A fireplace has the power to set the tone for an entire room, yet too often, it’s overlooked or feels like a relic from another era. Let me share nineteen of my favorite fireplace makeover ideas—each one a small strategic move that can completely elevate your home’s atmosphere.
1. Paint It for Instant Impact
One of the quickest ways I’ve updated a dated fireplace is with a fresh coat of white or deep charcoal paint—it immediately modernizes even the most stubborn brick or stone. I always say, the right color choice here sets the entire mood of the space.
Useful items to consider:
- High-Quality White Brick Paint: Transform your fireplace with a fresh coat of white paint, offering a clean, modern look.
- Deep Charcoal Fireplace Paint: Create a bold statement with deep charcoal paint, adding a contemporary touch to your space.
- Paint Brushes for Brick Surfaces: Achieve smooth, even coverage on brick with these high-quality brushes, perfect for detailed work.
2. Create a German Smear Finish
I love the German smear technique for its timeless, rustic effect—smearing white mortar over brick softens harsh lines and adds old-world charm. It’s a surprisingly forgiving DIY that hides imperfections and brings depth.
You might give these a try:
- White Mortar Mix: Transform your fireplace with this easy-to-use white mortar mix for a rustic, charming finish.
- Mortar Application Trowel: Apply mortar smoothly and effortlessly with this durable trowel, ideal for DIY projects.
- Brick Brush: Achieve the perfect texture by using this brick brush to soften and spread mortar evenly.
3. Go Bold with Black
If you crave drama, try painting your fireplace a deep matte black—I’ve done this in a master bedroom, and the contrast was magnetic. Black instantly elevates the room, turning your fireplace into a sophisticated focal point.
A few suggestions:
- Matte Black Fireplace Paint: Transform your fireplace with a chic, deep matte black finish, making it a focal point.
- Decorative Vases for Mantel: Accent your bold black fireplace with elegant vases to complete the sophisticated look.
- Rustic Candle Holders: Add charm with rustic candle holders, enhancing the warmth of your matte black fireplace.
4. Install Peel-and-Stick Tiles
Peel-and-stick tile surrounds are my secret for a quick, budget-friendly transformation—no demolition needed. I once used geometric patterns that made an outdated hearth look completely custom in just an afternoon.
A few choices to try:
- Geometric Peel-and-Stick Tile: Transform your hearth instantly with easy-to-apply geometric peel-and-stick tiles for a modern look.
- Stone Peel-and-Stick Tile: Give your fireplace a classic stone finish easily with these peel-and-stick tiles.
- Chevron Pattern Peel-and-Stick Tile: Achieve a custom chevron pattern effortlessly with peel-and-stick tiles for a stylish makeover.
5. Swap In a New Mantel
Adding a wooden beam mantel is a strategic upgrade I return to again and again—it’s both functional and visually grounding. Whether you choose reclaimed wood for warmth or a sleek slab for modernity, the mantel shapes the entire composition.
Items that may come in handy:
- Reclaimed Wood Mantel Beam: Enhance your space with a warm, rustic look using a reclaimed wood mantel beam.
- Modern Wooden Slab Mantel: Transform your fireplace with a sleek, contemporary wooden slab mantel for a modern appeal.
- Rustic Oak Fireplace Mantel: Bring natural beauty to your home with a rustic oak mantel that complements any decor.
6. Layer with Art and Mirrors
I often layer artwork or a large mirror above the mantel for instant vertical interest and reflection—mirrors, in particular, bounce light and expand the space. Personally, I love mixing a bold abstract with smaller sculptural pieces for balance.
These products might be useful:
- Large Wooden Frame Wall Mirror: Enhance your space with a rustic wall mirror that adds light and depth instantly.
- Bold Abstract Canvas Art: Add a splash of color and creativity to your mantel with abstract canvas art.
- Decorative Sculptural Vase Set: Bring elegance with a sculptural vase set, perfect for balancing art and reflections.
