Learning to DIY: How to Update a Fireplace on a Budget
- Add a touch of paint. Gone are the days of design elements such as bold and bright red fireplaces and natural, oak-colored wall paneling and trim. …
- Turn your brick to stone. …
- Add a mantel. …
- Think — and build — outside the box. …
- Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize.
Just so, Are fireplaces outdated?
The conclusion that we’ve come to is this: fireplaces aren’t going anywhere. … If you’re interested in a home with a fireplace, The Plan Collection has everything from house plans with outdoor living spaces with fireplaces to living room floor plans with fireplace and mantel.
Is painting a fireplace a good idea? PROS: An exceptionally talented painter can make an old brick wall or fireplace look more modern and in some interior spaces, painting dark bricks will brighten things up. … Overall, painting an interior brick surface is less costly than an exterior brick surface.
Similarly, How do I cover my fireplace walls?
Hiding an Unused Fireplace with Decorative Items
- Decorative fireplace screen or insert.
- Firewood.
- Oversized candles.
- Candelabra or ornamental candle holder.
- Potted plants.
- Books.
- Large mirror.
What color should I paint my brick fireplace?
Neutral colours like white and gray are the most common colours for painting a brick fireplace, but this is a project where you can be creative. Bold and contrasting colours can make your fireplace a true focal point.
Why do new homes not have fireplaces?
They will go out. This is because space heaters replaced fireplaces for energy efficiency, so new forms of insulation have replaced asbestos and fiberglass such as foam.
Should brick fireplace be painted?
If it’s not completely dry, water will be trapped inside the brick. … PROS: An exceptionally talented painter can make an old brick wall or fireplace look more modern and in some interior spaces, painting dark bricks will brighten things up. In contrast to exterior brick, the process is easier, with less risk of damage.
Is a fireplace worth the money?
Having a fireplace won’t hurt your ability to sell your home. … Don’t expect a fireplace to raise your home’s value, but don’t go through the expense and hassle of getting rid of it, either. If you’re an investor rehabbing a home to flip, it’s not worth the cost to add a fireplace to an existing construction.
Will I regret painting brick fireplace?
Although painting brick is doable — and sometimes even necessary (more on that later) — it’s not an easy DIY paint project, and it can be a huge risk to your biggest financial asset. … Although painted brick might be aesthetically pleasing today, it could be a big, fat regret in just a few years.
Should fireplace be painted same color as walls?
Painting it the same color as the wall that surrounds it helps it disappear into the room and allows other features to take center stage. … In a room with blue-gray walls, paint the fireplace a sky blue shade. If the space has mint green walls, try a sage color for the fireplace.
What color should chimney be painted?
Shades of white like cream, beige, and tan will work with most of the color schemes out there. Painting the chimney a simple white is enough to brighten up the house, though an off-white can give a softer look. Consider one of these neutral colors to spruce up your home without doing anything too crazy.
Can I put couch in front of fireplace?
If you have a nonfunctional fireplace and/or don’t want to incorporate it into your layout, putting a sofa in front of it is a great way to maximize space. … It also uses the fireplace as an architectural backdrop!
Should your sofa face the fireplace?
At least one piece of furniture should face the fireplace, and the entire arrangement should be oriented toward the fireplace. … Choose a focal point for the room, and orient your furniture around it. This will ensure an organized and balanced look. If you have a corner fireplace, this should be your center of attention.
Do chimney balloons work?
The plastic Chimney Balloons can be blown up manually and are inserted into the throat of the chimney. However, while they were easy to use, these widely-used inflatables don’t actually perform well in preventing air leaks and helping you maximise your home heating and cooling!
Does a fireplace increase the value of a house?
A homeowner can often recover over 100 percent of the expenses associated with adding a fireplace upon selling their home. According to the National Association of Real Estate Appraisers, adding a fireplace to home can increase the resale value of the home by as much as 6-12 percent.
Will removing fireplace decrease home value?
But losing a fireplace can affect a home’s appeal and possibly even its resale value, real estate pros say. A fireplace can particularly be viewed as a valuable amenity in colder climates, and removing one could even reduce the number of buyers drawn to a property, some agents say.
When did houses stop having fireplaces?
Fireplaces continued in use well into the 20th Century and it was not really until the 1960’s that open fires were largely replaced by central heating in the majority of houses.
Does painting brick devalue home?
Painting brick is a great way to upgrade curb appeal and increase your home’s value. Using a dark color like slate grey or even a classic white can create a major visual impact when painted correctly. Provides protection from the elements. … Paint can also help reduce fading and deterioration of your home exterior.
Is a red brick fireplace outdated?
Red brick fireplaces used to be a staple in the 1970’s. Its warm tones complemented the flames, but not much else. If you want to update a red brick fireplace that has seen children and grandchildren grow up, try whitewashing it. Whitewashing brick turns it a pale-grey color that gives it a new, modern feel.
Does a fireplace increase home insurance?
A woodburning stove or fireplace can increase your home insurance premium by about 10% or $100 a year depending on which insurance provider you’re with. You can choose to keep it a bit lower by having a higher deductible and making sure you are not paying for features you don’t need.
Does a fireplace increase home value?
A homeowner can often recover over 100 percent of the expenses associated with adding a fireplace upon selling their home. According to the National Association of Real Estate Appraisers, adding a fireplace to home can increase the resale value of the home by as much as 6-12 percent.
What do I need to know about owning a fireplace?
8 Things You Should Know About Fireplace & Chimney Care
- Call A Chimney Sweep. They exist, and not just to pop up in children’s movies. …
- Leave A Little Ash. …
- Keep The Area Clear. …
- Close The Damper. …
- Make Sure You Have A Chimney Cap. …
- Only Use Seasoned Wood. …
- Don’t Hang Stockings. …
- Consider A Fireplace Insert.