If your fireplace is looking outdated, it’s probably time for a fireplace makeover. But your fireplace transformation doesn’t necessarily need to be a vast construction project. With brick fireplaces, you can simply paint the brick or cover it up with wood, tile, or drywall. Bear in mind, building codes require that if you use wood to cover a working fireplace, the wood must be installed 6 inches or more away from all sides of the fireplace.
There are many ways to remodel your brick fireplace. In this guide, we’ll cover:
- Fireplace remodel tips
- Fireplace surround ideas
- Fireplace refacing with paint
- Brick fireplace makeover
How to Remodel for Added Storage
Does your fireplace lack storage and shelving? This is an excellent opportunity to makeover your fireplace to add extra storage. We recommend adding some spacious built-ins on both sides of your fireplace to show off some fun decorative objects and art.
We also suggest painting your built-ins and storage white and painting the brick fireplace white or covering the bricks with white marble and continuing the white color up to the ceiling for a beautifully cohesive look.
How to Make an Old-Fashioned Fireplace Modern
There are plenty of ways to make an old fireplace look more modern.
Start by giving it a good cleaning. Then, brush it up with a fresh coat of paint, whitewash it to add more light, giving it a minimalist modern look. Alternatively, you can add some brightly colored tiles in a stylish print. Tiling a brick fireplace can be done by troweling inset over the brick, then applying the tile to the surface.
How to Paint a Brick Fireplace
Want a painted brick fireplace? If you have a free day or even just an afternoon, you have enough time to give your brick fireplace a new look. To get started, grab the necessary tools, some fireplace paint, and your can-do spirit.
Keep in mind, when painting a fireplace, not all paints are the same. We suggest using fireplace paint as it is designed to be used on high-temp surfaces. If you choose to go with a traditional paint, be sure it is rated for high-temperatures. Otherwise, all your will be for nothing as heat from your fireplace will quickly ruin your remodel.
Regarding paint colors, you can't go wrong with a white brick fireplace. This is currently very on-trend. However, this design trend has lasting power. A relatively new trend is to paint your fireplace black. Doing so adds a strong focal element to any room.
We recommend choosing a color that matches the style of your overall home, as well as the decor of the room.
Then you need to gather your painting material. These include:
- Wire scrub brush
- Safety goggles
- Rubber gloves
- Drop cloths
- Small paintbrush
- Paint roller for textured surfaces
- Indoor latex paint
- Oil-based primer
- Painters tape
- Heavy-duty cleaner
- Non-sudsy trisodium phosphate (TSP)
*Note: You can use latex paint over an oil primer, but you cannot apply an oil-based paint over latex.
Now, you’re ready to start your fireplace makeover! Follow these steps:
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Clean the fireplace surface. Before you start the painting process, make sure your brick is as clean as possible. This will ensure the paint adheres to the brick and dries properly.
Before starting the cleaning process, cover your floor with plastic or a drop cloth in order to protect it. Then, use a wire scrub brush to remove any dust and dirt. Next, apply the TSP. Make sure to wear safety goggles and gloves while using TSP as it is a heavy-duty cleaner.
Rinse the brick and let it dry. Then, tape off any areas you want to be paint-free with painter’s tape.
- Prime the brick. Now, it’s time to prime the brick. Use a stain-blocking, oil-based primer to protect the paint from soot stains from fireplace use.
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Paint the brick. After the primer is dry, you can paint the brick. Use a roller designed for textured surfaces to cover all of the brick. Apply second and third coats if needed, but allow some time to dry between coats.
Mantel Inspiration
Want to spruce up the mantel over your fireplace and make it more aesthetically pleasing? There are several ways to decorate your mantel as well as different materials you can use to create a new mantel:
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Eye-catching artwork. We recommend adding artwork over your fireplace to cohesively bring together the other colors seen throughout your living room space.
Adding some fun artwork is a great budget-friendly fireplace remodel idea, as long as the artwork is not too pricey.
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Minimalist mantel. We also suggest keeping your fireplace mantel as minimalist as possible to keep the fireplace looking sleek and modern.
Rustic wood beam mantel. If you want your fireplace mantel to look more traditional, we recommend installing a rustic wood beam mantel and decorating it with beautiful accessories.
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Add an elegant mirror. Adding a beautiful mirror to your fireplace mantel is a wonderful way to open up your living space and fireplace the room’s focal point of the room.
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The contents of this article are provided for general guidance only. First American Home Warranty does not assume any responsibility for losses or damages as a result of using this information.
