Floating fireplace: keep raised hearth or demo it?

last month

last modified: last month

We'd like to update the fireplace in this seating area to look more modern. It's a tight space with only 2 swivel chairs and a side table. I've been debating whether to demo the hearth to create more space in the room or keep the hearth and reface it with new tile. My mom thinks the hearth provides valuable seating area during parties but the angular ends feel very dated to me.

If we demo it, I'd also have to change the built-ins so they don't float oddly. I'd like large lower cabinets with open shelves above them. There is a small TV in the left cabinet, which we use frequently. I've thought about getting a simple beam mantle and lowering it a bit to make room for a mounted TV above, but my husband thinks we'd be staring up at the TV and it's too tight. The chairs are 5' from the fireplace. But I think some TV mounting systems have arms so perhaps we could lower/tilt the TV down for viewing?

Below, you'll see photos of the fireplace and hearth, fireplace with the seating (which usually faces the fireplace/TV), and ChatGPT's rendering of the removed hearth with new built-ins. Does the floating fireplace look strange without the hearth below it? I don't want to move the firebox, as our budget is limited. It's currently 16" off the floor.

We're already having the floors refinished this fall, so if I'm going to demo the hearth, now is the time. Thoughts?

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Comments (13)

chispa
last month
I would demo the hearth. I did that in my previous house and had no regrets.
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Patricia Colwell Consulting
last month
It seems odd the chairs do not face the FP but I think your Mom is right in a tiny space a pad on that hearth is great seating it makes extra seating with no cost except for the pad.
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jck910
last month
I would demo it. How often do you need extra seating? No way to put a pad on the hearth as it it is - too close to the FP. In my reality (same type hearth) I'm the only one who ever uses it to sit when we have large groups. It too hot there if you have the fire going.
Lyn Nielson
last month
Yes, get rid of the hearth! if budget constraints, Just add a wide trim board to finish off the bottom of the cabinet until you have a solid plan. Without the clunky hearth you may even be able to add more seating in the room.
katinparadise
last month
I'm another vote for demo. It's so much less overwhelming and the new built-ins would give you great storage. Where would you put the t.v. if you change the built-ins?
Lauren
Original Author
last month
@katinparadise I think I’d lower the mantel and try to put a TV above it on some sort of arm that can move downwards and pivot. Otherwise I think we’ll be straining our necks while watching TV
RedRyder
last month
I removed the hearth in my great room as well.
katinparadise
last month
If it's a gas fireplace, building code dictates that you have 12" of non-combustible material above the firebox. You wouldn't have much room to move the mantel. The t.v. on a movable mount wouldn't be too bad if you can get it low enough but you need to check on how far out they can project so you can clear the mantel to lower it. Perhaps a Frame t.v. or one like it that will allow you to put a frame around it and art on the screen when you're not watching would look better than just the black hole of the t.v. The art you show over it now is pretty and I'd hate to see it replaced with just a blank t.v.
PRO
oncape
last month
last modified: last month

This would be my favorite:

Run the hearth across the entire space and leave what is left of the recess just plain.
grapefruit1_ar
last month
I would remove the hearth, and never paint anything else gray.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
last month
You do know you will then have to deal with the flooring too. As for the cushion of course not there all the time but handy when extra seats are needed .
PRO
Susan Tiritilli
last month
Remove the hearth and take the cabinets to the top.
dani_m08
last month
I would remove the hearth. I woud also suggest adding a speaker cabinet that goes to the ceiling to "hide" the current speakers. You can use speaker fabric - or use a wide metal mesh that doesn't distort the sound + provides enough air circulation.