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10 New Looks for Fireplaces in Older Homes
From updated bricks to modern art on the mantel, these ideas for the fireplace will help your older home feel young at hearth
Living in the Midwest, we use our fireplace a lot in the winter. A glowing hearth can add such warmth to a room, both literally and figuratively. This is a bonus in an old home with very old windows that let out quite a bit of precious heat in the winter.
In many older homes like my own, the living space is centered around the fireplace, automatically putting your mantel as the focal point in the room. Finishing and accessorizing your fireplace and mantel can completely change the atmosphere in a room you probably spend most of your time in — whether it's fireplace season or not.
In many older homes like my own, the living space is centered around the fireplace, automatically putting your mantel as the focal point in the room. Finishing and accessorizing your fireplace and mantel can completely change the atmosphere in a room you probably spend most of your time in — whether it's fireplace season or not.
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Sometimes it seems there isn't anywhere else for the TV to go except above the mantel. I'm sure the original owners of our old homes could never imagine such a thing, but today it's common and can be done in a way that doesn't detract from the room's decor. The dark paint on the woodwork helps to disguise the TV better than if it were painted white like the shelves.
See more on where to put the TV
See more on where to put the TV
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This Craftsman-style fireplace is very popular in 1920s and 1930s bungalows. This room has a modern approach that starts with the tile surrounding the fireplace. The rest of the room pulls from the deep browns and caramel colors found in the tile.
by Judith Balis
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This is a completely different way to dress up a Craftsman-style fireplace. Talk about glam! The bold colors and the striped sofa are meant to be paired with that mirror. Also, notice how the fireplace just seems to blend seamlessly into the decor. Because black is used throughout the design, the fireplace doesn't appear too heavy but still seems to anchor the space.
by Emily Ruddo
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This fireplace mantel blends into the background. The color closely matches the wall color, while bright accessories top the mantel and bold textiles draw your eye away from the fireplace. This might be a good strategy to use if your fireplace is not functional but still serves as a fixture in the room.
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I like the gray tones used in this tile. The mantel was painted in one of the darker hues, making it a bit more dramatic than if it had been painted lighter. The artwork and accessories are kept simple and neutral.
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Brick fireplaces are common in older homes. If brick isn't your style, simply paint it. This painted white brick lightens a space already saturated with color and gives your eyes a rest. Simple accessories provide height without making the mantel too busy.
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The owners have left this beautiful wood mantel in its original state. So many older mantels have been painted, so we never see their original glory. Even though the mantel looks very traditional, a patterned tile is used that's echoed in the varied bold prints of the rug and the ottoman. This room proves you can have a traditional finish but mix it with bold, fresh patterns.
by MuseInteriors
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Modern art on this fireplace pairs well with the more traditional decor to keep the room feeling updated.
by Julianne Kelly
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This mantel is dressed with an oversize mirror with a scale that matches the height of the ceiling. This helps draw the eyes up to that gorgeous crown molding that's often found in older homes. And did you notice the whimsical larger-than-life lamp in the corner?
by Julia Ryan
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This is an idea that we are thinking of doing in our formal living room. You can extend your fireplace by adding woodwork to the ceiling and painting it the same color. This makes a great backdrop for art and would match board and batten or trim already in your space. The bottom ledge offers a nice area for decor. Many people use a candelabra in a fireplace when it's not being used, but the plate and books have a more eclectic and modern feel.
Comments
Tirage Fine Art Gallery Great article -- we wanted to add a recent project, the 2012 Pasadena Showcase House of Design. The 1920's Spanish Revival house included an out building in which Cynthia Bennett & Associates turned into a Writer's Retreat. We loved the sculptural element above the fireplace and the designer complemented the decor with sculptures from Tirage Fine Art Gallery 
11 months ago · Like
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jsksss My daughter has an awkwardly located fireplace with small, recessed windows on both sides that she wants to modernized. This is the first time I've seen fireplace pictures with windows similar to hers. Your suggestions have given us another way to solve this issue. Thanks!
11 months ago · Like
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designchallenged Very useful information, and a nice variety of ideas, except for the cliche TV over the fireplace. It cannot be comfortable watching TV at that angle.
11 months ago · Like
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Melanie Marinucci I have a corner fireplace that I hate and would like to somehow update but I have zero ideas. Any uggestions? 
11 months ago · Like
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carlitoslizz my fireplace is reddish brick and goes all the way from the front door and wraps around to the living room..would love to do something to update it...
7 months ago · Like
hazelirene I have a very large brick fireplace in the middle of my rectangle living room wall with a raised hearth that take up about 2 ft. of space, has any one been successful at removing brick, I would love to remove fireplace all together, but have updated fireplace.
5 months ago · Like
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karutap This site is just splendid! So many inventive and beautiful solutions to what looked like hopeless messes.
3 months ago · Like
