A few decades ago, a large fireplace was central to most homes in colder regions. As technology advanced, fireplaces were replaced by central heating systems. Nowadays, these fireplaces are mostly seen in older homes and often sit neglected and untended.
If your home also houses a fireplace, maybe some remodeling can turn it into an iconic element that uplifts the entire space. A makeover can involve replacing the fireplace all together to incorporate some of the modern features. If you don’t feel like undertaking a major construction project, simply covering up the bricks with a fresh coat of paint, wood or tiles can also get your hearth looking like new.
The following post enlists some of the best fireplace remodeling ideas that you can take inspiration from and upgrade your space. We’ve carefully chosen only the most budget-friendly options that anyone can consider. Have a look:
[toc]Rustic Brick Pattern Fireplace
The old brick type fireplace never actually gets old. It was, is and will always be trendy and a pocket-friendly choice for every household.
The good thing is that the bricks are quite easy to use, have excellent resistance against fire, and traps the heat, increasing the efficiency of the whole system. Moreover, the red bricks look classy even without any other coating on it and have outstanding designing potential.
For instance, you can arrange them with a bit of a gap in a geometric pattern or perhaps opt for a rough arrangement to add a more rustic look to the place.
Create German Smear
A German smear design is a reconstruction of the century-old- European brick walls. It is one of a kind and offers a charming and rustic look with a traditional touch.
The remodeling starts with the construction of brick walls around the furnace. The size of the wall will depend upon the area you want to convert, but it will be best if you cover the whole section. You will also need to construct a small stage like structure and uplift the furnace for it.
Once the constructional part is complete, you have to wet the wall and cover it with a layer of plaster. Then you will use a scrubber or hard foam to scrub off the plaster and create an effect of worn walls. You can also add a small metallic chamber in front of the fireplace to boost the looks.
However, since the design needs you to build a whole new bricked wall, stage and plaster it all, it is a little on the pricier side but definitely worth it. It also requires you to scrub off every brick, so the completion of this design will take time.
Try Slate
Slate is a high appeal, and less expensive alternative for getting a rock finished fireplace with an old world charm. It is a piece of quartz, granite, or similar stones that can offer a stunning background for the furnace.
The stones are available in various neutral colors and hence complement every interior. You can get them in multiple sizes and then fix them using cement or constructional adhesives. The stones are rough-edged, and it will take some time to build a wall with them. However, it is not much of a hassle as the slate walls look even better with a bit of irregularities and you can cover the gaps with cement.
Moreover, the slate wall can sit on a pre-existing wall so the only investment will be to buy the slates and the adhesive.
The only drawback, in this case, is the color of the slate you are using. The slate stones may have a matte finish, but they can collect the surrounding light and reflect it. You have to watch out the lighting near the fireplace before getting the slate stones. Therefore, it will be best that you bring in a sample of different colored slates and test them before going full-scale.
Paint the Surrounding
The simplest and the most budget-friendly way to remodel the fireplace is to apply a coat of paint on the hearthside and nearby area. It will help you to create a color pop in the room and divert attention to the fireplace.
For instance, you can cover the fireplace with white and the surrounding wall with a darker color. It will add a new life to the fireside and also compliment the interior.
Further, if you have a bit more investment, you can go for pattern brushes and stencils too. You can also use some decorative like mirrors, hangings or match the furniture to enhance the space.
A good thing is that the painting the walls is less complicated and cheap. All you need is some quality brush, shades, protective accessories, covers, and you are ready to do it yourself.
Install Fire Safe Glass Door
You can render your fireplace a more contemporary look as well by simply adding a modern fire safe glass door. It will not only enhance the aesthetic of the fireplace, but will also increase the safety factor by making sure that the fire inside stays in control.
The glass door will lock the fire, ashes, and smoke from the furnace, eliminating any chance of unwanted fire damages. Moreover, these doors have air gaps to ensure that the fuel inside the fireplace burns completely.
Another good thing about the glass door is that it needs minimal construction and can be easily installed or replaced.
To install them you will need a glass door that suits the size of your furnace, some screws, clamps, and some standard tools. You will have to drill some holes around the fireplace, place the braces, and then you can quickly fix the glass door.
Easy-Peasy Gas Fireplace
Fireplaces are beautiful and comforting, but bringing in wood, burning it and then cleaning the ashes is too much work. That’s why you should remodel your fireplace and turn it to a gas fuel fireplace.
It’s super affordable and most of all, a lot less messy. All you need is to get pipelines for a new gas connection, and you are good to go. You will have the glowing red embers and tall orange-yellow flames that will warm the place without leaving any residue. The gas will also provide you full control over the scale of the fire and safer extinguishing option.
