Stone fireplaces built in the 1960s and 1970s were designed to make a statement. Oversized fieldstone, heavy surrounds, and dark, earthy tones were often meant to anchor the entire room. Decades later, many of these fireplaces still function well—but visually, they can feel overwhelming, dated, or out of sync with today’s lighter, more refined interiors.
If you’re wondering how to update a stone fireplace without tearing it out entirely, the good news is that most older fireplaces can be refreshed, softened, or completely transformed with the right approach. Brands like Norstone make it possible to modernize dated fireplaces using premium natural stone veneer systems designed specifically for refacing existing masonry. From cleaning and color updates to modern stone veneer refacing, the following seven steps walk through practical, realistic ways to bring a 1960s or 1970s stone fireplace into the present.
Why 1960s and 1970s Stone Fireplaces Feel Outdated Today
Many stone fireplaces from this era share a few defining characteristics: large, irregular stones, wide mortar joints, dark browns and oranges, and bulky wood mantels. At the time, these features conveyed warmth and craftsmanship, often serving as the primary architectural feature in a living room or den. The fireplace was meant to command attention.
Today, however, interior design has shifted toward cleaner lines, simpler palettes, and a more restrained use of texture. As open floor plans, natural light, and modern materials became more common, heavy stone fireplaces began to feel visually dominant rather than grounding. What once felt cozy can now feel heavy or out of proportion, particularly in rooms that have been otherwise updated.
Learning how to update a stone fireplace starts with recognizing which elements feel dated—and which ones still have value worth preserving.
Step 1: Assess the Condition and Style of Your Existing Stone Fireplace
Before making any cosmetic changes, take time to assess the structural condition of your fireplace. Check for loose stones, crumbling mortar, cracks, or signs of moisture damage. If the fireplace is active, safety and code compliance should always come first, especially when considering updates that may alter clearances or finishes near the firebox.
From a design perspective, evaluate what specifically dates the fireplace. Is it the stone size, the color, the grout, or the mantel? Many 1960s fireplaces used massive, uniform stones, while 1970s designs often leaned toward irregular fieldstone with heavy mortar joints. Identifying these traits will help determine whether simple updates will work—or whether a more transformative approach is needed.
This initial assessment is also the moment to consider how the fireplace relates to the room as a whole. Ceiling height, window placement, furniture layout, and adjacent materials all influence whether an older fireplace feels charming or overwhelming. Understanding these relationships early helps guide smarter decisions in the steps that follow.
Step 2: Clean and Repair the Existing Stone Surface
Years of soot, dust, and residue can significantly darken stone surfaces, especially on fireplaces that have been actively used. A thorough cleaning often makes a bigger difference than expected and can reveal the true color and texture of the stone beneath years of buildup.
Start by vacuuming loose debris from the stone and mortar joints, then gently wash the surface with a stone-safe cleaner and soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals or pressure washing, which can damage both the stone and the mortar.
If mortar joints are cracked or missing, small repairs can restore visual order and stability. Repointing mortar in a more neutral tone can subtly modernize the fireplace by reducing contrast between stone and joints. In homes where the stone itself is being preserved, this step alone can significantly improve how intentional and refined the fireplace feels.
Cleaning and repair also serve an important practical purpose. Addressing minor issues early helps prevent moisture intrusion and deterioration, ensuring the fireplace remains structurally sound before any aesthetic updates are applied.
Step 3: Update the Color of the Stone Fireplace (Paint, Limewash, or Stain)
Color plays a major role in how dated a fireplace feels. Many homeowners researching how to update a 1970s stone fireplace start by softening strong orange or brown tones that no longer align with contemporary interiors.
Options include whitewashing, limewashing, staining, or painting, depending on the stone type and finish. Limewash allows some natural variation to show through, preserving texture while lightening the overall appearance. Paint offers a more uniform look, while stains can subtly shift tone without fully covering the stone.
Choosing the right approach depends on both the stone itself and how permanent the update needs to be. Painted stone may require touch-ups over time, particularly around heat, while limewashed or stained surfaces tend to age more naturally. Thinking through maintenance expectations early helps avoid finishes that feel dated again too quickly.
These options are a quick fix but can also create complications in the future if you might be considering covering up the existing fireplace veneer with another material, such as natural stone veneer. Paint, stains, and limewashes act as a bond breaker between the existing surface and anything you would attach to it, meaning this “quick fix” now might need to be chemically or physically removed as part of a later more complete renovation.
Step 4: Refresh the Mantel, Hearth, and Surround Details
Sometimes the stone isn’t the only issue—the surrounding elements may be contributing just as much to a dated look. Swapping a bulky mantel for a slimmer wood beam, metal shelf, or stone slab can instantly modernize the fireplace and shift the overall proportions of the feature.
