Exposed fireplace dilemma

4 years ago

Hi guys,
We've recently moved into a 1930's semi that needs a little (lot of) tlc. The front room is the initial project and we've made good progress however we've come to a bit of a cross road.
Previously there was a tiled fireplace and surround occupying the chimney breast. I have knocked this out to reveal the brick arch and had planned to fit a fire surround, keeping the exposed brick fireplace visible within. After struggling to find a surround with the height required to keep the brick arch visible, i'm having second thoughts on whether the idea would look odd?
All suggestions are welcome.
Cheers, Josh

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

Sonia
4 years ago
I don’t think that brick was ever meant to be exposed. The brickwork is pretty poor. We removed a similar 1930s fireplace and then added a pine wooden surround and painted it white. However we kept the bare bricks in the hearth. The rest was plastered. We made a hearth out of sandstone.

Here’s a pic of mine. I know it’s not as 1930s fireplace but I love it’s period look.
Sarah U-S
4 years ago
As Sonia says, the brick arches were always hidden. I’m in a Victorian terrace and our fireplaces had been boarded up. When we opened them up, we initially kept the arches and plastered around them (no fire surround) - this was mainly due to cost at the time! I’ve since installed a fire surround over one of them. I couldn’t find a perfect fit, so having priced up all my options, I ended up getting a bespoke stone surround made to measure. It worked out cheaper than buying off the shelf and making fit.

I guess you need to decide what you like and what style you are aiming for. It’s your house so you can do what you like! Keeping the arches and plastering around them is still popular and can look lovely. Installing a fire surround can also look lovely!
Related Discussions
Art Deco fireplace dilemma
Q
Comments (37)
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.
...See More
Exposed brick dilemma
Q
Comments (1)
Hi there, I would leave the brick work as it is (i.e. mortar unpainted). It's not that the paint looks bad, it's just that the plain bricks are easier to work with when you're adding colours and textures into the room. For example, if you added a patterned rug or piece of art, it's more likely to go with the plain bricks! Exposed brick walls can also look nice with floor length, heavy curtains in a soft material like velvet. Check this out for some inspiration: https://www.houzz.com/photos/house-of-bricks-contemporary-living-room-melbourne-phvw-vp~15031539 I hope this helps! Good luck with it. Amy from Topology
...See More
fireplace dilemma
Q
Comments (1)
Firstly a general builder can open up the Chimney and get rid of the tiles and the half height mantelpiece ( what were they thinking?? ). Secondly get a Chimney sweep in to check over the Chimney with a camera and advise if it is suitable for a log burner. You may find that companies that sell log burners will do a site visit to check out suitability too.
...See More
Cottage kitchen dilemma: Red quarry tiles & exposed stone
Q
Comments (11)
I would think about how to make best use of earthy materials, I'm not convinced the strong blue is the right thing. Is it possible to post lots of picture that show different views of the room? I agree about pale worktops, essential for reflecting light. The other thing to consider is that the floor tiles are quite a strong colour and therefore I wouldn't put too strong a blue in there, rather a duller dark blue/black or softer warm greys.The bottom image with warm greys and small amounts of dark blue/black is lovely. I like Sonia's images, they feel right for the materials you are working with. Here are some more.
...See More
Sarah U-S
4 years ago
Sorry - you initially asked if a surround would look odd if the arch was visible. I think it depends on the surround and how well the arch cleans up. The first photo is my brothers fireplace (it came with the house - not their choice!) - it’s a brick arch and the previous owners built a brick surround with a wooden lintel. (The photo isn’t great as it looks better in real life!). The second photo is my fireplace when we first opened it up and then the last one is the same fireplace but with the fire surround that I had made.

Exposed fireplace dilemma

Comments (3)

Sonia

Sarah U-S

Related Discussions

Sarah U-S

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US