Fireplaces are intended to be the centerpiece of a home's living space. Unfortunately, when that centerpiece looks outdated and dingy, the entire room and even entire house can suffer. Here are five easy ways to make your dusty old fireplace look modern and new again.
Do a Basic Cleaning
Sometimes all your fireplace needs is a good clean. Soot from log-burning fireplaces is an obvious problem. Clean the firebox of old wood, charcoal, and ash as thoroughly as possible. Wash both sides of the glass door. Finally, vacuum, dust, and wet-wash all exterior surfaces using cleaners designated for wood-burning fireplaces.
"Clean burning" gas and propane leave behind an invisible layer of film that can attract dirt. A thorough wiping with soapy water around the mantle, face, and door will work wonders for your fireplace's appearance.
Deep-Clean the Masonry
If your fireplace's masonry needs a deeper clean, a "paint and peel" masonry cleaner may be in order. You simply brush the cleaner on the brick or tile and let it dry, then peel it off, removing embedded dirt, dust, and soot with it. This is a great way to clean out the natural divots and pits that give masonry its beautiful earthy coziness.
Replace Old Logs
Artificial logs lose their luster over time. The average lifespan of artificial logs is 3-5 years of regular use. Revive your logs by replacing them with vent free gas logs, which come in natural gas or liquid propane versions. You can also find them in a variety of different arrangements and wood styles to best fit your decor.
Update Your Mantle
The mantle of a fireplace can either enhance or diminish the appeal of what lies underneath. By updating your mantle with paint, fresh stain, or an entirely new mantle altogether, you can dramatically improve the modern feel of your old fireplace with minimal cost.
Refinish the Face
Last but not least, consider refinishing the face of your fireplace. Your fireplace face doesn't need to be completely demolished and replaced to modernize it. Simply whitewashing an old brick fireplace face can immediately brighten your room. Or go a step further and install a wood, tile, or stone veneer hearth over an existing face.
These are all easy and fairly inexpensive ways to make your dusty old fireplace look modern and new. Doing one or all of these will revive your living space and provide a sense of overall energy throughout your entire home.
