by Sue Wagner
Need update ideas for Bedford stone fireplace
+23
Just bought this house. It's got great bones but needs updates everywhere. That means the budget is tight. I need ideas to update this fireplace. It is boring and stale looking. I'm going with a country casual look. I want calm comfy welcoming. Ideas....PLEASE!!!!
It's in the main room as you come in. Going to paint with some light shades of green, pretty pale. White crown moulding is going to go up. I plan to frame the TV. Fireplace is focal point of the room
19 answers
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I bet a nice, yet simple, fireplace surround and boxed wood mantel would update it quite well. If you have, or can get, a head on shot of it I'll do a virtual for you, if you think this could work.
![Z]()
Z
on Sep 16, 2015
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There is nothing wrong with the fireplace just add your style of decorating
![Janet Pizaro]()
Janet Pizaro
on Sep 16, 2015
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Sue, my Bedford stone fireplace is just like yours except it's floor to ceiling along an entire 23 foot wall! Janet is right, just when I think its stake looking I paint the walls or change the mantle and it looks great again. Most often a couple times a year I give it all a good sweep and wasahsfd and that always helps a things too
![Trixie63]()
Trixie63
on Sep 16, 2015
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Here you go Sue. I noticed your baseboard was white so I manipulated some white shaker style kitchen cabinet pictures for the surround. Painted the walls and changed the flooring just so to fill in since the picture wasn't from far enough back to take in the surround I "built". Though I also edited the color of the photo in hopes of getting it closer to the color in the first photo you shared, I'm sure the color of the stone is still off. I hope it helps give you a visual. The sides of the surround could possibly be made with just 1x2's in primed MDF as it's much more cost effective when on a budget. Also painting the walls inside them instead of using sheet lumber will cut the costs too. It all depends on the depth of the stone what size of lumber is needed of course. You'll want to to be at the very least flush with the front of the stone face. As for the actual mantel, that could also be built from primed MDF lumber. If you have any questions, just let me know. I'll be happy to help you.
![Z]()
Z
on Sep 16, 2015
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old tall columns/ fat moulding weathered ? chaulk paint?, beef up mantel just crown moulding, search for some funky pieces from goodwill or some thrift shop for mantel, maybe some cool brighter glass tile over existing ceramic tile.....you are lucky you live where you are with all the interesting barn sales.....I can't spell tonight! lol
![Colorado]()
Colorado
on Sep 16, 2015
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Why not just do what you said to your walls first then come back and maybe whitewash your fireplace? Really just clean it up! Especially if funds are tight!
![Barbara Valenti]()
Barbara Valenti
on Sep 17, 2015
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Like the fireplace as is. Would put TV somewhere else since the fireplace is the focal. Would add a large piece of art to your decor style over it.
![Marion Nesbitt]()
Marion Nesbitt
on Sep 17, 2015
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do all your other changes first. Your accessories can set the stage. Change out or paint the tile on the floor. I think the tile floor is the problem.
![Robbie Horn]()
Robbie Horn
on Sep 17, 2015
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Also you could make a coverup for the mantle. That would soften the feel. Leave stone alone.
![Robbie Horn]()
Robbie Horn
on Sep 17, 2015
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Could make a plywood box around fireplace & update with some clean sleek marble look tiles... or if you're handy with a paint brush... you could do a faux stone look on it. But as previous commenter says, wait until you finish the room & see how you like the fireplace then!!! Best Wishes!
![Cheryl]()
Cheryl
on Sep 17, 2015
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The stone is nice. The tile hearth is a problem. You can find a stone (granite or other) slab in any number of places to replace the tile. Get the TV and the clutter off the mantel and add a large statement piece of artwork above - use something a little wider than the firebox, but not high. The other problem is lack of contrast between the color of the stone and the wall. When you get some color on the wall it will look better.
