21 Easy and Affordable Fireplace Makeovers to Transform Your Hearth

Add Décor

You don't need power tools to give your fireplace an impressive update. "Sometimes your fireplace just needs a little décor to elevate without renovating," says Amanda Wiss, founder of Urban Staging. Adding a mirror, art, some books, candles, or plants can be a quick way to make the fireplace look like it belongs in the room."

Reflect Light With a Mirror

Adding a mirror above a fireplace gives the space a new look and reflects light into your room, making the space feel larger. It's a traditional spot to have a mirror, so it can make a dated fireplace feel more intentional. "If you leave a dated fireplace bare, it can sometimes feel like it's out of place or unwanted," Wiss says. "By adding a layer of décor, you bring the fireplace into the larger scheme of the room."

Give It a Coat of Paint

A fireplace mantel painted the same color as a room can feel like an afterthought. Even with dramatic molding, it can still blend into the background. Andrea Sinkin, owner of Andrea Sinkin Design, recommends giving the fireplace the royal treatment with paint that stands out. "In this room, we used Benjamin Moore denim blue in high gloss to give the fireplace personality and pop."

Change Everything Around the Fireplace

When homeowners inherit a fireplace, the stone or tile surrounding it isn't always what they would have chosen—and it's a project to replace it. Instead, the more affordable option is to work with what you have.

This fireplace had a statement-making warm marble and, rather than trying to replace it, we used décor to enhance it. "We incorporated the warmer tones into the room with an ombre wall covering from York Wallcoverings and changed the décor. Changing the tones around the fireplace and adding lighting and new art made the fireplace seem like a deliberate choice," says Sinkin.

Add Molding

Molding can give a fireplace a dramatic look, and it's a much less expensive option than enlarging the fireplace itself. "We added moldings and a mantel that extended to either side, which gave the face of the fireplace more presence. To bring it into scale, we continued the columns and moldings up to the bottom of the raked windows and now the whole fireplace wall feels really intentional to the room and much more grand," says Valerie Helgeson, lead designer and founder of Design Directions.

Use a Unique Tile Pattern

Rather than sticking with a traditional brick, updating the tile on the fireplace front gives it an entirely fresh look. "A great way to refresh your fireplace without a full renovation is by incorporating colorful tile in an eye-catching pattern. Here, we used a distinctive glazed ceramic tile arranged in a herringbone design," says Katelyn De Spain, owner and principal designer of MakeHouse Design.

Replace Logs With Gas Balls

An easy way to update the fireplace is to skip the logs and opt for something more unique. “For gas fireplaces, replacing traditional logs with decorative gas balls creates a modern, sculptural look. These sleek alternatives offer a clean yet striking focal point," says Sarah Hargrave, owner and principal designer at The Collective.

Streamline the Design

Rather than trying to create an ornate fireplace, think simple. "Less is more! Streamline a busy and disproportional fireplace surround by opting for a plaster surround instead. Plaster adds depth and warmth yet is subtle enough to let your décor and furniture shine," says Andrea Lackie, owner of Andrea Lackie Design.

Install a Wood Mantel

A warm wood mantel is an affordable and minimalist way to add coziness to a space. "Replacing the mantel with natural wood introduces a bit of warmth and character. Introducing an organic element like wood that balances harder materials like stone and brick can create the right type of contrast in your space," says Ashlie Adam, principal interior designer at Park Luxury Design.

Go Dark

A can of black paint is all you need to turn a fireplace into a sleek, modern statement. "Black delivers bold sophistication—whether you choose matte for a minimalist vibe or glossy for a touch of drama. It hides imperfections, highlights texture, and pairs beautifully with both light and dark palettes," says Ginger Curtis, founder and CEO of Urbanology Designs.

