Read the sequence from the top before cutting, painting, or moving pieces.
Get your fireplace redo options here! These before and after fireplace makeovers will give you both the options and the information so you’re ready for your Handmade fireplace remodel, whether you’re refacing a dated fireplace or updating a builder grade fireplace.
Want to add a new fireplace or replace the old one? Learn how to build a Handmade faux fireplace and look at our top picks for electric fireplaces and mantels.
25 Best Handmade Fireplace Makeovers
Is your fireplace the statement piece you want for your living room or is it more of an outdated fireplace eyesore?
Whether it’s brick, stone, or simply drywall, make your fireplace the focal point you want with a Handmade fireplace makeover!
We’ve gathered the best fireplace remodel options that you can do yourself to modernize a fireplace surround and give it a whole new look, on a modest-cost.
These options can be used for a woodburning fireplace or a gas fireplace, to add character and update the look of the fireplace surround and area, to add fireplace built-in shelving and cabinets, and more.
Take a look, pick your go-to, and don’t settle for that ugly, old fireplace!
This post started with 10 of our favorites, then grew to 25, and now features nearly 50 striking fireplace remodel options that you can do yourself!
In This Post: Our 1970's Fireplace Remodel 13 straightforward Fireplace Makeover Updates 13 Fireplace Remodels with Built-ins 16 Handmade Fireplace Remodel & Refacing options 5 Additional Ways to Redo a Fireplace1970’s Fireplace Remodel with New Mantel & Airstone Surround
Like many homeowners, we had a nice living room fireplace that just didn’t jive with our remodel and updates.
As we remodeled our Jordan House, we knew we wanted to keep this fireplace.
When we removed the walls to open up the main level living room and kitchen area, the all-white fireplace felt lost on the now- large wall.
The raised hearth felt like it encroached on the open space we were creating.
So we remodeled the fireplace and mantel to make it fit the new style of the home/room. We…
- removed the dated tile surround and raised hearth
- modernized the wood surround and mantel with new craftsman/shaker style trim molding
- added a plank shiplap wall “faux chimney” above the fireplace to the ceiling and painted it and the wood mantel
- installed a new inlaid tile hearth and Airstone faux stone fireplace surround
Now it looks like this — a beautifully remodeled modern gray mantel and stone fireplace surround that stands out as a focal point in our open living room space!
We still want to add the built-in bookcases around the fireplace like we visualized in the initial concept plan, but that’s on the back burner for now while we keep working on our Birch House basement (among other things).
look at our walkthrough for built-in bookshelves here.Watch the video walkthrough and before-and-after fireplace remodel progress in the playlist here:
And now, on to more of the best fireplace remodel options!
If you’ve remodeled your fireplace based on this inspiration or follow our fireplace makeover tutorials, we would love to see photos! Submit your brag photos and project information here.
straightforward Fireplace Makeover Updates
If you’re not ready for a full fireplace remodel yet, try these straightforward updates to makeover the fireplace and give it a new look.
JUMP TO: Fireplace Built-in options Fireplace Remodel & Refacing options More Ways to Redo a FireplaceBlack Painted Brick Fireplace + New Wood Mantel
When we first moved in to our 1970’s rambler Birch House, one thing I really loved was the striking curved brickwork on the huge brick fireplace wall. They just don’t build houses like this anymore!
But the brick color was really brown and dated, so we painted it black and then added the easiest Handmade wood mantel in the world.
See how it looks now, decorated for fall (and with that other wall removed!)
Since then, we’ve also added a TV above the fireplace, which looks great (and is mostly hidden when we’re not watching it) on the black brick wall.
See 95 options for hiding a TV and decorating around it.Dark Gray Painted Fireplace Focal Wall
Paint covers a multitude of sins (and ugly stuff), and a dark paint color can turn a basic wall into a vivid focal wall.
This fireplace wall at Tanya’s was very busy with gray stone brick, wood paneling, and brass vents. She unified the whole wall by painting it all dark gray.
look at the before and after of this dark gray painted fireplace by Dans le Lakehouse.
Related Reading: Decorating with Black – 13 Reasons to Use Dark Colors In Your HomeStone Fireplace Wall Update
In our Canyon House, we had this huge stone fireplace wall. Rather than do the work to remove and replace it, we embraced it and made it a feature wall by adding a mantel.
