Fireplace dilemma

[lily]

We have a through room in our victorian house, so consequently it has 2 fireplaces. One, in the main sitting area is lovely old character type but the 2nd in the "dining end" is truly awful. I let the plasterer persuade me into a mock brick effect and it's as bad as it sounds! We only use the nice fireplace for coal fires and use the horrible one for storing logs. So, something should be done but what? Remove horrible brick effect and then what- replace with victorian grate or cover in the resulting void just leaving an air vent? Any ideas please.

[Oola]

Are you not having a surrounding Victorian mantle?

[jazzactivist]

I would also install a reclaimed Victorian mantle, even if you are only using it for storing logs. However, the plain aproach of just a broad, raised, flat plaster rim around the fireplace and painted the same colour as your walls can look very nice if you stack the logs neatly inside.

[lily]

Think I will have to relace with something victorian in style, if only I hadn't listened to the plasterer! He said he had the same thing in his house and would take it to bits if I didn't like it. It seemed rude to say I thought it was awful as it would have been a criticism of his home. Thanks people- you've confirmed what I thought - so must now sell the idea to husband.

[sheddie]

Why not put a smaller Victorian fireplace in the other end, or if you just want a hole there an original fire surround, but don't mix repro with the Vicky one in a through room.It would look awful!

[lily]

Yes Sheddie- awful's what I've got now!

[sheddie]

We used to deal in fireplaces and the reproduction ones stick out like a sore thumb, I think if you have an original one you have to either replace with original or go right away from it.