Remove or keep corner fireplace?

5 years ago

I need some advice on what to do with the corner fireplace in my home-to-be, which is facing the living room and behind the kitchen. I’m planning to remove the bookcase and a section of the wall to open up the space so you can see the kitchen from the living room. If I leave the fireplace as is, it‘ll be an awkward space to put a dining table next to it or I could only put in a small one. If I removed it, it frees up some precious space in the 800-sqft home and I could use the space for a wet bar or small island. My plan is to live here for the next 3-5 years so I’m thinking about resale value (having a fireplace helps It?) but also try to maximize the use of the space. What should I do? Thanks for al your suggestions in advance!!

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Comments (7)

PRO
JAN MOYER
5 years ago
Nobody can answer with just the pictures, and without a picture of the kitchen and without a scaled drawing, or the original floor plan of the house.
Valinta
5 years ago
Just looking at the photos and my own personal preference I would remove the fireplace, especially a corner fireplace. If that is not feasible, removing -and not replacing - the mantel will make it easier to arrange furnishings and traffic flow.
Jeanene Winkler
5 years ago
Just looking at the space you could update it if you are planning on using it, but I about agree with the above comment that the placement could restrict traffic flow. What are your plans for the room? Have fun!
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
5 years ago
IMO corner FPs are just a PITA for furniture arrangement and in your case a waste of valuable space so would remove it and if you find you need it for heating get an electric one and put it on a staraight wall
Indecisiveness
5 years ago
Is there a chimney behind that wall that goes all the way through the roof?
felizlady
5 years ago
Removing the fireplace and the entire chimney, removing the bookcase, and repairing the roof and floor is a big job, but will add some valuable usable space to an 800 sf home. Get estimates, then decide.
KW PNW Z8
5 years ago
I agree with removing fireplace & shelving unit - really blocks up the front door entry! Corner fireplaces waste space & sorry, but yours isn’t a pretty feature of the room. I see something on floor through the doorway in room behind - that’s not a two sided fireplace on that angled wall is it?