Hearth updates can also make a significant difference. Older raised hearths were common in mid-century homes, but today many homeowners prefer a lower-profile or flush to the floor hearth that feels integrated rather than separate. Changing the hearth material, edge profile, or height can subtly modernize an old stone fireplace without altering the stone itself.
Step 5: Reface with Modern Stone Veneer for a Completely New Look
Before committing to paint or cosmetic fixes, it helps to compare short-term updates with more durable solutions. While painting or limewashing can temporarily soften the look of dated stone, these approaches often require ongoing maintenance and may not fully address heavy profiles or irregular stone patterns. Stone veneer refacing offers a longer-term solution by completely updating the surface while preserving the existing fireplace structure.
For many homeowners researching how to update a stone fireplace, refacing with modern veneer is the most effective long-term solution. This approach allows the fireplace to be visually transformed without removing the original firebox or chimney.
In some cases, cosmetic updates aren’t enough. If the original stone is too heavy, dark, or irregular, refacing with modern stone veneer can offer a clean slate while keeping the existing fireplace intact. Thin stone veneer panels from Norstone can be installed directly over existing masonry, creating a refined, contemporary appearance with less weight and depth than full stone.
Modern stone veneer systems also allow for tighter grout lines and more consistent profiles, replacing the busy patterns common in older fireplaces. This makes refacing especially effective when considering how to update a 1960s stone fireplace that overwhelms the room or competes with the surrounding architecture.
Step 6: Update the Surrounding Wall, Built-Ins, and Finishes
A fireplace rarely exists in isolation. Wall color, built-ins, shelving, and nearby finishes all influence how the stone is perceived within the space. Painted drywall, wood accents, or metal details can help balance the texture of stone and make the fireplace feel intentional rather than dominant.
In many mid-century homes, the fireplace was designed before open layouts became common. Updating the surrounding finishes helps the fireplace transition from a standalone feature into an integrated part of the room. Coordinating finishes—whether painted, stained, or veneered—creates visual continuity and allows the stone to complement rather than compete with the rest of the interior.
Flooring, trim, and even ceiling treatments can be adjusted to reinforce the fireplace as a natural part of the overall design rather than a visual outlier.
Step 7: Add Modern Accessories, Lighting, and Hardware
The final step is refining the details. Replacing dated fireplace screens, doors, or tools with streamlined designs helps reinforce the updated aesthetic and brings the entire feature into alignment with modern interiors.
Lighting is often overlooked but highly impactful. Wall sconces, picture lights, or subtle accent lighting can highlight stone texture and create depth. Proper lighting also helps balance the visual weight of the fireplace, particularly in rooms with limited natural light.
FAQs: Common Questions About Updating Old Stone Fireplaces
When homeowners research how to update a stone fireplace, cost, longevity, and feasibility are usually the biggest concerns. The answers below address both cosmetic updates and more permanent refacing options so readers can make informed decisions.
How do you modernize an old stone fireplace?
Modernizing typically involves updating color, simplifying the mantel and hearth, and refining surrounding finishes. In some cases, refacing with modern stone veneer offers the most dramatic and long-lasting transformation.
Can you change the color of a stone fireplace?
Yes. Whitewashing, limewashing, staining, or painting are all viable options depending on the stone type. Proper preparation and testing are essential for lasting results.
How much does it cost to reface a stone fireplace?
Costs vary based on materials and labor. Cosmetic updates, like changing the color are generally more affordable, while refacing with natural stone veneer like Norstone Rock Panels represents a larger investment but with more long-term value.
Can you paint cast stone fireplaces?
Many cast stone fireplaces can be painted if properly cleaned and primed. Always confirm heat resistance and manufacturer guidelines before proceeding.
When to Call a Professional for Stone Fireplace Updates
DIY updates may be appropriate for cleaning, painting, or minor cosmetic work. However, structural repairs, full refacing, gas or electrical changes, and code-related modifications should be handled by professionals.
Working with experienced installers helps ensure safety, durability, and long-term performance—especially for active fireplaces where improper installation can lead to serious issues.
Bringing Your Dated Stone Fireplace Into the Present
Norstone’s modern stone veneer collections are designed to help homeowners bridge the gap between mid-century construction and contemporary interiors. These systems make it possible to retain the character of an older home while updating its most prominent architectural feature.
Updating a stone fireplace from the 1960s or 1970s doesn’t require demolition. With thoughtful assessment and a step-by-step approach, older fireplaces can be refined, softened, or completely reimagined.
Whether you choose subtle color changes, new mantels, or modern stone veneer refacing, the goal is balance—honoring the original structure while aligning it with today’s interiors. Exploring contemporary stone veneer options and Norstone project galleries can provide inspiration and direction as you plan your update. Homeowners can also explore Norstone’s Stone Fireplaces application page and thin stone veneer installation resources to better understand system options and installation approaches. With over 20 years of experience selling stone veneers in North America, contact the team at Norstone to start the process of transforming your dated fireplace into something fresh and exciting.
