A fireplace, after all, is about a lot more than just a place to burn a fire indoors to keep people warm. The fireplace itself is an important part of your interior decorating plan, a gathering point for your family and friends and it contributes to the ambiance of your home all the time, even when you are not burning a fire in it. A fireplace gives a room character, warmth and beauty.
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There are so many options when it comes to refacing your fireplace such as: from natural stones to artificial stones (veneer stones), wood, glass tiles or even repainting your existing brick fireplace.
1. Glass Tiles:
Refacing your old fireplace with glass tiles is an expensive project. But the beauty of glass tiles deserves the price. Light produced by the dancing flames flows through tiles, illuminating them and making sparkle with each crack of light. The light is amplified by the surrounding tiles adding a warm and charming feeling.
You can apply tiles over a brick fireplace or over drywall fireplace but don’t apply over a combination surface. Masonry and drywall retain heat differently and the glass tiles could crack. For this reason tiles must be installed on a smooth, single-material surface.
You can choose from many glass tiles type, from monochromatic schemes or complicated designs. A mosaic glass tile border creates an eye catching centerpiece.
2. Wood:
You can add wooden stripes that run horizontally or vertically on your fireplace or you can create geometric designs (triangles, squares). Reface your fireplace with wood surround. That will change dramatically the look of your fireplace.
3. Stucco:
Is a moderately challenging project but can look great if done properly. If you have some skills and determination you can do it yourself.
4. Slate Tiles:
Slate tiles can gives to your fireplace a rustic charm that will last for years. You can add the slate directly over the bricks, or you can first cover the brick with plywood before adding the tiles. You have two options: one with a grout line or with no grout for a smoother surface.
5. Stone Veneer:
Artificial stones are a great choice. They look real and are less expensive than natural stones. These products are lightweight and easy to install. They have more than 50 years warranty and no need for maintenance. They add character and increase the value of every home.
6. Drywall (Sheetrock):
Another solution for refacing your fireplace is to actually cover up the brick. This is a costly method and can be done only by a professional. In fact, with sheetrock though you can achieve the effect of a real wall for your space if you want to cover parts of your fireplace.
7. Painting:
Painting is the least expensive way to reface the old brick fireplace. The most important aspect of painting brick is preparation; thoroughly remove any debris with a wire brush and a vacuum before cleaning it with soap and water. Once all this is done choose a paint that matches with your room. And don’t forget, painting allows versatility.
Conclusion:
If your fireplace is showing its age it is the time to reface it. As you have seen there are many choices to do it.
However, fireplace is the focal point of any room and a fireplace facelift will increase the value of your home.
The Centerpiece of Interior Design – Fireplace Mantel (howtobuildahouseblog.com)