The mantel really helped define the space and make it a focal point instead of an overwhelming large feature (plus now we can decorate around the fireplace!)
See how to build & hang a mantel on a stone fireplace wall.
Painted Stone Fireplace Makeover with Live Edge Mantel
A dated stone fireplace surround and unimpressive basic wood mantel got the update here at Colleen’s house!
She painted the stone brick fireplace and replaced the mantel with a striking live-edge wood plank that fits her modern rustic style perfectly.
Read about this painted stone fireplace makeover by Lemon Thistle.
Related Reading: options and Inspiration for a Painted Brick Fireplace MakeoverPainted Brick Fireplace Update with Thick Wood Mantel
In similar style, Carrie painted her brick fireplace navy blue and then replaced the thin crown molding type mantel with a thick rustic wood mantel.
This definitely makes a the fireplace a striking focal point!
See the details at Lovely Etc.
Handmade Floating Mantel from a Barnwood Beam
Upgrade the look of an in-wall fireplace with a floating mantel!
Sarah scored this old barn beam for just $10 and turned it into a vivid floating mantel for her fireplace.
Read all about it at Grace in My Space.
Stone Fireplace with Handmade Farmhouse Mantel Surround
Sara’s living room features this striking large stone fireplace, but the wood slab mantel just wasn’t making the statement that she wanted.
They wanted to highlight the stacked stone but give the fireplace wall some extra oomph, so they built a vivid farmhouse mantel around the fireplace.
See how to build a farmhouse mantel by Twelve on Main.
BONUS Reading: Tips and options for Decorating a MantelRestored Stone Fireplace Makeover
Some of us like to paint a brick fireplace, and others are looking to restore a painted brick or stone fireplace. It’s the circle of remodeling
Sarah’s stone fireplace was painted red — sooo bright and not her style (seriously, look at the before pictures).
She removed the old paint and then use a bit of whitewash paint to redefine the stone texture to restore it and make it look even better than the original!
See how to restore a painted brick or stone fireplace with FWH.
Faux Painted Brick Fireplace Redo
Rather than remove the paint from her painted brick fireplace, Brittany faux painted it to look like brick again!
See the how-to at Pretty Handy Girl.
Restained Brick Fireplace Makeover
If you like the brick but want a different color to fit your style and decor, you can re-stain the brick like Jodi did!
See how to re-stain a brick fireplace with Roly Poly Farm.
Basic Fireplace Box Remodel with Trim & Molding
Would you believe this lovely statement mantel began as a clearly basic drywall-only fireplace box?
These DIYers added the tile hearth and fireplace surround, a bit of plywood and some picture frame molding.
Read more about this basic fireplace update by HOUSEography.
You’ll also like: 13 Transformative Fireplace Makeover optionsHandmade Faux Chimney with Trim
For another straightforward update that makes a big statement, use a few pieces of trim to add a faux chimneypiece above a basic fireplace.
Adding height to a fireplace like this makes it a focal point and you can change up the style of trim to fit your style — classic like Tamara’s here, or use shiplap or paneling for a more farmhouse style.
Read how to add a fireplace faux chimney with trim by Provident Home Design.
Fireplace Wall Upgrade
Maybe the fireplace itself doesn’t need the update — maybe it’s the walls around it that do!
Sara added a striking paneled accent wall on either side of her fireplace and it made the whole wall a vivid addition to her elegant living room.
See how to add a fireplace paneled wall with picture frame molding by Sincerely Sara D.
Spray Painted Tile Fireplace Surround
The beige tile surround on Christin’s fireplace was feeling dated.
So what’s a DIYer to do but bust out a can of spray paint?!
See how to spray paint a tile fireplace surround at My Homier Home.
Handmade Fireplace Remodels with Built-Ins
If you’re looking to really make a statement with your fireplace remodel, add built-in shelving around the fireplace.
Built-ins can add storage and style to any room, but they look especially great as fireplace built-ins to create a classic focal wall with lots of storage.
JUMP TO: straightforward Fireplace Makeovers Fireplace Remodel & Refacing options More Ways to Redo a FireplaceHandmade Fireplace with Built-In Bookcases & Hidden TV
Add classic home style to a builder basic home by adding an entire fireplace built-in wall!
Shannon started with a basic blank wall, added the fireplace, and the built-in bookshelves, and (my go-to part) a hidden TV enclosure above the fireplace!
