What Kind of Gas Fireplace Do You Have? 

The type of gas fireplace you have will determine what kind of upgrades and accessories you can add. 

If you’re looking for control, customization, and smart features, Direct Vent fireplaces are the winner, offering blower kits, remotes and thermostats, decorative media upgrades, conversion kits, and venting hardware. 

If your priority is simplicity and efficiency, Vent-Free fireplaces are the best. Though they offer fewer tech upgrades, they can still be enhanced with various media, premium log styles, and (where compatible) blower systems. 

Always check your fireplace owner’s manual to make sure the accessories you choose are compatible, safe to use, and comply with local codes. 

Why Upgrade Your Gas Fireplace?   

A fireplace is more than a heat source — it’s a natural focal point in the home. Whether it’s in your living room, bedroom, or even an outdoor space, the fireplace draws the eye and sets the tone for the entire room. 

However, because it’s such a strong visual element, an outdated or worn-looking fireplace design can make an otherwise stylish space feel stuck in the past.  

That’s where small, affordable changes come in. By tackling simple upgrades, you can:  

✅ Modernize your space without expensive renovations  

✅ Increase your home’s comfort and resale appeal  

✅ Create a cozier and more welcoming atmosphere  

✅ Save money compared to a full replacement  

A gas fireplace makeover doesn’t need to cost thousands of dollars. With the right approach, you can achieve a high-end look at a fraction of the price.  

Update the Fireplace Surround and Mantel  

The area around your gas fireplace has just as much visual weight as the flames themselves. If your mantel is outdated or the surround feels dull, updating these elements can create an immediate transformation.  

Design ideas to try:  

💡 Paint or stain the mantel: A fresh coat of paint or a darker stain can give a traditional mantel a trendy, more modern look. 

💡 DIY trim or molding: Adding simple trim work can elevate a flat surround and make it look custom-built.  

💡 Tile or stone veneer: Peel-and-stick tile or thin stone veneer panels are budget-friendly and easier to install than you might think.  

This is one of the most popular affordable ways to enhance or refresh an existing gas fireplace without a full replacement, since it focuses on aesthetics rather than expensive internal components. 

Replace the Fireplace Screen or Doors  

Outdated brass-trimmed fireplace doors can instantly date your space. By swapping them out for sleek black, stainless steel, or matte finishes, you can give your fireplace a new look that sharpens your interior design — and adds functionality.  

Beyond aesthetics, fireplace doors and screens create an extra layer of safety, especially for homes with kids or pets.  

Budget-friendly options:  

💡 Prefabricated doors and screens designed to fit common sizes  

💡 Minimalist mesh screens for a clean look  

💡 Spray-painting existing brass trim with high-heat resistant paint  

This small change is an effortless upgrade that can make your fireplace feel brand new for under a couple hundred dollars.  

Add Decorative Fireplace Media  

Log sets aren’t the only option for your gas fireplace. Many modern designs use decorative media such as glass pebbles, fire beads, or ceramic stones.  

These materials catch the light beautifully and give your fireplace a contemporary, custom look.  

Affordable gas fireplace ideas for media upgrades:  

💡 Swap ceramic logs for glass fire beads in vivid colors  

💡 Use smooth river stones for a natural spa-like vibe  

💡 Mix log sets with small amounts of fire glass for added sparkle  

This simple fireplace update can completely change the look and feel of your space with minimal effort.  

Upgrade the Surrounding Wall  

Sometimes it’s not the fireplace itself but the wall around it that needs updating. By making small, budget-conscious design changes, you can draw attention to your fireplace in new ways.  

Ideas include:  

💡 Painting the fireplace wall a bold accent color  

💡 Installing peel-and-stick shiplap or wood planks  

💡 Creating a gallery wall above the mantel  

💡 Hanging a large statement mirror to reflect the flames  

💡 Even a can of paint can have a big impact for under $50  

Refresh the Hearth  

If your gas fireplace has a hearth, updating its appearance can tie the whole design together.  

Budget-friendly upgrades:  

💡 Apply peel-and-stick tile for a patterned look  

💡 Paint brick or stone with high-heat resistant paint  

💡 Cover outdated surfaces with a wood or stone slab  

Refreshing the hearth is one of those affordable gas fireplace ideas that makes the entire unit look intentional and updated.  

Improve Lighting Around the Fireplace  

Lighting plays a major role in how your fireplace looks. If the area feels dark, even a newly upgraded fireplace won’t stand out.  

Budget lighting solutions:  

💡 Install sconces on either side of the fireplace  

💡 Add battery-operated LED candles to the mantel  

💡 Use under-mantel LED strip lighting for a soft glow  

💡 Position floor lamps to highlight the area  

For a relatively low cost, better lighting can take your gas fireplace refresh from subtle to show-stopping.  

Decorate with Fireplace Accessories  

Sometimes, it’s not about what you change on the fireplace itself but what you add around it. Stylish, well-chosen accessories can give your fireplace personality and tie it into your home’s décor.  

Affordable accessories include:  

💡 A decorative log holder or basket (even if you don’t burn wood)  

💡 A sleek fireplace tool set  

💡 Seasonal décor such as garlands, lanterns, or plants  

💡 Artwork or a statement clock above the mantel  

This is perhaps the easiest budget gas fireplace upgrade, since you can swap accessories in and out throughout the year.  

Use High-Heat Resistant Paint on Metal Surfaces  

If your gas fireplace has dated brass trim or worn black metal, a simple coat of high-heat resistant paint can instantly modernize it. Black matte finishes are timeless and chic.  

This small project can usually be completed in just a few hours and costs less than $30, making it one of the most cost-effective fireplace makeover ideas available.  

Consider Smart Fireplace Controls  

Want a functional upgrade that doesn’t break the bank? Many gas fireplaces can be retrofitted with remote controls, wall switches, or even smart-home integration.  

Being able to turn on your fireplace with your phone or voice assistant adds a modern touch without requiring major modifications.  

Tips for a Successful Gas Fireplace Refresh  

Before diving into your upgrades, keep these tips in mind:  

✅ Check safety requirements – Always use materials that are rated for high-heat areas.  

✅ Work with what you have – Focus on cosmetic upgrades unless your fireplace needs major repairs.  

✅ Set a budget – Many of these projects can be completed for under $500, so plan accordingly.  

✅ Start small – Even a single change, like painting the trim or updating the mantel, can create a noticeable difference.