Is your living room missing that cozy, inviting touch as the cooler months roll in? A quick and easy way to update your space for fall is by transforming your fireplace mantle. This simple project can breathe new life into your room, and with just a few materials, you can achieve a look that feels fresh and perfectly seasonal.

We recently gave our fireplace mantle a beautiful upgrade using Fusionβ’ Mineral Paint in βElmwood.β This warm, cocoa-inspired colour brought a grounding, earthy tone to the roomβideal for creating a cozy atmosphere as the weather cools.
Hereβs how we transformed our mantle step by step, and how you can do it too!
Supplies Used for This Cosy Mantle Makeover:
- Fusionβ’ Mineral PaintΒ in Elmwood
- Zinsser Primer
- Staalmeester Flat Brush
- Staalmeester Artistβs BrushΒ for nooks and crannies
- Staalmeester RollerΒ Β andΒ paint trayΒ for large flat surfaces

Simple Steps to a Cosy Mantle Makeover
Step 1: Prepping the Surface
Β Typically all you need to do a quick clean with our TSP Alternative to remove any dust or dirt and youβre good to go! We only recommend the use of Zinsser BIN Primer if there is a risk of bleed-through from woods like mahogany or cherry. In this instance, we were mostly concerned about the past smoke and soot residue left on the wood even after our cleaning. When you apply water based paints onto any wood that has had this on it, you will notice a yellow colour over time. To prevent this from happening we are blocking in the stains from coming out with the Zinsser BIN Primer.
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How to Flip Your Mantle with Fusionβs New Colour Elmwood
Step 2: Adding Character with an Upcycled Extension
We wanted to give our mantle more presence, so we decided to add an extension to the top. Using an upcycled piece of wood from an old bed footboard, we attached it across the top of the mantle. It fit perfectly, adding depth and a custom touch to the project.
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See more fireplace makeovers!
- How To DIY A Faux Fireplace
- Painting A Fire Surround with Fusion
- How To Paint An Ornamental Fire Plcae With Fusion
- Bright Fire Place Makeover
- How To Paint A Brick Fireplace
Refresh Your Home for Fall with a Simple Mantle Makeover
Step 3: Painting the Mantle
Now for the fun partβpainting! With Fusionβ’ Mineral Paint in βElmwood,β we applied two coats for even, full coverage. Since the mantle had both detailed nooks and large flat areas, we alternated between using a roller for the flat surfaces, a flat brush for edges, and an artistβs brush for the tricky spots. The paint went on smoothly, and the deep, rich colour brought warmth and instant sophistication to the space.
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Furniture Flipping Tip: Adding Character with Upcycled Materials
Step 4: The Finishing Touch
After the paint dried, we took a step back and admired the transformation. The mantle looked brand new, and the added extension gave it a grander presence in the room. To embrace the fall season, we added simple dΓ©corβthink candles, pumpkins, and natural elementsβto complete the look.
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Achieve a Professional Finish with Fusionβ’ Mineral Paint in Elmwood
With just a few steps and minimal materials, you can easily refresh your fireplace mantle and give your living room a cozy update in time for fall. Weβd love to see how youβre getting your home ready for the season!

Creating a Cozy Atmosphere in Your Living Room
Finally, once your mantle is painted and dry, you can complete the transformation by adding fall dΓ©cor. This simpleΒ fire mantle makeoverΒ brings warmth to your living room. It also showcases the timeless appeal of Fusionβ’ Mineral Paintβs countryside-inspiredΒ ElmwoodΒ colour. Itβs the perfect finishing touch for creating a cozy, inviting space this fall.
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Simple Steps to a Cosy Mantle Makeover
With just a few steps and minimal materials, you can easily refresh your fireplace mantle. Give your living room a cozy update in time for fall. And with our new collection inspired by the countryside, you can bring a little rustic charm into your home. Just in time for the season.
Weβd love to see how youβre getting your home ready for the season! If youβre flipping furniture or giving your mantle a cosy makeover like this one, share your fall projects with us. Post your transformations in ourΒ Paint It BeautifulΒ Facebook group. Or tag us onΒ InstagramΒ using @FusionMineralPaint for a chance to be featured. We canβt wait to see what you create!