7. Add Built-In Shelves
Built-in bookcases on either side of the fireplace create architectural symmetry and valuable storage—I’ve found this move brings both order and intimacy to living rooms. Filling shelves with favorite books and curated finds personalizes the space.
Check these products out:
- Wooden Bookshelf with Adjustable Shelves: Enhance your living room’s order and style with this elegant wooden bookshelf. Perfect addition now!
- Decorative Bookends: Keep your books organized and stable with these stylish bookends. Transform your shelf today!
- Artful Vase for Bookshelf: Add a touch of elegance and personal style with this charming vase. Shop your perfect match!
8. Incorporate Natural Stone Veneer
When I want to boost texture and authenticity, I opt for stone veneer—it’s lighter than real stone but equally dramatic. The interplay of shadows and stone texture draws the eye even when the fire’s not lit.
A few relevant products:
- Natural Stone Veneer Panels: Transform your fireplace with these lightweight, textured panels for an authentic stone look.
- Adhesive for Stone Veneer: Ensure a secure installation of your stone veneer with this reliable adhesive.
- Stone Veneer Corner Pieces: Achieve seamless edges with these easy-to-install corner pieces for your stone veneer.
9. Try a Whitewashed Brick Look
Whitewashing brick is my go-to for softening harsh reds and creating a breezy, Scandinavian-inspired vibe. The subtle wash allows some original texture to peek through, keeping things interesting but light.
Give these a look:
- Whitewashing Paint Kit: Transform your fireplace with this easy-to-use whitewashing paint kit for a fresh Scandinavian vibe.
- Natural Bristle Paint Brush Set: Achieve the perfect soft finish with these high-quality natural bristle brushes for whitewashing bricks.
- Plastic Drop Cloths: Protect your floors and furniture with these durable, reusable plastic drop cloths during whitewashing.
10. Upgrade the Hearth with Concrete
A concrete hearth—whether poured or using ready-made slabs—adds an industrial edge and durability; I’ve used this in loft-style spaces for a modern, gallery-like feel. Its cool finish contrasts beautifully with fire’s warmth.
May just do the trick:
- Concrete Hearth Slabs: Enhance your fireplace with modern concrete slabs for a sleek, industrial finish.
- Industrial Style Firewood Rack: Organize firewood stylishly with an industrial rack, complementing your concrete hearth.
- High-Temperature Concrete Sealer: Protect your concrete hearth with a sealer that ensures durability and longevity.
11. Install Shiplap or Wood Paneling
Vertical shiplap or paneled wood above the mantel draws the eye upward, adding height and a farmhouse twist. I’ve found a painted finish here works wonders to bridge classic and contemporary tastes.
Consider these options:
- Painted Shiplap Wall Panels: Enhance your fireplace with stylish shiplap panels that add height and a farmhouse charm.
- Wood Paneling Kits: Achieve a contemporary look easily with wood paneling kits designed for easy installation.
- Decorative Fireplace Mantel Shelf: Elevate your space with a mantel shelf as the perfect finishing touch for your fireplace.
12. Go Minimal with a Linear Fireplace
For true minimalists, a linear, wall-mounted fireplace surrounded by sleek surfaces is a game-changer—I designed one for a downtown condo and the result was pure architectural clarity. Sometimes, less really is more.
Some handy options:
- Wall-Mounted Linear Electric Fireplace: Enhance your space with this sleek, modern linear fireplace for a minimalist aesthetic upgrade.
- Minimalist Fireplace Mantel Shelf: Add elegance with a minimalist mantel shelf to complement your linear fireplace design.
- Recessed Wall Lighting for Fireplaces: Highlight your linear fireplace with subtle recessed lighting to create a cozy ambiance.
13. Make a Statement with Colorful Tile
Don’t be afraid of vibrant tile—a patterned surround can inject playfulness or bold style, especially in eclectic or vintage homes. I once used deep blue Moroccan-style tiles for a client and the fireplace became pure art.
