Fireplace Problem

14 years ago

Just bought this home and can't figure out what to do with the top of the fireplace. The stone does not go the the ceiling. Two sided fireplace.
Any suggestion? Thank you. Bobbie

Featured Answer

charliemycat

14 years ago

last modified: 14 years ago

Bobbi, Question & Suggestions:

In the "negative space" or opening, is there a wood base or are you looking at tops of stones?

1.) There is soot staining around the fire box. You can scrub it out with "Simple Green" and a scrub brush. It works great for soot and is very non toxic.

2.) I would prefer to see the mantle painted another color, perhaps the lighter color of the grout. In this instance I would not match the white of the trim in the room. You could change to wood at some point as well.

3.) Before you do anything, please identify the issues you may have regarding any possible code violations. I think your hearth may not be deep enough. Not a difficult fix. Don't worry.

I think it is just the negative space that is bothering you. You could turn it into a really nice architectural feature by building in large scale open shelving. I know you said you want to keep the light passing through. Here are some ideas for an open back book case room divider. I'd keep the shelves fairly substantial, and to my mind, I'd do more of a vertical orientation, as in the second picture. You have a lot of horizontal lines in the fireplace and I'd change it up a bit for more interest.

If you wake up one day and decide you hate the fireplace, I'd just try painting the stone first. I would not even consider ripping it out, personally.

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Good Luck.

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Comments (15)

PRO
Wow Great Place
14 years ago
last modified: 14 years ago
If you can't add more stone, I would paint above the mantel in one of the darker colours from your stone, to help it all blend together, and then you can hang a great piece of art to fill the space.
In the opening between the fireplace and that column of stone, you could even add an aquarium, visible from both sides.
bobbiebaxter
Original Author
14 years ago
Thank you...what would you do with the side? Wrap more sheet rock or leave the stone exposed?
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PRO
Glen Houston's Painting
14 years ago
last modified: 14 years ago
Paint and glaze ! More before and after @ glenhoustonspainting.com
PRO
Wow Great Place
14 years ago
last modified: 14 years ago
What's inside the part to the left of the fireplace? Could it be removed, or perhaps reworked into storage? I resume the column was added to cover up some sort of ductwork and pipes in the house, or perhaps a support column.
Do you need budget-friendly solutions, or are you willing to tear down and start over, if needed?
louclou
14 years ago
I would add a mirror!
54cass
14 years ago
maybe you can reframe what it is ..it is a sculpture which has a surround. looking at it in its entirety would be good. it is a challenge. i want to think about it alittle. once you get it like you want it, it is going to be practical and beautiful. lucky!!!!
decoenthusiaste
14 years ago
I agree with painting the upper portion in the darker color of stone. I'd think about painting both rooms in the lighter gray from the FP. Can the open side with the planter be converted to support a tv? I've seen the rotating sets lately that can be turned to face either room and the back looks good, so you're not seeing cables, etc. I like the aquarium idea too, but only if you can afford a great salt water one and pay for regular professional maintenance. Art above the FP would be my first choice. If a mirror would reflect something beautiful or interesting, maybe a knockout chandelier over the dining table (I assume the back room to be dining, then do that. Is there stone on the left end wall of the FP as on the right? If not, and you wire or plumb, you might get the wall above the mantel wired for sconces. Leave all stone as is, unless you want to go to a lot more trouble. I think your room can be stunning and I would think about a red leather sectional sitting out in front of the FP on a big patterned rug.
olldcan
14 years ago
last modified: 14 years ago
I'd check the building codes in your area first. In mine, this wouldn't pass.
Merrie Dickerson
14 years ago
Judging from the end, I'm guessing this is a stone facing? If that's the case, and budget isn't a problem, consider tearing it down and replacing with a more contemporary facing (they've greatly improved over the years.) Otherwise, I think you should make sure that water stain at the top isn't going to reoccur, then paint and maybe glaze in a color that complements the stone. Add art work or a silvery mirror in a frame that also works with the stone. I'm sorry, I don't have any thoughts about what type of frame would work best here, maybe someone else would have a thought.
bobbiebaxter
Original Author
14 years ago
All great ideas. Can't put a lot of dollars in at the moment on the fireplace but will re-do the stone work in a few years (kitchen first) There seems to be an eletric outlet in the stone on the living room side (yes, dining room on the other side) Need to leave the open space, open as I love the light. I was hoping when I bought this that the stone went to the ceiling..but no such luck Thank you all!
larryhinkle
14 years ago
something else i like for these double sided ones is to wrap the mantle around it . So on the right its continous instead of one on each side like you see in the pic
bobbiebaxter
Original Author
14 years ago
Like the glass shelves a lot. At the moment the fireplace is sealed, so we don't have to worry about code. Not sure we would open it due to drafts in the winter. Also, like the idea of continous wrap of
of a mantle. We have only owned this house 5 days so I need to spend more time in the house to get the feel.
giggles60
14 years ago
Did not take the time to read all the responses so may be repeat. I would paint the wall above a deeper gray and hang your T.V. there. Maybe try to use the awkward space as media storage, either open or somehow enclosed? I wonder why the original builder created and what he used it for?
houssaon
14 years ago
If you did the demo, you could replace the stone with sheetrock. That should be too much. I think this stone has to go.

But if not, how about wide boards on the top painted white and a two sided cabinet for the opening?