What to do with this fireplace?
C D
5 years ago
Hello all
Thanks in advance for your help :) it is always very much appreciated.
I am puzzled on what to do with the fireplace in our playroom.
I really dont like it, especially the brown tiles in the top and hearth.
The bricks are a dark red/grey colour which will not suit the style or colors of the house.
However, I am struggling to find a replacement, as the chimney breast is only 120cm wide and therefore too small for standard fireplace size (usually 135cm) but too big for a bedroom fireplace that would look a bit small.
I thought of replacing it with a iron cast combination fireplace, but those are usually Victorian and our house is 1930s. So it would be a bit strange.
Also cost is a consideration and I am trying to cost it down by either upgrading the current fireplace or getting a second hand one from eBay or similar.
My latest idea is to remove the brown tiles and replace them with dark black matt ones, paint the bricks dark blue (stiffkey blue).
I am also thinking maybe I should create a sort of wood surround to put around and painted white. I may need to have it bespoke as the bricks are not standard shape. Maybe my husband can make it himself, but I am concerned it may look “cheap”?
I am quite confused and I would appreciate ideas, views and suggestions on what to do with this fireplace... :)
For reference, our house is 1930s and I am trying to reinstate some features (not all) from this area. Overall style is modern country (think Neptune as furniture) and some neutral colors (light grey and light blue with some accent colors like stiffkey blue) and we will instal a light pale oak wood floor eventually.
Many thanks for your views :)
Thanks in advance for your help :) it is always very much appreciated.
I am puzzled on what to do with the fireplace in our playroom.
I really dont like it, especially the brown tiles in the top and hearth.
The bricks are a dark red/grey colour which will not suit the style or colors of the house.
However, I am struggling to find a replacement, as the chimney breast is only 120cm wide and therefore too small for standard fireplace size (usually 135cm) but too big for a bedroom fireplace that would look a bit small.
I thought of replacing it with a iron cast combination fireplace, but those are usually Victorian and our house is 1930s. So it would be a bit strange.
Also cost is a consideration and I am trying to cost it down by either upgrading the current fireplace or getting a second hand one from eBay or similar.
My latest idea is to remove the brown tiles and replace them with dark black matt ones, paint the bricks dark blue (stiffkey blue).
I am also thinking maybe I should create a sort of wood surround to put around and painted white. I may need to have it bespoke as the bricks are not standard shape. Maybe my husband can make it himself, but I am concerned it may look “cheap”?
I am quite confused and I would appreciate ideas, views and suggestions on what to do with this fireplace... :)
For reference, our house is 1930s and I am trying to reinstate some features (not all) from this area. Overall style is modern country (think Neptune as furniture) and some neutral colors (light grey and light blue with some accent colors like stiffkey blue) and we will instal a light pale oak wood floor eventually.
Many thanks for your views :)
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Comments (6)
Jules Mc
5 years agoRelated Discussions
What to do with this fireplace?
Comments (68)I love bellesum's fireplace too, but would have reservations about a 'modern country' style living room in a Victorian conversion. I also quite like your existing fireplace, but not in your room! Its height makes the room seem uncomfortably tall and narrow. I'd advise a refit with a new wider firebox, broader surround and just mantle height. I can't believe I'm suggesting a conventional refit! Shame on me!...See MoreAny ideas what to do with this fireplace ?
Comments (6)I feel like there would be a way of integrating some seating like the pictures below. I know they aren’t built at angles like your fire is set but I’m sure something could be designed bespoke for that area. It would make a real feature of it and could be very contemporary depending on the finish you chose.. you could have seating at both sides or storage at one side and seating at the other? Just a thought!...See MoreWhat would you do with these fireplaces?
Comments (9)The first one looks original. I had a few in my 1934 house when I moved in. I hated them and removed them all, they looked too utilitarian for my liking! Looks like something from the war years. The second looks more recent. Looks like marble or similar stone and I really like it. Quite unusual. If it is marble then please don’t paint it, that would be sacrilege. Do you like them?...See MoreWhat shall I do with this fireplace?
Comments (7)What era is it? My friend inherited a similar fire surround in her 1980s fake Tudor house. She has managed to remove some of the airy fairy mouldings and then painted it in F&B Bone. Luckily her hearth is a nice piece of marble. You could remove your funny hearth tiles and add a nice piece of marble or other stone maybe. I like the insert which has a Victorian vibe. If you really hate the surround then get a replacement. There are loads for sale online and even places like B&Q now sell pine surrounds which you can paint as you wish. Or paint it as already suggested which will probably be the cheapest option....See More
PROSara Slade Interiors
5 years ago
C D
5 years agoMany thanks for your suggestions.
I will see if I can get a mantle to wrap around the current bricks. We may have to remove some of the bricks on the side to fit the mantle.
I am not sure about having just a shelve above... I prefer to have the legs :)
For the blue bricks, see below the inspiration I had. But as you said, it may be too bold :) not sure my husband would accept it anyway!
Do you think it would look to strange?
Jules Mc
5 years agoI was thinking more like the fireplace makeovers below when I saw your original post. I think yours could look great like this, however they are more farmhouse/rustic so might not suit the style you are going for.
Your blue tiled fireplace photo is gorgeous and would be a lovely addition to your room, if you are going to do a full rip out and replace. I really don't like the blue painted brick. Sorry!
E D
5 years agolast modified: 5 years ago
Laura Thomas