Brush it up with paint
Traditional fireplaces can have such beautiful features or engravings, but when the tiles are too dated or the paint’s chipped, they tend to look rather underwhelming.
Keep the classic elements you love but give them a new lease of life with a lick of fresh paint. It’s probably the easiest way to refresh the area and gives you an opportunity to be a bit creative.
Wooden surrounds: These are easy to makeover but remember to strip it and sand before cleaning the area and applying primer. Two coats of your chosen wood paint should do it, or semi-gloss acrylic paint works really well, but let it fully dry before you start on the second layer. Why not pick out the ridges or some detailing in a contrasting color?
The insert: You’ll need high heat enamel paint and a foam brush to get decent coverage. Always do a patch test first and see how the paint will take to the surface, as not all materials can be painted.
Transform tired tiles: They’re a dream to paint over and a lot less hassle than retiling. Painting beige tiles white, for example, instantly lifts the area and looks like a whole new fireplace.
Use painter’s tape to seal off the edges, so you get nice clean lines, then apply three coats of primer-sealer.
