Cheap and Easy Fireplace Makeover Ideas

There's nothing like a hearth to give a home its charming feel. But if your old fireplace looks tarnished or just plain boring, you can change all this in a few hours. Here's a handful of cheap and easy fireplace makeover ideas to inspire you.

Paint your old brick front

If your fireplace front is made of old bricks, stained stoneware or tiles, you can change this tarnished look with a simple painting technique. Use a sea sponge to dab three shades on to the old surface until you cover it. This faux finish will give the surface a three-dimensional element that will look both modern and fresh.

Frame your fireplace

If your fireplace has no mantelpiece at all, or a mantle shelf without sides, why not complete the frame around your fireplace? Though a mantle shelf (found at home improvement stores) will make your fireplace make over expensive, you can build a cheap frame from 4x4 lumber cut to match the width and height of your hearth. Once you finish nailing the frame in place, paint it with a beautiful color that will enhance the beauty of your room.

Paint your mantelpiece in style

Highlight the beauty of your mantelpiece by painting it in a striking color that will stand out from the rest of the fireplace. For a simple, pale decorating style, consider painting the mantle shelf in an egg-shell white. For country decor, select a color evocative of spring, such as sage, lilac or periwinkle blue. And for modern decor select a bright color such as eggplant, purple, orange or yellow.

Ornament your fireplace surround

To add elegance around your fireplace, consider attaching ornate shelf brackets to the wall all around your fireplace (or over the mantelpiece only, if you prefer). The shelf brackets have elegant shapes cut into them, which will give your fireplace frame a custom look. To complete the impression, simply paint the shelf brackets in the same color as the fireplace frame.

Enhance the beauty of your fireplace front

The gaping hole of your fireplace may look soot covered in a wood burning hearth. To enhance the beauty of your fireplace makeover, look for budget fireplace screens at online outlets. You'll find a wide array of artistic screens from stained-glass to copper and wrought-iron. Just be sure to measure your fireplace opening before selecting the right screen for your hearth.

Display wood beside your hearth

Even if you have a gas fireplace, a pile of chopped wood can add a cozy feel to your fireplace makeover. At a garden center look for two hammered metal or ceramic pot, fill them with lumber and display them on either side of your fireplace. Or string pine cones with craft wire and use this feral chain to tie together a pile of wood. Then display this charming decor to the side of your fireplace.

Combine all these ideas to give your fireplace makeover a mesmerizing appeal that will change your room completely. And be sure to display your favorite decorative items and family photos on the finished mantle.

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