Get the details of this Handmade fireplace with built-ins and a hidden TV by Our Home Notebook.
You’ll also like: 99 options for Decorating Around or Hiding a TVWhite Painted Brick Fireplace & Built-Ins
Sometimes a bit of paint is the fastest and easiest way to make over a fireplace!
This bright white fireplace started as dark brick, dark wood built-ins, and dark wood paneling… not the light, bright, and modern space that Megan wanted.
See the before and after of Homemade Ginger’s white painted brick fireplace here.
More Like This: Painted White Fireplace Remodel by The 31 LadyStone Fireplace Remodel with Built-In Shelves
Jamie & Morgan started with a huuuuuge stone fireplace and hearth, which they removed and then filled in the space with a modern flat fireplace wall and built-in shelving for storage.
See the details on this memorable stone fireplace remodel by construction2style.
Read more: options and tips for fireplace built-insNew Fireplace Install with Built-In Bookshelves
The Anderson Family started with a very outdated but empty living room and created this striking fireplace and built-in bookshelf wall from scratch.
Read more about this new fireplace addition.
Faux Fireplace and Built-in Shelving
In a similar, our Park House fireplace was a total fake… but we loved our faux fireplace and mantel just the same!
This was part of our family room great wall of built-ins and was the well fitted addition to what was just a basic room before.
We built it all from scratch, on a modest-cost, and topped it with a rustic wooden mantel (and framed the TV to match).
See the process of adding the built-ins and Handmade faux fireplace.
You’ll also like: How to Frame a Wall-Mount TVCorner Fireplace Makeover with Wood Panels
Many homes of a certain era have this interesting design feature: a corner fireplace, often with a TV nook above.
The Foss family updated the basic sheetrock above the fireplace with some basic beadboard and wood panels in a shaker or board and batten style.
See more details of this wood panel fireplace redo by Little Bits of Bliss.
Handmade Built-In Electric Fireplace with Storage
This built-in electric fireplace wall is 100% Handmade! It makes for a great focal point on a blank wall, and the built-in storage cubbies are removable to access the electrical components for the fireplace and the TV that’s hung above.
Build it with the walkthrough from Woodshop Diaries.
Brick Fireplace Remodel with New Faux Chimney
You don’t have to paint a brick fireplace to update it!
Stephanie’s fireplace had dark wood built-in bookcases and a dark wood mantel with a brick surround.
She gave the bookcases and the mantel a coat of white paint and added a faux chimney extension to the fireplace surround. It looks memorable!
See the process by Simply Swider.
You’ll Also Like: straightforward Brick Fireplace Makeover optionsBrick Fireplace Remodel with Built-in Bookshelves
This big brick fireplace got a modern update! They added built-in bookshelves and cabinets on both sides and a new mantel and TV area above the fireplace.
She highlighted the brickwork above the fireplace by covering up the sides to enhance the brick keystone curve and give it a whole new style.
See the details of the brick fireplace remodel and built-in bookshelves by striking Mess.
New Gas Fireplace with Stone Surround and Built-in Shelving
This is an memorable glow-up! Becky took this blank wall from basic 70’s wood paneling to a strong stone fireplace with vivid wood built-in cabinets. The seamless mantel is vivid!
See how they installed their fireplace and built the built-ins.
Brick Fireplace with Built-In Cabinets and Bookcases
A basic red brick fireplace and oak mantel got a fabulous new update! Some new trim and it never hurts to install some built-in bookcases!
See more of this project by Naptime Handmade.
Built-ins are a great way to handle an off-center fireplace like this. See more options for decorating around a non-working and/or off-center fireplace.
Whitewash Painted Brick Fireplace with Built-Ins
Whitewash painting the brick on this fireplace was the frosting on this living room makeover cake! The updated wood mantel over the brick and the built-in bookcases frame it in so nicely.
See more at Finding Home.
Electric Fireplace Feature Wall with Shelves
If you have a large wall, adding a fireplace and shelves can really help fill the space instead of being dwarfed by it.
Lindsey started with the faux mantel, then added the shelves and a board and batten accent wall, and then upgraded from a faux fireplace to electric and added a stone hearth.
See more about this electric fireplace feature wall at Repurpose and Upcycle.
