Affordable Electric Fireplace Makeover Tutorial
Do you have an electric fireplace that could use a makeover? Our electric fireplace makeover changed the look of our living room and gave me the style I was looking for with minimal cost. You can do this too!
This once mahogany finish fireplace with an inexpensive electric insert had traveled with me from apartments to houses for over 20 years. It was in dire need of a makeover.
This DIY electric fireplace makeover can be easily duplicated following our simple step-by-step instructions.
This post is about an electric fireplace makeover.
DIY Fireplace Makeover Step by Step
Phase 1 – Painting the electric fireplace
The first phase was painting the fireplace mantel. When painting furniture, we enjoy Benjamin Moore’s Advance Interior Paint. We chose the color Simply White (OC- 117) in a Pearl finish and used their Advance Primer. This paint has exceptional coverage, is self-leveling, and cures a hard, furniture-quality finish. It’s amazing!
We removed the insert and lightly sanded it before we started priming. We can’t say enough about priming when you are painting furniture. It gives the paint something to adhere to, reducing the number of coats when painting a dark color lighter.
Depending on the DIY project, we have used a spray gun or a good quality paint brush when painting furniture. We didn’t have a spray gun when we painted the fireplace. The spray gun was a recent investment for another furniture project, and it’s been the best. Our number one tip when using a spray gun is to use light coats and leave the paint fully dry between coats.
Products Used:
Phase 2 – Over Mantel Feature
Deciding if we wanted a feature on the wall above the fireplace was up for discussion. We wanted to be able to get behind the electric fireplace because it plugs into an outlet, but I was also looking for a focal point in our living room in this makeover. We decided on a shiplap look with a simple trim and crown molding to finish the look. The idea was to be able to pull out the fireplace at any time, so we decided to adhere the over-manual feature to the wall.
First, we shop!
Once we got home, we couldn’t wait to start working on this electric fireplace makeover project. We created a frame using 2×3 boards, a few inches smaller than the size of the fireplace. Our exact measurements were 3″ on each side.
We then took the frame outside to spray the vertical pieces with black paint. We did this because the shiplap has spaces between each horizontal piece, and we did not want the lighter wood showing through.
You can see how the electric fireplace will slide underneath the over-mantel feature once the makeover is complete. It was decided to give the top a fresh coat of paint before putting everything back in place. We used 3/8″ G1S Birch Plywood for the shiplap. We ripped the pieces to equal 6″ wide and used MDF trim board and 5/8″ x 4-1/4″ colonial crown MDF molding for the details and final touches.
A perfect fit! I love the crown molding and hope to add it to the rest of our living room soon!
Products used:
- 2×3 boards
- Black spray paint
- 3/8″ G1S Birch Plywood
- Skill Saw or Table Saw
- Nail Gun or Hammer
- Nails
- MDF Trim Board
- 5/8″ x 4-1/4″ Colonial Crown MDF Molding
- Primer
- Paint
Phase 3 – Styling
The over-manual feature is a perfect space for a picture or mirror. You can also use it for a television or a work of art. I like to change the fireplace decorations each season. I keep it minimal with candle sticks, a wooden bowl, and a large print. This is where you can be creative and bring your style. Fireplaces are a fun place to add visual interest since they can be your room’s focal point!
Products to use when styling:
- Round Mirror
- Framed Art
- Candle Sticks
- Decorative Bowls, Urns, or Vases
- Flowers or plants
- Family photos
Electric Fireplace Makeover Before & After
Before
This photo was taken on a phone the day we moved into this house. The quality is not great, but it does show the original color of the fireplace and the blank wall behind it.
After
We are so happy with the result of our electric fireplace makeover! It gives our living room a focal point and adds character.
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