Fireplaces are a great way to add warmth and character to your home. In fact, we’ve got so many ideas for reinventing your fireplace that you won’t know where to start!
So whether you’re looking for a major renovation or just new ways to spruce up the space, here are 11 ways to transform your fireplace into something special.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| A beautifully decorated fireplace can enhance any New Year’s Eve party. |
| Electric fireplaces offer many benefits, including low maintenance and energy efficiency. |
| Turning your fireplace into a stunning centerpiece can be done with many ideas. |
| Installing a fireplace can provide numerous benefits, from adding value to your home to improving the holiday season. |
| Consider various fireplace styles and select the appropriate one for your space. |
Paint Your Fireplace
To paint your fireplace, you’ll need to use a paint made especially for fireplaces. These paints are specially formulated to withstand the extreme heat of a woodstove or fireplace.
If you don’t want to spend the extra money on this specific type of paint, you can use regular latex but expect it not to last as long in such high temperatures.
To get good coverage, choose an old brush that’s soft and fluffy so that you can get into all of those nooks and crannies (and also make sure it’s clean). Remember: You want this surface on which people will be eating food!
Once your brush has had its fill of color, dip it back into its container then brush across every square inch of surface area as well as behind any built-in shelving or mantelpiece areas with ease. Once again: This is where they’re going to eat food!
A beautifully decorated fireplace can transform any New Year’s Eve party into an event that your guests won’t forget. Learn more about why a fireplace is a must-have addition to your festivities in our guide on Why a Fireplace is a Must-Have for Your New Year’s Eve Festivities.
Cover It With Tiles
Cover it with tiles: You can cover your fireplace surround, hearth, opening and mantel with tiles.
Use tile on the sides of the fireplace: If you have a wood burning insert or gas log set up, use a coordinating tile on the side of your fireplace to create a more cohesive look.
Choose a complementary finish for each piece: If you are going for a more rustic look and have an exposed stone or brick hearth then choose a matte finish for your tile—this will help soften the space.
Install A Mantle
Installing a mantle is one of the easiest ways to instantly update your fireplace. Mantles are great because they can hide the ugly hearth, which is usually exposed unless you have a custom built-in stone or brick surround. However, installing mantels can be tricky because you will have to cut through the wall to make room for it and then cover that area with tile or another material (like drywall).
There are many companies that sell mantel kits that allow you to install them yourself in just a couple of hours.
This is perfect for homeowners who don’t feel comfortable doing their own home improvement projects!
Electric fireplaces may be the future of home heating, but they are also a great option for those who want to upgrade their traditional fireplace. Visit our comprehensive guide on The Ultimate Guide to Electric Fireplaces: Everything You Need to Know to find out the pros and cons of electric fireplaces and how to choose the right one for your home.
Turn It Into A Bookshelf
If you have a fireplace that’s not being used, consider turning it into a bookshelf. The built-in space will give you extra storage for books, magazines, and even other items you can’t fit on your bookshelves.
You can make your own wall-mounted shelf or purchase one from a hardware store. If you build it yourself, use 2x4s for the frame and 1/2″ plywood cut to size for the shelves.
Once the frame is finished, attach two 4″-long pieces of wood horizontally across each end piece these will be used as anchors for screws that secure the shelf to the wall (they’ll also help keep it level).
On top of those horizontal supports add another set at an angle so they’re parallel to those bottom pieces; these will be secured into place with nails from above once everything else is done this makes sure nothing moves around during installation!
Now install brackets onto each side of where each shelf should go using small screws; then screw them in place using larger ones (you’ll want them strong enough so as not to fall off!).
Lastly measure out how far apart each bracket should go before drilling holes through both sides so they’ll line up perfectly when placed together later on down below then screw them into place by driving screws through both sets simultaneously on opposite sides which creates stability within itself rather than just relying upon gravity alone!
Add Fire-Safe Storage
Fire-safe storage is a must for anyone who wants to keep their house and family safe. Make sure that you have places in the fireplace for storing firewood, any tools you might use to start your fires, and plenty of fire logs.
This way, when you’re ready to light up the hearth with some cozy heat on New Year’s Eve, all of your supplies will be ready and waiting.
If you’re looking to turn your fireplace into a stunning centerpiece for your New Year’s Eve party, check out our guide on 10 Ways to Turn Your Fireplace Into a Stunning 2023 New Year’s Eve. Our guide includes a variety of ideas for decorating your fireplace mantle, hearth, and walls that will make your party stand out.