Related Reading: 24 options to Decorate Tall WallsHandmade Electric Fireplace Wall with IKEA Bookshelves
We couldn’t talk about built-ins without an IKEA method!
New build homes often have large blank walls, and Jillian made hers a statement by adding this Handmade electric fireplace wall flanked with IKEA Billy built-in bookcases.
Read all about this Handmade IKEA bookshelf electric fireplace wall at Free and Unfettered.
See our go-to IKEA method furniture projects.Handmade Fireplace Remodel & Refacing options
If your fireplace remodel needs a new look instead of a full sledgehammer removal, you can reface the fireplace surround and cover it up for a great new style.
JUMP TO: straightforward Fireplace Makeovers Fireplace Built-in options More Ways to Redo a FireplaceStone to Shiplap Modern Fireplace Remodel
Thalita’s dated stone fireplace got a vivid modern remodel! Now it’s a shiplap fireplace with marble tile surround and a vivid large wood mantel.
The surrounding shiplap walls also help make the off-center fireplace feel intentional instead of awkward.
See the before and after plus tips for surviving a fireplace remodel by The Learner Observer.
Related Reading: How to Decorate around an Off-Center FireplaceCorner Fireplace Remodel with Tile & Mirror
Sometimes there are features in your home that are just too much work to remove, so you gotta work it.
That was the case with Sabrina’s corner fireplace remodel. Taking down the huge mirror above the fireplace would have meant a lot of messy drywall work, so instead, Sabrina added trim and molding to frame with mirror and make it look intentional — and memorable!
She also replaced the dated marble surround with white marble hexagon tile, and painted the curved mantel and brass fireplace pieces. strong results!
Read the details on this fireplace before and after by Little Pink Notebook.
Refaced Brick Fireplace Remodel with Wood Panels & Tile
Jon and Sherry from took their basic brick fireplace and added new wood panels and striking white marble tile to give a contemporary look.
You’ve never guess there was red brick underneath all the striking new tile and trim!
See the process at Young House Love.
Refaced Brick Fireplace with Concrete and Shiplap
This dated fireplace was very old and in need of a makeover. Now, this formerly off-center fireplace with stained brick and mortar looks memorable!
Ashley kept the original brick fireobox and inlaid hearth, but framed over the brick to apply a feather-finish concrete to the fireplace and to add gray vertical shiplap above a rustic wood mantel — resulting in a vivid modernized style.
See the concrete and shiplap fireplace process at Cherished Bliss.
Stone Veneer Over a Brick Fireplace
Lori truly had an… interesting… before with her brick fireplace painted in white and burgundy!
She refaced the all brick fireplace and hearth by adding tile over the brick hearth and a lightweight faux stone veneer over the rest of the brick fireplace wall, right up the ceiling.
See the before and after at Dining Delight.
Handmade Stone Fireplace from Scratch
If you don’t have a fireplace to update, you can get a lot of style building from scratch.
Becky used the same type of faux stone facade as above, but instead of adding on an existing fireplace, she start with a blank wall and built the enclosure and fireplace wall for a new electric fireplace.
Read more about it at Boxwood Design Co.
Build an Electric Fireplace Wall
Along the same lines, Kristin built an electric fireplace wall from scratch — but wrapped it in vivid gray shiplap instead of stone or brick.
Check it out at Simply Handmade Home.
Handmade Concrete Fireplace Remodel
The old fireplace stone veneer was not Tasha’s style and not in good shape, either.
To fit her more modern style, she removed the faux stone veneer, wrapped the brick fireplace wall with drywall/cement board, and then skim coated concrete to make a completely updated and modern fireplace wall.
Get the details at Kaleidoscope Living and see how to hang a mantel on a concrete/masonry fireplace here.
Brick Fireplace Remodel
Layla updated this floor to ceiling fireplace for her friends to give it a whole new look!
The team build a new wood facade to break up the exposed brick fireplace wall and give it some modern style with a new wood and MDF mantel and shiplap style faux chimney piece.
Read more about this fireplace remodel at The Lettered Cottage.
Handmade Brick Fireplace Remodel
For a similar look, Bree took her basic in-wall gas fireplace and remodeled it into a modern classic brick fireplace!
She replaced the old mantel with a vivid barnwood mantel and added shiplap above.
Get the details of this brick fireplace remodel at Rain on Pine.
Tile & Shiplap Fireplace Remodel
An inset fireplace alcove can look dated and easily cluttered.
