Fireplace Mantle Decorating Ideas and More!

More times than most, redecorating your fireplace will leave you with quite the problem: how to get all those years worth of soot and grime off your fireplace brick. Fortunately for the home decorator this problem is easily solved. Let's explore some cleaning products and tips to get your fireplace looking like new.

Cleaning Smoke off Fireplace Brick
To clean off layers of smoke buildup from your fireplace, you need not invest in any expensive specialty products. For this you will want to consider a scouring power (preferably with bleach)and a good stiff bristle brush. Use the brush and cleaner to scrub away the smoke residue. You may want to consider purchasing a bottle of inexpensive fireplace cleaner that is specially formulated to clean brick. It is always a good idea to test any new cleaning method on a hidden area of brick until you know how it is going to affect your fireplace.

Cleaning Soot from Your Fireplace
Soot is the most common cause of a dirty fireplace but is quite easily cleaned off. Several different methods are available for cleaning soot so you may need to find the best method for your own fireplace. For most soot stains you can take your bristle brush and dip it in vinegar. When the brick is scrubbed with the vinegar it will easily dissolve most of your stains. You may also want to consider a stronger solution, such as one made from muriatic acid. This is best dissolved in water in a 10 to 1 water to acid ratio. Ask at your local hardware store to see if this would be a good method for your fireplace.

A Clean Fireplace and a Happy Home
I hope these tips will help steer you in the right direction for your fireplace cleaning project. If you would like to do some further reading be sure to read this article on cleaning brick.

If you are looking for an easy way to redecorate while increasing the value of your home, consider a few cans of fireplace paint for a new look this fall. Fireplace painting is a fun and easy way to redo your home without spending a ton of money. By buying a pre-wrapped kit you are sure to get everything you need as well as instructions on how to paint your fireplace.

Although painting may sound intimidating at first, you really can't go wrong painting your fireplace brick. A typical fireplace is less than 100 square feet, meaning that you don't need a whole lot of paint. You want to be sure to knock off any loose pieces of existing paint, even using a piece of sand paper to rough up the paint if it is especially shiny. Once you have your surface ready to paint, simply roll on a coat of brick sealer, allowing time to dry afterward. After sealing the brick you can apply your fireplace paint, but be sure that you choose the right paint for your brick. Some types of paint cannot withstand the heat of a fireplace so be sure to choose a fireplace paint that is specially designed for use as such.


After painting your fireplace you can apply a coat of brick sealer to ensure your paint job can withstand the test of time. Applying the brick sealer will also prevent the layers of paint from chipping away with normal wear. In just a few short hours and a couple of paint brushes you can give your fireplace the beautiful sandstone look you have always dreamed of.

When buying a new home many buyers are faced with deciding what to do with a large fireplace. Often times fireplaces that have not been cared for or used in years can present an unsightly problem in a living room. However, this problem can easily be solved with a little bit of elbow grease and a couple cans of paint. If you are still on the fence about painting your fireplace the Fireplace Decorating Blog has a great article on why to paint your brick fireplace. If you've already made up your mind to go for it, let's take a look at how it's done.

If your fireplace has been heavily used over the years, soot has likely formed an unsightly film over your brick. If your fireplace has been especially neglected you may even face a problem with mildew or some other type of fungus growing on the brick. Before you begin your painting project it is wise to consider cleaning the fireplace with a specially formulated brick fireplace cleaner. The Brick-ANew website has a great article on cleaning a fireplace. After you have cleaned the fireplace with your weapon of choice it is a good idea to go back over it with a wire brush to knock off any remaining particles.

If your fireplace is already painted you may have some reservations about painting over the existing coat of paint. You always have the option of removing the paint with lye or paint thinner, but this isn't absolutely necessary. Although the surface needs to be clean before painting, it is not necessary to remove existing layers of paint.

After your fireplace is ready to be painted, the next step is to decide what color is right for your home's decor. Home and Garden TV's website has a great article on choosing a color scheme for your home if you haven't decided already. If you're looking for a lighter color for your fireplace the Brick-ANew site mentioned above has some great kits for painting brick that come with a DVD on how to paint your fireplace. If you are looking for a darker color your choices are more limited as far as online options, but any reputable paint store would be able to assist you in your color selection. If buying your paint from a home supplier be sure to choose an interior latex primer for the base coat and a 100% acrylic latex paint for the topcoat. Satin, semi-gloss and flat finishes will all work depending on your preference. Latex is good for painting brick because it allows the porous brick surface to breathe, sparing you future fireplace problems.

