Fireplace quandary

Leif

Bought a house with a 60's stone fireplace, about 2m long and 1m high. I had it removed as it was knocked about, and now have a newly plastered wall with a fireplace with a rectangular opening exposing the fireplace lining. The plasterer put beading round the hole and plastered up to the edge, a nice job. The fireplace cross section is like half a hexagon, and lined with some stone like material that is very black and dirty. It does not go back very deep.

What can I do with this? I don't want to (semi) permanently block the fireplace as it is a feature, and I don't want to spend loads on a fancy hearth and surround. I thought about a granite hearth, paint up to the edge of the fireplace opening, and put something decorative into the fireplace, a metal log holder maybe, I have holly logs lying around. Suggestions please!

Ebe_Scrooge

I had a similar situation in my last house. What I did was start by cleaning all the brickwork inside the fireplace - a stiff brush, hot soapy water and loads of elbow grease. As it was made of bricks, it actually looked quite attractive when it was cleaned.

Next, blocked up the chimney with a piece of cut-to-size plywood, with a good dollop of silicone all around the edge. I figured that would keep all the draughts out, but easy enough to remove in the future if I wanted to use the fireplace.

Then over to my missus ( the arty one ! ) who stood some dried flowers and grassy type stuff in a vase in the fireplace. Sometimes she took the vase out and stood a couple of candles in there instead.

It would also be pretty simple to install a light-bulb if you wanted - if the bulb itself is up the chimney a little way so it's out of view, then a bowl of glass beads on the fireplace so the light reflects off them ?

Leif

Thanks. It certainly needs a clean. I'm coming to the conclusion that I should either block it properly (with a vent) or install a proper fireplace. Does anyone have views or experiences with limestone fireplaces? There are some nice portuguese ones. Looks like they are not solid fuel though.

Incidentally, if you block the chimney, you must include a vent, and place a lid on the chimney pot otherwise you could have damp issues down the road.

dcwho

i am having the same issue...I am wondering if a electric fireplace insert solve the problem as well? it blocks the chimney hole, and also function as a radiator in the winter

Leif

dcwho wrote: »

i am having the same issue...I am wondering if a electric fireplace insert solve the problem as well? it blocks the chimney hole, and also function as a radiator in the winter

In my case the radiators alone are enough for heating so the fireplace is purely decorative. Even if I close it off I have to leave a vent which is a pain, so it looks like a decorative fireplace is the way to go. I suppose you could fit a hearth and a non functioning electric/gas fire that you salvage and which looks good!