Ideas for Renovating a Brick Fireplace

Paint the Brick

• Painting is one of the easiest ways to renovate a brick fireplace. Depending on the color that you choose, you can help your fireplace blend in with the wall or stand out as the room’s focal point. If you want to freshen up the look of a dated brick fireplace, try painting it white. A white shade gives the room a bright, airy feel and naturally draws the eye to the fireplace. You can also highlight your brick fireplace by painting it the same color as the room’s trim and woodwork. Because the trim is usually a different shade than the wall color, the contrast between the fireplace and wall helps call attention to the fireplace. However, if you prefer to de-emphasize the fireplace, paint it to match the walls that surround it so it blends into the room seamlessly.

Tile It

• While painting your fireplace can hide the brick’s color, it cannot disguise its texture. If you prefer to cover your brick fireplace surround completely, consider tiling over it. You can opt for a rustic look with a textured stone tile like slate or use a polished stone tile like marble or granite to create a more elegant look. However, if you prefer a vibrant, colorful look, ceramic tile may be the best option. You can find ceramic tile in a wide range of colors and patterns, so you can create a custom design for your fireplace that turns it from an eyesore to the room’s strongest feature.

Cover With Plaster

• Plastering your fireplace is another option if you want to cover the brick completely. With plaster, you can customize the texture of your finished fireplace surround. Smooth, polished plaster offers a sleek, modern look, while a rough, swirled plaster finish creates a cozy, rustic look. Covering your brick fireplace with plaster also allows you to build up the surround so it instantly becomes the focal point of the room. You can create a colorful look for your fireplace with plaster as well because you can tint it in a variety of shades before you apply it to the fireplace. When choosing plaster, be sure to choose a fire-resistant variety such as gypsum plaster or fibrous plasterwork.

Add a Mantel

• If you like your brick fireplace but want to give it a facelift, adding a mantel can provide a new look. A wooden mantel is an ideal option because its natural warmth complements the rustic look of the brick. You can opt for a simple wooden slab across the top of the fireplace or a mantel with decorative molding that covers the top and sides for a more formal look. Depending on the style you prefer, you can stain the mantel so its natural finish shines through or paint it for a more colorful look. For a simple, elegant look, a white mantel can make the brick pop.