Need cheap ideas to redo this non working fireplace..

Question

I would like inexpensive ideas ... We are putting our house up for sale and would like to make this more eye catching than it is ! The concrete mantel is chipped and we would cover it with a piece of wood or something, paint the brick or something!? Help!

Melinda · Answer

Check out my redo: http://simplebutfabulous.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_16.html Maybe paint it white, Paint the interior of box Black, Put a Big Rustic Board across the top ( may be hard to find) so you could put 2- 2' boards together and then attach some 4' trim around it to overlap down over brick. Put candles in opening. Take everything off the mantle. Put one big Mirror/Picture in the center. Like this: http://www.houzz.com/photos/2177438/red-interiors-industrial-living-room-austin, good Luck!

Country Design Home · Answer

Hi Laurie! When thinking about selling, you want to go neutral as much as possible while spending as little money as possible. That allows the potential buyers to envision them selves and their own belongings in the space, and you not investing too much money. As for this little non-working fireplace, I would paint out all of the brick and the concrete white so it blends better, add a thick wood shelf on the top ledge to create the illusion of a higher mantel. Then I would remove the flowers and add a candlelabra with candles for a 'fireplace' look. I also would remove all of the artifacts and books (Go Buffs!) and at least one set of fireplace utensils. Keep it as simple and uncluttered as possible.

Cloudrider53 · Answer

You can get flat stone in Home Depot, they are decorative and easy to put on. I would put the flat stone (which are large by the way) over the brick and cement. If you want to keep the brick look, they also have 'brick Face' that you could use. You could also use square patio blocks to give the hearth area a little makeover. I would put decorative logs in there and wrap some twinkle light around them. Put up an in-expensive fire place screen for affect.

Fab and Pretty · Answer

Well, you know those ethanol table top burners...maybe one would look nice in the fireplace, you may want to find a nice 2nd hand screen to even put in front. http://www.hometalk.com/diy/living-room/fireplaces-mantels/recent-blog-on-tabletop-fireplaces-on-portable-fireplace-494748 then start with removing all of the items and put one large framed picture above the fireplace. From there you'll see what more it may need. I believe going with less is more can allow a buyer to visualize there own life in a house.

Gco937566 · Answer

Personally I'd cap it with a stone mantel then cover and trim with river rock

Rosita · Answer

if you like modern style try with mirror you can cover all cement with mirror even the top this will give a lot of light and a nice effect! It´s easy and cheap. Good luck! Rosita

C · Answer

Keep it subtle so someone can change it later if they want.Paint the exterior cement area a soft vanilla or white or perhaps even black (make sure to use paint for cement), leaving the interior of fireplace and chimney brick areas unpainted (also leave the base unpainted where fpl utensils sit). I would paint the brick on each side of opening but it may look nice left as is after you paint the area around it.
 Find or buy a 2-4inch thick slab of wood long enough to extend a few inches each side of fireplace (check construction sites around your area for free discarded planks) and paint or stain it a dark brown and set it on top of fireplace (it should extend out a couple inches in front so the chipped cement is no longer seen or you can even attach a dropped trim onto front of plank piece instead of extending it out). 
 Then hang or just set on your “new” mantel a Mirror (re-purpose one you might already have, find at garage sale or just borrow one from someone, it doesn’t have to be huge). 
 Add to mantel a small group of flameless candles that you can leave on during a showing (99 cent store has some small flameless candles) staggering the heights by placing on upside down shot/juice glasses (can get them at 99 cent store if don't have). 
 You can also add greenery (clip from any bushes you have around) inside any small/med size container you have around the house (remove label from any glass container you have tossed (mayo, mustard jar, etc.) or even use a drinking glass, an empty juice bottle, a wooden or ceramic bowl or box or any pottery you have around - can get clear marbles at 99 cent store to dress up inside of clear glass containers if needed. 
 Also find larger flameless candles at Michael's or Joanne's with discount coupons and place inside the fireplace to give it a working fireplace look (use small candles on mantel if you do both areas, so it doesn't overwhelm). 
 When you are done, you will draw the visitor’s eye to the overall picture rather than just the fireplace. Keep it on the rustic side and it will give the room the warmth that draws people into the space. It doesn't have to be expensive.

Carol · Answer

First measure the area you want to coner and the size wood needed for a manual.  Check Craig's list for supplies, be it wood or tile or stone also check cabinet stores for left over pieces of granet.  An old table top could become a mantle.  An oval table top cut to fit would be unique, leave the apron on to add hight.  Granet pieces that match could become side panels.  Or large tiles to cover the cement could be used and extended for the hearth.  Knowing the neasurements will save time and money.  Since you don't need a lot of materials, you shoukd be able to find leftover pieces from construction or remodel at a reasonable price.  Just make sure they all go together with the brick.

