How to Change a Floor-to-Ceiling Fireplace

Clean the existing fireplace covering to remove built-up soot and dust. Use a stiff brush and mild detergent to clean the surface. Decide if you want to keep the existing covering or replace it with something else.

Paint the existing covering if you want a new look without completely replacing it. Prime the fireplace first; then apply two to three layers of paint to fully cover the fireplace.

Add a new finishing material, if you don't like the current look of the fireplace. Options include brick, stone or wood. If you want to decrease the height of the fireplace, you can drywall around the top portion of the fireplace to make it look like the regular wall is simply bumped out.

Hang a new mantle about 2 feet above the firebox opening. If your fireplace already has a mantle, replace it with a more substantial mantle that stands out more. If there isn't a mantle at all, adding a large, wood mantle helps break up the size of the floor-to-ceiling fireplace to make it more visually appealing.

Paint the wall behind the tall fireplace to make it stand out more. Choose a color that contrasts with the finish of the fireplace so it pops and becomes more of a focal point.