Fireplaces naturally anchor a room, making them a great opportunity for styling. Whether embarking on a full brick fireplace makeover or refreshing an old mantel with new decor, a few simple updates can transform a fireplace from a backdrop to a standout feature. 

In this guide, we’ll share fireplace makeover ideas for every style — from cozy and classic to clean and contemporary — including styling tips that don’t require a full fireplace remodel.

15 DIY fireplace makeover ideas

Your room’s focal point deserves a look that makes everyone want to snuggle up by the fire. Before you get out the sledgehammer and start swinging, try these smart updates to the mantel, hearth, or surround for a warm, inviting centerpiece. 

1. Repaint the fireplace surround in a bold color

Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh coat of paint to transform a space. A bold color on the fireplace surround — like dusty rose or terracotta in a warm, Spanish-style design — can completely shift the mood. For something more traditional, off-white or pale gray keeps things clean. Be sure to choose heat-resistant paint if you still light up your firebox or fireplace insert. 

2. Add a floating wood mantel

A floating mantel sits cleanly against the wall without ornate corbels or trims, creating a more open, modern feel. If you’re working with a minimalist fireplace design that feels too bare, adding a simple wood mantel brings warmth and gives you a functional ledge for styling with artwork, greenery, or your favorite taper candles.

3. Use peel-and-stick tile for a temporary refresh

Peel-and-stick is a low-commitment fireplace update idea that gives the surround a completely new look — sans grout and contractors. A marble-look vinyl adds a timeless and traditional style, while a patterned ceramic decal adds a more boho chic vibe.

4. Install a fireplace screen

Brass or iron screens lean into classic Hollywood, while black metal hits sleek, modern interior design. Dare to be bold with arched or geometric shapes or patterns (think Art Deco panels, zebra stripes, or branch-like patterns) to really make your fireplace design stand out. Beyond style, it keeps sparks contained and adds polish to your hearth.

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5. Style the hearth with layered candles

Candles are another low-maintenance fireplace makeover hack that adds warmth and ambiance, providing flame to fireplaces that you don’t use regularly or that aren’t functional. Layer candles and holders in different sizes, heights, and designs to create a curated look and show off a flicker that draws the eye. 

6. Decorate with seasonal greenery or garlands

Bushy pine boughs and holly for winter, eucalyptus and magnolia leaves in spring, and dried pampas grass and wildflowers in summer — simple greenery brings the outside in. Draping a garland or flowers along the mantel introduces natural textures and pops of color, which adds fresh seasonal charm. 

7. Swap in a mirror or large artwork above the mantel

A large mirror or striking piece of artwork instantly captures everyone's attention and adds personality to your fireplace design. Mirrors create reflections that brighten up a space and make it feel bigger, while a statement painting or graphic print injects a big dose of character. Choosing a piece larger than your mantel frames your fireplace, making it the undeniable centerpiece of the room.

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8. Place stacked firewood for a rustic texture

Firewood doesn’t have to live on the patio. Neatly stacking logs by your hearth adds a cozy feel that emanates farmhouse or cottagecore vibes. Plus, the warm, natural wood tones beautifully complement wood coffee tables or leather furniture accents and soften hard materials like tile or brick, bringing an earthiness to your overall fireplace design. 

9. Install LED lights for an ambient glow

Soft LED lights around the hearth, hung like a garland or over a mantel, add a warm glow without the hassle of a real fire. This subtle flicker can also highlight architectural details like a stone chimney or wood mantle, creating a cozy vibe. Plus, LED lights are energy-efficient and easy to install, making them a smart and simple upgrade. 

10. Paint brick white for a bright, clean look

An easy fireplace paint idea is to coat your brick fireplace in crisp white. It instantly lightens the room and gives a dated surround a more clean, modern feel. You can complement the look with a natural wood mantel (think cherry, walnut, or mahogany) for contrast or sand the painted brick slightly to bring out texture and achieve a more distressed, lived-in feel. Either way, it’s a simple update with a big payoff. 

11. Create contrast with a dark-painted wall

For a bold take on modern fireplace accent wall ideas, go dark. Painting the wall behind your fireplace in a deep shade (like charcoal, forest green, or navy) sharpens the contrast and puts all the focus on the hearth. It’s especially striking with a crisp wood mantel, textured tile, or matte black fireplace insert. The result feels dramatic and fits right into loud Gothic or maximalist design aesthetics. 

12. Style with branches

For a minimalist or Japandi-inspired touch, skip the florals and add a sculptural vase with asymmetrical branches on the mantel or next to the hearth. It gives off an organic, zen feel that keeps the room’s centerpiece calm and balanced.

13. Replace logs with fire glass or stones

Swapping traditional logs for fire glass or smooth stone veneer gives an electric or gas fireplace insert a modern, minimalist feel. Clear, black, or icy blue fire glass looks sleek and sophisticated, perfect for contemporary and industrial spaces. Meanwhile, natural stone veneer adds earthy textures that complement both rustic and Scandinavian design. This fireplace design update not only elevates the overall aesthetic, it's also low-maintenance. 

14. Use wood panels to frame the fireplace

Whether you opt for rustic reclaimed wood for a cozy cabin vibe or white wood panels for a modern fireplace design, wood paneling complements brick, stone, and tile surrounds beautifully. Light finishes brighten the space, while dark stains add depth and drama. Whatever you choose, it’s a versatile design hack that turns a simple firebox into a standout feature.

15. Soften with your surroundings

Brick and stone fireplaces can feel hard and cold without proper styling. Add tactile elements like woven baskets, a soft cotton pouf, or a natural fiber living room rug to balance more rugged materials. These cozy touches create a layered, inviting space that encourages you to light up a fire.

Explore fireplace remodel ideas with Onton

Can’t decide between a complete fireplace remodel or a simple refresh? Onton’s AI-powered search engine helps you explore smart, stylish fireplace makeover ideas. Try prompts like “oversized mirror” or “floating wood mantel” to find pieces that fit your space. 

Once you pick a few favorites, use Onton’s Imagine tool to see how everything looks on your fireplace. Just upload a photo and start experimenting with the design and decor. 

Dream up your ideal fireplace aesthetic with Onton.