Fireplace update
by
Sharon
+33
Our fireplace is in a corner surrounded by built-ins. The tiles on the floor are in great shape and are a brighter red than the bricks which have a flat surface and also look like they were sanded and/or painted at one time, although no paint is peeling and I can't tell for sure. It just looks unfinished. The built-ins are a light green as is the mantle and I don't want to repaint the bookcases and cabinets.
19 answers
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So Sharon, what exactly are you looking to do with this? This fireplace appears to be on the older side. In order for some great ideas, can you post another photo or two with more of the walls and bookcases showing. Its difficult to provide ideas without knowing what the rest of the surrounding area looks like. Also what is your décor preference?
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Sep 15, 2014
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here are a few more photos, I showed the dining room as it is an L shaped room with the living room and more built-ins, it is original to the house 1830's and we've never used it although we've had it cleaned, the damper is inside the fireplace so you have to stick your hand up in to open/close it; we want to sell so I'm looking for an easy update fix.
Sharon
on Sep 15, 2014
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Do nothing to it. If your selling, it looks great as it is. Putting any money in it will only be a waste of time and money that you will not get back. Perhaps a nice fireplace set and or a free standing screen so it shows that it works, but that is it.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Sep 15, 2014
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I do a lot of home prep for my other business which is this page shown http://www.thehomecareclub.com/hcc/realestate_realtors.php and the biggest mistake people make is they fix things that not only do not need fixing but they tend to personalize them to their own taste so its better to leave it alone and do things that will make the house sell faster.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Sep 15, 2014
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Yes we do not do to bad, A lot of my business is real estate work prepping homes. Slowly getting out of it and moving into more of a consultant business. Getting older.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Sep 16, 2014
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I agree. Do nothing except clean off built ins and mantle and let the buyer imagine the possibilities.
Nancy Williams
on Sep 16, 2014
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I recently happened on a product called Goo Gone Oven Cleaner. I used it on the brick on the inside of a 60 year old fireplace, and it came out looking almost new. Cleaned beautifully.
Liz
on Sep 16, 2014
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I agree...do nothing to this. It is very much in keeping with an old house and anyone that buys an older house wants it authentic. I would remove the bucket of pine cones in the fireplace (set it to the left side) and perhaps put up an old fashioned free standing screen (not a brass and glass one). You can find them on line at different prices or you might want to check with a local dealer. Clear off the mantel and add a vase of cut flowers for showing. I am not one for a lot of professional staging and I think the bookcases are not over cluttered. Good luck!
Jeanette S
on Sep 16, 2014
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Plank wall above fireplace
Doris
on Sep 16, 2014
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Designed to sell is what I would do! Had the same issue in our old craftsman. Someone had painted it flat white and it was ugly! Mixed up two colors of the Ralph Lauren sand paint and went to town. If its NOT the main source of heat (you are in Maine, and Im from Winthrop originally) Go for it!
Jen
on Sep 16, 2014
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Love this! Are there vents on the front? Mine has one behind the top bricks but we don't use the fireplace so I love the idea of covering it up with something.
Susan Matchett
on Sep 16, 2014
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I once had an old farmhouse with a fireplace and oven in the kitchen. Someone painted it white. I would have loved the old brick. The latest owner covered it ib breadboard and faux brick. I still would prefer it left alone. I would probably sandblast it or hire someone to redo it with old bricks. My rule of thumb is "first do no harm". I love your built ins and would leave them alone as they are not cluttered. They would look strange empty. I would add a fire screen and a fire grate.
Carol
on Sep 16, 2014
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I freshened up my old fireplace by spray painting the inside a flat black with heat resistant spray paint for BBQ’s. It looks awesome now. You can clean the bricks with a equal parts muriatic acid (find it at pool supply stores) and water. It’ll clean the brick like new. Take necessary precautions to protect your skin.
Patti Paints
on Sep 16, 2014
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Sharon, I've kept the inside of my fireplace the color of when I moved in. Wouldn't black make it seem like a dark pit? What would your candles dance light off of? You won't have a real fire which produces greater light. Just a thought. Another thing I've done because I do not use my fireplace ( illegal due to bad air) is to use logs and toss randomly--white lights inside. My friend uses the LED battery timer ones which seem expensive at first but the bulbs are bright now and last forever!! And use little power. Just another lighting idea
Gwen
on Sep 17, 2014
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I agree. Do not spray inside, or do anything other then perhaps the screen and some bright white birch logs to create a focal point. Let the new owners decide what it is that they like. Its not going to increase any value by spending money on it. It fits the room nicely and if its properly staged it will help sell the room.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Sep 17, 2014
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I took 3 birch logs that fit the exact length of the grate...on one..drilled 3 holes wide enough for the candles...Wrapped the 3 birch logs together with twine...Only used the candles! Ambiance..and helped sell our house!
Jen
on Sep 17, 2014
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and trust me! As someone who practices and preaches Historic Preservation...the LAST thing Id EVER want to do is paint brick! Ours was already painted and had tried everything except sandblasting. I inlaid the tiles above the fireplace and gave it some pop!
Jen
on Sep 17, 2014
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If you want to change the brick, like we did . Check out Air Stone from Lowes. We now have a rock fireplace all you do is glue it to the brick. And you can cut it with it a hack saw. Email me and I can send you some pics of what we have done. Jodyshandmadesoap@gmail.com
Ozzys Girl
on Sep 17, 2014
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Thank you for the response on the candles and birch wood. Love it!
Jill McLaughlin
on Sep 17, 2014
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