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Need help with what to do with fireplace.

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

Hi,

we are decorating our front room and really don't know what to do with the fireplace. At the moment it's very dark stone that looks like it hs been varnished at some point.

our house is a welsh, Victorian, end of terrace cottage with plenty of character. The front room is quite dark, although a lot better having repainted the walls. The fireplace seems to take over the room though and is so dark!! The cement between the stone is bad too. The fireplace is ceiling to floor

our options.

- plaster it (half or all of it, leaving the mantle)

- paint, colour-wash, lime wash etc

- leave it and some how figure out how to make it better!

Featured Answer

julieandmichaelandhumphri

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

Hi Jess

We have a shelf fitted on ours so have used lighting and candles to make a feature of it and we've painted the walls either side in French Grey which tone well with the stone.

Good luck

Julie

p.s. Click on the photo so you can see all of it

Comments (40)

PRO
MERRICK DESIGNS
8 years ago
It looks nice - difficult to answer with seeing rest of room. Is it possible to upload few more photos of the rest ?
Jess w
Original Author
8 years ago
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First of all, you aren't clueless :) I would follow your gut and turn the couch to face the fireplace, put the TV on the oak box near the window, the armchair and side table over near the built in dresser, and the red cabinet between the two windows where the armchair was. I like both your pieces of art on the other side of the room. If the red cabinet is between the two windows, you might want to switch the vertical piece with the one that is on the wall above the dining table - just see how it looks. Actually, I think the bird painting could look really good above the fireplace - it will add visual height (as jonathan suggested) and brings some red to that side of the room and it has bits of black and charcoal to tie in the fireplace and the couch...... If you have the TV to the left of the fireplace, I'd move the map (I like it for personal reasons :). Anyway, you really want a mirror up there.... it's a bit tricky because the fireplace is off set. Something this shape would be fab because most other items in there are really angular, but this one is too big and the price is crazy: Otherwise maybe a couple of small mirrors that you can also off set and put in a group, which would also add height: I'd do three or five of different sizes and shapes. I actually like the rug size and colour - it ties in with the blinds and the taupe in two pieces of your art and has good texture. Add a few more cushions to the couch and armchair in a couple of different fabrics. Maybe some of these:
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Jess w
Original Author
8 years ago
Jess w
Original Author
8 years ago
PRO
Amber Jeavons Ltd
8 years ago
Hello Jess,

Yes I like it too.. what you might consider is a paint for the alcove that is a complimentary colour like a stone or greyish colour.. You might possibly paint the inside of the recess behind the stove too.. I think something like a dark stone colour.. like the pointing, would be nicer than white.. Apart from those few suggestions.. I would do nothing to the fireplace.. It's gr8! Pile of logs on the hearth and really you're set...

Maybe move the armchair to the tv side and find another home for tv somewhere else.. Gives the room an open flow which would be lovely and possibly have a small side table rather than coffee table. Think this would help with the balance of the room.. : ))
PRO
MERRICK DESIGNS
8 years ago
I agree with AJ.. I like it as it is. I guess it is personal taste in the end of the day but I like it. Yes it is the focal point of the room for sure.

Is it that you don't like that the room is dark, or do you not like the brick work? If you are trying to solve a dark room issue, have you looked at other solutions to make the room feel more airy and bright? Eg. Add large mirror, using furniture that is streamlined (with legs) rather than bulky, light shades (on furniture, paintwork, cushions, paintings, rugs etc). If I have gone in tangent sorry but sometimes the item we are trying to change, though might be obvious one, it is not the only solution.

Best of luck, will be interested to hear what others suggest.
Jess w
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks guys. Yes we are getting a new, smaller (and older) coffee table, and different pictures, mirrors etc. the current furniture is from our old house and does not really fit! Unfortunately we can't move the TV anywhere else, which is a shame because I agree it would improve the flow. The thing the TV is on is built in as well.

in terms of the fire, I like the stone and the character, it's just it's been done badly in places. I.e there's lots of dark grey shiny cement in places between the stone. It's also very dark and shiny!

thanks for the tips.

im struggling to find curtains too!
PRO
Amber Jeavons Ltd
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Hello Jess,

Well I have another solution too.. When tv has to stay and there is nowhere else.. You could try it above the fireplace.. I never suggest this unless it is the absolute last resort... (I hate tv in rooms) Also built in cupboards are not permanent.. You could take it out.. Having the right flow and feel to the room will make a huge difference to how you enjoy the space....

