After years of dreaming about it, our fireplace makeover is finally complete!
Our classic colonial home deserved a mantel that truly reflected its timeless style, so we gave it a traditional molding facelift just in time for the holidays.
The old mantel was perfectly fine, but after eight years, it was ready for a fresh coat of paint—and we figured, why not elevate it with some elegant details while we were at it?
This project is totally doable in just a weekend, so if you’re hoping to spruce up your fireplace before the season kicks into full swing, you can absolutely make it happen fast.
We gathered all the materials—everything from fluted pilaster moldings to traditional panel moldings and delicate wreath and rosette onlays—and set to work. You don’t need to splurge on fancy tools either; a miter box and hand saw or a circular saw can get the job done if you don’t have a compound miter saw. (Though, if you can rent or save up for one, it’ll speed things up and make the cuts cleaner.)
Starting with a clean slate, we carefully pried off the old molding beneath the mantel shelf. Then, measuring from hearth to shelf, we cut and attached the pilaster molding in two sections to each mantel leg, securing everything with pre-drilled screws for a solid hold.
Next came the fluted mantel header. We measured the space between the legs, cut square molding pieces to size, and used a level to mark exact placement lines. Pin nails helped us attach the molding precisely, creating a classic boxed frame filled with fluted casing pieces trimmed to flow seamlessly.
To finish, we wrapped the mantel shelf and plinth blocks with traditional panel molding, knowing a little caulk would smooth over any minor gaps—woodworking magic!
Adding the final touches, we centered wreath and rosette onlays on the plinth blocks with strong construction adhesive. For the mantel header, we crafted a hardwood center block, routing its edges for a refined, traditional flair before fastening it in place. The wreath onlay was the crowning jewel, glued delicately on top.
After everything dried, we filled nail and screw holes, sanded smooth, then primed and painted. The paint choice was a spontaneous one—Behr’s Even Better Beige turned out lighter than expected but perfectly subtle, offering just enough contrast against our creamy white walls.
I’m absolutely thrilled with how the fireplace now honors the colonial spirit of our home. It all feels so cohesive and polished. Of course, we wasted no time decking it out for Christmas with lush pine garland, and honestly, I might have a hard time covering up those beautiful moldings with stockings this year—they might just have to hang by the media room fireplace instead.
Now I’m toying with the idea of spraying the fireplace screen with high-heat gold paint to add a touch of glam. What do you think? Would that be the perfect finishing touch?