1930's Fireplaces- Keep or replace

10 years ago

I have two original fireplaces that I have kept because my partner always talks me out of ripping them out. I have struggled to decorate the rooms with them being the colours they are and I still am not sure about them. Do you think I should keep them or replace them with something else?

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turquoisetree53

10 years ago

I can feel your dilemma. (Do you actually light a fire in the fire-place, by the way.) Before you go to demolition - why not first step back and think of the art-deco design behind your fireplace. It took inspiration from Ancient Egypt, sunrise shapes in front gates, peacock colours I think etc. You could really make a feature of the fireplace wall with decorations on the art-deco/modernistic thirties/Ancient Egypt theme. Even a big Futurist-design poster could look dramatic. They also used a fair amount of stain glass decoration too - thoughts for your windows, or lampshades perhaps? And you don't have to keep the same traditional inset in the fireplace.... even have something illuminated, perhaps?

I think the colours at the time, tended to be more muted, sludge clay-inspired shades, lifted by bright blue, orange and yellows, and stopped being dreary with your white woodwork - and these earthy tones are very 'in' at the moment. (Even more so than that sweet contemporary grey, I suspect). I think you can find these colours and designs on some old paperback covers, is there's second-hand shop nearby. It's hard to judge from a photo, but it looks like the very pure modern grey/blue tone possibly 'fights' a bit with the pinky tones of the fireplace - but the floor colour is just right, and the furniture works fine too.

Anyway, it's always worth a browse through art-deco, to see if you like it.

Good luck!

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Comments (20)

minnie101
10 years ago
I'm a bit on the fence like you. I hate ripping out original features but they're not my favourite style to be honest. Your rooms alook lovely. Why not try adding some art over the living room fire? I Love the grey ŵalls but if you were to repaint in the future maybe try a grey with a brown undertone? Perhaps a mirror over the dining room one with an accent chair semi in the alcove
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Jo Brown Design
10 years ago
Go with your heart and gut.... I would personally replace them but I also understand that they are a great original architectural feature! But if they bother you then rip them out!!
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The problem is the stark cold white walls against the soft warm browns of the fireplace. I don't recommend going all beige but try colours from the same warm spectrum as the fireplace and I think you'll find it looks more natural in the space. Also, the round candles don't work with the squares and oblongs of the fireplace; find other accessories that enhance rather than scream at the shapes and colours and that could make a huge difference. So could a mirror or picture above it - it would shift the focus so the fireplace doesn't dominate. Work with it, not against, then judge it. These fireplaces are handsome; trying to pretty them doesn't work.
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I would go for American oak boards - an amazing bargain and the long wide boards look great. We re-floored a three-story house in 2002. The house has been tenanted ever since, so the floors haven't exactly had much in the way of TLC, but they still look great. And of course, because it is solid wood, we can always just sand and re-oil if needed (though we haven't needed to yet). At the time, it cost less than £2000 for the timber for the whole house - a decent laminate would have cost twice that, even then. We bought a 1930s apartment overlooking Hyde Park in 2006. It wasn't in great condition but, under the grotty carpet, the original parquet was still there, and all the original panelled doors. We fixed it up respectfully and it was a great, and very comfortable, place to live. It broke our heart when we sold and the new owners gutted the place and threw everything in a skip.
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Personally, i think it depends on what you are planning to do to the rest of the house. If the rest of the house is staying in a traditional style (like that is currently in your hall), i would keep it as it is lovely and would be in keeping. To do such a massive contrast may look a little odd. If, however, the rest of your house is (or you are planning it to be) modern, I would change it as it would be in keeping with the new style. Essentially i think it's a nice staircase but completely dependent upon what style the rest of the house either is or will be :)
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Thank you. that is a cool idea, i like the idea of broze . I was also thinking maybe darkening the wood, I think it's a bit too red. you're right though. it is in such good condition, the tiles especially, would be a shame to dismiss it right away and rip it out.
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karencarter44
10 years ago
I think they are wonderful but its a personal thing and they are obviously wasted on you. Find someone who loves them, they are worth money which you could use to find something you will love.
mrshste
10 years ago
I think they're beautiful. You see some awful designs/colours on fireplaces of this period, but these are gorgeous. Personally, I think you lucked out having these in your home and not having to buy them in!

