Who doesn’t love the idea of snuggling up by a warm fire in the fall and winter? The fireplace is a hot ticket item on many homebuyers’ wish lists, which is why fireplace staging is so important when you have a home to sell.
Depending on how you stage the fireplace, it can stand out as a pleasing focal point or an unattractive nuance in a space.
Staging a fireplace might seem intimidating, but if you follow the tips below and remember the golden rule of home staging – less is more! – you can easily turn it into one of the highlights of your home.
Updating an Outdated Fireplace
Most people think of a fireplace as an outstanding architectural element and desire one in a home.
A fireplace can add character and charm to a room throughout the year and provide warmth and comfort during the cooler months.
However, if you don’t keep up with your fireplace’s look, it can drag down the room’s aesthetic.
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There are several ways to update an outdated fireplace and elevate the look of the room. Not only will a fireplace makeover make your home look better, but it will likely increase its value as well.
Read on for some simple, cost-effective ways to revamp an old fireplace.
Add a Fresh Coat
One of the fastest and easiest ways to transform an outdated fireplace is by painting it. Whether it has a solid or brick surface, a fresh coat of paint will make it look modern and elevate the overall look.
Add Some Texture
A simple way to customize the look of a plain or solid fireplace is to add some texture to the surface using tile, stone, brick, or reclaimed wood. This simple addition can add a lot of character without breaking the bank.
Whitewash It
On the other hand, if you have a brick fireplace that needs an upgrade, just whitewash it. Whitewashing a brick fireplace is a great way to update its look while maintaining a natural or rustic aesthetic.
Display Eye-Catching Artwork
One of the best things you can do to update and elevate the look of your fireplace is to place art around it. Whether you want to place smaller framed works on the mantel or hang one large piece above it, a little eye-catching art can go a long way.
Switch Out or Add a Mantel
Instead of refacing the whole fireplace, add some new character by switching out the mantel or adding one if it doesn’t already have one.
Reclaimed wood and metal mantels have a lot of personality. This one change can make a big impact.
Staging the Fireplace
While a fireplace can make an excellent focal point for a room, it can be challenging to strike the right balance between enhancing and overcrowding it.
Follow the staging tips below to create a display that will add texture, color, and design to the space without detracting from the home’s natural beauty.
Declutter and Depersonalize
Before you begin staging, declutter and depersonalize the fireplace area. It should be free from clutter, functional items, photos, awards or trophies, and any other personal items.
Strike a Balance
The aim of staging the fireplace is to strike a balance with the room by creating an overall symmetry in terms of palette and style.
Use the mantle and hearth to add a pop of color to the room, especially if the rest of the space has a neutral color palette. You can achieve this by using colorful accessories or artwork.
Choosing Artwork
Speaking of artwork, if you choose to use it as the focal point of your fireplace staging, be sure to select pieces that will appeal to a broad range of aesthetics.
Think abstract work or simple neutral pieces. Detailed artwork doesn’t always translate well in photos and begs for too high a level of interpretation. You want to keep things light and simple.
Also, keep in mind that you don’t need to nail the art to the wall. Add some character and fun detail by simply leaning pieces against the wall or resting them on the mantel.
Don’t Overcrowd the Space
Be careful not to overcrowd the mantel with arrangements or candles. Instead of lining the entire thing with objects, set up a tall vase with neutral candle sticks or vibrant greenery and add a large, vibrant piece of artwork. Keep it simple.
Staging a Fireplace Mantel
While the fireplace itself is appealing, the mantel is really what it’s all about when it comes to staging and presentation.
Read on for some tips on creating a professional mantle scape by setting a scene across the mantel using natural elements of various textures, shapes, and sizes.
Using Props
When choosing staging props for your mantle scape, be sure to keep the rest of the home’s design style in mind.
You can create an asymmetrical or symmetrical look depending on the room’s formality.
Keep the display interesting and fresh by grouping an odd number of things together in various shapes, colors, textures, and heights.
It also helps to change out the décor every season.
Working with a TV
Some people like their TV mounted above the fireplace. If you’re one of those people, be careful not to overdecorate the mantle.
There’s nothing more distracting when trying to watch a show or movie than having a bunch of objects crowd your view.
Decorating Without a TV
If you don’t have a TV hanging above your fireplace, use the space to hang a big piece of artwork or a decorative mirror.
Be sparing with the accessories you put up on the mantel and choose one large accessory, such as a plant, to connect the piece on the wall with the décor on the mantel.
Another good tip is to create movement on the mantel by placing smaller accessories or a vase on one side while leaving the other side bare.
Staging a Fireplace Hearth
Most people won’t need to use their fireplace all year long, but when a fireplace isn’t in use, it can appear dreary and dull.
Avoid the “black hole” that the hearth can become in off-seasons by first cleaning out the ashes and using a coat of Rustoleum or other heat- and fire-safe black spray paint to freshen the interior.
Then, add some birch logs to the grate or place candles on the inside.