Think the curtains are alright but you could get a wooden rail and lower it in line with the top of the window. Or why not think of a wooden venetian blind with tapes and recess fitting... For the shine... get a fine fine grade piece of wire wool and try a small patch to see if you can minimise the "sheen" that too might help but you don't want to make the pointing fall out.. I'd say be gentle but see if you can do something. Alternatively there may be a paint on product that can mattify the chimney breast : ))
Jess w thanked Amber Jeavons Ltd
minnie101
8 years ago
Hi Jess. There are aways to remove the varnish from the fire so would look it up on line if you're doing it yourself which should also lighten it. I would also get it repointed (in a stone coloured mortar). Is the lintel also in stone? I'd also change the log basket maybe something round with a wider top ( can't think of the word :) )and pop it in that corner next to the tv unit. I'd also paint the recess in a stone colour
Jess w thanked minnie101
minnie101
8 years ago
Or pop your existing basket in that corner. Sorry I didn't think the shape worked next to the burner and then noticed the hearth size midway through typing!
Jess w thanked minnie101
Jess w
Original Author
8 years ago
Great ideas. I think the TV position needs to be addressed, and will really help.

yes the lintel is stone too, I actually like that part!

i hadn't really thought about repointing it as presumed it would cost loads, but will look it up and see. Removing the varnish and seeing what it looks like seems to be the first step. Thanks.

Re painting the recess, do you mean the bit behind the log burner?

Thanks for for all the ideas. Really helping!!
minnie101
8 years ago
I like the whole thing to be honest but when you look closely you can see the pointing and the varnish. In the pics the stone at the front also looks much darker than the sides which doesn't look to be anything to do with smoke as its uniform? If it was smoke I think you'd need to get it checked out but not an expert on burners although I do have one in my "new" house but as yet unlit! Yes, the recess is the bit behind the burner
PRO
Amber Jeavons Ltd
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Hello Jess,

One other little detail.... Who painted the joists? There is quite a bit of additional colour on the plasterwork and also where the joists meet the chimney breast... If you could tidy that up with a dark colour so the joists are seamless.. Then redo the white in between where the plaster work is.. That would really help. Also round the door frame too... A trick is to use really fine soft bristle art brushes... I even use makeup brushes I don't really spend a lot of time with eyeshadow! ;) ... I found my paint job on my windows was better than the builders/decorators hired to do the outside! They got paint all over the glass and left it there and they do painting for a living! : ))
Jess w thanked Amber Jeavons Ltd
Jess w
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks Minnie. Yes there's lots of varnish on the darker bits and not on the sides. Not smoke damage luckily. I think I'll look into repointing and getting rid of the varnish in that case!
Jess w
Original Author
8 years ago
Re the paint... It's half done. And no where near done, looks bad a the moment! Still need to do the ceiling and door frames, wood work etc. previously they beams were black and really messy with paint everywhere so we had to cover up the black first. Good tip about the brushes.
PRO
Amber Jeavons Ltd
8 years ago
Welcome Jess! : ))
User
8 years ago
Based on your initial comment of the fire place taking over the room and being so dark I immediately thought paint the top half the same light colour as your walls. Maybe then try a large mirror on top and I'm sure the dominating effect would be drastically reduced.
Jess w thanked User
stinkytinkywinky
8 years ago
I would definitely paint behind the stove a light, muted,earthy,matt colour and then use a shade darker to 'lighten' the grouting between the stonework.(useing a fine makeup brush, as suggested previously) and then go over all the stonework with a Matt varnish( be sure to keep stirring your Matt varnish whilst using - or the particles in the varnish that make it MATT will sink to the bottom of the tin and it will still have a sheen to the finish if this were to happen)
Changing the wall light in the recess to a black wrought iron finish would help to balance the 'heaviness' of the chimney breast. Also the T.V. Would look more in proportion if it was raised a little to run seamlessly with the height of the stone lintel across the opening. Raise it up on an old box or suitcase.
Include some concealed lighting on those beams, to illuminate the whole fireplace area and add something of interest on the breast wall - and it's going to look magnificent !!!!! It's a great fireplace - you've got a lot to work with . - Cath Ashton
Jess w thanked stinkytinkywinky
Jess w
Original Author
8 years ago
That's great advice thank you. I will raise the TV tonight, I hadn't thought of that and the line of lintel. Great tip. Why do I never think of these things!!

unfortunately we don't have the cash at the moment to sort out the lighting. There are only wall lights no ceiling lights, else I would definitely look I to concealed beam lights. I am on the look out for new wall lights though.

would I need to strip or don anything to the varnish that's already on the stone before re varnishing?

