Here it is

I agree! But any ideas on what to replace it with?

Replace with drywall/plaster. What style is the house? What would a period correct fireplace look like?

Agree with PPF on removing it and replacing with drywall. Please inform us on what the style of the house is so further assistance can be provided.

Yes, I too agree with PPF - remove the stone and drywall/plaster.

For a 1930’s house, you can do a search for period houses and will likely find many ideas. It will ultimately depend on what you prefer.

One idea I put together using AI.

Maybe not a rug so close to the fireplace - but you get the idea. :)

Another option could be brick. Or maybe marble - an antique/salvaged piece might be interesting. There are many ways you can go.

I would stay with a traditional style mantel piece along these lines. And you could add a beautiful mirror (which is most always my preference) or art, if you prefer. Although I do not recommend placing paper/canvas art of any significant sentimental and/or monetary value over a fireplace.

I love houses from this era. I live in a 1940’s townhouse right now and I love the original architecture and details. Some of the details of this 1940’s house are also strangely reminiscent of the house I grew up in, which was built in 1910. I’m not sure how this happened. :)

Hi freedomplace1, that is absolutely gorgeous! Thank you so much for all your suggestions! Exactly what I was hoping for since I've been stumped on this room. I also love homes from the early 1900s up until the late 1940s! They are the only places I feel comfortable living. I could never live in new construction... Thank you again! I will keep you posted :)

I just did a quick search and saw this, so putting it up for fun. Pre-1930’s but in the ballpark; and the mantel police would be too shell shocked to even move, so no problem there. :)

https://ogtstore.com/marble-mantels/reclaimed-the-plaza-hotel-white-marble-fireplace-mantel/?srsltid=AfmBOoq3Jw7bSWeBPny67S7X6OEigx16FpkwUoNbOM1P8Qha-07KFuI_QYg

You’re welcome, Harmony! My pleasure! And you sound like you could be my twin! :)

I love places from this era. I can’t believe that Plaza piece I just found. Amazing.

I would imagine yours originally had a nice wood mantle and surround, since its from the 30's. Someone tore it all off and put that ridiculous rock on the wall. You could maybe find a mantle and surround at a place that sells salvaged things from older houses. Love the marble one in freedomplace 1 link, but, that is a bit pricey, for sure.

Hi, cat_ky - believe it or not, I was actually looking for salvaged pieces and that Plaza piece is the first one I saw!!

Pricey for sure... but such an amazing find - I had to put it up!! :)

Its beautiful. It must have come from a house that was very nice, at one time in its life.

It really is beautiful. But what was even more amazing to me was the way that I came across it, and the history of it. It was commissioned for the Plaza Hotel.

Remove that ugly stone and have the wall redone to smooth drywall as for the surround it also needs to be addressed but first does the FP work ? If it does then IMO worth have a FP inspection and then go looking for a good surround in a style you love. I have no idea of your budget but if you google 1930s FP surrounds there are many to be had .

lisedv Thank you for this! I love it!!!

freedomplace1 it is just stunning! Thank you so much for sharing your find!

You’re welcome, Harmony! I’m glad you like the mantelpiece. It really is incredible. And I have to thank you, because I stumbled upon it as a result of your post!

I see that without the stone, your existing mantelpiece actually looks pretty good. Maybe just get a beautiful vintage or antique mirror for it. A mirror over a fireplace is in most cases very good Feng Shui. And in your room, a mirror there would reflect your windows, which is nice.

On a quick search I found this La Barge mirror on Etsy.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1798933408/rare-la-barge-antique-mid-century?

Might be too tall - I don’t know. But just one example. La Barge has many beautiful and unique vintage mirrors, if you look around you’ll see them. :)

I hope this thread is seen by all the 'lets paint the (stone/bricks) people out there!! This is why the answer is NO NO NO. The previous owner left you no option but demolition.

It's not dated, it's just plain ugly.

I also love homes from the early 20th century--mine is a 1924 Colonial Revival. so solid with plaster walls and great woodwork.

Removing the stone could be very difficult, depending on how it was attached to the wall. You could just cover it with drywall and/or a mantel with an overmantel. Something like these would be classic:

Chinoiserie Cape · More Info

Day-Dodge Residence, ca. 1737 · More Info

Lancaster Home · More Info