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7 Ways to Update a Stone Fireplace (1960s, 1970s & More)

Revitalizing an outdated stone fireplace can transform it from a forgotten corner into the heart of the home. Whether you’re working with a 1960s or 1970s stone fireplace, or something more recent that still could use a nice fireplace update, this guide will provide you with innovative stone fireplace makeover ideas and DIY projects to bring your hearth into the modern age. Each suggestion is designed to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of your living space, making your fireplace a true focal point.

1. Reface with Natural Stone Veneer

Natural stone veneer is a fantastic option for anyone wondering how to update a stone fireplace. This versatile material offers the beauty of real stone at a fraction of the cost and is relatively simple to install over your existing fireplace.

Benefits of Natural Stone Veneer:

Affordability: It is cost-effective compared to traditional stone, making it a popular choice for fireplace makeovers.
Ease of Installation: Stone veneer is lightweight and easy to handle. It can be applied directly over existing stone, reducing the project’s complexity.
Versatility: Natural stone veneer is available in various styles, from stacked stone to ledge stone, to match any home decor.

Updating with stone veneer adds new life to your fireplace and increases its overall appeal in your family room or wherever it is. It’s a sustainable choice that maintains the classic charm of natural stone while modernizing the look.

Preparation and Planning

Proper preparation and planning are crucial to the success of your renovation project before you update your stone fireplace. Whether you’re tackling a DIY project or planning to hire professionals, these steps will help you prepare your existing stone fireplace for a stunning transformation.

Cleaning and Preparing the Fireplace Surface

Inspect and Clean: Sometimes you will be able to install stone veneer directly over an existing fireplace substrate, such as unpainted brick. Other times, such as painted brick or rough faced stone, will need to be removed and a new cementitious substrate installed. Inspect your fireplace for any loose stones or debris. Remove these carefully to avoid damaging the underlying structure.
Deep Clean: Use a wire brush and a mixture of mild dish soap and water to scrub the surface of the stone fireplace. For tougher grime, consider a specialized stone cleaner. Ensure that the fireplace is completely dry before proceeding.

Measuring and Material Selection

Accurate Measurements: Measure your fireplace’s height, width, and depth. Remember to account for any irregularities in the stone wall, as these can affect the material needed.
Choosing Materials: Select the appropriate type and amount of natural stone veneer based on your measurements and design preferences. Consider the style and color of the veneer that best compliments your living room or family room decor. Inspiration can sometimes be found in the exterior stone veneers as well, creating continuity of design throughout the inside and outside spaces.

Tips for Material Selection

Visual Appeal: Choose a stone veneer that harmonizes with your home’s aesthetic. Stacked stone or ledge stone might be ideal for a more modern look. For a traditional natural stone fireplace setting, a limewash or whitewash finish might suit better.
Functionality: If you have a wood-burning fireplace or gas fireplace, ensure the materials you choose suit high-heat environments. Use a sealer on natural stone to protect it against heat and smoke.

DIY Friendly: For those planning a DIY update, select veneer products with a straightforward tutorial or installation guide. Spray or chalk paint can be used for a quick color update, while more complex installations, like adding a fireplace mantel or surround, might require professional help.

Installation Process

Updating your stone fireplace with new veneer panels is a fantastic way to transform your living space. Though intricate, the installation process can be handled by DIY enthusiasts with the right tools and patience or by professionals who prefer an expert touch. Here’s how you can achieve a flawless installation of natural stone veneer or similar materials:

Step-by-Step Installation:

Preparation: Before beginning, ensure your existing fireplace is clean, dry, and free of any loose debris. This preparation will help the new materials adhere properly.
Cutting the Veneer: Measure and cut the stone veneer panels to fit the dimensions of your fireplace. Use a wet saw with a diamond blade to ensure clean, precise cuts. This is crucial when working around corners or custom sizes.
Applying Adhesive: Spread a layer of mortar or adhesive over the area you are working on. For high-heat areas like a fireplace surround, use a heat-resistant adhesive to ensure long-term durability.
Affixing the Veneer: Start from the bottom and work your way up. Press each veneer panel firmly into place, twisting slightly to secure the bond with the adhesive. Use spacers to maintain consistent grout lines, enhancing the overall appearance.

