What to do to dress up this fireplace!

I seen a pin on pintrest to make a curved hearth and add slate but what about a mantle? Window seats?
  20 answers
  • Lori Dube-Terceira Lori Dube-Terceira on Aug 04, 2014
    Window seats or even built in bookcases on both sides, would look great.
  • Laurie Laurie on Aug 05, 2014
    You could remove the brick running up the wall. http://www.pinterest.com/pin/101823641548867997/
  • Janet J Janet J on Aug 05, 2014
    I think I might get rid if the (slanted) wood, between the bricks, put up sheetrock and paint. Then I'd definitely add a mantel and maybe a tall picture or painting above that. I also like the idea of the window seats on either side.
  • Laurie Laurie on Aug 05, 2014
    You could hang ceiling to floor curtains on either side of the windows. Paint the wall a warm color.
  • Tom Parks Tom Parks on Aug 05, 2014
    The photo is a little dim to tell, but if it is a manufactured fireplace, I'd suggest having a professional look at it (either NFI or CSIA certified) to determine what the remaining life of the fireplace and chimney system is. About 15-20 years life is reasonable. Since this is a D-I-Y site, I'd suggest you ask the pro what they might suggest. We get to see and do a lot of great "dressing up" projects. If you have seen a fireplace you like online, share the picture with a pro to find out the best way to go about it. As a general rule, I wouldn't recommend adding anything to the fireplace as it might detract from the simple, clean lines of the structure. If anything, I'd suggest paring it down. A curved hearth would be nice.
  • Jeanette S Jeanette S on Aug 05, 2014
    I would box in and take the surround all the way to the top. Then put window seats with closed storage underneath all the way to the corners. If more storage is needed in the house, a combination of closed and open storage would be nice on each side of the windows.
  • Tris Smith Tris Smith on Aug 05, 2014
    Bookcases on the walls by the corners with art objects on the top corner space. Window seats to the fire place and remove all the stuff on the fireplace and face with stacked stone.
  • D Meconi D Meconi on Aug 05, 2014
    Paint the wall above the fireplace a bright accent color and hang a long rectangular piece of colorful complementary art. Use it as it but make it pop.
  • Jane Jane on Aug 05, 2014
    I would get rid of the brick and paneling. Sheetrock the wall and add a mantel. Then you are good to go on window seat or etc.....
  • Loni Loni on Aug 05, 2014
    I would paint the slated wood a bright accent color all the way to the ceiling! Look at the Orange fireplace the couple from Oregon did, turned out striking!!
  • Mcgypsy9 Mcgypsy9 on Aug 05, 2014
    Of course this all depends on your style. You did not say what style you go for and that would certainly help.
  • Karyn Workman Karyn Workman on Aug 05, 2014
    Cut a thick piece of lumber or create a box with lumber and use for new mantle. paint the brick and use a wire brush over it to age it. I would place a piece of drywall over the lumber in the center if it cant be removed. 2 storage benches flanking the fireplace is great storage without the hassle of making built-ins.
  • Judy Judy on Aug 05, 2014
    Definitely window seats but only to the ends of the windows & closed storage would be very handy, drawers rather than a hinged lid. The corner area seems made to order for built in bookcases or display cases of some sort in a wood that matches the ceiling. Even better if there's a matching space on the left side. An ornamental firescreen & set of andirons would perk it up also. Maybe brass. Then a coat of paint on the remaining wall space in a light color of your choice.
  • Renep Renep on Aug 05, 2014
    We had similar tall brick columns - - covered with round columns (cut in half, of course) and painted white. Faced hearth with charcoal colored tiled (2x1 ft). Perhaps too contemporary for a lot of folks, but looked great. I'd also paint your trim white - -or off white, or just a shade or two different than walls.. We did not add a mantle - - but a 'floating shelf' would work, with a modern sculpture above...
  • Meburke Meburke on Aug 06, 2014
    Copper panels or tin ceiling type panels are reflective & bounce light back into the room all the way up,& mantle,large rough hewn split log (polyurethaned)& orange somewhere! & or sunflowers in photos you take ...are cheerful!
  • Kristina Higgins Kristina Higgins on Aug 06, 2014
    Nuke the bricks above the fireplace, add a substantial mantle, sheetrock over slanted wood and paint, put up tall vertical painting or mirror, and what no one else has suggested...add a chandelier in the middle of the room hanging from the ceiling. A good size light fixture will take the eye away from the steep roofline and give visual interest at a central level
  • Michelle Masterson Michelle Masterson on Aug 07, 2014
    Thanks everyone! This picture was taken when we bought it from the bank. We have done all kinds of upgrades and everything is painted. I love the wood ceilings as they are. Going to hire a professional to come in and redo this.
    • Tom Parks Tom Parks on Aug 08, 2014
      Very good! Would love to see photos of room when you get everything the way you like it.
  • GR GR on Aug 07, 2014
    I agree with Mcgypsy you need to give us some idea of your style. It's certainly a very striking space and could easily look rustic or industrial (think New York loft!) depending on your preference. Window seats and a bigger hearth would definitely work and balance the space better :-)
  • Michelle Masterson Michelle Masterson on Aug 08, 2014
    The Orginal Homeowner offset the fireplace to put in those windows and I truly know nothing of what they were thinking. Thanks to so many of you my husband investigated it and says yes we can tear it down and resurface with stone. That project will wait til March. We bought this amazing home here in Orlando Florida (fireplace right?) and have done total interior painting, changing out switch plates, hinges, ceiling fans in brushed nickel, bought new window treatments and bought a 2,500 bathroom vanity to create a spa feel to the bathroom. We have lived here for one month. I think I need to give the hubster a break and go enjoy the beaches! I will be happy to update a picture when we get it done!
  • GR GR on Aug 09, 2014
    Sounds like you both need a rest! Looking forward to seeing the next instalment after you've given those beaches some attention :-)