Hello Nancy,

I'm not sure if you can paint over the tiles or how professional would that look but I would suggest you to paint the wooden frame in white rather than something dark. In my opinion it would look even more obvious.

StJames Design Interiors

Hi Nancy. I agree with SJD on the tiles. I know you don't like it but the bit that stands out to me is the white plasterboard at the back as there's so much of a contrast. I would either paint that a stone colour or go lighter on the surround. If it wasn't rented then perhaps you could actually pop a fire in but I don't know if it's worth the money? How deep is the hearth? Could you look at putting something decorative in there? I would also add a mirror or art above (something with a bit of wow to detract your eye) and maybe keep accessories to 2/3 larger things

http://www.decorativelogs.co.uk/fireplace-refurb-provided-by-client Hi Nancy. Or stealing headers idea, just use plasterboard, you can add a decorative feature like this or whatever you want. I don't know how, but I'm sure there's a way to fix the plasterboard on which can be removed at a later date ( it probably actually says it on this article which I haven't read!). Maybe brackets on the wood which can later be filled assuming brackets are strong enough to support.

As long as the landlord has said you can paint it then I suggest tile paint - Ronseal sells a one coat version for less than £10. You can get tile paint in any colour and finish. I think I would be bold and paint the tiles and wood black as that would be less offensive to most people. I think staining the wood darker brown would not help as the browness of the fireplace is what imposes most with the fireplace.

i would box it in. leave the tiles alone - painting would damage them. build a plasterboard box, fixed to the wall. making it the full height of the room would probably work best. it doesn't look very 'victorian' to me, b.t.w.