Do-It-Yourself Ideas for Updating a 1970s Stone Fireplace

Fireplace makeover methods to fuel your imagination

Co-authored by Josh Goldenberg

Last Updated: October 15, 2023 Fact Checked

Does your home have a dated stone fireplace that doesn’t suit your style? Don't give up hope! We've compiled a list of a dozen DIY techniques to turn that ugly eyesore into a fabulous focal point. If you’re tired of living with that ’70s vibe, try one of these clever ideas to transform your fireplace from groovy to gorgeous!

Things You Should Know

Easily redo a stone fireplace with masonry paint , whitewash, or a “German smear” mortar wash.
Disguise a shabby stone fireplace with shiplap, tile, stone veneer , or cement.
Modernize a fireplace by staining or painting the mantel.
Add interest to a mantel with decorative brackets , or build a new mantel box.

1

Brighten up the stone with whitewash.

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Whitewash for a neutral finish that won’t obscure the stones’ texture. In a bucket, stir a 1:1 mixture of flat latex paint and water. Working in small areas, brush on the whitewash , then immediately wipe off with a rag. ^{[1]
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Research source} The result: a dreamy fireplace that works well with any color palette.
- A damp rag produces a smooth finish, while a dry rag leaves a more textured appearance. ^{[2]
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2

Paint your fireplace a solid color.

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Transform the room's ambiance with water-based interior masonry paint. ^{[3]
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Research source} Use a brush on the grout and a fluffy roller to paint the stone. ^{[4]
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Research source} Nobody will know there’s brown or beige rock lurking beneath your pretty paint job.
- Interior masonry paint is formulated to bond with rough, uneven surfaces and doesn’t usually need a primer. ^{[5]
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- White is a popular color choice because it makes the room feel bright and airy.
- Black fireplaces are trending as a choice for modern, sophisticated homes.
- Make a bold statement with an eclectic shade of blue or yellow.

3

Texture your fireplace with a mortar wash.

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Give your fireplace a mortar wash makeover for cute cottage vibes. In a bucket, combine water with white mortar that’s formulated for wall tile. ^{[6]
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Research source} This is about consistency rather than exact measurements; for a highly-textured finish, make a mixture the thickness of peanut butter. For less texture, aim for the consistency of pudding.
- Pudding-consistency mortar is applied with a paintbrush. Smear on thicker mortar with a grout sponge . ^{[7]
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- This technique is also referred to as “German smear” or “German schmear.”
- There isn’t a right or wrong way to do this, it’s just a matter of experimenting until you’re happy with the look. Say bye-bye to your Brady Bunch fireplace!
- If the finish appears grayer than you expected, don’t panic. ^{[8]
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  Research source} It takes 20-45 minutes for the mortar wash to fully dry and reach a bright shade of white. ^{[9]
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4

Update metal accents with spray paint.

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Spray paint brass surfaces black to give your fireplace a mini facelift. It’s important to use a high-heat spray paint that can withstand extreme temperatures. After applying 2 thin coats , your fireplace will look more stylish and current. ^{[10]
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- Protect surfaces from paint mist. Cover all areas within 6 feet (1.8 m) of the firebox using plastic drop cloths and painter’s tape. Black spray paint looks fantastic on fireplaces, but not so great on carpet! ^{[11]
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- Ventilate the room. To minimize fumes, open the doors and windows before you begin painting. Use a fan to circulate the air. ^{[12]
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5

Frame your fireplace with shiplap.

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Create a modern farmhouse fireplace by adding a shiplap surround. Build a frame around the original fireplace using 2 by 4 ft (0.61 by 1.22 m) wood boards. ^{[13]
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Research source} Attach cement backer board to the area around the firebox opening, making a 6 in (15 cm) non-combustible border. Then, cover the rest of the frame by hanging shiplap planks . Install tile on the backer board.
- Research current fire safety codes before beginning this project. ^{[14]
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  Research source} It's important to keep combustible materials 6 inches (15.24 cm) away from the firebox.
- Framing a new surround is a smart way to conceal an unsightly fireplace without the hassle and mess of removing the stone. ^{[15]
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6

Renovate with stone veneer.

