Fireplace Makeover Tips and Ideas

Is your fireplace looking a bit tired and shabby?

You don't necessarily need to swap it for a new one...

...you can makeover your fireplace to really make a difference.

Get fireplace remodelling ideas.....

• Tips for thoroughly cleaning your fireplace
• Fireplace paint
• Ideas for brick fireplaces

Is your fireplace looking a bit old and unloved? Or does it just not fit in well with your home decor any more...?

You needn't go to the whole hassle and expense of a new fireplace though... why not consider a fireplace makeover...

It is quite simple to remodel your fireplace a little, or a lot, to get something better looking, and something that matches your decor...

• a thorough cleaning
• fireplace paint
• repair and restoration
• finishing touches

For brick fireplace makeovers I recommend this great product which allows you to quickly and easily change the color and appearance of your brick fireplace - without losing any of that lovely brick texture...

...fantastic and innovative!

Click here to find out more...

Repairing and Cleaning Fireplace Makeover

If your fireplace is looking a bit shabby, it might just be that it needs a thorough cleaning...

• Dirt, dust, soot and tar can build up very quickly to give a grubby feel that does nothing for the look of your room, let alone your fireplace!
• Cleaning Stone
  • Clean with water and detergent
  • Use a sponge and a stiff brush









• Cleaning Marble and Granite
  • You have to be a bit more careful with cleaning granite or marble. They can be sponged with water, and a mild detergent.
  • Polish up with wax polish and a chamois leather
  • Repair small chips with a specialist putty, and sand down when hardened.
• Cleaning Slate
  • Wash with warm, soapy water and a stiff brush






Me, cleaning our woodburning stove



• Cast Iron and Unpolished Metalwork
  • Wash with warm, soapy water
  • Stubborn stains can be removed with methylated spirits
  
  
  

  

  To clean the glass, spray with a specialist stove glass cleaner to remove tar deposits
  
  
  

  

  Clean glass with a ball of scrunched-up tin foil for the best effect
  
  
  Then buff with kitchen towel.
  
  

  

  Clean glass! We might actually be able to see the flames now!
  • Cast-iron can take light sandpapering
  • Finish off with grate-blacking paint
• Woodwork
  • Wash with warm water, with a mild detergent
  • Fix any cracks with wood-filler, and sand when hard
  • Finish off with wax or varnish, to maintain the finish
• Bricks
  • Dust brick fireplaces with a soft brush
  • Remove stubborn soot stains with a stiff brush
  • Repair broken bricks with epoxy resin
  • Finish with a sealant to protect
  • Click here to find out more about making over your brick fireplace...









• Ceramic Tiles
  • Wash gently with warm, soapy water - no abrasive cleaners!
  • Re-apply any wobbly tiles with tile adhesive

Fireplace Paint Projects

• Fireplace paint is an excellent option for giving a whole new look to your existing fireplace.
• This can really help to lighten and modernise the look of your whole room.
• White is a good choice to give your home a lighter and brighter feel - a dark fireplace can really drag down and darken your whole room.









• White can also give a more contemporary feel
• Or, you might choose to co-ordinate your fireplace paint project with your decor...

  This should be looked at as a whole, and the color chosen to harmonise or to contrast and complement your chosen decor.

• Make sure you choose an appropriate paint to suit your fireplace.

  Look for specialist paints for painting on:

  • wood
  • stone
  • metal
  • brick

You should also make sure the paint you choose is appropriate for applications in heat too!

• Take a look at Brick-Anew's innnovative fireplace kits for painting brick fireplaces...

  ...if you paint brick fireplaces with ordinary paint, you get some very questionable results...

• Ordinary paint:
  can look 'daubed on'
  • does not adhere well
  • can crack, flake and fall off in patches
• You are much better off with a specialist brick fireplace paint which:
  • keeps the look and texture of real brick
  • lightens and stains the brick
  • can give the look of quality marble - or tumbled stone!
  • covers stains
  • protects and seals the brick fireplace
  • has a more contemporary look
  • ...and you can use it even if your brick fireplace has already been painted!
• This is a project that can easily be done by yourself, in just a weekend...

  Click here for more details...

Reader, Sandra, asks if she should paint her brick fireplace...

Angela wants to update the fireplace with a modern look

Whole Fireplace Restoration

If your fireplace is beyond the help of cleaning and minor repairs, or a fireplace makeover with fireplace paint, a complete renovation is a much bigger job...

This may involve knocking down and removing all, or part, of your fireplace, hearth and surround, and repairing or replacing.

If you don't feel confident with what you are doing, it is important to get professional help or advice.

It may be a lot more work, but with a complete renovation and restoration fireplace makeover, you can choose to fit any fireplace styles you want, depending on your tastes, and the style of your home.

A reader shares a fireplace makeover - a modern fire with traditional style

Trista wants help with making the fireplace into the room's focal point

Melissa tries to work around an awkward fireplace

Take a look at some fireplace design ideas and considerations to help you decide.

For inspiration for your fireplace remodelling project, take a look at these pictures of fireplaces

More about making over your brick fireplace...

Return to the main page for Home Heating Systems Information

Return from this Fireplace Makeover page to the Home Page

Top of Page

Search for words or phrases inside my site:

Custom Search

New! Comments