Creating a Beautiful Outdoor Space

How To Add Height To Your Fireplace

13 May 2017 by Delores Chavez

A simple fireplace will look great in any home. Whether you put the fireplace in your living room, dining room, or den, the fireplace can add warmth and ambiance to the room. What do you do with the space above the fireplace, though? Sure, you can add a television or a great piece of artwork to the wall, but what if you took your fireplace and added some height to give it some interest and to give it a more built-in look? See below for instructions on how to add height to your fireplace.

Here's What You'll Need:

• 1/2" MDF board (cut to fit from your mantle up to your ceiling and the width of your lower fireplace)
• 1/2" MDF board (dimensions in instructions)
• Crown molding (to fit across the top of the MDF board)
• Narrow molding (base cap)
• 1/2" molding
• Primer
• Paint
• Paintable caulk
• Trim nails

Instructions:

1. To start, you'll need to take a few different measurements. The first piece of MDF board should be cut to fit the area above your fireplace all the way up to the ceiling, but should match the width of lower portion of the fireplace. Attach this first piece of MDF to the wall, attaching it to the studs to secure it.
2. Next, you'll attach another piece of MDF board to the first piece. Measure about 11" down from the ceiling on either side and mark it. Cut the MDF board to fit and nail it in place directly over the top of the other piece at the top.
3. Measure the width of the sides of your fireplace legs, then attach more MDF board to the sides of the MDF board (below the top piece you just added).
4. Next, cut another piece of MDF board to the bottom. This piece should measure about 2 1/2". You should be left with an open square above your fireplace.
5. Attach crown molding to the very top, near your ceiling. Then attach the narrow molding about 3 1/2" down from the bottom of the crown molding piece.
6. Add pieces of the 1/2" molding around the square in the center to hide any rough edges.
7. Fill in holes and caulk around all edges to hide holes to help give the new addition a built-in look.
8. Finally, paint the MDF boards and trim using primer, then paint it any color you prefer. White paint will make it pop off of your wall, although you can go with any color that matches with your decor.

Adding height to your fireplace will add texture, dimension, and interest to your fireplace. Dress up your mantle and the space above it any way you choose.

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