile with peel & stick tiles. ... FIREPLACE UPDATE IDEA: paint the mantel & fireplace surround. ... FIREPLACE UPDATE IDEA: seal your stone, brick or hearth.More items...•
Should you paint a brick fireplace?
Should I Paint My Brick Fireplace? If your brick is dated or you simply do not like it, by all means paint your fireplace. If you have a large expanse of brick or a really huge fireplace that you are considering tearing out, try painting it white first.
How to make a fireplace focal point?
Use slate (or similar) tiles, framed by substantial chunky mouldings, to create a grand, impressive fireplace focal point. To create a sense of unity, frame out whatever is mounted above the fireplace (in this case a flat screen, although it could also be a mirror or artwork) in a similar style. This entire look, from the luxurious baseboards all the way up to the impressive top mouldings, makes a huge statement and likely changes the vibe of the entire room.
Why use a textured stone fireplace surround?
This adds dignity and substance to a smallish fireplace that would otherwise be overpowered by a large room. Because the room itself is all white here, textural details are huge, which is why a textured stone fireplace surround was an excellent choice. Additionally, the mounted flat-screen TV helps to “complete” the fireplace by bringing the visual focus all the way to the ceiling…and those beautiful box beams.
What is a wood mantel?
A wooden mantel like this one provides warmth, spatial definition, and a place to showcase treasures…all at the same time.
Do realtors tell you about fireplaces?
Realtors will tell you that fireplaces are a major bonus in desirable homes. Which I can absolutely believe if the fireplace is beautifully framed and cozy and all things warm and flame-cracklingly peaceful. However, it’s a harder bit to swallow if you’re staring at a room that seems blighted by an ugly, outdated hole in the wall that someone, ...
Is a fireplace more traditional than a brick fireplace?
A fireplace really doesn’t get more traditional than a red brick surround. Rather than compete with that, these homeowners instead amped up the charm of the brick and left it alone, simply adding a large piece of nature-focused art. The rest of the room is painted a very light grey (or white) and is decorated in a similar clean-lined vein. The end result is a lovely blend of traditional and contemporary aesthetics.
What to do with a fireplace when there is no room?
If your fireplace isn’t being used, arrange gifts for your guests inside the fireplace, leaving the space below the tree open for gathering on Christmas morning. Potted Greenery. When space is at a premium in a living room or great room and there’s no room for a Christmas tree, the interior of a fireplace is ideal for creating a Christmas tree ...
How to make a book shelf from a fireplace?
Keep the shelf approximately 10 to 14 inches above the floor of the firebox to allow enough height for most standard books.
Can you put tile on a fireplace?
Have you wanted to add tile to your fireplace? Check out this tutorial. Whether you use porcelain tile, ceramic tile or natural stone there are so many options and if you do not feel comfortable doing it yourself, you can hire a tile installer to do it for you.
Can you use thin brick tiles on a fireplace?
A faux brick surround is another great option. You can use thin brick tiles, or a faux brick panelling to create a cozy brick look.
Can you paint a fireplace with a schmear?
In addition to painting a fireplace you can use techniques such as a German Schmear which adds a plaster kind of material and is added spread across the surface of the rock or brick, covering part of the surface and filling in the cracks.
Can you paint a mantel without tearing it out?
By painting an ugly mantel or by building an entire new one without tearing out the fireplace, you can give your fireplace an immediate transformation. We build a new mantel for out family room fireplace and it made such a difference!
Can you make a faux fireplace with brick?
This is a really pretty faux fireplace with brick. Even if you don’t have a real fireplace you can create one !
Can you paint over a fireplace mantel?
Whether your fireplace mantel is brick, rock or wood, you can easily paint over it and give it an updated look. There are certain things you need to make sure to consider including deep cleaning the mantel surface, prepping the surface with a primer and by using a good heat resistant paint.
Can fireplaces be ugly?
Fireplaces can become dates very quickly and sometimes they can just be downright ugly. Fortunately for us, there are limitless possibilities of what we can do to make them better. Today I want to show to over 30 amazing fireplace makeover ideas. When it comes to fireplace makeovers there are a million different ideas out there ...
What to do if you don't like the tiles on your fireplace?
Don't like the existing tiles on your fireplace? Make a swap like Instagrammer Hattie did and opt for stick-on replacements instead. Then place some candles—real or battery-operated—inside for a romantic glow.
Where to hang chalkboards on fireplace?
The back of the fireplace makes for a lovely spot to either hang a chalkboard or add some chalkboard paint. Instagrammer Kalyn shows how easy it is to integrate the board into a holiday setup, too.
What to do with the back of a faux mantel?
Papering the back of one's faux mantel is a popular choice, whether you choose to print out quotes or just opt for random text. Instagrammer Paige's setup looks nice and rustic.
What to put on the back of a mantel?
Covering the back of your mantel brings tons of pep and color to the room its in. Instagrammer Megan opted for a floral wrapping paper print that pairs perfectly with the live flowers in the space.
Can you paint a mantel with a mirror?
If you have something as fabulous as this mirror, paint the mantel to match the wall to let the real star shine.
Do fireplaces have brick?
Just because working fireplaces often have brick doesn't mean your non-working one has to have it too. Wood panels also make for beautiful fireplace backing and pair well with farmhouse style rooms like Instagrammer Carly's .
Do fake logs look real?
Fake logs look just as lovely as real ones do! If you have a more contemporary setup but are looking for a small touch of rustic charm, as seen in Instagrammer Molly's space above, don't be shy to add a few.
How to make a fireplace focal point?
Use slate (or similar) tiles, framed by substantial chunky mouldings, to create a grand, impressive fireplace focal point. To create a sense of unity, frame out whatever is mounted above the fireplace (in this case a flat screen, although it could also be a mirror or artwork) in a similar style. This entire look, from the luxurious baseboards all the way up to the impressive top mouldings, makes a huge statement and likely changes the vibe of the entire room.
Why use a textured stone fireplace surround?
This adds dignity and substance to a smallish fireplace that would otherwise be overpowered by a large room. Because the room itself is all white here, textural details are huge, which is why a textured stone fireplace surround was an excellent choice. Additionally, the mounted flat-screen TV helps to “complete” the fireplace by bringing the visual focus all the way to the ceiling…and those beautiful box beams.
What is a wood mantel?
A wooden mantel like this one provides warmth, spatial definition, and a place to showcase treasures…all at the same time.
Do realtors tell you about fireplaces?
Realtors will tell you that fireplaces are a major bonus in desirable homes. Which I can absolutely believe if the fireplace is beautifully framed and cozy and all things warm and flame-cracklingly peaceful. However, it’s a harder bit to swallow if you’re staring at a room that seems blighted by an ugly, outdated hole in the wall that someone, ...
Is a fireplace more traditional than a brick fireplace?
A fireplace really doesn’t get more traditional than a red brick surround. Rather than compete with that, these homeowners instead amped up the charm of the brick and left it alone, simply adding a large piece of nature-focused art. The rest of the room is painted a very light grey (or white) and is decorated in a similar clean-lined vein. The end result is a lovely blend of traditional and contemporary aesthetics.
