Modernizing a dated fireplace can be a fun and simple process that will update the style of your home. The first step is to decide what kind of modern look you want to achieve – some of the most popular ways to do this is by painting or brick-facing, replacing the mantel, or even by replacing the entire fireplace.
If you decide to paint, use a sturdy primer to create a surface that is durable and ready for a fresh coat of paint. Consider tones like white, grey, or navy for a classic look, or spice it up with something bold like a bright orange or teal.
Alternatively, for a more permanent update, brick-facing can be a great option. This process involves taking thin brick slices that have been pre-cut, and adhering them to a structurally sound wall with mortar and tile adhesive.
This will completely transform the look of the fireplace and make it much more modern.
If you’re feeling a bit more ambitious, replacing the mantel is a great way to bring a modern touch to a dated fireplace. You could choose to keep the same style and size, or you could be a bit more daring and try a larger or different shaped mantel.
Or, if you want to go big, you can replace the entire thing. There are lots of freestanding and insert fireplaces available on the market, in a range of materials and styles, such modern open hearth, gas or electric fireplaces.
Modernizing a dated fireplace is a great way to upgrade your home and create a fresh, modern look. The possibilities are endless, so have fun and get creative!
How can I make my fireplace more attractive?
Making your fireplace more attractive is possible with a few simple steps. First, you’ll want to clean your fireplace thoroughly and make sure it is free of and soot and debris. Then, you might want to consider updating the mantelpiece or surround to give it a more modern, sleek look.
You can find prefabricated fireplaces with modern designs or you can even build your own custom mantel and surround if you feel comfortable with woodworking.
If you want to keep it simple, adding decorative stone to the façade of the fireplace is a great way to give it a more updated look. Consider adding a few decorative items like a tall vase or sculpture, or some colorful art pieces.
This will break up the blandness of the stone and add some color and texture to the room.
Finally, adding a few candles or logs to the fireplace can really give the space a cozy, inviting feel. If the fireplace is not in use, consider using it as the focal point in the room and decorate it around the edges with framed photos, sconces and other items.
This will make it look more inspiring and attractive.
How do you make a brick fireplace look modern?
Making a brick fireplace look modern can be done in many different ways. The key is to contrast the brick with updates that bring out its beauty. Here are a few suggestions to consider:
1. Whitewash the brick – Whitewashing is a great way to make a brick fireplace look modern. It gives the brick a rustic, earthy look without overwhelming the space or making it look too busy. You can customize the tone of the whitewash to fit your desired look.
2. Paint the brick – Paint can completely transform the look of your brick fireplace, giving it a sleek and modern feel. Depending on the paint color you choose and the appeal you’re going for, you can also make it look rustic.
If you decide to paint, be sure to use a specialty fireplace paint that is designed to withstand high temperatures.
3. Update the mantle – The mantel is one of the most important features of a fireplace, so updating it with a modern style can go a long way. Choose a more contemporary mantel, such as a metal one, that will stand out against the backdrop of your new modern brick fireplace.
4. Add tile – Another great way to give your brick fireplace a modern facelift is to add tiles. This can be done to both the surround of the fireplace, as well as the hearth. Using bright, contemporary tile styles in your design can really make your fireplace stand out.
5. Install a new surround – If you want an even more dramatic change, you could opt to completely replace the surround of your brick fireplace. Choose a sleek modern style that fits with your overall design.
Are brick fireplaces coming back in style?
Yes, brick fireplaces are definitely coming back into style. This is due to the fact that they offer an attractive, classic look that is both timeless and functional. Additionally, brick fireplaces are incredibly durable and require minimal maintenance and upkeep.
Furthermore, brick fireplaces come in a variety of styles and colors, so you can easily find one that will fit into your desired decor. Lastly, brick fireplaces are energy-efficient and provide just the right amount of warmth for your home.
All of these factors, put together, make brick fireplaces an increasingly popular choice amongst homeowners who are looking for a classic, timeless look that is both functional and energy-efficient.
