There are a few simple steps to making your brick fireplace look better and updating its overall appearance.
First, consider repainting your brick fireplace with a coat of high-quality paint. You can choose to use a solid color or get creative and use a faux finish technique such as sponging, ragging, or dry-brushing.
Second, you can use a stone veneer to give the fireplace a rustic, more luxurious look. Adding stone veneer can be done by applying thin layers of stone or faux rock to the fireplace by using a mortar mixture.
Third, you can change the look of the existing mantel by either staining, painting, or replacing it with a new one made of new or reclaimed wood.
Fourth, if the brick looks old and dingy, it can be refreshed using a power washer. Once the brick is dry, you can apply a sealant to protect it from potential damage caused by the elements.
Finally, add texture and interest to the brick, by adding brick slips around the firebox. Brick slips come in various sizes, textures, and finishes and can be easily installed and glued to the surface of the brick.
By following these steps, you’ll have a beautiful, refreshed, and updated brick fireplace.
What can I cover my brick fireplace with?
When covering a brick fireplace, you have several options, including claiming the brick with a layer of drywall, staining or painting the brick, and covering the brick with a slipcover. Drywalling a brick fireplace will provide a flat, smooth finish and once the drywall has been painted, it can look identical to any other wall in your home.
Staining the brick with a sealant or other coating will provide a more matte, textured look to your brick, while painting the brick allows you to personalize your brick to fit the decor of your home.
Finally, a slipcover or cladding can be used to establish a more modern look or add a decorative accent to your brick. Slipcovering can be installed over existing brick and is easy to install or remove when you desire.
What can I put on my walls around my fireplace?
When it comes to decorating the walls around your fireplace, the possibilities are almost endless. First, you may want to consider the type of fireplace you have. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, it may benefit from a cozy rustic look, with elements such as wooden wall hangings, a paneled wall with whitewashed edges, or log cabin-style mantels.
If your fireplace is gas or electric, you can add a modern-farmhouse look with brick and stone veneers, or a classic feel with wainscoting, shiplap, and trim. For a regal, timeless look, consider adding paneling, crown molding, and ornate carpentry.
In addition to the walls, you may also want to accentuate the fireplace itself with decorations such as a log or stone-look grate, and fireplace screen. Fireplace candelabras or wall-mounted sconces work well, too.
Traditional and contemporary wall art pieces, decorative mirrors, and holiday decorations are also excellent ways to liven up the wall around your fireplace. Lastly, don’t forget to add wall lighting in the form of a sconce, chandelier, or recessed lights.
With the right decor, you can create a stunning feature and cozy atmosphere in your home.
What do you put on either side of fireplace?
It really depends on the look and style you want to achieve in your space. Some traditional fireplaces are framed with vertical faces of granite or marble, and often have built-in mantels with shelves for displaying decorations.
More contemporary designs may have a clean mantel with minimal decoration or no built-in mantel at all. On either side of the fireplace, you could include artwork, mirrors, sculptures, photos, plants, sconces, and vases.
The goal should be to fill the space around the fireplace in a way that complements the style of the fireplace and the overall style of the room.
Are brick fireplaces coming back in style?
Brick fireplaces are definitely making a comeback and becoming popular once again. Brick fireplaces blend in with a variety of different home designs, both modern and traditional, giving your living space a timeless look.
Not only do they look good, but they also come with many benefits like improved energy efficiency, lower heating costs, and easy maintenance. Plus, they can help you add decorative touches to your home that are both stylish and classic.
You can find brick fireplaces in a variety of styles and colors, so you can easily find one that fits the look and feel you want for your home. Firebrick is also a great material to use to build a fireplace since it is highly fire-resistant and easy to keep clean.
So, if you’re looking to add a bit of nostalgia and charm to your home, a brick fireplace may be just what you need!.
What kind of paint do you use on a brick fireplace?
When painting a brick fireplace, it is important to choose a paint that is specifically designed for use on brick and masonry surfaces. Many conventional interior wall paints are not suitable because they do not provide adequate adhesion, flexibility, and durability to withstand heat and other outdoor elements.
A high-performance, 100% acrylic latex paint is the best paint to use on a brick fireplace. When painting a brick fireplace, it is best to apply two coats for full coverage. When using oil-based masonry paint, use rollers, brushes and/or sprayers instead of spray cans.
It is important to also use masking tape to thoroughly protect other surfaces from being splattered with paint. After applying the last coat of paint, wait 24 hours until the paint is completely dry before you light the fireplace.
Should I whitewash my brick fireplace?
The decision to whitewash your brick fireplace is ultimately up to you, as it really depends on the look you are hoping to achieve. Whitewashing is an easy and inexpensive way to liven up a brick fireplace without covering up the natural texture and beauty of the brick.