861650 · Answer

I love Sue's idea! You could also place a mirror in the back of the fireplace. Place several large candles (a neutral color) in front of them.You could freeze them for about 30 minutes; light them and have the realtor blow them out before leaving. Box up all your personal items too. You want to be as 'neutral' as possible so that your home will appeal to all prospective buyers. I realize that this will be time consuming so start a few weeks early. Make sure your home is spotless as well. To make your house smells fresh, you can place some coffee beans in the oven on a bakers sheet and bake for awhile on a very low temperature the same morning. I wish you the best!

861650 · Answer

Laurie, I just watched the TV program, 20/20 on ABC. Part of it was about the dangers of selling your home. Make sure you take any prescription medications, your expensive jewelry and any thing else with you and store in your car trunk. You can leave your jewelry box at home with just the inexpensive pieces in it. The reason for this is, if someone does not see the box they WILL go looking for it. I was horrified about this issue so stay safe. On this show, the home had cameras and showed people stealing items sometimes.

Marion Nesbitt · Answer

Like this fireplace a lot - the materials, the colours - everything. A wood mantle would enhance the look. Also like gcootware10's suggestion about an electric insert since it is a fireplace. My friends put in a gas unit but potential buyers will see this as an option if there is an electric insert. I would declutter the mantle. Maybe add a round mirror with a suitable frame above the mantle, and just a couple of items of interest on the mantle. You could also add a hearth in front out of a complementary material.

Carol May · Answer

I believe I might paint the bricks, especially inside the fireplace and glue ceramic tiles over the concrete. It would still be usable if next owners chose to us it and it would brighten it up. I also like plants (artificial or low-light ones) in the fire box.

Darla · Answer

I think you should add a nice piece of wood on top as a mantel, and otherwise leave it alone. You don't know what prospective buyers will want, and paint is very hard to remove from masonry. The same for gluing stone or tile over the concrete. An electric insert would be nice, or you could put a candle display there.

Pgl · Answer

Check any home improvement store for wood rejects, find a piece the size you need for a mantle then stress it before staining [ use a chain or a hammer and heavy cloth] then stain the wood keep it a medium tone . Using the same stain put a bit on a piece of cloth and rub it into the cement let dry between coats [ this will take about 2 coats] when dry spray with a sealer total cost should not be more than $35.00. Now the cement blends with the mantle the chips are hidden and the fireplace appears original. Place candles on different types of holders at different heights in side the fireplace, decorate the mantle with a main piece in the middle [ clock] flowers ect .

Rebecca L · Answer

it has an adobe look to it - I would use a natural / neutral color concrete stain on the cement and if electric is available nearby - this log insert has a very natural look & feel http://www.lowes.com/pd_358155-46631-LI-24_0__?productId=3458674&Ntt=electric+fireplace+logs&pl=1¤tURL=%3FNtt%3Delectric%2Bfireplace%2Blogs&facetInfo= Get rid of the 'personal likes' on top and replace with a nice large pottery vase & large candlesticks

Debbie Miller · Answer

If this was in my home, I would either break up some old china or glass pieces purchased from a thrift store and create a Mosaic design or simply purchase some pretty ceramic tiles, (maybe 2 different colors) and grout them on. And since it is not being used for heat, I would also line the opening and outside edges with some nice flat stained molding and definitely add a mantel.

Cindy · Answer

Wood on the mantle, clear off nicknacks, tall mirror on the mantle, pillar candles in the fireplace. If you want all to match, drybrush all with white or cream except wood on mantle for conrtast. Or paint wood mantle white and distress.

Ilona Elliott · Answer

I agree with Rebecca L that it looks adobe, but I would go with a nice terra cotta color to blend the concrete with the brick. Then a nice wood mantel, perhaps with a raw edge out front. If possible, pull up the carpet in front of the fireplace and replace with a few salvaged tiles in terra cotta or brick tones, they are cheap at salvage stores like Habitat Restores. I would put a large metal candelabra inside the fireplace with big chunky candles. And clear off all the clutter. Light the candles when the house is being shown. Best of luck to you!

Jennifer Love Mendenhall · Answer

Looking at the items that are around and on the fireplace. I see a Spanish/Indian influence. I say go with something that matches your design taste. If it is Spanish, go with some bright Spanish tile on the concrete and don't paint the bricks. Spanish tile come in some gorgeous colors. Find some that matches the colors in your furniture.

Kayo Frazier · Answer

Here's my 2 cents...I would paint the adobe parts cream or white, leave the bricks as is, then add a wood chunky, thick mantel stained a dark color. Hope this helps.

Need cheap ideas to redo this non working fireplace..

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Need cheap ideas to redo this non working fireplace..

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