Ugly fireplace award!?
+20
Recently moved here and excuse the clutter around the fireplace...grandson is busy but what do I do? Paint it? I don't want it to catch dirt in all the crevices. We had all the dark paneling removed from the room and new tile floors...still lots to do but this has GOTTA go!
19 answers
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Hi! Can't you skim it? Then paint it the same colour as the walls? :)
Sophie
on Oct 26, 2014
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You could paint the wooden mantle white, add light colored accessories and a nice hearth cover like this one here: http://www.balsamhill.com/Tea-Light-Hearth-Fireplace-Screen-Burnished-Gold-p/4000405.htm of course you would need to find one cheaper but it gives you an idea! Good luck!
Hayley@ TheDesertNestDubai
on Oct 26, 2014
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I like that it is whimsical. change out the accessories/ brighten it up with some live plants or greenery. add a rug in front of the hearth. Experiment. I would try some small lights maybe battery operated. not sure of the budget.
Paula Mathews
on Oct 26, 2014
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Why not box in from just above the opening to all the way to the ceiling. You could then box in and add molding to all but a few inches away from the sides of openings. Use a thick skim of mortar and cover the remaining rock and hearth in tile/marble/granite/any number of materials. The boxed in area could be anything from plain to very elaborate!
Jeanette S
on Oct 26, 2014
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Sorry, might be a British term. Plaster over it to make it flat like the walls. So the fireplace is still functional and has a shape, but no crevices! ;D
Sophie
on Oct 26, 2014
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@Sophie it isn't just a british term..skim means a light coat of what ever you are using mortar. plaster,etc. @Sublime D'signe i think there are some good ideas. skim coating being the easiest and least costly i guess it would depend on your skills and budget have fun with it xx
Chris aka monkey
on Oct 26, 2014
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Here's a couple links that might give you some ideas: http://theletteredcottage.net/my-82-firepla... http://www.beneathmyheart.net/2012/10/firep...
Shari
on Oct 26, 2014
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Thanks you so much for the tips!! Will be digging in to them when I have some extra time
Sublime D'signe
on Oct 26, 2014
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The mantle looks out of place. You could try making it more substantial and integrated similar to the one here. http://www.countryliving.com/homes/makeovers/fireplace-makeover-1108#slide-8 Also agree with comments about skim coating or boxing in, depending on the look you want. Or lighten it up with faux finish paint treatment?
Cla719066
on Oct 26, 2014
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@Shari i reported her comment we have no need for nasty on here xx
Chris aka monkey
on Dec 24, 2014
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You have a wonderful stone fireplace! This stone look is very popular today for both interior and exterior applications. The only problem I see is the color of the stone - its too dark. I would clean it well, using a good cleaner for stone that will take off soot and years of dirt and grease, and paint it. But I wouldn't paint it a single color. You can easily do a faux effect using three colors of paint,( a dark, a light, and a mid-tone) and using a sea sponge and brush create a realistic limestone finish. Don't use a shiny paint. Eggshell would be the highest sheen I'd use on a fireplace. I would leave the mortar between the stone as is and just paint the stones. If you go to big box stores like Home Depot you will see displays of a product called Veneerstone that look very similar to the stone on your fireplace. I would google or take pictures of stone siding or walkways etc, for a color palette thats close to nature, then head to the paint dept where a knowledgeable associate should be able to show you how to do a simple faux stone effect. If they can't, then there are a lot of tutorials on youtube. I would also remove the molding on the mantle; its too formal, too 80'sish,& too underwhelming for such a rustic fireplace. I would make a bigger, chunkier, & more rustic mantle with wood that has been distressed then stained. Good luck!
Sonja O
on Jan 17, 2015
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i would love to get a fire place just like this to put in my house , i am wondering where can i can get one ,if you dont care would you let me know where can i find one , thank you very much. i thank the fire place looks good as it is.
Rosa cassidy
on Jan 18, 2015
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I agree with you that it isn't very pretty, sturdy, well built but not pretty. Why not try skim coating it as suggested and if you don't like it or screw it up, you can always go with drywalling over it. Maybe add on to or build a new bulkier mantel as well, using mouldings etc. to beef it up.
Lori
on Jan 21, 2015
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You can hardly find anyone now a days that knows how to build one. I'd just update the ledge. I'd choose large plain black.
Carole Alden
on Mar 01, 2015
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I think if you hate it - sledgehammer away!!! Start at the top and pretty much take down a rock at a time. But if you want to try to work with it I agree you should start with the mantle. It seems to high and dainty for all that rock! I am not a big fan of painted rock so if after cleaning it well and trying something with the mantle you still don't like it. Take it down and do something you love. You gotta LOVE your home!
Tracy
on Mar 02, 2015
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I have a similar problem, the entire wall is brick and no mantel...but I cannot put anything over the brick, we just had a fireplace insert put in and it gets really hot...which is good when you lose electricity in the winter...but I agree, I think its just the mantel that is out of place..just put in google, Mantels and you will get a lot of info...good luck
Marianne
on Mar 02, 2015
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Before making a major change, I collect ideas and copy pictures of things I like and put them on my computer. Also think about what kind of feel you want for that room and what kind of furniture you'll have, colors ect. Traditional, modern ect.
Carole Alden
on Mar 03, 2015
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Maybe a different color in your room, less knick Knacks and simpler mantle. Maybe a rustic set of implements or a large candle holder and candle on the hearth. A large picture or painting or mirror above. I'm a rockaholic so I LOOOOVVVEEE it as it is but I understand everybody is different. Good luck!
Alesa Holden
on Jul 08, 2015
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It looks overwhelming and is overpowering the space with your current decor. With the large scale of the stonework, you needa larger piece or two on the mantle, too many little items on it now. Hang a large painting or mirror above mantle. The lamp/table combo next to hearth is too small scale with its glass top. Try a heavier piece there.
Mary Gemmell
on Dec 12, 2015
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