Paint a Layered Monochromatic Look

Give your fireplace an unexpected look with a playful palette of monochromatic layers, like this pink and light pink combination. "We updated this fireplace to go with my client's eclectic style," says Victoria Holly, owner of Victoria Holly Interiors. "By painting it a light pink, it allows the stone to blend away and makes the wood mantel pop more, making that the key focus of the fireplace."

Apply Microcement

Microcement is an easy way to update a brick, tile, or sheetrock fireplace. This minimalist material adds depth and an industrial edge without having to rip out the existing fireplace. "Microcement is a versatile material that offers a chic, stucco-like finish that can be tailored to your style—whether you prefer a sleek, modern aesthetic or a more rustic, textured vibe," Jessica Maros, owner of Maros Designs says.

Paint the Tile and Firebox

Rather than just painting the mantel, try color-drenching the entire space, including the tile, trim, and firebox—the resulting look is vintage-inspired and dramatic. "Start by painting your mantel, especially if the existing paint is chipping or if the finish looks tired and outdated," says Jennifer Jones, principal designer at Niche Interiors. "But, for a more cohesive look, consider painting the tile surround and the inside of the firebox as well."

Install a New Surround

If purchasing a new mantel is in the budget, you can get a look that feels plucked straight out of a grand Victorian home without having to deal with the old house headaches. Arin Agase, interior decorator at Happily Inspired, purchased an ornate mantel and made it work within her more modern home. "This is an elevated look that included painting the tile black to get rid of the mosaic. It totally transformed our entire space. You can also find a lot of these on Facebook Marketplace for a steal," says Agase.

Add Tile Above the Mantel

Rather than sticking to tile around the fireplace, try adding tile above the mantel for a new look and a textured backdrop for any art or décor. "Above the mantel, a lighter linen-textured tile, slightly darker than the wall color, is laid in a stacked vertical pattern, drawing attention upward to this room’s dramatic vaulted ceiling," says Brooke Droptini, founder + CEO of LittleCreek+Co.

Frame the Fireplace With Wood Trim

If your fireplace has stunning tile, like the Brazilian handmade tile pictured here, frame it with a simple wood trim to draw attention to the color and texture. "We used wood trim to frame the whole composition and provide a projection for decor to sit atop," says Nadia Palacios, principal at Nadia Palacios Residential Design.

Add a Decorative Tile

If you retile around your fireplace, think beyond repeat patterns. A decorative tile that adds a mural element is a gorgeous way to make a statement. "We added hand-painted tile to this fireplace surround, creating a focal point and pop of color in this arts and crafts living room," says Miriam Dillon, an associate at BVA BarnesVanze Architects.

Blend Old and New

This fireplace got a bold makeover that ties together old and new elements. The cohesive black paint and wash of dark stain provide continuity between the brick, wood mantel, and wood stove in the firebox. "Fireplaces are meant to be the star of the home, where families gather to warm up and create that magical feeling," says Sallie Lord, founder of GreyHunt Interiors. This blend of old and new, dark and light, creates that feeling.

Cover a Brick Fireplace With Stone

This fireplace already had gorgeous framing thanks to the built-in bookcases on either side, but the original was brick that had been painted, painted, and painted again. The brick seemed beyond repair, so Sharon Sherman, owner of Thyme and Place Design, gave it a new facade. "We chose a stacked natural stone to cover the brick, replaced the hearth with a bluestone slab, and voilà! Update complete," says Sherman.

Choose a Minimal Mantel

Keep your mantel update minimal to let the rest of your room shine. "Start with a clean plaster surround and a minimalist mantel to establish a neutral foundation and use decorative pieces to add depth and character," says Kara Childress, principal and founder of Kara Childress, Inc. "This combination creates a cozy and inviting ambiance while allowing the fireplace to serve as a focal point in the space."

Elevate the Firebox

If you have a bit more budget, consider elevating the firebox with a higher hearth. "In rooms with soaring ceilings, an elevated hearth helps anchor the space," Hargrave says. "This design choice draws the eye upward, creating a sense of proportion and making the firebox a commanding presence in the room."