ideas for what to do with the fire surround, should it stay or Go?

9 years ago

So I've made a start to renovating this 1930's house and can't decide what to do with this fire place which was in the living room. I have taken it off the wall but I'm having second thoughts, any ideas you may have would be welcome!

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newhome43

9 years ago

last modified: 9 years ago

I have a similar fireplace which was worn and needed TLC when we moved in . The center we covered up with wood and varnished and put an electric stove in the front as this room isn't used that often and is a warm room anyway. My house is a period house and I love all the features here . I suppose it depends how you want to decorate the house if you keep the fire or not ,I love the fire . Here are a few pics of mine after we varnished and cleaned it up .

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Comments (35)

Tani H-S
9 years ago
All I can say is 'please leave it off!'
The wooden surround, however, you could upcycle and reuse again. It depends what look you are going for in the house of course.
revovator thanked Tani H-S
Dee Cee
9 years ago
30's fireplaces are not the most attractive - it depends on your style of course but personally I would leave it off and go with a sleeker limestone design.
revovator thanked Dee Cee
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PRO
Yasmin Chopin Interior Design
9 years ago
I'm one for retaining the character of the property so there would be lots of questions I'd ask. Is the fireplace the same age as the property, ie. is it original? If so, I would be inclined to keep it. Are you intending to use an open fire? If not, then you could retain the surround and do something creative with it. You are not far away from me so if you'd like a couple of hours consultation, give me a call.
revovator thanked Yasmin Chopin Interior Design
rab111
9 years ago
Keep it!
lidia
9 years ago
I would keep only the wooden surround.
Tilled part looks ugly.
Jo DP
9 years ago
It's a sweetheart. It's soft & homely. I love the tiles & the pretty canopy. Personally I wouldn't varnish it. Whatever you do don't destroy it..someone renovating a 30's home will love it.
chalkandbell
9 years ago
I think it's beautiful. Please put it back and enjoy the fact that you are lucky enough to have inherited lovely original features!!!!
coombecourt
9 years ago
It looks original and is in great condition. I would definitely keep it. It's a lovely feature. Tiles as well as the wood. It gives a touch of originality to your decor! It probably would be better to simply polish the wooden part rather than varnish.
intrepidinteriorist
9 years ago
Do you have a place to store it? I would imagine you gave some thought to whether you could make it work for your interior preferences before removing it and are now having second thoughts. If you could keep it somewhere out of sight you would not have to worry that you have "ruined" your period house for future owners.
Mandy Hughes
9 years ago
That is lovely you will be sorry if you get rid of it, it's such a statement piece, I would have a lovely strong paint colour behind it to compliment the fireplace, something like a mauve it could look very striking!
hortonhearsawho2013
9 years ago
Do YOU like it? What is your house style - Classic, Contemporary, Modern, Eclectic?
If you do decide to remove it, I think either store it for a future buyer or sell it.
To upgrade it, I would paint the wooden surround black and retile with a taupe/neutral colour.
I like original features but they have to fit your way of life & style too! If it is only going to annoy you, then it needs to go! If you're not keen on the shape you could get a different vintage surround off ebay.
All the best!
curlybex
9 years ago
It's beautiful... Looks totally original to the period of the house. For what it's worth to me it seems a shame to remove and put in a plain modern fitting that everyone else will have similar to. It's plainer than a Victorian or Edwardian surround, easier to work into modern room, if that's your style. :-)
Alan
9 years ago
Personally I would prefer to keep any original feature - so many were unnecessarily ripped out of older houses years ago and I, for one, regret the loss of original character.
William Hodgson
9 years ago
I'd be inclined to keep it,it's part of your home's heritage and once original features are removed its very difficult to replace. Paint it,tiles and all,there are all kinds of paint for every purpose.
leighbee86
9 years ago
I'm not normally keen on 1930's fireplaces, but that one is beautiful! I would definitely keep it!
curlybex
9 years ago
Ps. My partner renovates houses and has never seen one like it. It's lovely. A bit of polish will make it glow.
tscott009
9 years ago
we have a 1930s high wood mantle although not quite as ornate as yours but with the same arch design below. we took out the fire surround leaving the mantel only and then took the inside back to the brick then installed a wood burning black stove set on black slate. looks great and is also practical.
soozmacrae
9 years ago
Yes its an original feature but not a very pretty one. What, if you were to replace it, would you use?
William Hodgson
9 years ago
With something from the same period. Mine replicates an Edwardian style, though I wish the originals were in place
Sam Hill
9 years ago
Personally I think it's unattractive, but it depends what your style is.
nickersb
9 years ago
I would keep it and balance out the hearth with a much lighter colour or coloured tile. We have renovated many period houses and often end up putting features back in. Just remember that the feature only becomes a feature and not an eyesore dependent on your wall coverings and interior decoration. Get someone whose work you like or look through houzz to let the piece sit softly in beautiful room. You'll be pleased you did. Good luck whatever the decision.
rab111
9 years ago
I attach two photos of a fireplace in my home. Slightly earlier: 1920s. A work in progress! I love the original poster's fireplace and surround and hope he keeps.
chalkandbell
9 years ago
rab111 very jealous of your lovely fireplace. You've done a great job!
r2prescott
9 years ago
When I come across something as unique as this piece I would always keep it - anything you replace it with will never have as much character or a story that relates to your home. If the original wood finish doesn't work for you then you can paint it - have some fun with it - think about what pieces would ultimately decorate it and work out a scheme. The tiles you may want to replace with an insert, or again give them a muted colour so they sit back more. Either way you can play before you decide to actually get rid of it.
leighbee86
9 years ago
Hey, if you do decide to get rid of it, I'll totally take it off your hands! ;)
tscott009
9 years ago
uploaded a couple of photos to show the mantle and stove
rab111
9 years ago
Very successful Scott2504, well done.

Some more fab fireplaces here: http://www.winkworth.co.uk/sale/property/semi-detached-house-for-sale-in-therapia-road-east-dulwich-se22/DUL130824
chalkandbell
9 years ago
Leighbee86 Can I have second refusal after you?!
sallyp83
9 years ago
Keep it. It's an original feature & it's only a matter of time until people realise their beauty as they did with Victorian fireplaces. We've just bought a place with 2 1930s fireplaces in need of some restoration. I think they're stunning & tell the story of the property.
Gerry Rust
9 years ago
Tricky one, I'm not usually a fan of 1930s fireplaces but this one is better than most. It really depends on the style you are creating in the room, it's never going to look contemporary or cool but it is an original period feature. If I could make it work I would be inclined to keep it but if it was restricting my design choices too much I would get rid of it!
PRO
Julie Sheldon
9 years ago
I think you should keep it. You will be surprised once you have cleaned it up and everything is in working order.
I wasn't sure about the one in my house when we first moved in but now I've grown to love it people always comment on it I think their a statement piece and a great focal point.
PRO
P & P Maintenance Services
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Lovely piece of 1930's architecture!
crowningfashion
8 years ago
Keep it. It's gorgeous and it's character. You have a 1930's house and alot of people are making these modern boxes with log burners. Please don't. In years to come your house with original features will be standing out head and shoulders above a modern box look.
blueorchid1970
8 years ago
It's gorgeous. Once it's gone it's gone. It's survived nearly 100yrs, it would be shame to see it destroyed now.

ideas for what to do with the fire surround, should it stay or Go?

Comments (35)

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