What is the color to paint a brick fireplace?
The color you decide to paint a brick fireplace will depend largely on the style and look you’re going for. If you prefer the classic and rustic look of a brick fireplace, you may choose to go with a neutral shade like white or beige.
This will help soften the brick’s look while still retaining its texture and character. If you want a more modern, sleek look, you may opt to go with a darker color like gray, black, or even a deep blue.
If you’re wanting to make a statement with your brick fireplace, you can choose bright and bold colors like orange or even pink for a fun and unique look. With all of these options, you can have fun experimenting and playing with different hues to find the color that works best for your unique space.
Should I whitewash my brick fireplace?
If you’re considering whether or not to whitewash your brick fireplace, there are several factors to consider. First, you want to take into consideration the overall look and feel of the room the fireplace is in.
If the room is modern or contemporary, a whitewashed fireplace might make the area look out of place. On the other hand, if the room is more traditional or a shabby chic style, a whitewashed fireplace could be a great fit.
Another factor to consider is the actual color of the brick itself. If the brick has a reddish hue, a whitewash will not only lighten the brick, but will also cool the overall tone of the brick. If, however, the brick is on the yellowish side or is an older style, whitewashing it can create a beautiful aged effect.
In terms of the actual whitewashing process itself, the permanent whitewashing of brick can be difficult and hazardous, as it involves the use of chemicals. Therefore, it is important to ensure that you obtain proper protective gear, such as gloves and safety glasses, as well as use safe and approved processes.
Finally, if you decide to whitewash your brick fireplace, you may need to reapply the whitewash every couple of years as the material will start to fade over time.
Ultimately, it is important to consider the look and feel of your room and the color of your brick before deciding to whitewash your brick fireplace.
What kind of paint do you use on a brick fireplace?
When painting a brick fireplace, it is important to use a paint that is highly durable and fire-resistant since the fireplace is the focal point of the home and will be subject to heat. The best type of paint to use on a brick fireplace is a semi-gloss, oil-based paint, as this can stand up to normal wear-and-tear as well as heat from the fireplace.
Oil-based paints are also very resistant to flaking, peeling or chipping. As brick can often be rough, a thicker paint is also recommended to fill in any crevices or cracks that may occur over time. It is best to avoid using latex paints as they will not be able to withstand the high temperature of the fireplace.
Additionally, primer should be used to create a smooth base and ensure proper adhesion of the paint. Lastly, it is important to take proper safety precautions when painting around a fireplace to avoid any fires or injuries.
What material can go around fireplace?
When it comes to deciding on what material to use around a fireplace, it ultimately depends on the specific size, shape, and design of the fireplace itself. Common material options include stone, brick, tile, concrete, and wood, although each have different characteristics to consider depending on the look desired.
Stone is a popular choice for fireplaces due to its natural warmth and charm, and it can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Additionally, stone is very durable and resistant to heat, making it a great option for fireplaces.
Brick is a great option for fireplaces that have a more traditional look. It is a classic material that is low maintenance and highly durable, making it an ideal choice for surrounding the fireplace.
Tile is another popular material for fireplaces because of its versatility and its ability to accommodate a variety of color schemes. Concrete is another great option for fireplaces, as it is highly durable and can be constructed in any shape and size.
Wood is a great material for those who want to achieve a cozy and rustic look around the fireplace. However, it requires upkeep since it is prone to damage from heat and smoke.
No matter what material is chosen to go around the fireplace, it is important to make sure that it’s properly installed and properly maintained in order to ensure safety and longevity.
How do I cover my fireplace walls?
Covering your fireplace walls is a great way to add some style and interest to your living room. Here are some tips to get you started:
1. Painting: Painting the walls of your fireplace is one of the easiest and most cost effective options. Be sure to use a heat-resistant paint so that it doesn’t crack or blister. Look for special paints designed to withstand extreme temperatures.
