Fireplace update idea

Steph W
by Steph W
I am looking for ideas in regards to updating this fireplace. What appears to be brick is actually more of a cinder block material so stripping the paint is a lost cause. Have thought about just repainting it but stuck on what color(s) to do. The original tile on the floor has some chunks that would need to be filled so I am thinking of tearing it out and replacing entirely, but not sure what kind of tile etc would be the best choice to rebuild the floor part and cover the Cinder too. Any suggestions would be great!
  10 answers
  • Robyn Garner Robyn Garner on Aug 21, 2017

    As the floor and cinder block areas are pretty small, I would find some beautiful tiles that create a pattern when placed next to each other. Perhaps navy & white? Once you choose the tiles, I would then test either the light or dark color for use on the mantle itself. You could use the contrasting color to make some of the details on the mantle "pop" such as the half round trim.

  • Peg Peg on Aug 21, 2017

    Believe it or not painting the walls behind the fireplace would make the entire room look better.

  • Susan K Mullins Susan K Mullins on Aug 21, 2017

    I would paint the wood a light beige color and lightly dry brush black in the grain. I would paint the cinders black and dry brush light beige on to the cinders. Since the area in front is small, I would add marble tiles that have beige, black and gray flowing throughout the tiles. Then for a pop of color I would add a couple of pieces of red decorations on the mantle.

  • Sunny C Sunny C on Aug 21, 2017

    Hello Steph; If I were redoing your home, this is what I would do.

    I would have you visit Home Depot, Ace Hardware, Etc.

    Please pick up all paint chips that you are remotely attracted to.

    Decide what colors you Love and Enjoy.

    Look at the colors in both sunlight and artificial lighting.

    Your home looks like it is an older home, due to the wooden floors, and Antique mantel.

    Decide on what you Like, not what someone else does. Trust yourself!!Remolding should be fun!! It is an extension of yourself!!!

    Have fun and Take Care!

  • Michele Pappagallo Michele Pappagallo on Aug 21, 2017

    I would try to find a tile that you like and actually tile right over the brick/stone part. Use a color that will brighten the space. Consider painting the mantle a lighter shade...or even white to add brightness as well.

  • Des6698269 Des6698269 on Aug 21, 2017

    I've seen fireplaces that are faded paint designed. Just a suggestion, strip off the paint using paint stripper to give it that faded look.

  • Sharon Sharon on Aug 21, 2017

    That called fire brick for high-temperatures, and required in some state codes for fireplaces.

  • You could probably tile over the brick looking material. I'd fill the gaps with thinset, let it dry, then tile over it. Slate on the ground and and on the surround might look really nice :) Any natural stone would probably look nice, I personally like slate

  • Ana Bacallao Ana Bacallao on Aug 22, 2017

    I would find some pretty Spanish tiles for the surround area, they can be either solid color or a geometric design in a color of your choice. The floor is such a small area you can either do it the same, or a neutral fireproof tile. I think the mantel is fine and would leave that color but would add a bigger mirror piece vertically on top of it to lengthen the view. The wall color could be lightened up some but strictly your preference.


  • KatAych KatAych on Aug 22, 2017

    I agree, a beautifully colored/patterned tile hearth would be great! Then pick up a color in that hearth and paint that small wall in that color. Maybe even white wash the wood if you want, paint the cinder block. I would suggest getting a bigger mirror and actually mounting it above the mantel to add more height. Good luck and have fun with it!