A gas fireplace remodel can take your living room from “fine” to a total focal point without the mess of wood and ash. I’ve remodeled a bunch of them over the years, and the magic usually comes down to the surround, the mantel, and how everything ties into built-ins and wall finishes.
Floor-to-Ceiling Stone Statement
One of the most dramatic gas fireplace remodels I’ve helped with used floor-to-ceiling stone veneer, and it totally changed the scale of the room. I love pairing that stone with a simple wood mantel so the texture doesn’t feel too busy.
You might give these a try:
- Stacked Stone Veneer Panels: Transform your wall quickly with these interlocking panels that mimic natural stone texture without the heavy weight.
- Floating Wood Mantel Shelf: Add warmth and a rustic focal point to your stone wall with this easy-to-install floating wooden beam.
- Gas Fireplace Insert: Upgrade your hearth with a modern insert providing efficient heat and realistic flames for a cozy atmosphere.
Painted Brick for a Clean Reset
When I’ve had a dated gas fireplace with brick, painting it in a soft warm white instantly made the whole room feel brighter and newer. If you’re doing this, I always tell you to prep like crazy so the painted brick surround looks smooth and stays put.
A few suggestions:
- TSP Heavy Duty Cleaner: Ensure your paint adheres perfectly by scrubbing away soot and grime with this powerful preparation cleaner first.
- Masonry Primer and Sealer: Start your project right using a primer designed to seal porous brick and block future stain bleed-through.
- Heat-Resistant Fireplace Paint: Finish the look safely with specialized high-heat paint that withstands temperature changes without peeling or cracking.
Reclaimed Wood Beam Mantel
My go-to upgrade is a chunky reclaimed wood mantel because it adds warmth to a gas fireplace even when the flames are off. I’ve milled old beams into simple box mantels, and you’d be amazed how much character those saw marks bring.
Explore these options:
- Floating Wood Mantel Shelf: Instantly add rustic warmth to your fireplace with a chunky beam style shelf that mimics reclaimed wood.
- Beeswax Wood Polish/Conditioner: Protect your mantel and enhance the natural grain and character of the wood with a conditioning wax.
- Decorative Dried Pampas Grass: Recreate this styled look by placing tall, neutral dried grasses in a vase near your fireplace hearth.
Built-In Cabinets on Both Sides
I’ve built symmetrical built-in cabinetry around a gas fireplace, and it makes the wall feel custom in the best way. You can tuck remotes and games behind doors, then style the shelves so your fireplace still wins the spotlight.
A few choices to try:
- Woven Storage Baskets: Organize your shelves by tucking away clutter in these textured baskets for a clean, natural aesthetic.
- Tall Decorative Pampas Grass: Add height and warmth to your mantel or floor space with fluffy, natural dried stems.
- Ceramic Vase Set: Style your new shelving units with neutral ceramic vases to create an elegant, curated display instantly.
Shiplap Surround With Wood Mantel
I’ve framed out a gas fireplace and finished it with shiplap-style paneling, then topped it with a stained wood mantel for that cozy farmhouse vibe. Just keep the proper clearances so the wood stays safely outside the heat zone.
Check these products out:
- Shiplap Wall Paneling Boards: Instantly add texture and farmhouse charm to your surround with easy-to-install, primed shiplap boards for painting.
- Floating Wood Mantel Shelf: Install a rustic wood mantel above your fireplace to create a warm focal point and display decor.
- Decorative Dried Wheat Sheaves: Fill a tall woven basket with dried wheat bundles to replicate the cozy, natural styling shown here.
Thicker Hearth You Can Actually Use
Turning a skimpy hearth into a wider raised hearth made one of my gas fireplace remodels feel way more inviting, like extra seating without adding furniture. I’ve capped hearths in stone or tile and it instantly looked higher-end.
May just do the trick:
- Quartz or Marble Slab Tile: Create a seamless, high-end hearth surface by installing large-format tiles that mimic the look of solid stone slabs.
- Unfinished Oak Veneer Plywood: Build the sturdy base for your raised hearth using high-quality wood that stains beautifully to match your mantle.
- Modern Throw Pillows: Add comfort and style to your new hearth seating area with patterned cushions that invite guests to sit nearby.
Lowered Mantel for Better Proportions
I’ve moved mantels down on gas fireplaces that felt “stuck at the ceiling,” and the whole setup looked more balanced right away. If you’re staring at yours thinking it feels awkward, you’re probably right—mantel height matters more than people think.
Items that may come in handy:
- Floating Wood Mantel Shelf: Instantly lower your focal point with this easy-mount shelf, bringing classic rustic warmth to your new layout.
- Peel and Stick Emerald Tile: Refresh the surround area below your new mantel height with these rich, deep green adhesive tiles.