2. Tile: Tiling the walls of your fireplace can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the room. There are countless types of tiles to choose from, so take your time to explore all the different options.
Make sure to pick tiles that are fire retardant.
3. Paneling: If the walls of your fireplace are exposed brick or stone, consider using wood paneling to cover them. This can be a classic and timeless look that will bring warmth and charm to the room.
4. Fabric Panels: Fabric panels are an interesting and easy way to add texture to your fireplace walls. They can be custom made or premade. Some fabric panel designs even have acoustic qualities that can help to deaden sound for a more comfortable living space.
5. Mirrors: Mirrors can be used to create a stunning focal point in your fireplace wall. You can even hang several in a mosaic pattern to make a visual statement. Be sure to use safety-approved mirrors that won’t shatter in the heat.
Covering your fireplace walls is a great way to add style and interest to your living room. By following the above tips and selecting the appropriate materials, you can easily make your fireplace walls look amazing.
With a little bit of effort you can truly transform the look and feel of your space.
What can I use to cover fireplace opening?
When it comes to covering a fireplace opening, there are a variety of options available. You can choose to use a traditional fireplace screen or glass doors to keep embers and sparks in the hearth and away from floors and furniture.
Mesh curtain screens are also an option for providing a more traditional appearance for the area. If you prefer a more modern look, an angle iron cover is an option that can be used to cover the entire opening.
This can provide protection from both sparks and drafts. Aluminum mesh screens can also be used to cover the opening and provide additional protection from sparks. In addition to these options, you can also choose to install a false wall over the opening, which is great for providing insulation and an additional layer of safety.
Finally, decorative items such as tiles and ornate grilles can be added to the fireplace to provide an aesthetically pleasing look, while still keeping the area safe.
Can you cover an old fireplace surround?
Yes, it is possible to cover an old fireplace surround. Depending on how much coverage you would like and the look you would like to achieve. If you would like to go for a more minimalist look, you can use tile adhesive to directly apply tiles to the face of the surround.
This can be very effective in giving a completely new look, while also keeping the cost low and the project relatively simple. Alternatively, you could wall-mount thin boards or a moulding to create a frame around the old surround.
This allows you to use almost any material (such as wood, stone, or tile) to give the fireplace a completely new feel and look. If you don’t have the budget or don’t have the right tools for such a project, you could always cover the entire surround with a thin sheet of wallpaper for a quick and cost-effective facelift.
What metal is a fireplace surround?
A fireplace surround, also known as a mantel, is typically made from a variety of metals, such as brass, bronze, iron, stainless steel, or aluminum. The type of metal chosen depends on the style of the fireplace and the surrounding décor.
For example, a brass fireplace mantel would give a traditional vibe and fit in perfectly with a classically decorated interior, whereas a stainless steel mantel would lend a more modern, industrial feel.
The finish of the metal is also important – for a subtle look, brass and bronze can be burnished and antiqued, while more contemporary metals can be polished or brushed for a sleek appearance and to better reflect the light.
Ultimately, selecting a metal for a fireplace mantel is a matter of personal preference and the right choice will depend on the look and feel that you’re trying to achieve.
What is fireplace mantel made of?
Fireplace mantels can be made of a variety of materials, including wood, stone, metal, and even concrete. Wood is the most popular material for fireplace mantels and is available in a wide range of styles and designs.
You can find wood mantels made from many different types of wood, like oak, cherry, mahogany, and pine. Stone fireplace mantels are a functional and beautiful addition to any home. Natural stone, like granite and marble, is the most popular choice for fireplace mantels because it is durable and creates a timeless look.
Metal fireplace mantels are a great option to add a modern touch to your home. They come in a variety of styles, such as aluminum and brass, and in many different shapes and sizes. Finally, concrete fireplace mantels are a unique and stylish choice that provides a rustic look.
Concrete mantels are also an affordable and versatile option that comes in many different colors and textures.
