Yes, you can update your fireplace on a budget! Then take a look at more frugal home improvement projects.
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How to update a fireplace on a budget
A fireplace is such a wonderful addition to the home. It makes it feel cozy throughout the cooler months and always add a romantic touch.
Unfortunately, some fireplaces can be eyesores! Whether it’s an outdated screen or years of soot buildup, you may want to hide your living room’s best feature rather than embrace it.
Scrub It Clean
If you have a wood-burning fireplace or a fireplace that was converted to gas at some point, you may have a lot of buildup on the walls of the fireplace.
Not only is this dangerous, but it can really affect the look. There are a number of recipes for natural cleaners online or you can purchase store-bought cleaners that are made for this purpose.
Replace the Screen
A very affordable option is to simply replace the screen. There are so many great screens on the market. Shop online so that you not only get the best selection of styles, but the best selection of prices.
However, if you like the design of your screen, but hate the color, you can always use a high-heat paint to update it. Kristi at Addicted 2 Decorating has a tutorial on how to paint a brass fireplace screen. You’d be surprised what a big difference this small change makes!
Paint the Doors
One of the biggest updates that older fireplaces need is to update the doors. Those ugly brass doors can be unsightly, especially if you’ve updated the rest of your room.
The good news is you can purchase high-heat spray paint so that you can paint the brass black. This gives such a better look to almost any fireplace. This is a project you’ll want to do outside so that you don’t fill your home with paint fumes.
Tile or Paint the Fireplace Surround
Sometimes the problem is the surround. For example, if you have an outdated brick fireplace, white paint can make it look fantastic. KC at The Real Coake shows her dramatic fireplace makeover using paint.
If you have a rock fireplace that looks more like the 1970s than the updated look you’re going for, you may want to build a surround and then tile it.
There are so many options to address the surround. Heather at Setting for Four shows how easy it is to repaint outdated tile with this easy fireplace makeover.
Buy a New Mantle
Last, but not least, buying a new mantle can greatly change the look of your fireplace. If you’re good with wood, you can also make your own. The Idea Room has a tutorial on building a DIY Fireplace Mantel with MDF board.
Another option is to restain your existing mantle in a new color. You can also paint the mantle for an updated look.
You don’t have to hide your fireplace! With a few simple tricks, you can make your fireplace the best feature in your living room.
Best of all, you won’t have to spend a lot of money when you do a budget fireplace update.