Also the décor you have works perfectly with the fireplaces. It looks very professional.
arubababe
10 years ago
I think they are beautiful. would be fabulous with a fire burning in them, so cosy.
emersideas
10 years ago
I can't tell you how much I love love LOVE your fire place! But your room doesn't have enough colour in it!
If you introduced 1 or 2 pieces into the room with a splash of colour!! Not going overboard and making it tacky! Everyone has there own taste. I personally love the Art Deco style I have a love sideboard with a pineapple lampshade that I love
PRO
Amber Jeavons
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Hello Gringos,

I definitely say keep these!!.. you have some interesting furniture with a nod to the mid century which works with these thirties fireplaces.. It would be rather nice to situate the dining table and chairs nearer the french doors... What I feel works less beautifully is the panelled shelf with the television and those shelves.. It would be nice to have two pieces of furniture of differing sizes in each of these alcoves.. Possibly the tv can sit on one of them... I rather feel it would suit the fireplace more..

2 fantastic 30's style or 50's style mirrors would be great for the chimney breast.. Consider painting the chimney breasts to stand out from the alcoves with a complimentary colour or wallpaper..

I like the little clock touches! Crystal Palace is where you want to go.... for some really super interesting finds that will really show off the fireplaces here..

Hard to tell what is in the other room with the sofas but can you situate it to face the fireplace and then give those alcoves a bit more room with the little side tables and lamps..

: ))
PRO
Victorian Fireplace Store
10 years ago
Take a look here to see if we could help you at all
Victorianfireplacestore.co.uk
Rebecca Wilson
10 years ago
keep!
H H
10 years ago
We kept (although this fireplace was a later edition to an Edwardian house) and added this bargain mirror from B&M! Pic not that great sorry house still a mess but you get the picture! I think they are lovely!
Juliet Docherty
10 years ago
If you love it then keep it, but if you don't like it then sell it to a collector. I personally am not too keen on these fireplaces, but yours is quite charming. Go with your gut feeling.
gilliifer
10 years ago
I think they look lovely and you have styled them well xx
Rachel Oakes
10 years ago
Keep!!!! They are stunning; especially the top one. I am very jealous!
Marlene Henderson
10 years ago
Has anyone put a wood burning stove into a mushroom 1930's fireplace
karencarter44
10 years ago
I do so hope not! Unless anyone can show me otherwise, I cannot begin to imagine the two marrying well. 1930's was a sophisticated style and I don't think one would find a c/i stove to fit well in the space without it taking over. Modern s/s stoves can look great but they are more 21st century than 1930's. These old fireplaces were meant for a coal fire burning in the grate. Perhaps you could try a gas/coal insert.
Marlene Henderson
10 years ago
I will let you know how we get on. We are not wanting to destroy the 'sophisticated style' in fact build on it. We have an 1824 house so do not want to introduce 21st century into it unless necessary.
H H
10 years ago
What about a tiny hobbit stove, I've been wondering if I could fit one in my 30s fireplace as I want to keep it but don't want an open fire. Maybe in a year or two though as we've got a long list of other things to pay for! They come in nice enamel colours that might look more fitting with the period.. http://salamanderstoves.com/small-stove-case-studies/
Steve West
9 years ago
Those fireplaces are some of the nicest examples I've ever seen! I think it would be such a shame to take them out. In the 50s people were scrapping old Victorian cast iron fireplaces because they looked dated and look how tastes have changed. Art Deco is just starting to become the new thing again. If you really hate them, you will sell those without a problem.. I fitted an old stove into mine and I'm happy with the result.
Steve West
9 years ago
I've just looked again and I'm even more adamant that they look great. Without them, the rooms wouldn't have a feature and would end up rather inert like a new build.

1930's Fireplaces- Keep or replace

turquoisetree53

Comments (20)

minnie101

Jo Brown Design

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