By Kim Armstrong
Cold weather season is here, and my favorite thing about it is snuggling by the fireplace. But if you find your fireplace is more of an eye sore than a starring attraction, there are things you can do to change it. These options range in cost from budget-friendly to a bit of a commitment, but each one will make an impact and hopefully turn your ugly fireplace into a beautiful focal point.
Paint It
Painting is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to improve your fireplace. If your fireplace surround is a decent design, simply painting it a different color can drastically alter the look. You can go with any color, and if you go to Pinterest and search “painted fireplace,” you’ll see all kinds of options, from white (probably the most common) to green, blue, and black.
When prepping your fireplace to paint, remove the old screen and replace it with a stand-alone one. It won’t add much cost to the project but will update your look.
Paint is your least expensive option, and you get a lot of bang for your buck because the transformation is impactful!
Countertop Slab
Another option is using a countertop slab around your fireplace. When we bought our home (not pictured), I was not fond of the fireplace. The tile was slapped straight to the wall without any dimensional depth to the fireplace’s facade, and that is NEVER an ok thing to do.
I knew I wanted something modern with clean lines, and the way my fireplace is situated was the perfect opportunity for a countertop slab.
This may sound daunting, but if you like this look, all you need to do is find a good countertop fabricator, and they can get this done for you.
Salvaged Fireplace Surround
I also like to source salvage fireplace surrounds. These can be pricey antique marble and stone surrounds imported from Europe, or they can be great bargain finds at a salvage yard.
Finding a salvage mantel surround brings a lot of character into your home. You can also look on Etsy and eBay for these or do a Google search for “Salvaged Fireplace Surrounds,” you can find some beautiful and unique items.
Tile It
Tile is a great way to bring in a fun, colorful focal point with your fireplace. There are literally thousands of options, and it truly makes your fireplace a work of art. This is an option people don’t utilize often, but when done right, it’s probably one of the most impactful changes.
Start Fresh
Sometimes the fireplace just makes no sense. Perhaps where it is located or if it is super traditional, but your taste leans modern, there are a plethora of reasons it may not work, and sometimes, if budget allows, it’s best to start completely over!
Here is a before and after with a complete makeover. You can see how it went from dated to very modern and sleek. This is your most expensive option, but never think something is impossible.
Enjoy the season and enjoy your fireplace.
