HELP! with my brick fireplace

3 years ago

We are almost done renovating our relatively small first floor in our 1920s Pittsburgh home. We demo’d our ugly greige ceramic tile clad fireplace and hearth and uncovered this floor to ceiling red brick in our long narrow living room. I do not know what to do next. At first I wanted to cover it back up with something...possible do a light whitewash and maybe vertical shiplap like the 3rd photo I attached?? But now I’m leaning towards leaving it exposed. I feel it adds warmth to the all white walls and pairs nicely with the new dark blue built-ins. I definitely want a mantel. what color/style? And what should we put on the hearth? What would you do??? All helpful advice welcome!

Featured Answer

Rory (Zone 6b)

3 years ago

Has the firebox been filled in with brick to block the flue? Even if it's no longer functional I think it's a nice feature. Check out Construction Junction in East Liberty for an old mantle.

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Comments (7)

PRO
JudyG Designs
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
You are certain that it is a working fireplace? How does it vent?

Not seeing 1920.
kodiac23
3 years ago
Keep it and add a reclaimed mantel. It doesn’t have to work, add a flush to the wood tile or stone hearth. Love it
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cat_ky
3 years ago
Make sure the brick isnt loose anywhere. It appears to have lost some mortar.
Tony Stevens
3 years ago
It’s pretty and a nice feature. Maybe get it checked by a good contractor to satisfy yourself that it’s stable and secure. You might be able to find a suitable mantel from a local resale shop that you can renew.
Katy R
Original Author
3 years ago
JudyG I should’ve mentioned it’s a ventless fireplace.

We’ve had a fireplace guy and our contractor check it out. We’re looking for a mason to clean up the brick, fix up the opening and paint the firebox black. Then we’ll need to lay a new hearth.

Rory- Construction Junction sent me their available mantels about a month ago but nothing that would work but I’m going to check again.

Thanks everyone! We’re going to keep it all exposed. Now still have to figure out what mantel will look good 😕
eastautumn
3 years ago
What a cool find! It's gorgeous.