Help ! What do I do with this ugly fireplace ? I do not like an off centered hearth.

13 years ago

last modified: 13 years ago

The fire place is brick (do not like this old dark brick) built 1962. The hearth is off center to the right. There is a window on the right and all brick on the left, the doors are brass, don't like that either. I would like to put the tv above it but I'm not sure if this would be good, the distance from the chairs to the fireplace would only be 10-11 feet, I would then have kitchen stools behind the chairs for the tv and I think it would be too congested, I could leave the tv where it is because there is enough room for the chairs.. but the fireplace has to be updated, I want it to look symetrical, dealt with this 26 yrs enough !

Featured Answer

Laura

13 years ago

That mantle is the problem. It has got to go! You could also find some nice, maybe iron, fireplace screens to go in front of the fireplace. Replacing the brass would also help.

If you consider the window as part of the room, the fireplace is actually centered, no? I think mounting a TV above it would work fine and actually getting rid of the big TV you have now would make the room feel less congested.

I don't know if it is to your taste, but I have seen a lot of brick fireplace surrounds painted white. That would give the room a lighter, more contemporary feel. Think something like this:

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Comments (23)

PRO
Linda Mayo
13 years ago
The mantle is accentuating the fact that it's not symmetrical. I'd remove the mantle and the clock and stain the whole thing a light color and paint the walls a similar color. That will make it blend in. Then replace the screen with something else that you like.

Or you could cover the left half with sheetrock, balancing the exposed brick with the right side and paint it the wall color, although you will still have the hearth to deal with.
PRO
The Victorian Fireplace
13 years ago
Hey MommaG, I know it sounds like a strange question but just how much do you dislike the fireplace? Enough to renovate the entire brick structure or are you just considering a smaller cosmetic fix?
mommag109 thanked The Victorian Fireplace
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The Victorian Fireplace
13 years ago
I did a mock up for you for a simple cosmetic redo. I replaced the single mantle shelf with multiple staggered mantle shelves. I also replaced the polished brass doors with a more rustic bronzed iron finished one. No major overhaul here, just a simple redirect of the eye on that wall.
cinderellaslipper
12 years ago
You could plaster the wall, and paint it, then choose a large rectangular mirror to set the left side of the fireplace, which would balance the opposite window,,,
PRO
Angela Todd Studios | Portland, OR
12 years ago
The mantle is calling attention to the problem. What about a wood colored mantle not so traditionally styled. I also think a large piece over the hearth seat would help for balance. What about the tv?
mommag109 thanked Angela Todd Studios | Portland, OR
PRO
Victorian Fireplace Shop
12 years ago
My 1970's house has a similar problem, only worse than yours because the fireplace is catty corner all that brick wraps both walls to each side, though not symettrically. We painted it white (along with the old wood paneling on the walls), which really brightened up the room. Then I put a mirror similar in scale to the fireplace opening directly above it, and a tall skinny wood cabinet on the side, centered in the remainder of the brick wall. I photoshopped your photo to give you an idea of what I mean.
mommag109
Original Author
12 years ago
Thank you, we were thinking of removing the brick on the left side or sheetrocking over it..and maybe put a cabinet on that wall with the tv to open up the space in the room.
diyher
12 years ago
I think the only thing that has to change is the color of the mantle. It's bright white and calls attention to it. Have you considered painting it a darker color, or even some type of paint that gives the tones of wood.
PRO
Ozark Concealment Furniture
12 years ago
An entertainment center is a good idea, possibly a bookcase or combination of the two. If they are large enough with a solid back you may not even need to deal with removing the brick.
PRO
Luxe Water Walls
12 years ago
Adding a water wall to the left would make the fireplace seem more centered. It will also brighten up that corner of the room. Also wall fountains are great natural humidifiers and will prevent your hardwood floors from drying out.
maryenidlareg
12 years ago
The brass surround is easily painted, we have done it with 2 or 3 fireplaces, now - black is very classic.
You could paint the brick or sheetrock it - we have done both. Some good trim would class it up, and you could put a bookshelf to the left, connect all together with a long, deep mantel over all from wall to corner. I think you need a bigger rug.
happycl8
11 years ago
Paint the bricks white for starters. It is a really dark room. It needs to be lighted up a bit. Mantle has to go as well as the TV. How about a flat screen on the brick to the left? Then turn one sofa facing screen and the other facing the old TV. Something about the light above is bugging me. I am not sure why. I do like the wall fountain too.
2dogssashatess
11 years ago
I would take those curtains off the windows and let maximum light in as the room looks quite dark with all that brick.
everdebz
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
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Sheila Beers
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I would suggest you have a matching window installed in the wall on the left side of the fireplace and adjust whatever else is needed to make it symmetrical. If you want a lighter color on the fireplace, paint the brick white. Then, move the two chairs and small table in front of the double windows and place the television on the interior wall, opposite the chairs.
flopsycat1
3 years ago
How do these posts resurface? This one is nine years old.
flopsycat1
3 years ago
Oops…ten years old!
mommag109
Original Author
3 years ago
i wrote to you over 5 years ago fireplace has been done just like you posted
Sheila Beers
3 years ago
I figure other people may have the same problem and that they can benefit from the suggestions anyway.
Sheila Beers
3 years ago
I apologize for not remembering what someone reported five years ago. At any rate, someone else may have a similar situation and be helped by all the advice posted.
mommag109
Original Author
3 years ago
This is what we did,i now enjoy the

fireplace
Sheila Beers
3 years ago
Everything is so beautiful! You did a great job.