How to Make a Builder Grade Fireplace Look Good

Fireplaces often become the focal point of the room, drawing attention from anyone who enters. A builder-grade fireplace provides warmth but often lacks the visual appeal you would expect from the room's focal point. Decorating tips and simple upgrades to the basic fireplace make it more attractive and worthy of the spotlight. Play off the style of the rest of the room's decor when deciding how to renovate and decorate your home's basic builder fireplace.

Instructions

- 1
  Add height to the top of the fireplace by layering a large mantel board on top of the existing mantel. Add a narrow decorative trim piece along the seam of the old and new mantels.
- 2
  Install corbels on either side of the fireplace. A corbel is a decorative bracket-shaped piece of wood to add embellishment to the fireplace.
- 3
  Paint or restain the wood on the fireplace mantel and surround. The new finish makes the standard stand out and allows you to change the overall look of the fireplace.
- 4
  Install a tile surround near the insert of the fireplace. If the fireplace already has tile, upgrade to a tile that is fitting to the home's decor and more visually appealing than the existing tile.
- 5
  Install a decorative fireplace insert with doors to change the look of the builder-grade fireplace. Add an artistic fireplace screen in front of the unit.
- 6
  Hang artwork or a mirror above the fireplace to draw the eye up and create a decorative look to the area.
- 7
  Arrange a collection of decorative items on the mantel to complement the decor of the room. Ideas include glass bowls, ceramic figures, flowers, candles and photos. Include varying heights and colors for visual interest.

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