thanks guys.
helenehope
8 years ago
Your fireplace is a wonderful feature, so definitely worth investing time/money into it. Have you had a chat with a stone specialist? Maybe the stone could be treated with chemicals or a blasting process, which would remove any soot and make the stone look less dark? Also agree with above comments about re-pointing it in a more sympathetic way (and in keeping with its period).
Jess w thanked helenehope
stinkytinkywinky
8 years ago
Hi again Jess - first of all - I must tell I am no expert- however I've decorated my whole house ,on a shoe string for over 20 years, so I've learnt a lot !!!! Usually by my mistakes !!!! But never the less I now wouldn't have a decorator in the house as I know he wouldn't match my high standards
As to the varnish on the chimney breast - I would say that if it's 'sound' you could happily put the Matt varnish on top - I'd recommend a very light sanding of the existing varnish first,with some fine grade wire wool)
If you're going to lighten the colour of the grouting - do so before the Matt varnish layer - and then varnish over the whole lot - the varnish you need must be a Flat Matt - get some advice on that from your local DIY shop.
As to your wall lights - I got the most amazing wrought iron Torcheres made by The Old Chapel Forge 07776 157813 - you can checkout some of Their designs on Ebay - this is a genuine recommendation - I can't speak highly enough of the guy- I think his name is Charles - and his prices are really, really low. As he says - He cuts out the Middle Man so he can be really competitive !!!! - OOOH I'm excited for you !!!!!Cath Ashton
Jess w thanked stinkytinkywinky
stinkytinkywinky
8 years ago
Hi again - just spotted your mention of curtains - I personally would go for a roman blind - set in the window - this will visually take less space off your' compact room ' - and that's such a busy corner to start with it will streamline the look. If you wanted it to look quite traditional you could add a pelmet or valance ; and/or trim the blind with fringe or bobbles - ( I find just one quality tassel hung from the middle of a Roman - gives a more traditional look) - this would soften and give character to the overall look of the window - and also the heat from your radiator would be more efficient if not covered by curtains - Cath ashton ( previously self employed as maker of curtains and all soft furnishings )
Jess w thanked stinkytinkywinky
Jane Bateman
8 years ago
You live in an old house. Embrace it.
I plan to one day sort out the pointing on mine but it could be a while yet!
Jess w
Original Author
8 years ago
awwwh your fireplace is lovely Jane, very cute. I wish mine was like that, more characterful and less dominating! you have done a good job of it. We are definitely embracing the old, it is just the shiny, darkness of the fireplace that takes over! I will talk to a stone specialist and get quotesd for different works and see what we can afford as suggested and go from there!

Thanks cath for the lightening website. Have looked on ebay and they seem great for what we want, and good value too. perfect!
hilly_mcgrew
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
You could just hire a sandblaster from a DIY place and have a go at removing the dodgy varnish yourself if you're out to save loot. And repointing is a complete cake walk so again I wouldn't bother going to the expense of hiring someone to do it, especially as it's indoors so you don't even have to get your timing right to avoid frost or rain.

If you're not sure about whether to paint over the stonework, try hanging a white sheet or piece of white paper over it to see what effect it would have on the rest of the room. Personally, I'd leave it unpainted, but remove the varnish, then take the beams in the ceiling back to a darker tone, draw some extra thick lined curtains and settle in for autumn. Then in spring, I'd maybe think about switching out the curtains for some lighter muslin weight ones, and fill the alcove with flowers once it becomes warm enough to stop needing the fire on all the time.

You could paint the alcove recess a lighter colour to bounce a bit more light about too, but perhaps the particular character of your living room doesn't lend itself to making everything too light, bright and airy. Why not embrace it's cosy deep warmth near the fireside and instead go about creating a lighter area of the room nearer the window? Plop a super comfy armchair there with a side table or low bookcase if it'd fit.
Victoria
8 years ago
I used home strip to remove varnish from stone, so much lighter now!
PRO
Amber Jeavons Ltd
8 years ago
Hello Jess,

Excellent.. I think you will find far more room once the tv is mounted.. You can buy mounting kits fairly cheaply I think. Good raw plugs etc... . Also the screen will blend into the chimney breast.. So you won't notice it so much when it's not in use.. Yes the lintel is a good line.. if you can go sightly above and find the equidistant height between the top and the lintel.

Think actually the wall lighting might be fine.. Pendant or ceiling lighting tends to need accent or mood lighting.. which is why people have table, floor and wall lights.. I never use my ceiling light... preferring the floor and table lamps for good atmospheric lighting.. So I would not worry too much..

