Easy Brick Fireplace Makeover Ideas
Do you have a brick fireplace that feels outdated and isn't the cozy focal point you want in your space? A brick fireplace makeover is one of the easiest and most budget friendly DIY projects you can do and it can completely change the way your home looks and feels.
I come from a family of DIYers and there's a running joke that if my mom didn't like something, she'd paint it white. My dad thought she was crazy when she painted our floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace white... but it turned out so good that we never ended up demoing it.
Brick fireplaces are a common hiccup in many homes because they can feel outdated and clash with your decorating style. But with a little creativity - paint, plaster, veneer or even shiplap - you can give your fireplace a whole new life.
So if you've been wondering how to update a brick fireplace on a budget you're in the right place! Below you'll find modern brick fireplace makeover ideas that will inspire you and give you the information you need to try a fireplace redo in your own home.
In This Article
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Can You Paint A Brick Fireplace?
The answer is a resounding yes! This is the easiest and most cost effective to tackle a DIY fireplace makeover.
Painted Brick Fireplace Makeovers- Neutrals
White painted brick fireplace
White paint on a red brick fireplace is all it takes to totally update the look and feel of a room. It instantly transforms the space and makes the fireplace feel fresh and modern. And it's a whole lot easier than tearing out and replacing the fireplace!
CC and Mike turned a small, boring red brick fireplace into a stunning room focal point by replacing the old mantel, adding brick up to the ceiling, and painting the entire fireplace surround white.
Pro Tip: Choose fireplace-rated brick paint—indoor, latex, heat-resistant paint (either flat, semigloss, or gloss) that can withstand temperatures up to 250 F degrees.
Amy of Amelia Lawrence Style & Design convinced her die-hard "never paint brick" husband to paint their gas-lit red brick fireplace - and now he wishes they would have done it sooner! There's nothing like white brick paint to brighten up your living space.
Black painted brick fireplace
When budgets are tight, you don't have to skimp on beauty. This black brick fireplace adds depth, contrast and drama to a family room and pulls in color from the builtins, window trim and room decor.
Jess at Bright Green Door painted her red brick fireplace with only one coat of paint. The deep black sets off the mantel, shiplap and greenery and creates a bold modern look.
Gray painted brick fireplace
An old brick fireplace surrounded by retro wood paneling went from stuck in the '60s to sleek and contemporary with just a simple paint update. White paint for the paneling and gray for the fireplace, and - voila! - the room was completely changed.
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Bold Painted Brick Fireplaces
Traditionally people paint fireplaces the same color as the surrounding walls, or one or two shades darker or lighter. Neutral shades like gray and white are classic colors for updating a brick fireplace.
But if you're ready to make a style statement, consider painting your brick fireplace non-traditional colors like green, navy blue and even blush pink.
Pro Tip: Experts recommend using a good primer if the fireplace is functional (rather than for decoration). It prevents paint from cracking and staining due to heat, and also act as a humidity barrier (because of the flue). Allow primer to dry completely before painting, preferably 24 hours.
Whitewashed Brick Fireplace
If you want to retain the rustic style of red brick but still update the fireplace, a whitewashed brick fireplace is the perfect way to go.
Whitewashing is basically watered down white paint that lets some of the original texture and color of the brick peek through. You control how heavy or light you want the white to be, depending on how much water you mix into the paint.
Lime wash vs Whitewash
Professional painters often recommend lime wash instead of whitewash. Lime combines minerals, water, and lime for a coating that soaks into the brick, while whitewash sits on top. Lime wash is more expensive than whitewash, but more flexible to work with. Both can achieve a charming, distressed look.
Covering A Brick Fireplace
If painting or whitewashing isn't your thing, there are plenty of ways to cover a brick fireplace for a totally new look.
Shiplap fireplace
Mimzy over at Mimzy and Company covered a deteriorated brick fireplace starting with an underlayment plywood.
From there she added horizontal strips of 12 inch shiplap and crown moulding, leaving a small frame of brick around the firebox and then painted the entire thing white (except the firebox, which is a heat-resistant black).
I love how the bright, clean white is balanced by the brick hearth, still in its original condition. This type of brick fireplace makeover works especially well if you want to tie your fireplace into modern farmhouse or coastal decorating styles.
Stone veneer fireplace
Andrea of Pine and Prospect Home was intrigued by the idea of covering their fireplace with AirStone because it looks and feels like real stone but weighs and costs a whole lot less!
She placed gray AirStone directly over the existing brick, using adhesive applied with a putty knife. The result adds instant rustic warmth and texture to the room, and the fireplace is subtly offset by Repose Gray painted walls.
Cement or plaster fireplace
Smearing an old brick fireplace with cement was the perfect solution for Chloe at Boxwood Avenue.
Cement is durable and non-flammable and the finished look is clean, smooth and simple. This can be a DIY project, but Chloe chose to call in a professional tile mason.
Unlike concrete, plaster over a brick fireplace still shows lets some of the brick texture show through. Jamie of So Much Better With Age used plaster to fill the gaps and smooth the surface before coating the brick. She finished it off with a coat of Behr Swiss Coffee.
Safety And Expert Tips
Before starting a DIY brick fireplace makeover, keep these safety tips in mind and consider consulting an expert as needed:
- Check for old paint or hazardous materials in older homes.
- If the brick is crumbling, molding, or deteriorating, consider professional repair before cosmetic updates.
- Always use heat-resistant products near the firebox for safety.
Final Thoughts
A brick fireplace makeover doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Whether you paint it, whitewash it for rustic charm, or cover it with stone, cement or shiplap, you'll see a huge difference in the look and feel of your space.
And if you're not sure which decorating style fits your home best, my guide Home Decor Styles 101 will help you choose the right style direction before you commit to your fireplace makeover.
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