How to Update a 1970s Stone Fireplace | 18 Things You Can Do

The stone fireplace is classic and can be updated to fit modern homes. It doesn’t need much maintenance, but it does require some attention to update it for a more contemporary look. Stone fireplaces are heavy, so they could be better for moving them around. They also don’t have many options when decorating them, so they’re best suited for a more minimalistic design. Let’s learn how to update a 1970s stone fireplace.

Some ideas include:

Adding an electric fireplace insert or replacing the old one with one that has a digital display and remote control (for easy use)

Replacing the stone with brick or another material

Here are a few ideas if you are looking for ideas on how to update your 1970s stone fireplace.

• Change the mantel and hearth
• Add light
• Swap out the stone tile flooring
• Install a marble shower enclosure
• Install new windows with blackout blinds
• Add new ceiling fans and light fixtures
• Replace the dining area wall
• Install a fresh coat of paint in neutral colors
• Add some greenery and color to the living area
• Remove the Coating from the Stone
• Install New Hardware
• Repair or Replace the Mantel
• Install New Venting and Add a New Chimney Cap
• Update the Flue
• Add New Flooring, Wall Covering, and Decor
• Installing Stone Veneer
• Adding Decorative Pillows
• Installing New Fireplace Tools

How to Update a 1970s Stone Fireplace

Change the mantel and hearth.

The fireplace is the focal point of the home. It is where you can sit, get warm, relax, and have a good time. But as time passes, it may be time for an update on this focal point in your home.

The mantel and hearth are not just for decoration anymore. They have become functional pieces that help heat the room and create a beautiful finish to the fireplace.

Add light

With the help of modern technology, you can transform a 1970s stone fireplace into a modern one. This is possible by adding light to the stone fireplaces.

There are many ways in which you can achieve this transformation. One of them is using LED lighting and other advanced technologies. Another way is to add glass panels to the facade and insert it with heat for an appealing style that will give your living room a new look.

Swap out the stone tile flooring.

With a 1970s stone fireplace, you can get much value from the stone tile flooring. However, if the tile is too bulky, it will be easier to lay atop the fire. This means the tile needs to be replaced with a thinner stone.

A simple way to update your 1970s stone fireplace is by replacing bulky stone tiles with thin ones. The thin ones are more affordable and easier to lay on your fire. They also look better because they seamlessly transition between walls and flooring.

Install a marble shower enclosure.

Marble shower enclosures are a perfect way to update your 1970s stone fireplace. They are easy to install and can be customized to suit your home’s style.

Stone fireplaces are bulky, heavy, and hard to maintain. They also need more in terms of design. If you want a new look for your fireplace, marble shower enclosures are an affordable option that will transform the look of your fireplace while keeping it functional.

If you have a 1970s stone fireplace, installing a marble shower enclosure is the perfect way to update it with a sleek and modern look that complements any home decorating scheme.

Install new windows with blackout blinds.

Installing new windows with blackout blinds can be a great way to update your home’s look without feeling too drastic. It is also great to save money on heating and cooling costs.

The stone fireplace is a 1970s piece of furniture, so it will need a makeover to update its look. New blackout blinds will make it easier to regulate the temperature in the room and give your home an updated look. Installing new windows with blackout blinds and a stone fireplace makeover costs $2,000.

Add new ceiling fans and light fixtures.

You can install a new ceiling fan to help circulate the warm air in the room and make it more comfortable. A light fixture can also provide more lighting in different room areas. These updates will help to update a 1970s stone fireplace with a modern look.

Adding new light fixtures and ceiling fans to an old stone fireplace can be expensive. This is why homeowners must consider updating their old stone fireplaces with these modern updates before spending money on renovations.

Replace the dining area wall.

The 1970s stone fireplace in your dining area looks outdated, and it is time to update it. The fireplace was originally designed with a stone facade, but now you can update the entire fireplace to match the rest of your home.

The 1970s stone facade of your fireplace is original, but it doesn’t blend well with the rest of your home. You can update the entire fireplace by adding an actual stone facade to ensure it looks updated and modern.

Install a fresh coat of paint in neutral colors.

There are a variety of colors to choose from when it comes to painting your fireplace. You should choose a color that matches the stone or brick on the fireplace. You can use rich and neutral colors to update your 1970s stone fireplace with a fresh coat of paint.

A fresh coat of paint can make your 1970s stone fireplace look new. You can use colors that match the natural stone color or choose rich and neutral colors, like beige, grey, white, or black.

Add some greenery and color to the living area.

To update a 1970s stone fireplace, add some greenery and color. Use brass for the color and colorful tiles for the accents of color. The fireplace will look more modern and be more inviting.