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Bro2338735
on Sep 17, 2015
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Love the stone, please don’t cover or paint it. Accent the mantel by darkening it with dark paint, or paint it white to tie in with the crown molding. It needs to stand out from the color of the stone. A thin slab of marble/granite or even a wooden base over the dated hearth tile. Love the andirons but they are usually inside the fireplace opening. Perhaps you could use them on the outside by placing them on each end of the hearth tile and placing a wood plank on top/between them and adding tile to the top of this plank (adding a front plank as well to cover the front opening), so it looks like the andirons are cornering the built in tiled hearth step. Your trim around the fireplace opening is dated as well, so either paint it or replace it. Your fireplace tools could become more fun if you paint the tools a flat black with a speckled gold accent on the top grip part of each tool. Wrap the stand in jute. Paint the stand base black. Wrap the middle of each tool with a small section of jute (glue in place) to accent each one and tie into the jute on the stand. If you truly want the fireplace to be the focal point, move the tv off the mantel. Plus you get a better picture at eye level and it’s easier on the neck. There are so many beautiful things to do with mantel décor, even a nice mirror and a couple candle sticks can make all the difference. TV’s are for function not beauty and your mantel can be the showcase of your room if you let it. Fill your basket sitting there with pine cones and leaves and you have a warm welcome to any room.
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C
on Sep 17, 2015
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I would paint the stone with a metallic paint ie. brushed nickle .
![CB]()
CB
on Sep 17, 2015
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Go online and check out a product called Brick Anew. I redid mine and it looks like sandstone. Does take a little bit of creativity. But all the instructions and ease are there for you to make it happen. Also a lot of consumer remarks that are all positive. Go check it out you will be surprised.
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Lse1312439
on Sep 17, 2015
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We think you'll find these fireplace makeover ideas very inspiring: http://goo.gl/H3nCEB
![HouseLogic.com]()
HouseLogic.com
on Sep 17, 2015
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Agree with Brookstone111 in addition to the hearth you can add a nice fireplace screen. If you must keep the TV in that area center it and place on the wall not the mantle, hide the wires, and keep decorations to a minimum. The second option would be what Iseamoon suggested. BUT NO PAINT you will regret it latter.
![Judy]()
Judy
on Sep 18, 2015
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I agree with Iseamoon. I have used the Brick Anew and it does take some work, but it makes a remarkable difference in the way the fireplace looks. My mother made the mistake of painting over her used brick fireplace and has regretted it ever since. In addtion, getting the paint off of brick or masonry might require sandblasting that could damage the surface.
![Barbara]()
Barbara
on Sep 18, 2015
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The fireplace is a beautiful focal piece. I would not paint the stone. it is a classic look and you will never be happy with trying to conceal it. If you can, think about lowering it. I would suggest finding a reputable mason for this job! Find out if it is possible to take off the top two courses of the stone without destroying the mantel? Then reinstall the mantel. The fireplace seems to tower over the room. Also, think about adding depth and beauty to the tiles in front of the hearth. And lastly, I can't see the sides of the fireplace in your picture, but see if you can build out on the sides. Some cabinetry where the ghastly television can be hidden would be very attractive. Plus, the television will be easier to enjoy if you don't have to crane your neck to look up at it on the mantel. I hope I have been helpful, good luck on your project. JS
![J]()
J
on Oct 05, 2015
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![Peggy Ravenscraft]()
Peggy Ravenscraft
on Oct 31, 2017
Can you put tile on it
Z
on Sep 16, 2015
Janet Pizaro
on Sep 16, 2015
Trixie63
on Sep 16, 2015
Colorado
on Sep 16, 2015
Barbara Valenti
on Sep 17, 2015
Marion Nesbitt
on Sep 17, 2015
Robbie Horn
on Sep 17, 2015
Bro2338735
on Sep 17, 2015
C
on Sep 17, 2015
CB
on Sep 17, 2015
Lse1312439
on Sep 17, 2015
HouseLogic.com
on Sep 17, 2015
Judy
on Sep 18, 2015
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