What to do with this 1965 brick fireplace
by
Terri
+16
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?
17 answers
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Paint it and install a mantel.
Adrianne C
on Nov 21, 2014
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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!
Peggy Henderson
on Nov 21, 2014
- See 1 previous
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I would paint it a lighter color and install a mantle, a nice built-in on either side.
Marcy, Professional Designer, Artist and Arts and Crafts Instructor
on Nov 21, 2014
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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.
Nancy Jenkins
on Nov 21, 2014
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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.
Marion Nesbitt
on Nov 21, 2014
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I like the mid century Look of It the way It Is. A mantel would be nice a addition.
Rei767019
on Nov 22, 2014
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paint white and hang something big and jazzy let the wall be the frame
Jeanine Hurtt
on Nov 22, 2014
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I agree..paint it and get a mantel. Easy peasy and will make a nice change.
Salvage Sister and Mister
on Nov 22, 2014
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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.
MikkiGirl
on Jan 05, 2015
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Place two book shelves or floating shelves on both side, paint them and the brick the same colour. Also add a mantle.
Patricia Drebit
on Jan 05, 2015
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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!!
Dans_le_Lakehouse
on Jan 05, 2015
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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).
Deborah Donovan-Navarro
on Feb 05, 2015
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And goodbye clock.
Suzanne
on Feb 22, 2015
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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.
Suzanne
on Feb 22, 2015
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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.
Kayo Frazier
on May 16, 2015
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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.
Dorothy Reed
on May 19, 2016
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Take half the brick down paint the brick,put a mantle,and new fire insert
Rusty
on May 21, 2016
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