12 Simple Tricks to Amp up the Light for Your Dark Fireplace
Paint a strong contrast color
Strange as it seems, painting your fireplace a block of color (even grey) brightens the area. Get tutorial here
Lay sparkling tile over rough red brick
Red brick can look outdated and dull, so if you're ready for a fresh, new look, tile over it! Get tutorial here
Spray paint the brass lining for a new pop
Brass details tend to age a fireplace, but stray painting them dark lets a bright border pop. Get tutorial here
Paint outdated brick with a wash of grey
Slap a new, softer hue on those burnt bricks and rejuvenate your fireplace. Get tutorial here
Make your own wainscotting with scraps
Panel over your fireplace with white planks of wood - hello, airy and fresh! Get tutorial here
Cover a dark surface with light pallet planks
Covering your fireplace is white isn't the only way to brighten it. Add a layer of pallet wood. Get tutorial here
Whitewash a brick or wood surface
Water down some white paint for a softer, lightly washed look. Get tutorial here
Or simply paint the whole area full white
Paint it white, wood, brick, wall and all! Get tutorial here
Lay drywall for a brighter fresher look
If you're finding your surface impossible to refresh, cover it in drywall and start new. Get tutorial here
Put up a glimmering wall of pennies
This one is a bit more labor intensive, but look at that pop! Coat the wall and stoop in pennies. Get tutorial here
Lay tiny bright tiles over large ugly ones
Retile over a darker look you don't absolutely love. Get tutorial here
Accent just one part with white paint
Even touching up just one aspect of your fireplace can brighten the whole thing overall! Get tutorial here