: ))
Jess w
Original Author
8 years ago
Wow ladies, I love your fireplaces. You have both inspired me to try and use our fireplace and get the varnish off it!! Thanks for the tip of using home strip, I will have to test it. I love all the candles and lights Julie. So cosy!
maccabee7
8 years ago
I would make a seat cushion for the left corner and use it as seating or a reading nook. I think the fireplace is lovely- remove the varnish and enjoy it!
Jess w thanked maccabee7
Jess w
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks, I have someone coming round to look at the fireplace this weekend so fingers crossed! We've tried to use a wire brush but it hasn't really made much of a difference!

A reading nook would be lovely, I'd love to have one somewhere. Unfortunately, the TV has to stay there though as its the only place it can go in the room (we've tried re-arranging but there is no where else!)
kilnerg
8 years ago
Hi Jess, I'd be really interested to see how you got on as I have a similar problem. We live in a big old farm house & are lucky to have a large living room with high ceilings, problem is only the bottom half of the fireplace is stone which cuts the room in half, I feel - and a DARK shiny stone.. I would love to get it back to a matt stone look and add a chunky wooden mantlepiece to it. If you do have any luck with either varnish stripper or matt varnish please let me know!

Ps. This is very much a work in progress, hence the emptiness & makeshift bookshelf on the side ;)

The power was also off which makes it look a bit dingy!
Jess w
Original Author
8 years ago
I feel your pain with the shiny-ness!! Unfortunately we didn't find a way to dull the stones or get any varnish off. We have decided to get it rendered, using a lime based plaster but trying to keep the character by not making the plastering completely flat and perfect.

sorry not a better answer!
emdee27
8 years ago
T
PRO
Victorian Fireplace Store
8 years ago
Hi Kilnerg
Might want to look at sandblasting kits on eBay, somebody was telling me today how effective is was on on frames & architrave without any damage.
Think that would take the stone back to a more natural finish, then coat with something without the sheen.
Have you though about mocking a full chimney breast ?
stinkytinkywinky
8 years ago
Seriously guys - the most simple and very cheap solution is to put a flat Matt varnish over the top !!!!! That'll take away the shine no probs. be sure to keep stirring the Matt varnish during use to keep the varnish and the Matt particles well mixed - otherwise the varnish will dry shiny again !!!!
Obviously if you want to restore the stone to its former natural glory this may not be for you - but decorating is all about creating an illusion - I've always tried to make the best of what we've already got - without spending a fortune - we simply can't afford to do everything the most costly way - Adapt to fit your purse strings X
kilnerg
8 years ago
Thanks for the suggestions, I'm in Malawi so eBay isn't an option for me.

Victorian fireplace stone - I hadn't thought of the full chimney breast but quite liked that idea. I was actually thinking of trying matt varnish on the existing stone and even adding a full stone chimney breast after your suggestions (more dark stone - I know! But I thought that would at least bring some height into the room & make it a look more balanced)..

Then I found this link: http://erin-artandgardens.blogspot.com/2013/02/painted-stone-fireplace-before-and-after.html?m=1

I actually have some of this paint so will try it out, looks like it will lighten the stone without looking very obviously painted... Worth a try!
Jess w
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks for the extra tips guys. Unfortunately, the problem isn't just the shiny stone but the amount of cement that's been used.ninnplaces it's more cement than stone! I think we are going to go for plaster like the middle fireplace posted by Victorian fireplace. The paint idea is interesting and cheaper though so may think about that. We've decorated the rest of the room, so now it's just the fireplace that's bugging me!
kilnerg
8 years ago
Hi again!

For anyone that's interested, I have finally managed to have a go at my varnished stone fireplace and am pretty happy with the results… It's not perfect but makes a huge difference in terms of light in the room and cost me next to nothing! I used a tiny bit of annie sloan paint to dull and lighten the stone - my mum sent me leftovers of 'paris grey' that she had used on some furniture. The link I had found which described the painting process belonged to an artist, so I was aware that my results would differ quite drastically from hers, but I'm still happy!

I also had a new mantlepiece made from old planks that my boyfriend has had stashed away for years - a carpenter we often use put it together for the equivalent of about US$10. We don't own the house so I haven't waxed the paint on the stone (meaning it can be washed off with water and a light scrub) and the new mantlepiece is literally slotted on top of the old one and discreetly screwed in place. It is no huge home improvement project but made a big difference to the feel of the room using minimal time, money and mess… Now just the rest of the room to decorate…!
stinkytinkywinky
8 years ago
Brilliant !!!!! You've transformed the whole thing ( with minimum expense ) into something to be really proud of !!!!!!

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