Painting the brick is like any other painting project. A brush can be used to paint smaller fireplaces, while a roller may be necessary for larger scale projects. If you don't plan on using the fireplace you may also consider painting the firebox as well, although this isn't wise for a functional fireplace.

Overall painting a fireplace is a fairly simple process that can add a great deal of value to your home. Fireplace paint can help to improve the look and feel of any room, providing benefits for years to come.

Bad jokes aside, fall is upon us again and with the changing of the leaves it is time for a change of decor. The warm pastel colors fashionable in spring and summer give way to more relaxing, ambient colors reflective of the season. Most decorators tend toward browns and maroons during the fall and winter months, complimenting the colors of the leaves outside. Look for throw pillows that can add a cozy touch to any couch.

For home aroma, choose subtle scents and warm smells. I recently bought a scent matched home set that provides all natural lotions, cleaners and cloths to leave your home and hands clean and smelling good. However you choose to decorate your home this season, please continue to check back for more great ideas on my page.

As the weather warms up, many people want to do a little redecorating to brighten a room or two. Lighter colors are a good choice for the summer warmth as they tend to reflect light better. White or beige colors tend to bounce more light around a space and can help to cut down on energy bills at a time when everyone could use a couple extra bucks. Numerous options are available for every budget, so let's take a look at how to improve your home today.

Candles are a great way to redo any room simply by choosing a new color scheme. Pier 1 is currently running big sales where you can purchase many of their candles for under $10. Take a look at the Aspen Flower Candles for something to match your home decor.

If you have a fireplace in your home, I always like to recommend the Brick-ANew fireplace cleaner to take off all of the grime and soot that may have gotten on your fireplace over the winter. With a little elbow grease you can bring out the true beauty of your brick or stone and even get it ready for a coat of fireplace paint.

To round out our list of items for this summer, take a look at the latest collection from West Elm. I recently picked up a sweater rug to go in front of my fireplace with fabulous results. A small rug starts at $89 so you can pick up all three items listed here for less than $130. Happy Decorating!

Cleaning a fireplace mantel is a simple chore that will make your fireplace gleam. If its been a while since you cleaned last you probably have accumulated a pretty good layer of dust on your wood mantel. You will want to start with a damp cloth to wipe off all of the dust. I recommend the french sponges made by Caldrea that pop up when they get wet. These are a great item because they come in packs of tens and are biodegradable.

Wipe all of the dust off of your mantel using your sponge or cloth. Once the dust is completely removed from the surface you may want to consider a wood polish or other cleaner depending on the type of mantel you have. I personally just use a little wood polish on my oak mantels for a shine that really lights up my rooms. Good luck with your very own spring cleaning!

Decorating your fireplace can be the first step in improving the appearance of your home's common area. Several options are available to the budding home decorator, and you are sure to find a solution on any sort of budget.

Fireplace Refacing
Fireplace refacing is a great choice if you want to radically change the appearance of your fireplace. Many people find that painting their fireplace is the easiest option while others choose to apply a few coats of stain to preserve the look of their natural brick. I have lenses on this topic on well whether you want to resurface a brick fireplace or reface your fireplace. There are also many great articles elsewhere on the subject such as this article on fireplace updates. Between these sources you're sure to find a resurfacing solution that is right for your home.

Fireplace Decorating
Fireplace decorating can be one of the easiest ways to instantly improve your fireplace's appearance. Whether you drape a tapestry over your fireplace or adorn it with family pictures, adding a central focus to the mantle can help draw attention to your fireplace. You may consider reading some fireplace decorating articles that can give you some advice.

Replacing the Fireplace Mantle
One of the more costly renovations, but one of the most rewarding, is the total replacement of the fireplace mantle. Adding a new wood mantle to match the decor of your living room can do wonders in changing the room's atmosphere. There are many e-commerce sites that sell wood fireplace mantles.

Gas Logs
Gas logs can also be a rewarding addition to any fireplace. Tired of buying wood and dealing with the mess of a traditional fireplace? You may want to inquire about a set of natural gas fireplace logs. These log sets are gas fueled and can work in a vented or ventless fireplace, depending on your home's needs.

Fireplace Screens
Glass fireplace screens can also be a great way to give your fireplace a more modern look. The glass screens provide for a stunning visual experience with the safety of a barrier around the fireplace. These screens are a must for anyone with pets or children.

I help home decorators in Atlanta find new items for their decorating projects in addition to my home life (which is a full time job!). If you have the time please check out the site for my brother, a surveyor and civil engineer in Valdosta, and my sister who works at a clothing boutique in Valdosta.