Changing size of free-standing fireplace: pine ceiling, hw floor

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

We are possibly changing the depth of our free-standing fireplace when we put in a new gas fireplace. The house is post-modern and we are in the market for new furnishings, so don't let that hang you up when considering things.

The salesperson was here today and we've ruled out doing a gas insert as it would limit the viewing area greatly, so now that we're open to making bigger changes we're considering changing the depth of the fireplace. If we eliminate the hearth we'll gain 20", plus we can change the column depth and gain another 15" of floor space which we really need. We'd make the fireplace the focal point and mount the TV above the fireplace and turn our seating to face it. It would make the room function much better.

Changing the depth of the fireplace column effects the ceiling and floor. The ceiling is knotty pine and I'm pretty sure that the boards end where the fireplace meets the ceiling. With 30 year old patina I doubt we'd be successful in matching the pine coloring.

I'm considering painting the ceiling dark for better coverage of the knots and because this house could use some drama. This blog post shows something similar to what I'm thinking. https://www.dukemanorfarm.com/2020/03/4-reasons-to-paint-your-ceiling-dark.html

Cushions on the hearth. Furniture arrangement is in summer-mode with the sofa backed up to the fireplace to see the TV better.

The new depth would start just to the left of the switch plate.

Our windows are bronze which is a near black color.

Thoughts on this paint color for the ceiling.

Other decisions down the road include color and material of fireplace column.

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Comments (8)

PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
5 years ago
Why do you need 15"? Taking on a construction project can cost you way more than simply coming up with a different furniture arrangement.

How about showing us the room in total so we can make some suggestions for a furniture layout? You definitely don't want any seating with its back to the fireplace.
Cheryl Hewitt
Original Author
5 years ago
It's more like gaining 30" between the hearth and the surround. And moving the TV would mean changing the orientation of the furniture so we don't have to place the couches like we are now (back to the fireplace in summer, and at 90* to TV in winter.)

I can get pictures of the rest of the room tomorrow.
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Cheryl Hewitt
Original Author
5 years ago
Here's the room. None of the furniture pleases me and wasn't purchased for this house and it's getting old, so in the end none of it is staying.

The cat highway would need to go.
PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
5 years ago
IMO this would be a better layout for your room. Mount the TV over the fireplace. Arrange the seating so that it is both facing the TV and the view out the windows.

You can try this with your existing furniture.

I hope you are considering new furniture that is less bulky and a bit more modern for this room.
PRO
Tischler Wood
5 years ago
Have you considered a two sided fireplace. this would bring a little light from stairway window.
Cheryl Hewitt
Original Author
5 years ago
BeverlyFLADeziner The new furniture will definitely have more modern lines and the layout you propose is pretty much what I've been envisioning. :)

leah8173, we tossed the idea around about a two-sided fireplace, but there are constraints that would cause issues. The light in the stairwell is a solar tube.

So, thoughts on painting the ceiling dark?
PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
You haven't provided any dimensions for the room, but unless the sofa or sectional you selected is oversized, it will likely fit in the room without adjusting your fireplace or hearth. The area could benefit from a lighter-colored area rug and lighter seating colors. Leave the ceiling wood.
PRO
Tischler Wood
5 years ago
I would leave the ceiling alone