Brick fireplaces are valuable additions to any home, but sometimes they don’t look quite how we want them to. It could be because you’ve just moved into a property that already has a brick fireplace, or you’re looking at redecorating your room, and your current brick fireplace doesn’t match the new aesthetic.
Whatever the reason, sometimes you need a brick fireplace makeover, and there are a ton of ways you can do it. We’ve put together ten of the best ways to give your fireplace a new look, plus many photos of a before and after fireplace makeover.
Modernizing with paint
A coat of paint is sometimes all a brick fireplace needs to look completely different. Many old brick fireplaces are red or brown, which may not fit in with the rest of your room. Over time, they may have started to discolor as well, so you want to introduce a new color that fits in with your aesthetic while making it appear new.
The color you choose is completely up to you and your own personal style, but if you want something a bit modern, you can’t go wrong with black, white, or gray. These tones match almost any style, and it means you can change the aesthetic of the room any time you like without having to paint it again.
Painting a brick fireplace is extremely easy, especially with one of Brick Anew’s fireplace painting kits. They have everything you need to ensure the job is completed to perfection.
Before & after
A brand-new fireplace mantel
Maybe it’s not the fireplace itself that needs a makeover, but simply just the fireplace mantel. It may not seem like a big part, but it can actually make all the difference when you replace it with something new.
There are many materials to choose from when looking for a new fireplace mantel. Some people think installing a wooden mantel is a good idea, especially if you have wooden floors and furniture. However, you can also opt for certain types of metals with a shiny finish. It’s always a good idea to try and match it up to the decor in your room, and it can completely refresh the look of your brick fireplace.
If you’re looking for the perfect mantel but unsure which one will match your brick fireplace, you can browse the selection on Brick Anew and speak to one of our representatives. We are always happy to help give your fireplace the perfect makeover.
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Tiling a fireplace
Maybe you don’t want a brick fireplace at all anymore, but you don’t want to go through the hassle of building a new one. Luckily, you can easily make it look like you’ve put in a new fireplace without it taking up too much time, creating a mess, or costing too much money.
Tiling a brick fireplace is actually much more simple than you may believe. All you need is some strong tile adhesive and the tiles you want to put over the bricks. You can either stick to one color, such as a smooth white or create mosaic patterns throughout the tiles with different tones that match the rest of your room. Once you’ve decided what to do, you should smear a thin layer of adhesive on the brick and then stick the tile down. You may have to cut some of the tiles to ensure they all fit.
From vintage to elegant
The main problem that people face with brick fireplaces is that they can often look outdated and although they were built back in the 1700s. This was especially the case when you didn’t have the fireplace built yourself, but it was already there when you moved into a new property.
Many people who want to bring some mid-century elegance to their brick fireplace will opt to paint it, as we have already mentioned. However, choosing the right tone that doesn’t clash with the rest of the room is often the main problem. When your bricks are initially red and old, you may want to modernize them with a dark gray or even black.
It may not sound so elegant initially, but it brings it into the 21st century. You will notice how it makes the room look much more in touch with the last decade, so don’t knock it until you try it.
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After
Mortar wash makeover
Have you ever seen a mortar wash over a brick fireplace? It is truly a beautiful sight, and it definitely provides your area with a much more unique makeover. It is a bit like painting your fireplace, however, the final look isn’t as opaque, and some of the original brick will show through.
The steps are also similar to painting a fireplace, but you’ll need mortar mix in your color of choice, normally white, instead of paint. Start by vacuuming your fireplace to remove debris, and then add painter’s tape to the edges. You’ll need to mix your mortar in a bucket before starting.
Begin by filling in the grout of your fireplace with mortar and then spread it from the grout lines all over the bricks. Repeat these steps until the grout lines are completely full with your chosen color. Choose how much brick you want to show through, and when you are happy with the result, you just have to wait for it to dry.
A new beige fireplace
While most of the time, you don’t have to do much to update a brick fireplace and give it a makeover, other times, you may want to go the whole nine yards. This means actually replacing the brick itself. Many people are into marble at the moment, and you can’t go wrong with polished marble in a beige tone.
You will have to remove the bricks from your fireplace and completely put in new marble, but at least you won’t have to build the chimney and surround it from scratch. Any shade of beige will look amazing, bringing extra warmth and light into the room with a Tuscan style that takes you straight to Italy in your own living room.
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Making it minimalist
When you look at your fireplace, is it surrounded with pieces of decor and odd knick-knacks that completely cover the mantel and parts of the surround? It can make it look cluttered and will draw attention from the actual beauty of your brick fireplace. That’s why you may need to dress it down and give it a more minimalist look.
Sometimes a brick fireplace doesn’t need much to stand out. If you aren’t happy with the color of the bricks, simply paint them with a color you like. Or if you want a new mantel, replace it. You don’t need to cover it completely with decor to try and give it style.
If you do want to place some things on the mantel, that is okay too, but don’t overdo it. Just a few pot plants or photos of your family can do just the job. As many people say, sometimes less is more, which is the case with brick fireplaces.
Refacing a 1970s fireplace
If you haven’t updated your brick fireplace since the 1970s, then it might be time to do so now. Many fireplaces from that decade don’t come with a mantel, instead, it is covered in wood paneling. It looks nothing like the fireplaces that are built today, and it can make your room look older than it needs to.
But it’s okay, as there are tons of things you can do, such as giving it a full makeover, so it stands out once again. You can get rid of the wooden paneling and finally give the fireplace the mantel it has always wanted.
You can also reface the brick on the fireplace and put tile in place instead. It is a method that many choose when they want something completely new. And as we’ve already mentioned, it isn’t hard to do.
Introducing a modern look
Most of the makeovers we’ve mentioned already give your brick fireplace an updated look, but there are other ways to make it a bit more modern. Painting it white is always one of the best choices, but gray is a clear second best as it makes the area look sleek and ready to match the rest of the room.
There are also a few other ways you can introduce a touch of modernity, such as providing the fireplace with a gloss or matte finish. You also can’t go wrong with a few pieces of contemporary decor to make the look stand out.
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Cement and wood improvement
Who says you must stick to one material when updating your brick fireplace? Some opt to replace it with tile, while others want to put a metallic mantel in place. However, have you ever considered a wood and cement improvement that brings the two materials together in one place?
A wooden mantel can really bring a fireplace together, and if you have one that is starting to splinter or are unhappy with your current mantel, it is always a good idea. It is also great to put a cement slab on the floor where you can keep your firewood and prevent any flames and ashes from reaching the carpet or hardwood.
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