Re-Tile The Surround
A simple way to update your fireplace is to replace the surround tiles. You can choose between standard square tiles or a single large tile, or you could even go for a mosaic made up of smaller pieces.
If you have an old, cracked surround tile that needs replacing, consider using a concrete or cementitious board instead.
This type of board has the same look and feel as ceramic tile but is much more durable. It’s also easier to work with since it can be cut with a utility knife rather than having to be chiseled into place like many ceramic surfaces demand.
Fireplace Surround Re-Tiling Options
| Type of Tile | Material | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramic | Fired clay | $1-$15/sq ft |
| Porcelain | High-density ceramic | $2-$10/sq ft |
| Glass | Recycled glass | $7-$30/sq ft |
| Stone | Marble, granite, limestone, or slate | $10-$50/sq ft |
| Metal | Stainless steel or copper | $20-$50/sq ft |
Re-tiling the fireplace surround is a great way to give your fireplace a fresh, updated look. The type of tile and price range you choose will depend on your personal style and budget. Consider ceramic or porcelain tiles for a classic look, glass or metal tiles for a modern aesthetic, or natural stone for a rustic vibe.
Update The Hearth
Replace it with a new stone hearth. If your fireplace is old, consider replacing the hearth entirely. Get a new one for less than $100 and install it yourself using this guide from DIY Network: https://blog.lgfurniture.com/diy-fireplace-hearth-installation/.
Use concrete or brick if you’re looking to match your fireplace’s existing style. You can find brick or concrete in precast fireboxes that offer the look of wood but don’t require painting or staining (we recommend these products from Firebox Designs).
Choose tile if you want something more elegant than wood and not quite as expensive as marble or granite (which can cost thousands).
Tile is durable, easy to clean, and available in an array of colors (you can even find colored tile made specifically for fireplaces).
There’s nothing quite like the warm glow of a fireplace on Christmas. If you’re still undecided about adding a fireplace to your home, read our article on 15 Surprising Benefits of Having a Fireplace on Christmas to find out why a fireplace can improve your holiday experience and your home’s value.
Turn It Into A Shabby Chic Work Of Art
It’s time to turn your fireplace into a shabby chic work of art. There are multiple ways to do this, so let’s start with the basics:
Use a different color for the surround. This can be as simple as using paint or stain on the existing surround, or you could even use tile for an entirely new look!
Use a different material for the surround. If you don’t want to get too crazy with it, try something like wainscoting or paneling (not paneling from IKEA).
Use a different texture for the surround. If you live in an older house, chances are your hearth is made from concrete—which makes sense since most older homes were built before electric fireplaces were invented!
The good news is that there are plenty of options for covering up those ugly concrete blocks with something beautiful like granite tiles or marble slabs that will make it feel like you’re standing in front of real flames without worrying about carbon monoxide poisoning yourself and burning down your home at nightfall.
Install New Hardware And Doors
If you have a traditional fireplace that’s been around for years, it might be time to switch up things a bit.
Here are some ways to update your look:
Replace the doors with a different design. What was once traditional can become contemporary by simply switching out the door hardware and handles.
The same goes for decorating with different styles of glass or mirrors—they’ll make the room feel fresh and new.
Replace the fireplace doors altogether! If you want to give your space an entirely new look, this is one of the best choices you can make.
You can go from simple to sleek by installing glass or mirrors in place of fireplaces (or even just covering up those old doors).
Keep in mind that if you choose a darker color for your chosen panels, they could make certain items look smaller than they actually are—for example, if there’s a large painting hung above it!
Upgrade Your Home: Install New Hardware and Doors
| Type of Hardware | Brand | Price Range | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doorknobs | Schlage | $20-$200 | Improved aesthetic, increased security |
| Cabinet handles | Amerock | $1-$10 | Budget friendly, easy to install |
| Hinges | Hager | $2-$20 | Smooth operation, increased durability |
| Deadbolts | Kwikset | $30-$300 | Added security, keyless entry options |
| Door sweeps | Frost King | $5-$20 | Reduce energy costs, stop drafts |
| Door closers | Wright Products | $15-$50 | Improved safety, energy efficiency |
This table shows some common types of hardware for upgrading your home, along with their corresponding brand, price range, and benefits.
Upgrading your home’s hardware can increase security, improve efficiency, and give your space a fresh new look.
Add New Brickwork
One of the easiest ways to give a fireplace a new look is with new brickwork. Brickwork is basically just additional bricks that you add on top of your existing ones, and it can be used as an accent or to completely change the overall style of your fireplace.
