What would you do with this fireplace?

hanb

Hi all,

Trying to decide what to do with our fireplace and thought I'd see what other people would do!

I'd like to somehow spruce up the bricks, put nice tiles over the gross ones at the bottom and maybe slate hearth and then sort the skirting around the edge. Any ideas on whether j can improve the bricks?

We're in a smoke free zone so putting an actual fire in isn't that simple. The previous owners removed a gross old electric fire from the wall and opened it back up but it could be sooo much nicer I just need to decide! Hoping other views and advice might help!

Thanks in advance!

FreeBear

Personally, I don't like seeing bricks in a room, especially when they are stained and damaged. I'd plaster over them and be done with it.

Even although you live in a smoke free zone, there are DEFRA approved stoves that you could install. However, there doesn't appear to be a constructional hearth (unless it has been covered over by the floorboards).

hanb

Thanks!

I was thinking I'd try to clean up the bricks (if possible!) first and then plastering it was the backup plan. First time homeowner and not the best at DIY or knowing what's possible! I'd like the bricks if they were cleaner but I don't know if it's possible to get them neater!

Just one of many things we need to get done!

tizerbelle

I had similar in this house when I bought it (Victorian terrace) - hated it. Felt the room needed a much more substantial focal point so I bought an electric fireplace suite .

Okay so I have probably only used it to heat the room a couple of times since I've bought it but the in-built light adds a nice glow to the room - which makes it expensive mood lighting! It arrived fully assembled if I recall correctly and all I had to do was stand it against the chimney breast (its not fixed in place - but very sturdy) and use a few cable clips to pin the cable round the corner to the plug socket.

I did think about doing something crafty / creative / artistic but nothing appealed to me and filling the space with candles / stones / statues would just result in more dusting for me and probably lots of wasted time re-arranging them every time troublesome cat decided the only place to sleep would be behind/among what ever was there.

ETA: Knew there was a pic of it somewhere - living room fireplace

Doozergirl

I'd buy a second hand fireplace from ebay and put it in there.

It doesn't have to be lit and it looks better than a rudimentary hole.

glasgowdan

Go for a wood burning stove. Elec fires are yuk.

Grenage

I'd use it as an open fire, or install a stove.

tonyh66

plaster it all and put a back lit fishtank in there.

hanb

Thanks all.


Lots to think about. A friend nearby has just been quoted 2.5k for a stove!


I think I might try and tidy it up a bit and then think about a stove once we've saved a bit more Whilst keeping an eye out for second hand on ebay.

Kiran

If you want to tidy it up, line it with cement board, hardie backer or similar. its easy to do, gives a smooth paintable finish and if you do ever want to put a stove in its ready to go. As for a fire, stoves for a smoke free zone don't require anymore work to install providing you buy the right stove.

Zola.

Multi burn stove. Best £2k I ever spent.

I recommend the Morso 04 given the size.