What to do with my fireplace?

First I would paint the fireplace white to lighten it up. Hang a large mirror or piece of artwork above it or some staggered empty distressed picture frames and some of your favorite display pieces. You may also want to fill the firebox with white candles of varying heights...they add a nice air of ambience when lit. Or, add an inexpensive painted firescreen to the front until you can afford to do what you want.

Do you like the brick? If not paint it or cover it up. Check out this source

http://www.younghouselove.com/2013/03/fireplace-makeover-the-build-out/

I would paint the brick a light color or build it out with MDF then update according to your style

Projects from other Hometalkers.

http://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=fireplace

Aquarium or grow live plants in it

paint white insert a electric "fireplace" they come in several colors, add a toolset, small basket for starter wood. to mantle add long matches in a container. lots if ideas to fit your decor.

electric fireplaces these days are awesome. They ale them so they look like real flames! You can order them online. I like all of the other ideas as well.

I meant they make them not ale them lol laptop is skipping

I like your little fireplace the way it is. Some candle spindles on the top of the mantle........maybe a farmhouse picture or old large mirror.......an old rug in front of the fireplace with 2 rockin' chairs lookin' towards the fireplace. Paint the walls of your choice......or add old wood. Make it look rustic and country.......like the Waltons. Start out little until you have the money and right ideas.

Definitely paint it white. Maybe new light fixtures if these don't go with the vibe of your house. And I would consider installing some bookcases on either side to give it a more finished look. Like ikea bookcases, painted same color a fireplace and installed to look like built -ins. Have fun! It's a nice fireplace.

Painting the brick would immediately change it. However, if you want to get rid of the brick second easiest way would be to tile over it. Even if you have never tiled it can be learned quickly. Online or a home improvement store offers classes.

My old house had a fireplace like this. It wasn't functioning so here's my cheap solution. Use plywood or MDF and build a box to fit inside the opening. Line the box with mirror tiles. In the warm weather you can put a nice floral arrangement inside. In the winter, I used a nice thick branch with holes drilled for candles. They looked lovely reflecting when lit.

I think I would also put a beefier mantle up.

Paint it or put ship lap over brick

I would suggest that you check out Ardex Feather Finish. I am not a DIY person but I am learning. I had absolutely no problem using this product to cover a fireplace made of outside gray concrete patio bricks. The cleanup was minimal and easy. I was left with a fireplace that is lovely and looks professionally finished.

Hope this helps

I like the idea if a long, fancy candle holder. When lighted, it can look wonderful, and you can use them on "no burn" days.

I played with paint, patterns, triedhiding it with different things and ultimately bought a 'fireplace' heater insert, $160. Remote control, timer, varying levels of light, no ashes, no chopping or storing firewood, no smoke😃 it works

I like it now, it fits😃

Clean the brick and decide if you want to keep it as is, paint or whitewash. Once that is decided, add interest above the fireplace. Since the fireplace doesn’t work and you don’t say where you live, I assume the flue is always closed. If that is the case, add a big wicker basket (square to fit fireplace opening) and fill the basket with silk fern. On the hearth you should add another basket to one side that contains a few pieces of tinder/kindling wood (for the look) and possibly a living parlor palm on the other side in a ceramic pot colored to match your decor.

Here is what I did with mine! Just diluted white paint (1 cup paint, 1 cup water), and painted away. Blotted with a white sock til I got the effect I wanted.

Forgot to post my "before" photo!

I had a fireplace just like that. I put a lighter color of paint (cream) and then sponged a related darker color. It looked so good. I just used semi-gloss indoor paint.

Watch Fixer Upper!

Gail Salminen, the original comment does indicate the fireplace is not working at this time.

You're welcome. Post a picture after the redo. Good luck.

I have seen it done in several homes and it looks so cozy and snug. Send a photo if you do it! M

Ferns and floral in baskets are nice touches, but pretty dated, since these were popular in the 80s. Candles are more 90s, but also very nice. If you're concerned with trends, piled birch logs are very attractive and contemporary / rustic. Since you live in MN, investing one of those great new electric inserts would be ideal. White washing is the most on trend option (again, if you care), but it looks even better if you use a real white washing mixture with lime instead of simply diluting paint with water! Remove the mantle and add a reclaimed wood beam perhaps. Can be rustic, but also chic.

I knew i had a picture somewhere. Just came across this page from country living. Isn't it cute? You could use mirrors to get the window effect.