HELP - Fireplace

2 years ago

Hello,
I'm trying to find some ideas for the corner of my living room where my fireplace is. Right now it is dull & boring and needs a bit of love, colour and I would love some storage for the wood. I've looked at the Besta cupboard product from Ikea to put around the bottom perhaps with a stone top but unsure of a) if it is viable with heat coming the wood heater and b) it would look good and be an easy enough job. Advice please? Also even though I would love to do an DIY, if there are any trades you could recommend to help that would be great.
Thanks
Zena

Comments (6)

Shelley
2 years ago
Tiny Wood Stove have some great ideas for wood storage. It could be a feature and help bring some ‘warmth’ to that corner of your home.
Zena McGregor
Original Author
2 years ago
Love that middle one!!! Unsure if it will be a bit too big but I will absolutely check them out. Was thinking some feature on the walls to the side and behind the fireplace too like the attached pic. Def needs some warmth.
Related Discussions
Need help with my fireplace
Q
Comments (10)
Oh dear! We have the same type of fireplace, except mine is double brick. I think you should definitely paint the cavities the same colour as the walls, the existing colour seems to chop it up and makes the area look smaller. I love the idea about the stone look wall paper around the fire. I would check with manufacturers instructions beforehand, fires put out a lot of heat and ash and my guess is that it would ruin the wall paper (you didn't mention if your fire was real or gas log). I think Mitre 10 and Bunning's sell a product that's stone cladding ( its DIY) you glue it onto the wall, it looks amazing. A timber mantle above the fire would also look great. My fireplace has shelving either side in the cavities, it seems to balance it out otherwise you have 2 great big empty areas. You could align the shelving or stagger them depending on what look your after. If you go with the shelving idea I would put a couple cushions each end of the cavities near the ledge to encourage people to sit. Fires are meant to be warm and inviting. Lastly I would put a rug in front of the fire to protect your carpet. Good luck! Make sure you post some pics.
...See More
Help with fireplace
Q
Comments (14)
yes, the lack of space on the sides has certainly made it hard to try and find something to go around it. The whole thing unfortunately wasn't really thought out very well and has been a learning experience. I like the reclaimed wood mantel suggestion - thanks!
...See More
Help with fireplace makeover in Californian bungalow
Q
Comments (8)
It is hard to tell from the photo but I suspect it may be a traditional cement render with layers of paint over the top. It looks like you can see the original trowel finishes in the render. This recess was possibly used for a gas or electric fireplace as the paint and render would have been damaged by a timber or coal fire. However there is only one way to find out which is to carefully remove some of the paint. Be aware that it may be a harzardous lead-based paint under the top layer of paint which looks like it could be 1980's. If you want to keep your home fairly authentic I would consider using plainer tiles rather than the heavily patterned tiles which have more of a late 1960's/1970's vibe. Sandstone or face brick were commonly used in 1950's houses around fireplaces. Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls
...See More
Fireplace tile help!
Q
Comments (4)
You could always get a paint sample pot tinted to your tile colour, take a photo and head off to the paint shop, replace tile and paint and seal with a gloss sealer, could work.
...See More
Jan Dobson
2 years ago
I think you’re on the right track with a feature behind the heater, Zena. Lots of options but one I like is pressed tin (usually now made of a thick aluminium). It would add colour, there are a lot of choices and texture, there are a lot of patterns also. And with the added advantage of not being very expensive and a relatively simple diy or handyman project
Zena McGregor
Original Author
2 years ago
That's definitely an idea Jan, I've never seen this type of product before so I'll have a google once kids have gone to bed. Do you think both walls? I think it would have to be. I've got white fake wood Venetians on the door way next to the fire and the plan is to change them to sheers aswell.
bigreader
2 years ago
I think your fireplace is too close to the sliding door to have sheers. I love any of the options Shelley posted, it’s definitely not the spot for the ikea Besta. I couldn’t find the exact pic I wanted but I’d do the entire wall behind the fire place with VJ panelling. Can be done DIY.
HU-411429955
2 years ago
One of these will instantly help the ambience and airflow. https://firewarehouse.myshopify.com/

HELP - Fireplace

Comments (6)

Shelley

Zena McGregor
Original Author

Related Discussions

Jan Dobson

Zena McGregor
Original Author

bigreader

HU-411429955

COMPANY

EXPLORE HOUZZ

CONNECT WITH US

HELP - Fireplace

Comments (6)

Shelley

Zena McGregorOriginal Author

Related Discussions

Jan Dobson

Zena McGregorOriginal Author

bigreader

HU-411429955

COMPANY

EXPLORE HOUZZ

CONNECT WITH US

Zena McGregor
Original Author

Zena McGregor
Original Author