Looking to update your fireplace without breaking the bank?

Whether you want to give your outdated fireplace a facelift or personalize a new home, there are plenty of budget-friendly ideas to transform your fireplace into a stunning focal point.

From adding a fresh coat of paint to turning your brick into stone, these tips, combined with some creativity and elbow grease, will help you achieve the look you desire.

And don’t forget to accessorize to truly make your fireplace pop. With a little imagination and some DIY spirit, you can update your fireplace and create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your home.

How to Update a Fireplace on a Budget

Change the look of your fireplace without spending a lot! Whatever your budget, these tips – and some creativity and elbow grease – will get you the look you want.

Looking for fireplace remodel ideas to make yours a more interesting focal point?

Whether you’re desperately wanting to give your outdated fireplace a facelift, you’re just ready to change things up or you’re trying to personalize a new home, here are some ideas for how to update a fireplace on a budget.

1. 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. What has taken their places?

Light, cool, crisp paint colors, such as those in the white and gray families. Yep, painting — and even whitewashing — your fireplace brick is all the rage (just don’t tell your grandmother what you’re up to).

When updating your fireplace with paint, consider choosing light, cool, and crisp colors.

Soft whites and grays can create a refreshing and modern look for your fireplace. Whitewashing your fireplace brick is another option that can add a touch of elegance and charm to the space.

Whitewashing involves applying a diluted paint mixture to the brick, giving it a more muted and aged appearance. This technique can be a cost-effective way to transform the look of your fireplace without breaking the bank.

2. Turn your brick to stone

Tired of looking at the dingy, old brick eyesore smack dab in the middle of your living room?

Here’s an idea for how to update a brick fireplace on a budget: Forget about brick altogether!

Instead, create an all-new focal point made of beautiful — and inexpensive — stone.

Consider replacing the old brick on your fireplace with affordable stone options.

There are many types of stone veneer available in the market that can give your fireplace a fresh and modern look. Stone veneer is lightweight, easy to install, and significantly cheaper than natural stone.

With a little bit of effort and some simple tools, you can transform your brick fireplace into a stunning stone fireplace without breaking the bank.

3. Add a mantel

If you’re wondering how to update a fireplace mantel — or even include one, in the first place — we’ve found the perfect project. What’s more, it will cost you less than $35.

Including a fireplace mantel is a great way to add character and visual interest to your fireplace.

A mantel provides a platform to display artwork, photographs, or decorative items that can enhance the overall aesthetic of the space.

There are plenty of budget-friendly DIY fireplace mantel ideas available that you can easily incorporate into your home. From repurposing reclaimed wood to using salvaged materials, the options are endless.

With a little creativity and some basic tools, you can create a unique and stylish mantel that suits your taste and budget.

4. Think — and build — outside the box

When it comes to fireplace remodeling ideas, sometimes you have to think beyond the firebox.

That is, consider adding design elements above the fireplace, like this popular shiplap addition, and around the fireplace, like these bookcases converted to built-ins.

Fortunately, you don’t have to be particularly handy in the DIY department to complete these projects, and you certainly don’t have to break the bank.

If you want to take your fireplace update to the next level, think outside the box and explore design elements above and around the fireplace.

Adding a shiplap above the fireplace can create a modern and stylish look. You can also consider converting bookcases into built-ins on either side of the fireplace for added storage and architectural interest.

These projects may require some basic woodworking skills, but with proper planning and the right materials, you can achieve stunning results without spending a fortune.

5. Accessorize

A fireplace doesn’t just have to consist of a firebox and a bare mantle.

After all, the mantel serves a purpose, right?

To give your fireplace a major facelift, consider adding accessories that define your tastes.

A giant mirror over the fireplace?

Fresh-cut flowers from your garden?

A fire screen with the perfect amount of embellishments?

The possibilities are endless, and they don’t have to cost a fortune.

To enhance the look of your fireplace, don’t forget to accessorize.

Add personal touches that reflect your style and taste. Consider placing a large mirror above the fireplace to create a sense of depth and add visual interest.

Fresh flowers or potted plants can bring a touch of nature into the space. Fire screens are not only practical for safety but can also be a decorative element.

Look for screens with intricate designs or unique finishes to make a statement.

The best part about accessorizing is that it allows you to switch out items with changing seasons or room decor.

You can alternate accessories to match the theme of your space, ensuring that your fireplace always feels fresh and updated.

6. Replace outdated sink faucets

Ready to tackle another DIY home improvement project?

Try your hand at replacing those outdated sink faucets with shiny new ones. Upgrading your sink faucets can give your bathroom or kitchen a fresh and modern look without a major renovation.

Consider choosing shiny new sink faucets that complement the style of your space.

From sleek and contemporary designs to vintage-inspired options, there are plenty of choices available to suit your taste and budget. Upgrading your sink faucets is a relatively easy project that can be completed in a day with basic plumbing skills.

Just make sure to turn off the water supply before removing the old faucets and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation.

7. Explore affordable fireplace decor

Creating a stylish and inviting atmosphere around your fireplace doesn’t have to be expensive.

There are plenty of budget-friendly decor items that can enhance the look of your fireplace and make it a focal point of the room.

Consider adding candle holders, vases, artwork, or decorative objects to your fireplace mantel or hearth. Candle holders in various sizes and shapes can create a cozy and warm ambiance.

Vases filled with flowers or greenery can bring life and color into the space. Artwork or wall decor placed above the fireplace can add visual interest and showcase your personal style.

Look for affordable options at thrift stores, flea markets, or online marketplaces to find unique and budget-friendly decor items.

8. Install a fireplace insert

If you want to improve the efficiency of your fireplace, consider adding a fireplace insert.

A fireplace insert is a sealed combustion unit that fits into the firebox of your existing fireplace. It can help increase heat output, reduce heat loss, and improve the overall energy efficiency of your fireplace.

When choosing a fireplace insert, consider options that fit your budget and energy efficiency needs.

There are various types of inserts available, including gas, electric, and wood-burning inserts. Gas inserts are convenient and provide instant heat at the press of a button.

Electric inserts are easy to install and require no venting. Wood-burning inserts provide the traditional look and feel of a wood-burning fireplace. Before installing a fireplace insert, consult a professional to ensure proper installation and ventilation.

9. Upgrade the fireplace surround

The fireplace surround plays a significant role in the overall appearance of your fireplace.

If you have an outdated surround, consider replacing it with affordable materials like tile, wood, or stone.

Choose a fireplace surround material that matches your style and budget.

Tile surrounds are versatile and come in a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures. Wood surrounds can add warmth and a rustic charm to the space.

Stone surrounds, such as granite or marble, can create a luxurious and elegant look.

Whichever material you choose, make sure it complements the style of your space and is properly installed for safety and longevity.

10. Improve the lighting

Enhancing the lighting around your fireplace area can significantly impact the overall ambiance and visual appeal.

Consider adding proper lighting options to highlight the fireplace and create a cozy atmosphere.

Wall sconces are a popular choice for fireplace lighting as they can provide a soft and warm glow.

Recessed lights can be installed in the ceiling above the fireplace to evenly illuminate the area. Decorative lamps placed on the mantle can add a touch of elegance and serve as a functional light source.

Experiment with different lighting arrangements to find the perfect balance of brightness and ambiance.

With these budget-friendly tips, you can transform your fireplace into a stunning focal point that reflects your style and personality.

Whether it’s a fresh coat of paint, adding a mantel, or incorporating unique design elements, updating your fireplace doesn’t have to be expensive.

Let your creativity flow and enjoy the process of creating a beautiful and inviting fireplace space.