Moreover, it will open room for plenty of innovation and designs. Like you can lay fireplace with pebble and let the fire burn through them or use some synthetic wood logs to maintain the traditional looks.
Consider Fire Insert
A fire insert is a metallic box-like structure that helps increase the efficiency of your fireplace. This metal box creates a non-conductive layer between the fire and the masonry which prevent the house structure from absorbing it. Fire inserts also limit the amount of high-temperature air that passes through the chimney and directs it to your interior.
The beneficial part of using a fire insert is that you don’t need to construct anything. The fire inserts are available in all standard sizes and shapes. You can buy them according to your fireplace’s dimensions, insert them inside the furnace, and then use a holder to set it in place.
Further, the front faceplate of the fire insert is highly customizable. You will find the faceplates in a variety of designs and shapes that you can choose according to your interior design.
Upgrade the Mantel
The mantel renders an attractive edge to the fireplace and smoothens the transition between the surrounding and the furnace. Upgrading it will instantly add value to the fireplace and enhance its appearance.
It is the best option because a new looking mantel will instantly elevate the entire space without costing you much time, effort or money. Interestingly, there are mantels for every budget and interior designs.
If you are very low on budget, you can go for the simple slab type mantel. If you have some investment, you can go for an all-rounder model and even go for a fireplace mantel with a defined front area.
Mantels are available in a variety of material like wood, metal, synthetic plasters, and many more. You will also find them in different finish quality, designs, construction and colors which you can choose according to your interior design.
Additionally, mantels are very easy to place and replace. All you have to do is to measure the furnace, buy a mantel of optimal size, and then fix it using a heat resistance adhesive or clamps.
Add MDF Mantel
MDF is an elegant and smooth looking engineering material prepared from a mixture of woods and resins. It can handle a very high amount of pressure and temperature, which makes it a perfect substitute for expensive mantel materials.
Further, MDF has very high consistency rates and is heavy material. You can rely on it for a smooth finished surface which is free from any splinter or void. Its structure also makes it flexible for all common tools and processes. You can easily mold, shape, cut, and design MDF without uncertainties or deformations. You can also use materials like astragal molding and baseboards to strengthen the construction.
The only limitations that you will face while using MDF are wetness and stains. Water can cause swelling in the MDF mantel, while strains highlight the grainy construction of MDF. Therefore, you might need to coat the MDF mantel with thick layers of paint or a waterproofing agent.
Accessories the fireplace
The best way to attain a stunning fireplace is to add a glimpse of personality to it. You can do it by finding the things that interest you and placing them on the mantle or hanging them on the wall above the fireplace.
You can hang a large painting above the fireplace, place a handmade pattern, or install a clock piece. If you have a contemporary fireplace, you can also set a television screen above the fireplace.
Another approach will be to use the mantel for holding multiple artifacts. You can place some plants, antique statues and a lot more on it.
The good part is that since most of these things will be from your collection, the investment will be minimal. Moreover, you don’t need any construction or extra work for this remodeling. Some alterations with the fireplace color and mantel will be enough.
Use Tiles
When it comes to creating customizable designs, tiles are the best product that you can get. There are a lot of them available with an anonymous number of patterns, colors, and shades for your fireplace. They are also available in both matte and glossy finish.
You can even get a set of artisanal tiles. They are hand molded, designed, and a glazed tile, which ensures that no two pieces will ever look alike.
So, visit the market, check the different sizes and designs of tiles, and then select the one that goes well with your interior.
As for the fixing part, it very non-complicated and quick. You can install the tiles by coating the wall with an adhesive or cement and then pushing them towards it.
Consider Gas Fuelling
Gas powered fireplaces are one of the latest trends in the world of interior designing. It is a bit complicated but a practical and aesthetically pleasing upgrade.
The overall cost of upgrading to a gas powered fireplace is a bit higher as you will have to alter the whole section. However, considering the safety, appeals, control, and the low fuel usage of the gas fireplace, it’s an excellent long term option.
Coming to the construction, for this particular upgrade you will have to get a gas connection and an enclosure for the fireplace. You will also need to lay new pipelines and make changes to the nearby walls to hide the pipes.
Further, you will also need to install a gas valve and a glass door to control the size of fire inside the furnace. You can also prefer to use a distribution system, some stones or artificial wood to make the fireplace look more realistic.
The Final Words
Remodeling the fireplace is an excellent way to boost the appeal of your interior and add new life to it. It can help you to create a focal point and increase the overall value of your property within no time.
Fortunately, now with the knowledge and ideas that you got from the above post, you don’t even have to spend a high amount on refreshing the fireplace. Everything that you expect from the fireside is accessible at the terms and investment that you want.
So, wait no more, roll your sleeves, choose the upgrades you want and get down with the work.
