I Am So in Love with This 1970s Fireplace Makeover (The After Is So Dreamy!)

The second I feel a slight breeze in the air, I’m ready for cozy season — think: thick sweaters, warm blankets, and gorgeous fireplaces. For homebodies like me, it’s hard to imagine a better day than snuggling up in front of a roaring fire to read a book!

I’m lucky enough to have a gas fireplace in my home but have been feeling for a while that it could use a refresh. I love looking through our fireplace before and afters for inspiration because so many of them aren’t just gorgeous — they’re also really affordable and totally doable within the span of a weekend.

One of my favorite fireplace makeovers was published just last year: a dated 1970s fireplace that was transformed into a living room scene-stealer. The DIYer behind the redo wanted to create a mantel (all the better to display fall decor) and give the fireplace some much-needed character and charm.

Take a look at what she created! This fireplace now looks so sophisticated and luxurious with a new paneled wood surround, a decor-ready mantel, and box molding above. And get ready for the best part: It cost only $400. Yes, really! Sticking to a DIY makeover kept costs low, and the only materials needed were various cuts of plywood and trim, as well as paint.

I think what makes this fireplace look extra special is the paneling on the front of the hearth, which makes the whole fireplace look cohesive. It’s a smart trick to steal if you’re planning to make over your own fireplace! The rich color — a neutral putty — melts in with the color of the remaining exposed brick, making this fireplace look like it was meant to be rather than a later addition.

This stunning makeover impressed me when it was published, and even today, I can’t stop thinking about it. It’s the perfect example of a relatively low-cost DIY making a huge impact on a space!

For more on this fireplace redo, check out the full makeover here. And if you want more ideas for giving your own fireplace a glow-up, take a look at some of our very favorite brick fireplace transformations.