Most living rooms have a silent saboteur the spot you keep cropping out of photos or dimming the lights to hide and nine times out of ten, it’s the fireplace. In my experience, that’s actually good news, because it means one focused project can shift the whole room from “fine” to “finished.” What works best is tackling what your eye reads first: color that flatters, texture that feels intentional, and proportions that finally make sense from the sofa. I’ve found that when you start with the surround, the mantel, or the lighting three high-impact moves you get instant wins without gutting anything or blowing the budget. If you’re ready for real, doable steps that respect your time and your wallet, these 15 ideas will help you turn the most stubborn corner of your space into the reason you linger a little longer.
In this article, I’ll walk you through 15 of my favorite fireplace makeover ideas that I’ve personally tried and refined over the years each one practical, beautiful, and totally doable, no matter your experience level.
Rethink the Surround with Paint (Even on Brick)
Let’s start simple. One of the fastest ways to modernize a fireplace is with paint—but not just any paint, and not without prep.
I worked with a client in Dublin whose red brick fireplace clashed with her neutral living room. She wanted “Scandi-minimal” but felt stuck. We tested three paints on sample boards first. The winner? A warm, matte Farrow & Ball ‘Off-Black’ (metric: 10L for €65 / ~$70 USD). Yes, black—on brick. But it worked because we sealed the brick first with a masonry primer (Zinsser Watertight, 9L for €45 / ~$50), then applied two thin coats with a microfibre roller.
Pro tip: Use a 12mm roller for texture grip. Avoid thick brushes—they leave streaks.
Total time: 2 days (including drying). Cost: under €120 (~$130). Difficulty: Beginner.
Avoid this: Painting over soot or grease. Clean with TSP (trisodium phosphate) first—1kg costs €12 (~$13) and lasts years.
Frame It with Shiplap or Board-and-Batten
If your fireplace blends into the wall, give it definition. I’ve used both shiplap and board-and-batten, but board-and-batten creates more architectural weight—perfect for living rooms that feel flat.
For a cottage in County Wicklow, I built a frame using 150mm-wide pine boards (6” width) with 50mm (2”) battens. We painted it in a warm white (Benjamin Moore ‘Chantilly Lace’) to keep it airy. The frame extended 30cm (12”) beyond the firebox on each side—just enough to anchor the space without overwhelming it.
Materials:
- Pine boards (3m lengths, €8.50/m)
- Wood glue and 40mm finishing nails
- Miter saw or handsaw (rental: €30/day)
Time: 1 full day. Cost: €180–220 (~$200–240). Difficulty: Intermediate.
Pro tip: Pre-drill nail holes to avoid splitting. Fill with wood putty, then sand smooth before painting.
Upgrade with Real Stone Veneer (Not Tile)
Tile feels dated fast. Real stone veneer? Timeless. I used Cotswold Limestone stack stone on a Dublin townhouse project—light, creamy tones that added texture without heaviness.
Each panel covers 0.74m² (8 sq ft), costs €110 (~$120), and weighs 25kg. We dry-fitted first, then adhered with flexible tile adhesive (Kerakoll Flexcol, 20kg bag for €38). Grout was mixed with a 50/50 blend of white and grey to avoid stark lines.
Key insight: Cut pieces with an angle grinder (€120 rental) using a diamond blade. Always wear a mask—stone dust is no joke.
Time: 2–3 days. Cost: €600–800 (~$650–870) for a standard 3m² (32 sq ft) surround. Difficulty: Intermediate/Advanced.
Avoid this: Skipping expansion gaps. Leave 5mm (¼”) at the top and sides—fill with silicone later.
Try a Floating Mantel for Modern Appeal
A floating mantel adds clean lines and opens up the space. I built one from reclaimed oak (150mm thick x 300mm deep x 2m long) for a client in Galway. We used two steel brackets (300mm arms, 10mm steel) anchored into wall studs with M10 bolts and chemical anchors (Sika AnchorFix-1).
Weight capacity: over 100kg (220 lbs). We sanded, oiled with Osmo Polyx-Oil (€42/L), and hung it level using a laser guide.
Time: Half a day. Cost: €350–500 (~$380–540), depending on wood source. Difficulty: Intermediate.
Pro tip: If you can’t hit studs, use heavy-duty toggle bolts rated for 50kg each.
Add Recessed Lighting Above the Mantel
Most fireplaces are underlit. I installed recessed LED downlights (6W, 3000K warm white) in a ceiling beam above a mantel—three fixtures spaced 60cm (24”) apart.
Used Philips Master LED for dimmability and long life. Wires run through the attic, connected to a wall dimmer. The glow reflects off the mantel, creating soft ambient light.
Time: 4–6 hours (if attic access exists). Cost: €220 (~$240) for lights, housing, and electrician call-out. Difficulty: Intermediate (hire an electrician if unsure).
Avoid this: Placing lights too close to the wall—they’ll cast harsh shadows.
Use Stucco for a Mediterranean Vibe
For a coastal home in Wexford, I transformed a bland plaster surround with Venetian stucco. Three layers of Marmorino plaster, burnished with a trowel, gave it a soft, marble-like finish.
Product: Linea Stucchi Marmorino Classico (€95 for 5kg). We mixed with marble dust for extra shimmer. Applied with a steel trowel in circular motions.
Time: 3 days (drying between coats). Cost: €150 (~$160). Difficulty: Intermediate.
Pro tip: Practice on cardboard first. The second coat is where the magic happens—press firmly for sheen.
Install a Fireback for Instant Character
No renovation? No problem. A cast iron fireback (500mm x 700mm, €180–300 / ~$200–330) sits behind the flames and radiates heat forward.
I found an antique French one on Etsy—floral scrollwork that glows in the firelight. It’s not fixed; just leans against the back wall. Adds instant old-world charm.