- White Shiplap Wall Boards: Finish the space above your lowered mantel with crisp, clean paneling that perfectly matches farmhouse style.
TV + Fireplace Done the Right Way
I’ve remodeled plenty of gas fireplaces where the big goal was making the TV over the fireplace look intentional instead of like an afterthought. My trick is building a deeper surround or adding built-ins so the screen feels “framed,” not floating.
These products might be useful:
- Slim Wall Mount: Instantly create a cleaner look by using a mount that keeps your screen flush against the wall.
- Cable Management Kit: Hide unsightly wires easily behind the wall or through channels to maintain that sleek, custom-built appearance.
- Textured Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper: Add depth behind your TV with textured wallpaper that mimics the high-end fabric or wood finish shown.
Floating Shelves Instead of Full Built-Ins
When clients want airier vibes, I’ve swapped bulky sides for thick floating wood shelves flanking the gas fireplace. It still gives you styling space, but the wall feels lighter and more modern.
A few things you might like:
- Floating Wood Mantels: Add warmth and display space above your fireplace with sturdy, natural wood beams that install easily.
- Decorative Ceramic Vases: Style your new shelves with textured ceramic vases to create a modern, minimalist focal point.
- Metal Lantern Decor: Create visual balance on side cabinets or mantels using simple, elegant metal lantern frames for candles.
Picture-Frame Trim for a Budget Refresh
I’ve dressed up a plain gas fireplace by adding simple trim molding to create a crisp picture-frame surround, then painting everything one color. It’s a small carpentry move, but it reads like custom millwork when you’re done.
Some handy options:
- Primed Pine or MDF Molding Boards: Create that custom millwork look instantly by selecting pre-primed molding boards ready for your exact paint color.
- Brad Nailer Kit: Secure your new trim pieces cleanly and efficiently with a reliable brad nailer perfect for delicate finishing work.
- Paintable Decorator Caulk: Achieve a seamless, professional finish by filling gaps and nail holes with high-quality paintable caulk before painting.
Plaster Look for a Soft, Organic Finish
One of my favorite gas fireplace remodel looks is a smooth plaster-style surround because it feels calm and modern without screaming for attention. I’ve paired it with a natural oak mantel and the contrast was so good it looked straight out of a magazine.
A few relevant products:
- Venetian Plaster Style Paint: Create a smooth, sophisticated fireplace finish with textured paint to mimic the look of authentic artisan plaster.
- Decorative Dried Pampas Grass: Add organic warmth to your new mantel with natural dried stems that perfectly complement smooth, neutral surfaces.
- Floating Wood Mantel Beam: Instantly upgrade your fireplace facade using a hollow, lightweight wood beam that installs easily over existing structures.
Two-Tone Wood and Stone Combo
I’ve done gas fireplace remodels where the bottom half is stone and the top is stained wood, and it adds that “designed” feeling without going overboard. If you like rustic-modern, wood and stone together is basically a guaranteed win.
Some ideas to consider:
- Faux Stone Veneer Panels: Transform your fireplace surround easily with lightweight stone veneer panels that mimic the look of natural stacked stone.
- Reclaimed Wood Planks: Create a warm, rustic accent wall above your mantel using easy-to-install reclaimed wood planks for texture.
- Decorative Dried Grasses: Add a finishing touch of nature to your mantel with tall, dried grasses in neutral tones.
Hidden Storage Bench Hearth
I once turned a gas fireplace hearth into a built-in storage bench with lift-up lids for blankets, and it made the room feel instantly more livable. You still get the fireplace focal point, but now it’s doing double duty in the smartest way.
You might like:
- Solid Wood Storage Chest Bench: Transform your fireplace area by adding a sturdy wooden chest that provides both extra seating and hidden organization.
- Textured Throw Pillow: Soften the look of your wooden hearth bench and increase comfort with a durable, neutrally colored textured cushion.
- Knitted Throw Blanket: Style your new seating area effortlessly with a cozy knit blanket that invites you to curl up fireside.
Charred Wood Mantel for Moody Drama
If you want a bold gas fireplace remodel, I’ve finished a mantel using a charred wood technique and sealed it for a deep, smoky look that’s unbelievably rich. It’s one of those details that feels edgy but still cozy—especially against light stone or plaster.
Might be a good match:
- Matte Polyurethane Sealer: Protect your charred wood finish while keeping that natural, non-glossy look. Apply easily for lasting durability.
- Dried Pampas Grass Decor: Soften the heavy look of dark wood with these airy natural stems. Perfect for styling mantel vases.
- Handheld Propane Torch: Achieve that authentic Shou Sugi Ban charred effect safely and easily on your own DIY wood projects.
