Original Edwardian fireplace needs some help!

7 years ago

Hello everyone, I have an 1930's Edwardian fireplace and I don't know what to do with it.
The tiles and hearth of the fireplace were cracked and have been removed. I am keeping the white surround, removing the section above the mantle, and installing a new mantle.
I have no idea what is supposed to go in the place of the tiles. Do I need to keep tiles in order for it to remain 'traditional', or are there other options?
Many thanks

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Comments (5)

Tinklebell 208
7 years ago
The more original you can keep it, the better really otherwise re-tile to almost identical tiles if you can.
PRO
User
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
It's a shame the poor old thing has got damaged. I see the tiles must have been painted at some point on the original fireplace, as they were damaged and filled badly. Also, a shame that the bottom left of the fire surround was damaged in the demolition process, builders are right clumsy 'bugg****' sometimes. However, that part is at least not too difficult to fix. I think it would be a real shame to cut the surround in half and only keep the bottom. Keep it intact and renovate it would be the way i'd go. You'll need to change the tiled insert, so go with whatever you like, it's keeping the mantle intact that's more important. I'm presumng the original tiles were green or brown, although i've seen some nice blues ? You can make the hearth out of pretty much whatever you like, lots were slate, lots were tile. You can make the surround and hearth match or contrast up to to you. Going for an eclectic mix and match style is good these days too.
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It would have looked pretty much like this:- I think it's a shame to change the mantel at all, they're still sought after and I'd remove and sell, rather than amend it. If you're going to go for something different that's fine. I would much rather walk in to the room and see a wonderful original item than an amended or new one, but that's just me. You can always go for a different colour tile, other colours in those day were glossy dark greens., which would work well with the white. I'd try stripping the paint off the tiles to see what's underneath first.
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kmizzlee
7 years ago
Hi Tania,

What a beautiful fireplace! If at all possible, I would keep the whole thing in tact - I'm not sure it will look at that great if it is chopped down - but you have to do what you feel happy with. Original character features are always so lovely to see retained and enhanced, and it's a great focal point in a room. Perhaps if you wanted to simplify it, you could remove rectangular panel with oval mirror, and replace with a large (possibly antiqued glass) mirror to full the full rectangular shape up to the edges?
I would also reinstate some original glazed tiles - you could possibly buy reclaimed ones from a salvage yard or online, or I recently used a firm called Craven Dunnill Jackfield (or something similar) for some replacement Edwardian tiles, and they look great and are made in the original historic manner - so are perfect reproductions. You can also have any colour you want Mande up.
Seems like an exciting project! K
Tess Wijy
7 years ago
cracking ideas man about the house!
taniasilver
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks everyone!

Original Edwardian fireplace needs some help!

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Tinklebell 208

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Original Edwardian fireplace needs some help!

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Tinklebell 208

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