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Opt for a stone veneer that's infinitely more stylish than the 1970s stone. For this project, build a wood frame around your fireplace and cover it with cement backer board, leaving an opening for the firebox. ^{[16]
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Research source} Next, adhere the stone veneer to the backer board with mortar. ^{[17]
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- Identify fire safety codes and regulations before starting this project. ^{[18]
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  Research source} Combustible materials should be at least 6 inches (15.24 cm) away from the firebox.
- For a crisp, contemporary look, select a white marble veneer .
- A charcoal gray stacked-stone veneer works well in an industrial-styled space.

7

Glam up your fireplace with tile.

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Get a polished look with a tiled facade. After making a wood frame with cement backer board, adhere wall tile using thin-set mortar that’s formulated for wall applications. ^{[19]
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Research source} Add grout the following day. Allow the tile to cure for 2-3 days before using the fireplace. ^{[20]
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- If the tile doesn’t have a mesh backing, use spacers between the tiles.
- For a whimsical vibe, choose colorful tiles with hand-painted designs.
- If you’re aiming for elegance, consider a mosaic tile in a herringbone pattern.

8

Modernize the fireplace with concrete.

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Embrace a minimalist aesthetic by adding a cement-based skim coat. Build a wood frame and attach cement backer board. ^{[21]
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Research source} Use a concrete trowel to apply a skim coat such as FeatherFinish . ^{[22]
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Research source} Let the skim coat dry overnight, then sand lightly to smooth out any bumps. ^{[23]
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- Adding joint tape to the seams and applying a thin-set mortar before the skim coat minimizes cracks. ^{[24]
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9

Stain your mantel.

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Refinish your mantel in a tint you love to make it look new. Maybe you wish your wood mantel were a little darker. Or a bit lighter. Good news, you can redo it yourself! For an amazing upgrade, use a product like CitriStrip gel to remove the old finish. Apply wood stain and varnish for a fresh style. ^{[25]
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- Wear gloves and ventilate the room while using stripping products, wood stain, or varnish.

10

Install decorative mantel brackets or corbels.

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Ornate wooden corbels add a touch of elegance when attached to the underside of a floating mantel. ^{[26]
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Research source} For a more rustic look, install black iron brackets .

11

Build a mantel cover.

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Disguise your mantel with a chic mantel cover: no demo needed! Construct a wooden box the same length and depth as your current mantel, but don’t add a back to the box. Stain and varnish the wood , then slide the box over your old mantel to hide it. ^{[27]
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- Depending on the design of your fireplace surround, you may need to notch the bottom panel of the box to fit over your mantel.

12

Paint your mantel.

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Revitalize your tired-looking mantel with a fresh new color. For the most durable results, use an enamel-based paint . ^{[28]
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Research source} Apply it with a brush to get into the nooks and crannies, then follow up with a foam roller for a smooth finish.
- Classic black is a solid choice, but you might choose to add rich color to your space with an unexpected hue like terracotta or indigo.

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Tips

While it’s possible to remove the stone using a hammer and chisel, it requires a lot of effort and makes a huge mess. ^{[29]
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Research source} Unfortunately, the mortared substrate would probably need to be cut out and replaced as well. ^{[30]
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Warnings

Wear appropriate safety gear while working with power tools or chemicals.

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Research fire safety codes and regulations before refacing your fireplace. ^{[31]
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Research source}

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Make sure your fireplace is in good shape by consulting with a fireplace technician.

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Ventilate the room while painting or using chemicals.

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Do-It-Yourself Ideas for Updating a 1970s Stone Fireplace

Things You Should Know

Steps

Brighten up the stone with whitewash.

Paint your fireplace a solid color.

Texture your fireplace with a mortar wash.

Update metal accents with spray paint.

Frame your fireplace with shiplap.

Renovate with stone veneer.

Glam up your fireplace with tile.

Modernize the fireplace with concrete.

Stain your mantel.

Install decorative mantel brackets or corbels.

Build a mantel cover.

Paint your mantel.

Expert Q&A

Tips

Warnings

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References

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