Brickwork projects are doable for even novice DIYers because they don’t require any special skills or equipment beyond some basic tools and materials.
If you’re interested in installing new brickwork in your home then here’s what you’ll need:
Bricks—You’ll need enough bricks to cover all four sides of your fireplace. Typically this means going up at least 8 inches above the mantle (the part where people put stuff).
Mortar—Use mortar made specifically for installing bricks into existing structures like fireplaces or buildings that were built with similar materials as what’s already there (i.e., brick walls).
You can find mortar at any hardware store; make sure it matches whatever type of brick work has already been done before so there aren’t any crazy plaster jobs happening on top!
Waterproof gloves—It may seem strange but this is important because we don’t want anyone getting hurt while trying out something new!
There might also be some dust involved so make sure everyone wears something similar such as surgical masks so no one gets sick from inhaling too much dust particles into their lungs while working hard during those long hours after dinner tonight…
Want to make your holiday season extra cozy this year? Check out the latest Christmas fireplace trends in our guide on The Hottest Christmas Fireplace Trends for 2022. From minimalist designs to bold statement pieces, our guide has everything you need to upgrade your fireplace this holiday season.
Change The Surround Color
Changing the color of your fireplace surround can be a quick and easy way to add some extra style to your home.
You can choose a paint color that matches with the rest of the room, or one that contrasts with it. If you want something neutral, consider going for a shade of taupe or gray, which will look great no matter what other colors are in your décor scheme.
If you want something brighter, try out pastel hues like mint green or lavender—these colors will brighten up any room!
| Surround Material | Best Colors |
|---|---|
| Brick | White, cream, or soft gray |
| Stone | Charcoal gray, navy blue, or forest green |
| Tile | Light blue, pale green, or ivory |
| Wood | Medium to dark brown or gray |
In terms of changing the surround color, consider the existing material of the fireplace surround. White, cream, or soft gray paint can give a modern update to a brick surround, while a stone surround may benefit from darker colors like charcoal gray, navy blue, or forest green.
For a tile surround, light blue, pale green, or ivory can be good choices. For a wood surround, medium to dark brown or gray can provide a cohesive and polished update to the fireplace. Consider the color of the walls and furniture in the room when selecting a color for the surround to ensure a cohesive look.
Conclusion
There you have it, some great fireplace makeover ideas to help get your home ready for New Year’s Eve.
We hope you found some inspiration and new ways to decorate your fireplace that will be perfect for your home.
Further Reading
If you’re looking for more ideas and inspiration for your next fireplace makeover, check out these helpful resources:
Before and After Fireplaces – Better Homes and Gardens: This article showcases stunning transformations of outdated fireplaces into beautiful and functional spaces.
10 Fireplace Makeover Ideas Before and After – Regency Fire: Get inspired by the dramatic before-and-after photos of these fireplace makeovers and find great ideas for updating your own fireplace.
25 Fireplace Ideas to Elevate Any Holiday Feast – House Beautiful: Check out this article to transform your fireplace into a holiday masterpiece with decor ideas ranging from simple garlands to over-the-top centerpieces.
FAQs
What are some popular fireplace styles?
There are many different styles of fireplaces, including modern, traditional, rustic, and electric. Each style has unique design features that can be incorporated into any home’s decor.
What is the average cost of a fireplace makeover?
The cost of a fireplace makeover can vary depending on the extent of renovations and materials used. A cosmetic makeover can be done for a few hundred dollars, while major renovations may cost several thousand dollars.
How do I choose the right size fireplace for my home?
When selecting a fireplace, consider the size and layout of the room, the desired heating capacity, and ventilation requirements. It is also important to select a fireplace that is appropriately sized for the space to prevent hazards and ensure efficiency.
What are the benefits of electric fireplaces over gas or wood-burning options?
Electric fireplaces are low maintenance, energy efficient, and environmentally friendly. Unlike gas or wood-burning fireplaces, electric fireplaces do not produce harmful smoke, particulate matter, or carbon monoxide.
Can I install a fireplace myself?
While it is technically feasible to install a fireplace yourself, it is recommended to hire a licensed professional for safety, code compliance, and warranty purposes. Improper installation can lead to serious hazards, such as fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.
My name is Hellen James. I’m an expert in writing about fireplaces, hearths, and firepits because they’re a beautiful part of home decor, but also because they can be so much more than just a fireplace—they’re a way to enjoy the outdoors even when it’s cold outside!
