Modern and stylish living room with leather sofa, wooden coffee table and flat-screen TV, ideal for relaxing and entertaining.

Choosing the right fireplace remodel idea will transform your room! A fireplace mixes beauty and functionality, providing warmth and serving as the heart of the living space. It can make or break any room; a fireplace remodel can drastically change the atmosphere of your home.

If you want to change your fireplace but do not know how, read this complete guide. Here, you will find some of the best fireplace remodel ideas to help you turn your fireplace into a stunning focal point. Start reading and get inspired!

How To Remodel Your Fireplace Without Spending Much

Remodeling your fireplace on a budget can make your home cozier and the idea of spending the colder months inside much more acceptable with a new, remodeled fireplace. Below are a few cost-effective fireplace remodeling ideas to transform your fireplace without breaking the bank.

1. Add A Sleek, Contemporary Mantel

Modern living room with minimalist fireplace, concrete and wooden walls and large windows, providing a cozy and elegant environment.

Choose concrete, steel, or marble materials for a sleek, clean-lined look that perfectly fits contemporary interior designs. Incorporating bold and geometric shapes for the mantel and surrounding area is an excellent way to create a chic contrast to traditional fireplace styles.

You can even experiment with color, such as black or charcoal, to make a striking statement. This fireplace renovation idea will update the look of the fireplace and provide you with more space to decorate it with modern accessories or artwork.

2. Upgrade To A Gas Or Electric Fireplace

Contemporary living room with modern decor, comfortable sofa, coffee table and fireplace.

While traditional wood-burning fireplaces offer a cozy experience, they can be messy and require significant upkeep. If you seek a convenient option, consider replacing your existing fireplace with a gas or electric one, as they are easy to use and require less maintenance.

A gas fireplace provides the same warmth and comfort but without the smoke and ash. It can be seamlessly integrated into your home with various designs and venting options.

Alternatively, an electric fireplace offers the ultimate convenience, especially in homes without chimneys. It is a low-maintenance option and can still give you the appearance of a traditional fireplace with a modern twist. But, if you still want to maintain your traditional chimney, here are the benefits of chimney caps.

3. Use Natural Stone Surrounds

Cozy living room with stone fireplace, leather sofas and decorative elements in a modern and rustic style.

Nothing says luxury quite like natural stone. A stone surround adds texture, warmth, and a sense of grandeur to any fireplace. Materials such as slate, granite, or even river rock can be used to create a beautiful focal point that blends rustic and contemporary styles.

Natural stone offers versatility when it comes to fireplace remodeling ideas. You can go for a traditional stacked stone look for a more rustic vibe or choose a smooth-cut stone for a more refined finish. Additionally, stone can be paired with wood to soften the space and add texture. 

4. Incorporate Built-In Shelving

Image of a cozy room with a fireplace, shelves of books and rustic decor.

One of the most practical fireplace renovation ideas is adding built-in shelving around your fireplace. Not only does this provide additional storage space for books, decorative objects, or firewood, but it also enhances the room's overall design.

You can frame your fireplace with symmetrical shelves or opt for asymmetrical shelving for a modern, eclectic feel. Consider these bookcase ideas to make your fireplace even more stylish. The possibilities are endless, depending on your needs and the aesthetics.

5. Consider A Marble Surround

Image of a sophisticated fireplace design with a light marble panel, highlighting fire and wooden details.

If you want to give your fireplace an upscale, luxurious feel, a marble surround is an excellent choice. Marble comes in various colors and patterns, from classic white with grey veins to deep, dramatic hues of black and gold.

With its timeless appeal that works well in both traditional and contemporary homes, marble surrounds are particularly stunning when paired with a modern or traditional mantel.

This fireplace makeover idea creates a beautiful contrast with other materials like wood and metal, making your fireplace an elegant statement piece that draws attention without overwhelming the room.

6. Install A Glass Screen Or Frameless Glass

Image of a cozy modern fireplace with flames in the central part, surrounded by stacked wood and decorative details in an elegant environment.

For a minimalist, modern approach, you can replace traditional fireplace doors with sleek glass screens or even a frameless glass design. Glass allows the beauty of the fire to take center stage and creates a transparent look that is both stylish and functional.

A frameless glass design is perfect for homeowners who want to maintain an open, airy feel in the room. It is also easier to clean than traditional fireplace doors and prevents sparks and debris from escaping, making it a practical option for modern homes.

7. Create A Statement Wall

Living room decoration with fireplace and colorful wooden panel wall. Modern and cozy style.

Transform your fireplace into the centerpiece of a feature wall. Try adding bold wallpaper, painting the surrounding walls in a contrasting color, or even using textured finishes like shiplap or reclaimed wood. A statement wall will draw attention to your fireplace, making it the focal point of the room.

You can also combine different materials, such as tiles, wood paneling, or metal, to create a stunning and unique backdrop. This fireplace update idea is perfect for those who want to make a bold design statement and create a striking visual impact.

8. Install A Custom Hearth

Image of a cozy living room with a fireplace, comfortable sofa, bookshelf full of books and cozy decor.

A custom hearth can add both functionality and beauty to your space. Whether you choose a large, extended hearth to sit and relax by or a smaller, more refined one to accentuate the design, customizing this area can elevate the overall aesthetic of your fireplace.

Materials like stone, brick, or even tile can be used to create a personalized hearth that matches the style of the room. A custom hearth also offers the opportunity to integrate additional features, such as built-in seating or storage.

If you like these fireplace remodel ideas but are not sure about the DIY part, access our additions and remodels cost guide to learn how much it might cost you to warm up your place in a stylish way.

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