Time: 10 minutes. Cost: €180+. Difficulty: Beginner.
Avoid this: Using painted firebacks—heat will blister the paint. Go for raw or seasoned cast iron.
Frame with Black Steel for Industrial Style
For a city loft, I built a black steel frame around the firebox using 50mm x 50mm angle iron. Cut with an angle grinder, welded at corners, then mounted with rawl bolts into masonry.
Painted with heat-resistant black spray (Zolpan, withstands 600°C / 1112°F). The contrast with white walls was stunning.
Time: 1 day. Cost: €200–250 (~$220–270). Difficulty: Advanced (welding required).
Pro tip: Grind welds smooth before painting for a clean finish.
Try a Whitewashed Brick Finish
Instead of full paint, try whitewash. It preserves texture while lightening the space.
Mix 1 part white paint (matt emulsion) with 3 parts water. Apply with a sponge roller, then wipe off immediately with a cloth—less is more. I did this on a Victorian fireplace in Cork. Result? Airy, historic, not flat.
Time: 1 day. Cost: €30 (~$33). Difficulty: Beginner.
Avoid this: Letting it dry before wiping—creates a solid, chalky look.
Add a Wood-Burning Insert (If Open Fire)
An open fire loses 80% of its heat up the chimney. A DEFRA-approved wood-burning insert (like Stovax Stockton 4) boosts efficiency to 75%.
Cost: €2,200–3,000 (~$2,400–3,250) installed. Requires liner and hearth check. But cuts wood use in half and heats the room evenly.
Time: 1–2 days (professional install). Difficulty: Hire a HETAS-certified engineer.
Pro tip: Choose a model with clean-burn tech—less soot, clearer glass.
Decorate the Mantel with Layered Texture
A mantel isn’t just for candles. I style mine in layers:
- Base: A long wooden tray (40cm x 15cm)
- Middle: Two stacked books, a small potted succulent (in a terracotta pot)
- Front: A brass candle holder and a woven textile strip
Rotate seasonally—dried eucalyptus in winter, fresh herbs in summer.
Pro tip: Keep items below 30cm (12”) tall so you can see the art above.
Paint the Interior Firebox Black
Most fireboxes are grey or brick-red. Painting it matte black heat-resistant paint (Zolpan, 400ml for €15 / ~$16) makes flames pop.
Clean with wire brush first. Apply two thin coats. Let cure 48 hours before lighting.
Time: 3 hours. Cost: €20. Difficulty: Beginner.
Avoid this: Using regular spray paint—it’ll peel and smell.
Add a Hearth Extension with Slate
If your hearth feels too small, extend it. I used 600mm x 400mm slate tiles (€28 each), laid in a herringbone pattern.
Cut with a wet saw (rental: €50/day). Set in flexible adhesive, grouted with dark grey.
Extended the hearth by 60cm (24”) into the room—now it defines the seating area.
Time: 2 days. Cost: €200–300 (~$220–325). Difficulty: Intermediate.
Use Mirrors to Reflect Light
Above the mantel, a bevelled mirror (80cm x 100cm, €120) doubles the light. I hung one in a north-facing room—made the space feel twice as big.
Use picture wire and wall anchors rated for 20kg+. Ensure it’s level.
Time: 30 minutes. Cost: €100–180 (~$110–195). Difficulty: Beginner.
Try a Full Painted Surround in a Bold Hue
Go bold. I painted a fireplace surround in Farrow & Ball ‘Tanner’s Brown’—a deep, earthy tone that grounded a bright room.
Used eggshell finish for wipeability. Trimmed with a 50mm (2”) white border to frame it.
Time: 2 days. Cost: €100 (~$110). Difficulty: Intermediate.
Pro tip: Use FrogTape for crisp edges—worth the extra €5.
FAQs: Real Questions, Real Answers
1. Can I paint a marble fireplace?
Yes, but prep is key. Etch with muriatic acid (diluted 1:10), prime with bonding primer (like Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3), then use oil-based paint. Sand lightly first for grip.
2. How much does a full stone veneer job cost?
For a standard 3m² surround: €600–900 (~$650–975) DIY. With labour: €1,500+ (~$1,625). Depends on stone type.
3. Is it safe to install a floating mantel myself?
Yes, if you anchor into studs or use chemical anchors in masonry. Never rely on wall plugs alone for heavy wood.
4. Can I add a wood burner to an open fireplace?
Yes, but it must be approved for your area (DEFRA in the UK/Ireland). Hire a certified installer—safety and insurance depend on it.
5. How do I keep soot off the surround?
Burn dry, seasoned wood. Clean the chimney annually. Use a fire screen. And paint the surround with washable eggshell.
6. What’s the easiest weekend update?
Whitewash the brick or add a fireback. Both take under 6 hours and cost under €50.
Final Thoughts
Every fireplace has a story and a little love and attention can turn yours into the heart of the home again. Whether you start with a fresh coat of paint, a new mantel, or a full stone surround, each small change adds warmth and personality that your whole family will feel. I’ve seen these makeovers bring not just beauty, but joy, to spaces that once felt tired or overlooked. So, choose one idea, grab a cup of coffee, and give it a try you’ll be amazed at how quickly your living room takes on a whole new life. Because at the end of the day, a fireplace isn’t just about heat it’s about home.
Your fireplace doesn’t need a million euros or a contractor to shine. Start small paint, a new mantel, or just a better arrangement of objects. I’ve seen the simplest changes transform not just a room, but how people use it. They gather more. They slow down. They live there.
Pick one idea from this list just one and try it this weekend. Then light a fire, step back, and see how it feels. That warmth? That’s more than just heat. It’s home.
What part of your fireplace makeover are you most excited to tackle first?