skip to main content

What should I do with my fireplaces?

6 years ago

I have recently brought a property and there are 2 fireplaces in the living rooms and two in the upstairs bedrooms. I am in the process of completely renovating the properties but I am slightly torn whether to remove the fireplaces or leave them in. I know they add huge value when re-selling and I am not opposed to keeping them but at the moment they aren't very attractive and just seem very bulky.

Is there anything I can do to give them a new lease of life or would it be better to remove and use the space for decorative purposes?

Thanks for your help!

Featured Answer

Gemma B

6 years ago

We did a had a room in our Victorian terrace with a similar fireplace which we changed to a wood burner

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

PRO
User
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
The one in the last bedroom is really nice. However, the other two don't have great facades. I'd remove the stonework and change them for something more attractive. I'd keep the actual fireplaces though, especially in the living areas.

For instance - the lounge one could have the top row of stone removed to make it a nicer shape. You could then use 'stone spray' available in lots of DIY stores to give the existing stone a makeover.

I'm guessing however, that the dining area and lounge have been knocked through and are one room. Therefore, making both fireplaces identical would be better. The one in the dining room is not original and the stone hearth is broken and a little in the way. Removing all of it would be preferable. Maybe you could replace both with whole fireplaces like these:-
Flames.co.uk

Finish stripping the floors, add slightly longer curtains as they don't cover the sills. Put a mirror above the fireplace, add a rug?
Gemma B
6 years ago
What period is the house? If it is 1930s the Art Deco fireplace surrounds suit the style of the property. If it is older, Victorian for example the tiled surrounds are not original and would have been added at a later date.

If they are original 1930s period features I would suggest keeping them. However if they are a later addition I would either reinstate with a style more sympathetic to the period, e.g. Victorian timber surrounds and tiles. Or depending on your preferred style you could go more modern in the living area with a wood burner, and either leave the bedroom fireplace or remove and use for decorative displays.

Depends on the style you like and how much work, time and money you want to spend on the project
Related Discussions
what should i do with my decorative old drums?
Q
Comments (9)
Aww these are pretty amazing just as they are and I'd leave them as is. If you REALLY wanted to do something might it be possible to set them on hairpin legs (like these: http://www.theironmill.co.uk/online-shop/4583956081 ) and make 2 fab side tables?
...See More
What should I do with the red wall in my living room?
Q
Comments (51)
Pam Gascoyne Hi Tom, As the focal point of the room is quite definitely the fireplace perhaps you should start with making something welcoming and eyecatching be it with candles, fake but really convincing burning gas coals in the grate or even good lighting it needs to really glow. The room is not really huge and perhaps keeping the walls light with, say, a warm very light grey with similar colour linen curtains or white venetian blinds would lighten the whole room and white bookshelves would be really excellent. A rug is essential but keep it cool too like the John Lewis multi stripe grey/neutral. A print or prints are a good idea and with the neutral scheme you could have anything you liked and pick out a pop of colour from the artwork and add to the cushions. The mirror is definitely too big and too gold. If you want to keep it hang it landscape and tone it right down dry brushing silver leaf over the gold but it’s a good place for a striking piece of artwork you like. Good luck Tom and enjoy your new room when it’s finished.
...See More
What should I do with this fireplace?
Q
Comments (13)
i would leave the hearth tiles, even if they are cracked. or get an expert restorer in if you have the budget. if you really can't stand it - build fitted cupboards the whole length of the wall to hide it. it would be vandalism to get rid, in my opinion... i have white church candles in the fire basket of mine, which looks nice. a friend with one similar to yours went for stripped floorboards, a black and gold chinese rug, black and gold sari fabric drapes and cream walls. stunning! clean the mantle [i think it is slate] with linseed oil. those side tiles do match, don't they? isn't it just the lighting making them different?
...See More
Should I paint my fireplace.
Q
Comments (10)
Hi there, Personally, I would definitely paint your fire place/ mantle. I think they are both very lovely but really could do with a lift. The only trouble is, how easy would it be to strip, prime and repaint these two. The next question is - what colour scheme is this room or do you hope it to be? I think sticking to a neutral tone would be best, but if you have a bold taste then you will need to pick up a few samples and see what would work best! Thanks, Claire
...See More
Nick Rice
6 years ago
Great to see all the fireplaces surviving I would say leave them well alone especially If the house ends up being a renovation project to be sold on in the future as the next person might just appreciate that they are still there.

The rooms look big enough as they are so I don't see the point in gaining more decorative space by taking them out plus it will be dirty and hard work!

When we bought our mid 30s house in Plymouth it still had two tiled ones left in the lounge and dining room but the upstairs ones were gone so we've gone about replacing them with secondhand examples sourced online!

If you do decide to remove them it could be worth trying to sell them on ebay but they are almost impossible to remove without damaging.

Good luck in whatever you choose.
Juliet Docherty
6 years ago
This subject always divides people - tiled fireplaces.
khabeer_s
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks all! I was thinking of maybe getting a wood burner but I think a cast iron fireplace matches the property better.

What do you think?
PRO
Grove Design London
6 years ago
Fireplaces add value. If you really don't like them how about finding a reclaimed alternative that you do like that is in keeping with the period of the property?
titiankim
6 years ago
From what I can see of the photos, it looks like a 30s house. I don't think a Victorian or Edwardian house would have a bay like that. In which case the cast iron fireplaces with tiles don't match the house at all. The fireplaces look as if they could be original except for the greyer one in the dining room I'd get rid of that one and leave the others if its not a long term home for you

Sponsored

More Discussions

How could be best layout our kitchen/diner/hallway?

12

Which layout do you think would look best for our renovation project?

5

How can I fit an induction hob in place of a range cooker?

5

Inserting a bathroom downstairs and adding a separate toilet

0

Help…dilema I need some ideas

5

United Kingdom

Tailor my experience with cookies

Houzz uses cookies and similar technologies to personalise my experience, serve me relevant content, and improve Houzz products and services. By clicking ‘Accept’ I agree to this, as further described in the Houzz Cookie Policy. I can reject non-essential cookies by clicking ‘Manage Preferences’.