Staggering Seams: To achieve a professional look, stagger the seams of the panels as you go. This not only adds to the aesthetic but also strengthens the entire structure.

Professional Finishing Tips:

Alignment: Ensure all panels are aligned properly to avoid an uneven finish. Use a level to check alignment regularly during installation.
Grout Lines: Most natural stone veneers will install without a grout joint, but if your selection does get grouted keep grout lines even and clean up any excess mortar before it dries. This will prevent a messy appearance and ensure a clean, polished look.

Seams: If visible seams are an issue, consider using a stone veneer with interlocking panels to minimize their appearance.

Finishing Touches

After installing your stone veneer, adding the finishing touches can greatly enhance the overall impact of your fireplace update.

Sealant Application:

Enhancing Durability: Apply a high-quality sealer to your stone veneer to help protect against stains and water damage, which is especially important in high-usage areas such as a living room.
Maintaining Appearance: A sealant can also enhance the natural colors of the stone, giving your fireplace makeover a vibrant and appealing finish.

Additional Design Elements:

Mantel Installation: Adding a new wood mantel can provide a fresh look and a practical shelf space above your fireplace. Choose a style that complements the aesthetic of your new veneer.
Hearth Redesign: Updating or adding a hearth can complement your newly refaced fireplace, tying the whole room together. Materials like slate or matching stone veneer are popular choices.

The Surface Shop has been specializing in natural stone veneer wall products for over 15 years and offers a wire ranging selection of natural stone products ranging from traditional drystack and other loose masonry products to high output stacked stone wall panel systems, to modern styled large format tile products. If a fireplace update is on your wish list, reach out to us today to learn more about what exciting natural stone products are available and how a variety of different options might be best suited for your particular application.

2. Whitewash or Limewash

Whitewashing and limewashing are time-honored techniques for updating and refreshing brick and stone surfaces with a light, matte finish. Whitewash typically involves a diluted solution of white paint and water, partially covering the stone or brick while allowing some natural texture and color to show through. Limewash uses slaked lime, which has been used historically to protect and beautify stone, offering a breathable coating that ages gracefully.

Both techniques are excellent for brightening living spaces and adding depth to stone textures without concealing their natural beauty. They create a soft, chalky finish that contributes to a timeless aesthetic, transforming an old or eyesore stone fireplace into a stylish focal point in any room.

3. Install Shiplap or Paneling

Incorporating shiplap or paneling around a stone fireplace can dramatically alter the aesthetic of your space, lending a modern or rustic charm depending on the design chosen. These materials add texture, warmth, and visual interest, making the fireplace a true centerpiece.

Shiplap and paneling are popular in contemporary interior design because they add layered texture and visual interest to walls and architectural features. Shiplap, typically made of wood, is known for its rabbet joints that allow the boards to fit snugly together. In contrast, paneling can be made from wood, MDF, or PVC, offering versatility across various design styles.

4. Update with a Modern Insert

Incorporating a modern fireplace insert into your stone fireplace design can enhance its aesthetic appeal, blending functionality with contemporary style. Long linear fireplace inserts with big glass doors and metal frames and borders are very popular right now and can help transform a stone fireplace into a striking focal point in your living space.

Modern fireplace inserts are essential design elements that add style, texture, and personality to fireplace surrounds. These can be made from various materials, but mainly are glass and metal and their different styles offer flexibility to complement diverse designs and color schemes.

5. German Schmear Technique

The German schmear technique, originating from European architecture, has seen a resurgence as a trendy option for adding warmth and texture to interior spaces. It involves applying mortar or masonry mix over brick or stone, then partially wiping it off to create a rustic, weathered look. This technique highlights the natural beauty of stone surfaces with its handcrafted appearance and subtle variations in color and texture.