Might be a good match:
- Moroccan-style Blue Patterned Tile: Elevate your fireplace with vibrant Moroccan-style tiles for an artful, eclectic focal point.
- Peel and Stick Decorative Tile Squares: Easily transform your space with peel-and-stick tiles for a hassle-free fireplace makeover.
- Ceramic Tile Adhesive and Grout Kit: Securely install your colorful tiles with an all-in-one adhesive and grout kit.
14. Mount a TV Above (Strategically)
Sometimes, form and function need to merge—a TV mounted above the fireplace can free up floor space and create a commanding focal wall. I always advise careful cable management and proportion for a balanced look.
Explore these options:
- Full-Motion TV Wall Mount: Optimize your viewing experience with an adjustable TV mount for perfect angle adjustments.
- Cable Management Kit: Keep cables tidy and hidden for a clean, organized look above your fireplace mantel.
- LED Accent Lighting Strips: Enhance your fireplace area with ambient LED lighting for added warmth and depth.
15. Embrace Decorative Accessories
I love using oversized lanterns, sculptural vases, and clusters of candles on the hearth—they add layers and invite seasonal styling. Accessories let you refresh the look as often as you like without major changes.
Try these:
- Oversized Decorative Lantern: Elevate your hearth’s ambiance with a stunning oversized lantern. Perfect for seasonal styling.
- Large Sculptural Vase: Add artistic flair with a large sculptural vase. Ideal for elegant home transformations.
- Candle Cluster Set: Create warm layers with a stylish candle cluster set. Refresh your look instantly.
16. Go Faux: Create a Non-Working Fireplace Display
For non-working fireplaces, I’ve staged stacks of birch logs, books, or a cluster of LED candles inside the firebox—an instant trick to keep the energy flowing and the space from feeling empty. It’s a small move with big visual payoff.
A few helpful options:
- Decorative Birch Logs: Place these realistic birch logs to instantly warm up your non-working fireplace with natural charm.
- LED Flameless Candles: Add a cozy glow with flickering LED candles for safe, ambient lighting in your fireplace.
- Decorative Fireplace Lanterns: Enhance your fireplace display with elegant lanterns that offer a touch of vintage charm.
17. Add Unexpected Texture with Metal Cladding
One of my boldest moves was wrapping a fireplace in aged copper or brushed steel panels—the metallic sheen catches firelight and makes the whole wall shimmer. It’s a daring, architectural twist that’s impossible to ignore.
Possibly helpful picks:
- Aged Copper Wall Panels: Transform your fireplace with aged copper panels for a warm, inviting metallic sheen.
- Brushed Steel Cladding Sheets: Enhance your décor with brushed steel sheets that reflect firelight beautifully.
- Fireplace Metal Panel Adhesive: Secure metal panels effortlessly with this strong, fire-safe adhesive.
18. Bring the Outside In with Greenery
I often cluster potted plants and trailing greenery around the hearth and mantel—the natural shapes soften hard lines and breathe life into the entire room. This move works wonders in rooms that need a little extra vibrancy.
You might like:
- Ceramic Plant Pots: Enhance your mantel with stylish ceramic plant pots, adding charm and sophistication to your decor.
- Trailing Artificial Ivy Garland: Effortlessly liven up your hearth area with lush, realistic trailing ivy garlands for instant greenery.
- Wooden Plant Stand: Elevate your potted plants with a wooden stand to create visual interest and layering effects.
19. Transform with Ambient Lighting
Strategically placed LED uplights or fairy lights tucked under the mantel or along the hearth create a magical glow, even when the fire’s not burning. I love this subtle touch—it shifts the whole mood of the room in an instant.
Possibly handy products:
- LED Uplights for Fireplace: Illuminate your fireplace with versatile LED uplights for an enchanting evening ambiance.
- Fireplace Fairy Lights: Add a touch of magic by draping elegant fairy lights around your fireplace mantle.
- Remote-Controlled LED Strip Lights: Customize your fireplace glow with remote-controlled LED strip lights for effortless mood setting.