It will give your fireplace a more modern yet still rustic look, and the great thing about whitewash is that it is easily removed if you ever decide to switch back to the original look. Just be sure to use a low-sheen paint if you use a brush or sponge, and a matte or flat finish sheen if you use a roller.
To get started, you will want to clean your fireplace with a damp cloth or sponge to remove any dirt, grime, and dust that has built up over time. Then, mix the whitewash solution appropriately and apply it in thin coats with either a brush, sponge, or roller.
Allow the solution to dry in between each coat. Once the desired amount of coats has been applied, allow the whitewash to dry completely before enjoying its awesome new look!.
What is the color to paint a brick fireplace?
When deciding on the perfect color to paint a brick fireplace, the options are almost endless. It is important to consider the goal you want to achieve with the paint color. If your goal is to update a brick fireplace and make it the focal point of the room, then a light hue such as a pale gray or beige is usually a safe and timeless choice.
If you want to make a bold statement, then using a deep blue, charcoal, or black can create an eye-catching and unique look. If you’d prefer to keep the brick look, but just give it a slight update, then a warm-toned paint such as a shade of brown or a muted orange can help give your fireplace an updated, modern look.
When selecting the paint color, make sure to choose one that complements the other colors and decor in the room, and also think about how the color will look in different lights. Ultimately, the best color to paint a brick fireplace boils down to the look and feel you want to achieve in your home.
How do I upgrade my fireplace on a budget?
Upgrading your fireplace can be done on a budget. First, you’ll want to determine what the current condition of your fireplace is and how much you are willing to spend on upgrades. If you are looking to update the overall look of the fireplace, you may want to consider painting it or adding a decorative fire surround.
You can also replace the mantel or update the tile or brickwork to modernize the look of your fireplace. To make more of an impact, you may want to install a gas insert. This is a fairly inexpensive way to give your fireplace a new look.
Finally, you may want to consider replacing your fireplace doors and purchasing fireplace accessories, such as a fireplace screen, a tool set, or a wood holder. With a few simple tweaks, you can upgrade your fireplace on a budget.
How do you anchor a mantle to brick?
Anchoring a mantle to a brick wall requires using proper tools and technique to ensure the mantle is securely attached. Before you begin, make sure the area is clear of any dirt, dust, or other debris.
To start, measure the opening between the two brick walls where the mantle will be installed to ensure the mantle is the proper size. If necessary, use a handsaw and cut the mantle to the necessary size.
Then, using a drill, carefully make two pilot holes in the brick wall in the proper locations for the mantle. It is important to use the appropriate drill bit size in order to ensure a secure fit.
Once the pilot holes are in place, fasten the mantle in place by inserting the appropriate hardware. Depending on the hardware used, this could include screws, anchors, or toggle bolts. Make sure to use the right hardware for the job and tighten securely.
Finally, use a level to ensure the mantle is evenly placed. Once it is in the correct position, use a hammer drill and masonry bit to drill through the mantle and into the brick wall. Again, make sure to use the right drill bit size.
Once everything is securely in place, you will have anchored the mantle to the brick wall safely and successfully.
Can I glue a wood mantel to brick fireplace?
Yes, you can glue a wood mantel to a brick fireplace. The best way to do this is to use a strong construction adhesive like Liquid Nails or Heavy Duty construction adhesive. Both of these are designed for heavy-duty bonding and can easily become a permanent solution for attaching a mantel to a brick fireplace.
Before using the adhesive, however, the brick must be prepped, the mantel should be cut to the right size, and the adhesive should be applied according to the instructions on the package. You may also want to consider screwing the mantel to the brick, depending on the strength you need to bond the two pieces together.
How do you install a barn beam mantel on a brick wall?
Installing a barn beam mantel on a brick wall is a relatively easy job that anyone can do, as long as they have the proper tools and materials. The process involves securing the mantel directly to the brick rather than utilizing a mounting board.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to install a barn beam mantel on a brick wall:
1. Gather the needed tools and materials. You’ll need the beam mantel, a level, a drill and drill bit sized for the size of the lag bolts you’re using, a chisel and screwdriver, masonry screws, lag bolts, and a diamond blade.
2. Mark the wall in two places where you will install the mantel. Use the level to make sure the marks are level.
3. Drill pilot holes into the wall where the lag bolts will go. The size of the pilot hole needs to be slightly smaller than the lag bolts you’re using.
4. Attach the lag bolts to the mantel, making sure they are flush with the bottom edge of the mantel.
5. Place the mantel up to the wall, and make sure it is level. Hold it in place while you use the chisel and screwdriver to mark the spots where you will install the masonry screws.
6. Take the mantel down from the wall and drill pilot holes at the marked spots.
7. Place the mantel back on the wall and secure the lag bolts and masonry screws into the wall, making sure it is level.
8. Cut the beam to the correct size using a diamond blade if necessary.
Your barn beam mantel should now be securely in place, adding a unique and rustic look to your home.
