DIY Brick Fireplace Makeover: From Drab to Dramatic with Paint and Trim

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There’s something so nostalgic about a brick fireplace. It can be the cozy centerpiece of your living room, especially when you add your personal touch. If you’re ready to give your old fireplace a modern upgrade, I’ve got the perfect DIY brick fireplace makeover project for you. This brick fireplace makeover transformed our white, worn-out fireplace into a sleek, bold, black statement piece. In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through how I took a plain white brick fireplace and gave it a dramatic update with wood molding, trim, and black paint. Whether you want to update a brick fireplace or completely redo an outdated fireplace, this project will leave you with a show stopping focal point that looks (and kind of is) custom-built.

Why a Brick Fireplace Makeover?

When we moved into our fixer upper home, the brick fireplace had been previously painted white. Which was fine but I could see years of soot alllll over it which made me realize i might want to do something a little darker. Instead of tearing out the brick, I chose to add some architectural interest by layering trim and molding over the brick while still keeping some of the natural brick texture visible.

The combination of wood moulding, trim and a sleek black finish turned our old fireplace into a statement piece—and I want to show you how you can do it, too.

Step 1: Assess and Plan Your Fireplace Design

Before you dive in, take a step back and assess your fireplace’s current state. What kind of fireplace ideas appeal to you? Do you want a dramatic transformation like a black brick fireplace, or maybe you’re leaning toward a cozy neutral? The beauty of a brick fireplace remodel is that the sky’s the limit—you can make it whatever you want.

If you’re like me and want to mix things up, consider adding wood molding to frame the brick. This extra layer of texture adds character and depth to the design. I left the central bricks exposed, but you can cover more or less depending on your preferences.

For inspiration, don’t forget to download my free mood board template. Creating a mood board can help you visualize your finished space and plan the rest of the room around this stunning new feature!

Step 2: Prepping the Surface

The first step in any fireplace makeover DIY is prepping your space. Trust me, this will make the rest of the project go smoothly.

• Clean the brick: Start by giving your brick a thorough cleaning. Dust and dirt can make it harder for paint to stick, so wipe down the brick with a damp rag. If there’s stubborn grime, a mild detergent and scrub brush will do the trick.

Step 3: Adding the Wood Trim

Here’s where things get exciting! Adding trim and molding to your fireplace will give it a custom look without the custom price tag.

1. Measure and cut your plywood pieces: Measure the area where you want to add the molding and cut the trim pieces to size. Make sure to use a level to ensure everything is straight.
2. Attach the plywood: I used brad nails and masonry screws
3. Measure and cut your trim/decorative pieces: once I had the base framing done, then I started adding the decorative pieces on top
4. Attach the trim: Once your pieces are cut, you can attach them to plywood. Use a strong construction adhesive and/or brad nails
5. Caulk the gaps: After the trim is attached, fill in any gaps with caulk. This will give you a smooth, professional finish. Let it dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 4: Priming and Painting the Brick

Now comes the fun part: transforming the look of your fireplace with paint.

1. Choose your paint color: I went bold with a satin, black brick fireplace, but there are so many options. You can keep it neutral or experiment with different colors. 
2. Tape everything off: spraying your paint gives you the best finish but it does require extra prep work. I taped off the wall behind it and created a little tent around the entire fireplace using plastic drop cloth.
3. Paint the brick: I used a high-quality paint from Sherwin Williams.

• Tip: If you’re using black paint like I did, make sure to apply thin coats and build up the color. This prevents drips and uneven coverage.

Step 5: The Finishing Touches

After the paint dries, remove the painter’s tape carefully. Then, step back and admire your gorgeous new fireplace.

Add decor that complements your painted brick fireplace. You might love a mix of cozy textiles, metallic accents, and greenery to warm up the room. Since my fireplace was bold and black, I went with antique gold accents and natural wood tones to balance the drama.

Before and After: The Transformation

This before and after fireplace makeover truly transformed our living room. What was once a plain white brick fireplace is now the focal point of the room. The fireplace trim and molding added architectural interest, while the black brick fireplace gave the space a modern, sleek look.

If you’re considering a similar project, the transformation is more than worth it. It’s incredible how much character a little paint and trim can add to a space.

Ready to Update Your Brick Fireplace?

A brick fireplace makeover doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With some creativity, the right materials, and a little elbow grease, you can transform an outdated fireplace into a stunning focal point that feels custom-made for your home. Whether you want to paint a brick fireplace, add trim, or do a full remodel, this DIY project is totally achievable—even with little ones running around!

If you’re feeling inspired to take on your next room makeover, don’t forget to download my free mood board template. It’s the perfect tool to help you visualize your design, choose colors, and get your DIY plans in order. A flawless mood board can be your best friend when you’re ready to dive into your own fireplace remodel or any other DIY home project!

Materials Need

Here’s a quick overview of the supplies you’ll need for your brick fireplace DIY makeover:

• Plywood
• Trim
• Brad nailer
• Caulk
• Tape
• Plastic drop cloths
• Paint
• Paint sprayer

Ready to get started? Let’s turn those old brick fireplaces into something extraordinary!