What to do in empty fireplace?
Any advice would gratefully received. I am taking out an old space heater that is inside a fireplace. I don't want to use the fireplace for heating anymore as am planning to put a split system a/c instead. I'm just not sure what to do with the space left behind.
The FP dimensions are 660h x 865w. We'll be painting the wall a neutral colour but quite like the black tiles. I've been told to plaster the space but I'm not sure if plastering will make sense as I don't want to try to lift the tiles on the floor.
Comments (11)
2dogssashatess
7 years ago
SueM
7 years agoI agree with 2dogssashatess in that a fireplace is a focal point. An alternative would be to install an ethanol fireplace instead. You could perhaps do something like what is in the photo below in terms of colour-- either by keeping what you have already in place, or by using porcelain tiles over the existing bricks and tiles.
Pretoria · More InfoAn alternative would be to add some stone cladding to the fireplace and extend it to the ceiling, making it a feature, maybe something like this
Rectangle · More Infoor this, though using stone instead of concrete pavers.
Full interior remodel · More InfoRelated Discussions
What to do with this ugly fireplace?
Comments (7)Can't see the room layout, but if you keep it, it could be a nook for a sofa or chairs by the fire on a cold night, with a rug in front. Definitely have a mirror on the mantle. Think about walls and rooflines before you do anything. Or if you've got lots of cash to splash, take it out as it may serve no purpose with a heatpump in place. Replace roof tiles, internal brickwork.........you see what I mean, just saying.........See MoreWhat to do with fireplace in main bedroom,which was previously kitchen
Comments (24)By viable I mean workable, functional. A chimney sweep or a builder adept in chimneys will give you a report. Certainly enquire about a future gas fitting rather than logs if possible. I say this as a fireplace anywhere is delightful and, if downstairs, it could heat upstairs through the house, to a certain point too. If you look at the quality of the brick laying, you will see that its not meant to be a feature which is why it was rendered, but that is choice only. Certainly seal the bricks. Good luck and stay with it if you can. Everybody loves the romance of a fire....See MoreFireplace - What would you do with this one?
Comments (14)Here is a photo of our distinctly unstyled fireplace. I move the plant and flowers off the mantel when we light the fire. It’s a different style to yours but all painted white. When I redo it, now the kids have stopped drawing on it, I’ll take the mantel back to wood. It did lighten the mood of the room but in the same white paint it lacks something. It you can afford it, do it. I’d recommend a closed wood box of you can get one to fit. Ours came with the house. It’s about 15 years old. No troubles at all (except the weekend a magpie fell down and gave child heart attack when it tap tap tapped to ask to get out) We have the chimney swept once a year. . It is amazing in winter. Or on a cold Mother’s Day....See MoreWhat to do with this fireplace and doors?
Comments (8)I would give the firpelace a good clean and get rid of the decades of dirt that has been built-up before making a decision. It has lots of character and is a real centrepiece to the room, however it does seem to dominate the room. This is due to the stark contrast of the empty, white walls, and the lack of furniture and window coverings. I wouldn't rush into making a decision until you have at least cleaned it up and considered some more vibrant paint options than Landlord White. Have a look at some of the dirtier shades of Millenial Pink, such as Cuticle Pink from Dulux for the wall behind the fireplace as this will tie in well with the existing mortar and soften the contrast bewteen brickwork and wall. https://www.dulux.com.au/colour/colour-trends/2018/escapade The room is really a blank canvas and if you use the fireplace as a starting point then you could end up with something really glorious. I think you will regret trying to conceal the fireplace under render, paint or plasterboard as it will destroy most of the character. There is nothing wrong with the brickwork and it is appropriate for the style of the building. A better solution for the doors would be to rehinge them so that they open inwards into the room, which will be cheaper, and more approporiate for the original style. You have an elegant, period room bursting with potential and just waiting to be appreciated and loved for what it is, and not modernised for the sake of transient fashion. Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls...See More
PRO3 Pea's Property Styling
7 years agoHi Malibu_tan, As other Houzzers above have mentioned, I think the fireplace is a beautiful focal point in the room. Once the space heater is removed you will be able to assess you options more fully, but you should be able to block the chimney off internally to prevent the loss of heat from your alternate heating forms and could also consider repositioning the lintel to increase the size of the opening.
I renovated a similar fireplace on a recent project and have attached some before and after photos here as a reference. In this case, after the space heater was removed, a cast iron surround was installed, the internal chimney brickwork painted and a timber mantel fitted. Both the cast iron surround & mantel were purchased very inexpensively on eBay - so this doesn't have to be an expensive option. Finally, a fire grate was installed and filled with logs (not pictured). It is important to remember that an empty chimney/fireplace 'looks' cold.
I'm not sure on the overall style of your property, but I hope this gives you some ideas! (If you'd like some more ideas, click here 3 Pea's Property Styling)
All the best. Jo Powell
PROManias Associates Building Designers
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoHi Malibu_tan
Well I must also agree with the other four comments "the fireplace is a focal point" , all I would add to that is - man/woman has been looking at fire for many years, and it's reference to our being most likely goes back to primordial times.
Fire (the moving flame) is deeply rooted in our psychic, and our relationship with safety and comfort, I would remove the heater and celebrate the fireplace.
You can always put in an ethanol fire and close of the flue if required, but I would not get rid of such asset to your residence and your life.
Depending a bit with the style of the house I would go as far as providing side book shelving storage, or DVD's, or your best collection of miniature spoons should miniature spoons bee your interest. Whatever you wish to display for your or your friends enjoyment.
Then I would complete the lounge design around your final choice of tiles and mantle, if you are putting in a slightly better mantle than you have at present, or if you are going for a modernist look. (it all depends a bit on tastes and budget)
Heat & Glo i30 Insert Series · More InfoIf you are in a "period style" you could look at something like
French Provincial Style Fireplaces · More Info
French Provincial Style Fireplaces · More InfoRegardless of your tastes I think you can get an ethanol insert in just about any fireplace, corny as it sounds the fireplace is "the hearth of the home" .
Possibly not the response that you were perhaps seeking, and you might have a lot of reason why you want to remove it - well I would like to hear your comments.
Hope this is of some help
Regards Michael Manias
cloudpants
7 years agoI think with a bit of imagination, you can turn it into a feature without having it as a heating device. Depending on the styling of your room, there are many options to work towards...
Susan Dorville
7 years agoLiz Sier
7 years agorwalton5
7 years ago
Barbara Dunstan
7 years agomalibu_tan
7 years ago
peggimcintyre