6. Painted Brick or Stone

Painting a brick or stone fireplace is a popular, budget-friendly DIY project that can dramatically update a room’s look. This method preserves the texture and character of the original material while offering a fresh, new appearance.

Painted fireplaces can modernize an outdated fireplace with minimal expense and effort. The versatility of paint colors and finishes—such as matte, satin, or gloss—allows easy integration into any design style, transforming any stone fireplace from an eyesore to a focal point.

7. Enhance with a Wood Mantel

Wood mantels are a timeless addition to fireplace designs, bringing warmth, character, and architectural interest to any room. They stand as a testament to both tradition and versatility in home decor.

Wood mantels range from rustic reclaimed wood to elegant hardwoods like oak or maple and even manufactured options such as MDF or composite materials. This variety allows them to seamlessly complement a broad spectrum of design styles, from classic to contemporary, enhancing the living space with aesthetic and functional qualities.

Tips for Renovating Fireplaces from Different Time Periods

Fireplace design trends have evolved significantly over the decades, reflecting broader architectural styles and homeowner preferences. Each era offers unique features, from the mid-century modern aesthetics of the 1950s and 1960s, characterized by clean lines and organic forms, to the rustic charm of the 1970s with its heavy use of stone and timber. Understanding these can help homeowners decide how to update their existing fireplaces while respecting their historical integrity.

Updating 1950s and 1960s Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces

Mid-century modern fireplaces are known for their minimalist design and emphasis on natural materials like brick or stone. To renovate these fireplaces, consider the following:

Preserve Original Materials: Whenever possible, retain original materials, restoring them to highlight their natural beauty. This could involve cleaning up brick fireplaces or repairing stone surrounds.
Sleek Design Elements: Enhance the clean lines typical of this era with modern updates such as sleek metal mantels or geometric shapes in the surround.

Minimalist Decor: Keep the area around the fireplace clutter-free and incorporate subtle modern elements that complement rather than overshadow the original design.

Refreshing 1970s-style Fireplaces

Fireplaces from the 1970s often feature distinctive designs with heavy use of rough stone and ornate woodwork. To update a 1970’s stone fireplace:

Cover Dated Materials: Apply natural stone veneer or shiplap to cover overly rustic or dated materials, modernizing the look while keeping the structure’s character.
Earthy Tones and Textures: Integrate earthy tones and organic textures popular during the 1970s but with a contemporary twist, such as updated color palettes and cleaner lines.

Retro-Inspired Accents: Consider adding retro-inspired elements like brass hardware or patterned tiles that nod to the original era but with a fresh, modern feel.

Modernizing Contemporary Fireplaces

Contemporary fireplaces often already boast a modern design but might need refreshment to align with the latest trends:

Streamlined Designs: Embrace clean, streamlined designs focusing on simplicity and high functionality. Remove any ornate details that date the piece and opt for a more minimalist approach.
High-Quality Materials: Use modern, high-quality materials like glass, stainless steel, or polished wood to give the fireplace a luxurious, updated feel.
Integrated Technology: Incorporate modern technology such as remote-controlled gas fireplaces, LED lighting, or even space for media equipment to enhance the living space and functionality.

Considering your fireplace’s original style and period and integrating contemporary design principles, you can successfully update it to make it a standout focal point in your home while respecting its architectural heritage.

Final Thoughts

Updating a stone fireplace can significantly transform your home’s ambiance and aesthetic. Throughout this guide, we’ve explored diverse methods to rejuvenate an existing fireplace, from applying a German schmear for a touch of rustic charm to installing a sleek shiplap for a modern flair. Each technique offers a unique way to enhance the focal point of your living space—whether through a simple whitewash, a wood mantel, or a complete fireplace makeover with stone veneer.

We at The Surface Shop are excited to support your renovation journey with a wide range of high-quality materials for any DIY project or professional installation. From loose natural stone products to innovative stone veneer panel options, our products are ideal for fireplace remodels and makeovers.

Ready to transform your fireplace? Visit The Surface Shop today to explore our selection and find everything you need for your next fireplace project. Turn your old fireplace into a stunning new centerpiece you and your family will cherish for years.

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