What to do with this 1965 brick fireplace

Question

Here is a fireplace that is in a 1965 brick rancher we are purchasing. Really don't like the color of the brick (it matches the exterior brick façade) but feel this is so bland the way it is. Any suggestions on how to update this look?

Adrianne C · Answer

Paint it and install a mantel.

Peggy Henderson · Answer

Build it out so it's not so thin. Add 2 x 4's to all the edges and openings. Then cover with cement board. Add 3.4 self furring mesh and scratch and brown, then rake it with a S Rake. Add manufactured stone. Try Coronado, Veneerstone, Cultured Stone, or El Dorado. (I think I mentioned all the steps, but please research it to be safe.) Good Luck!

Marcy, Professional Designer, Artist and Arts and Crafts Instructor · Answer

I would paint it a lighter color and install a mantle, a nice built-in on either side.

Nancy Jenkins · Answer

Did you want to keep the brick or hide it? My mother hid brick fireplace with 2x4's in either side and fireproof drywall. 2x4's around entrance. We were not going to use for wood or gas so put a electric fireplace insert. To paint brick, clean with TSP and then paint primer, Zinnser 1 2 3 . I am doing this second one, photo of before shown on Hometalk,it will be white but keeping mantle natural wood.

Marion Nesbitt · Answer

Think what bothers me is that the facing is only one-brick thick so it looks wimpy. I'd frame around it and add a mantle so it is more substantial, and provides more impact as a focal point in the room.

Rei767019 · Answer

I like the mid century Look of It the way It Is. A mantel would be nice a addition.

Jeanine Hurtt · Answer

paint white and hang something big and jazzy let the wall be the frame

Salvage Sister and Mister · Answer

I agree..paint it and get a mantel. Easy peasy and will make a nice change.

MikkiGirl · Answer

Paint the brick, or cover it with wood, then add a mantle.  On second thought. . . .you might leave the lower bricks (below the new mantle) exposed and enclose the brick above the mantle with painted wood.

Patricia Drebit · Answer

Place two book shelves or floating shelves on both side, paint them and the brick the same colour. Also add a mantle.

Dans_le_Lakehouse · Answer

Paint it! I painted mine a charcoal grey and I love it (see my posts for a peek). You could also try white - or even painting it the same colour as your walls. A mantle would be great but you can also add a huge, statement-making mirror or piece of art. I think it has potential to look really great! Congrats on the home!!

Deborah Donovan-Navarro · Answer

I would do something similar to what Patricia Debit suggested. Cover the brick with either faux blond stone or faux river rock. Frame the sides as shown and install a chunky (preferably solid piece of wood, or......if you use river rock, you could install a solid concrete mantel (which would be safer, actually).

Suzanne · Answer

And goodbye clock.

Suzanne · Answer

You could paint an illusion of mantel. Paint walls lt. taupe, fireplace same shade light taupe using Greek proportion above and below brick. Lower third of fireplace could be white brick, upper two thirds lt. taupe to match walls! Love the bookcase pic above.

Kayo Frazier · Answer

Here's my 2 cents...I would find 2 corbels w/ Baroque, or Byzantine styles, paint them w/ peppercorn gray, then dry brush w/ white...then crackle them. Space them out so that the pieces are on the wall NOT the brick. Put a chunky, thick wooden mantel. Paint mantel BLACK.I would paint the brick a soft white. Add 12'x12' sq white, gray & black for the space in front of the fireplace.

Dorothy Reed · Answer

If you want a more modern look, I'd go for tile and/or stone. There are so many options from which to choose. The slim horizontal glass tile or slim dimensional stone would be nice. If you are more classic in design, tile around the fireplace opening and then use different decorative wood moulding and mantlepiece - stained or painted.

Rusty · Answer

Take half the brick down paint the brick,put a mantle,and new fire insert

What to do with this 1965 brick fireplace

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What to do with this 1965 brick fireplace

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