The fireplace is a focal point of the living area, and it is vital to keep it updated. You can do this by adding greenery, colors, and accents of color to the space.

Some options for adding greenery are:

• Plants
• Hanging planters
• Fake plants
• Wicker baskets

When you have a fireplace over 40 years old, finding the right colors and accents of color can be challenging to update the living area. You can use plants that are easy to care for to get some greenery and color in.

Remove the Coating from the Stone

Stone fireplaces are a classic design and have been popular for decades. However, some old stone fireplaces can be too bulky and difficult to use. If you have one of these sturdy stone fireplaces or plan on building a new one, it is time to remove the coating.

The process of removing the coating from a stone fireplace is not easy, and it requires a lot of work. However, this process can be made more accessible by using an automated system. This particular fireplace is from the 1970s and has been coated with paint.

It’s time to update your old stone fireplace! This one was initially coated in paint, so you must remove the protective coating before starting the project.

Install New Hardware

You can install new hardware in a few hours if you have the right tools. The process is quick and easy, making your old stone fireplace look new.

If you want to update your 1970s stone fireplace, the first step is to remove the old hardware. This includes removing the old mantel, surround, and hearth. After that, you must backfill the space with a new stone material like granite or marble. 

Repair or Replace the Mantel

A fireplace mantel is a piece of furniture that sits on the hearth of a fireplace and supports the firebox. The mantelpiece is usually made of wood, stone, or metal. It can also be called a mantlepiece.

The mantelpiece is a traditional part of the interior design in homes and offices. It can hold decorative items such as vases, figurines, candles, and other household objects. Some fireplace mantels perform for gas logs or wood-burning stoves, but most are designed with open fires like coal or wood-burning stoves.

It is challenging to repair an old mantelpiece if it is damaged due to age, wear, tear, or misuse. Suppose you have an old mantlepiece that needs repair. In that case, consider replacing it with a new one instead of repairing it yourself because the cost will be lower than fixing it yourself. So, the new one will look better since it works specifically for this.

Install New Venting and Add a New Chimney Cap

This project involves replacing the old venting and adding a new chimney cap to an existing stone fireplace.

This project will require you to remove the old venting and chimney cap, clean the fireplace, install a new venting and chimney cap, and connect everything back together.

Update the Flue

The 1970s stone fireplace must be updated and match the rest of the house. It would help if you replaced the flue needs with a more modern one.

The update process is relatively easy to do. The flue is detached from its original location and then attached to the new one.

An affordable solution for updating your old stone fireplace will help eliminate that dated look in your home.

Add New Flooring, Wall Covering, and Decor

If you’re looking to update your 1970s stone fireplace, adding new flooring, wall covering, and home decor can be a great way to give your space a fresh new look.

Here are some ideas for updating your 1970s stone fireplace:

• Add in new hardwood flooring or carpet. You could also paint the walls a different color or add wallpaper.
• Add in new furniture, such as couches and end tables. You could add lamps and art pieces to update the room’s aesthetic.
• Enhance plant life, such as succulents or cacti, to give the room an instant upgrade for minimal effort.

Installing Stone Veneer

Stone veneer is a popular home decor idea that can update the appearance of your 1970s stone fireplace. You can install it without having to remove the existing stone.

The installation process is simple, so that you can do it in a few hours. You’ll need to remove the old mortar and smooth out the surface of your stone before installing the veneer.

A stone veneer is a great way to update an older stone fireplace or chimney and give it a new look for less money than buying unique stones or building an entirely new fireplace.

Adding Decorative Pillows

Adding decorative pillows to update a 1970s stone fireplace is an easy way to make your home look fresh and new. You can also use them in other areas like the living room, dining room, or bedroom.

Decorative pillows are great for adding color and style to any space. If you are looking for a way to update your 1970s stone fireplace, then add some colorful pillows!

Installing New Fireplace Tools

When you have a stone fireplace, it cannot be easy to update it with new tools. However, these tools are only sometimes expensive. You can find some charming options that are cheap and easy to install.

The first step is to remove the old tools from the fireplace. This will give you access to the flue pipe into the chimney. You can then choose whether or not you want to replace the pipe with a new one or leave it as-is for now so that you can still use your fireplace in emergencies.

After removing all these tools, you should install new ones with clean lines and designs matching your current decorating style.

Expert Opinion

This article offers some valuable advice for updating a 1970s stone fireplace. It includes ideas on cheap options and the entire design.

It is important to remember that the 1970s stone fireplaces are about aesthetics and functionality. You could update them to meet modern standards, such as safety regulations and energy efficiency.

The final advice is to consider your budget. If you have limited funds, then you can get creative with what you have and make it work.