Fireplace makeover ideas

by Rachel Murff Fuller

+14

Answered

We have a wood burning fireplace that is just roughed in. We have no idea what or how to put anything around it. What is good to use? We have a mantle and that is all.

What do we put around the fireplace? And need instructions too...

6 answers

Cindy Hagemann on Sep 07, 2016
You could add wood trim to create more of real fireplace look. Remove the mantle. Here is an example of what I am referring to in the photo - it would make such a difference! Love the military flag btw - my hubby is retired Navy!

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- Johnchip on Sep 08, 2016
  The flag, although a patriotic and personal reminder, not one some would want to have to use as decor, as it is the flag a soldier had draped on his coffin and given to his next of kin in his honor.
  
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- Rachel Murff Fuller on Sep 08, 2016
  Thank you! I like that idea of adding the wood trim! And my hubby is an Army vet, as is my dad and many other in my family. The flag is from my hubby's granddad's funeral. Its a very sentimental piece to us.
  
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- Rachel Murff Fuller on Sep 08, 2016
  My husband is the only grandson on his side of the family. When his granddad passed away, he was given the flag that was draped over his coffin. It is a very sentimental piece to us. I'm sure eventually we will move it to a different spot, but for now, this is where it will sit.
  
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- Johnchip on Sep 08, 2016
  I am in no way suggesting it be removed. We have my father's in the study on display. I just am responding to the previous commenter who said 'love the flag' as if it may only be patriotic decoration and may not know its significance. it is an honor for a family to be handed and cherish. I am often disturbed when I see one in a resale shop.
  
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- Cindy Hagemann on Sep 08, 2016
  I do love the flag and my husband's flag like this was flown over his command and presented to him upon retirement. They have a right to display it in their home anywhere they choose, just just we do. I appreciate their patriotism!
  
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- Cindy Hagemann on Sep 08, 2016
  I do not need you or anyone else to remind what the symbolism for this flag might be btw. My husband served for 27 years in the navy and my father fought in Korea in the Marines.
  
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Johnchip on Sep 08, 2016
A simple solution would be to put a wood trim on the outside from the mantle edge down and then tile in, possibly mosaic as it would fill in the non conforming size spaces. You can also just put down a simple frame, a padded base to protect floor, and some stone or slate pieces on floor to create a hearth

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- Rachel Murff Fuller on Sep 08, 2016
  Thank You Johnchip! That sounds like a great idea! We had it installed and it has sat there just roughed in the wall. We have been stuck on what to do with it.
  
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Terri Farina on Sep 08, 2016
If there is a chimney get a chim. balloon to stop draft. Paint a piece of card board for back side decorated for the season. Or cover wood board with metal ceiling tile- place in back of opening and decorate in front for the season. Gift boxes for Christmas, Pumpkins for fall, eggs for easter......

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- Rachel Murff Fuller on Sep 08, 2016
  Thanks! Yes, we have a chim on the chimney. I used this pic because it was the only one I had. As you can see, I do not have anything around my fireplace. No stone or anything. It's just kinda 'roughed-in' still from the installation. Do you have any suggestion as to what would be good to put around it? Should I use stone? Or maybe there is another solution? Do I need a hearth?
  
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Wowhavs on Sep 08, 2016
Search Fireplace Makeovers on Hometalk, DIY, DIY Rehab Addict, etc.

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- Rachel Murff Fuller on Sep 08, 2016
  Thank You Wowhavs!! I'll definitely do that!
  
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Connie on Sep 08, 2016
Slate tile is somewhat inexpensive and comes in all shapes and sizes. Below are links that might work with your layout. You could keep the mantel or replace it or go modern and have none. Add tile to the floor in front of the fireplace for a more finished look. http://www.artichokeinteriors.net/maturenfire... http://www.standout-fireplace-designs.com/ima... https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/58/... https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/5b/...

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IFortuna on Sep 08, 2016
We were thinking of using the facades that Home Depot has for the outside of a house around the fireplace. They look fairly easy to install and come in all sorts of stone and brick styles. There is usually a display of these over in the concrete and lumber sections. Just a thought. : )

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- Rachel Murff Fuller on Sep 09, 2016
  Are those the lightweight faux brick style? I've looked at those, but wasn't sure. I was worried about them getting too hot around the fireplace. Don't need any fires!
  
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- IFortuna on Sep 09, 2016
  Honestly, I don't know. You would have to ask the experts at Home Depot. I would assume that they have some sort of regulated fireproofing if it is to go on the outside of a home. : )
  
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