Rachel made hers look memorable and modern glam by adding a black tile fireplace surround and thick wood mantel, and filling in the upper recessed section with shiplap.
look at this fireplace makeover at Joyful Derivatives.
Concrete Corner Fireplace Remodel
This corner fireplace was in working condition, but the basic concrete fireplace surround wasn’t Cara’s style and also was flaking and making a mess.
So she wrapped it all in shiplap and added a wood mantel — now it’s the well fitted farmhouse fireplace!
See the corner fireplace remodel at The Inspired Workshop.
Refaced Wood Fireplace Makeover
Stephanie had an older basic wood panel fireplace surround that just didn’t work with her style.
She updated the fireplace by using recycled hardwood paneling to give it an earthy style — a huge difference from the basic paneling before!
Read about the wood fireplace paneling at The Divine Living Space.
Stacked Stone Fireplace Remodel to Brick
This vivid modern and classic brick fireplace began as a full-wall stacked stone fireplace!
Crystal removed all the stone and then added the thin brick fireplace surround and built the mantel from just one sheet of MDF.
Get more info about this vivid Handmade fireplace remodel at Living in Laundry.
Handmade Tile to Faux Brick Fireplace Surround
The plain fireplace with a basic tile surround wasn’t a fit for what Brooke wanted.
So she removed the tile and replaced it with faux brick tile, then added a wood mantel.
See the details of the faux brick fireplace update at Restore Decor and More.
New Fireplace Tile Face Update
Faith was tired of the basic square tile surrounding her fireplace, so she added new mosaic tile (and spray painted the brass fireplace door, too).
See the before and after on this new fireplace tile face.
Fireplace Makeover with Peel & Stick Tile
For an even easier fireplace tile surround update, you can use heat resistant peel and stick tile!
Jenna used “paint and stickers” to give her fireplace a fresh new look on a modest-cost, without needing special tiling tools or skills.
Get the details on this peel and stick tile fireplace makeover at Lantern Lane Designs.
Brick to Tile Fireplace Remodel
There was so much to cringe at in this fireplace before…. the oddly proportioned (and wavy?!) mantel, dirty stained brick, and a raised hearth that Stephanie wanted gone.
So she removed the hearth, covered the brick with large rectangular tiles, and build a striking new modern mantel.
See the whole fireplace makeover at Swing N Cocoa.
Painted Wood Fireplace Redo with White Marble Tile Reface
Amy gave her parents’ fireplace mantel and tile face a whole new look!
The striking but dated woodwork was painted white, and the old beige square tile face and inlaid hearth were replaced with modern striking white marble tile in a herringbone pattern.
See more photos at The Blissful Bee.
More Handmade Fireplace Redo options
Got an awkward fireplace setup? Or no fireplace at all? Try these options to update the fireplace area or create a fireplace in your home.
JUMP TO: straightforward Fireplace Makeovers Fireplace Built-in options Fireplace Remodel & Refacing optionsAwkward Fireplace Alcove options
If you’ve got an awkward alcove by the fireplace (or anywhere) — try these options to make it a functional reading nook and focal point instead.
Repurposed Faux Fireplace Mantel
When they were given an old electric fireplace mantel, The Rooster and the Hen gave it a coat of paint and a nice modern makeover.
Read more about this faux fireplace here.
Handmade Faux Fireplace
Want to build your own fireplace for style, but don’t actually need a fireplace for heat?
Build a faux fireplace and mantel!
Read how to build a faux fireplace by Bless’er House.
plus 20 more vivid faux fireplaces you can build and 20 Handmade fireplace mantel alternatives.
Cover a Tile Hearth with Concrete
Sarah wanted to keep the exposed stove and woodburning fireplace in her 1906 farmhouse, but the previous owners’ strange tile laying job on the hearth beneath the fireplace was just odd.
So, they trimmed up the shape and laid a modern concrete hearth over it!
See the details of this concrete hearth over tile by She Holds Dearly.
More before and after remodel options you’ll love:
- 15+ vivid Handmade Staircase Remodels (on a modest-cost!)
- 19 Before and After Handmade Kitchen Remodel options
- 25 Stylish Wainscoting options You Can Install Yourself
- 18 options for an Awkward Small Laundry Room
First published 19 May 2014 // Last updated 11 Apr 2022
