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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Fireplace wars

72 replies

mynamechangemyrules · 28/07/2024 11:28

I think this is 50s/ 60s and disgusting and about to rip it out. Brother in law insists it is an original feature (1920s/30s) and thinks I should keep it...
if it is original I'd feel a bit sentimental about ripping it out but also I think it's horrible, and hate all things grey... please vote
IABU- it's original and leave it in
IANBU- it's not original and take it out

Or tell me it's original and give me permission to remove it anyway...?!

Fireplace wars
OP posts:
Original poster
mynamechangemyrules · 28/07/2024 11:29

Obv the electric fire not OG 😬

OP posts:
FuzzyPuffling · 28/07/2024 11:31

Horrible. Out with it!

BiscuityBoyle · 28/07/2024 11:32

Could it be painted? I agree that it seems more 50s, the style could be 30s but the tile design looks 50s.

BestIsWest · 28/07/2024 11:32

Looks more 50s/60s to me. But you have to live with it so if you don’t like get rid of it.
Disclaimer: We have an original 70s fireplace which DH and I have a similar ongoing battle about. He’s winning at the moment.

Hedgerow2 · 28/07/2024 11:32

No way is that fireplace surround 100 years old! I agree it's very ugly and I would also want it removed!!

SeeSeeRider · 28/07/2024 11:34

it's utterly horrible, but then I might be biased, because I don't like inter-war or post-war housing anyhow.

FuzzyPuffling · 28/07/2024 11:35

30s fireplaces are much chunkier than this and often have a stepped design.

MereDintofPandiculation · 28/07/2024 11:35

The irises don't look very 50s/60s. They didn't go for flowery decoration on fireplaces. Too much something their grandmothers might have had. And the angles don't look very 50s. Could you come to a compromise whereby you remove it as not to your taste but pass it on to a reclamation place so it can be bought by someone who appreciates it?

I've got a similar problem with a 1940s bathroom suite, really good quality, lovely design - but it's PINK!

DelphiniumBlue · 28/07/2024 11:40

That is not a 20s or 30s fireplace, and it’s not even nice, so get rid! I got rid of a similar shape one and replaced it with a much nicer one, wish I’d done it sooner!

Original poster
mynamechangemyrules · 28/07/2024 11:41

I've looked at removal but keeping intact for someone else... but I've hacked away the plaster and can't see where it's anchored to do a clean removal. So it's hack it out or leave it at the moment.

OP posts:
ShyMaryEllen · 28/07/2024 11:41

I'd give it to your BIL, regardless of its vintage, and suffer no sentimentality. Your sister will probably kill you though.

greenwoodentablelegs · 28/07/2024 11:43

Ugly ! Not 20/30 in my non expert opinion. Out deffo

your bil is just winding you up, that is ugly man

ShutYourSausageRollHole · 28/07/2024 11:43

Would a mid century collector be able to remove it? You should probably get it valued just in case. Remember when everyone ripped out their seventies bathroom fittings and now they’re worth ££££

ALovelyCupOfNameChange · 28/07/2024 11:44

I’d keep the tiles and lose the plinth for something prettier

MonsteraMama · 28/07/2024 11:44

Yuck, it's horrible! If you don't like it get rid of it, what difference does it make if it's "original" if it's fuck ugly?

ButtSurgery · 28/07/2024 11:44

Surely it's just tiles and nothing special? Frankly unless it's somehow worth a fortune, get it out it's hideous!

ALovelyCupOfNameChange · 28/07/2024 11:46

MereDintofPandiculation · 28/07/2024 11:35

The irises don't look very 50s/60s. They didn't go for flowery decoration on fireplaces. Too much something their grandmothers might have had. And the angles don't look very 50s. Could you come to a compromise whereby you remove it as not to your taste but pass it on to a reclamation place so it can be bought by someone who appreciates it?

I've got a similar problem with a 1940s bathroom suite, really good quality, lovely design - but it's PINK!

oh that sounds amazing!!! I was at a friends and they had an avocado sink, it was gorgeous!

as well as a million times better quality, can you imagine something from Victoria plumbing lasting 70 years?!?

use Pinterest to embrace the pink

Allthegoodnamesarechosen · 28/07/2024 11:47

Tile paint, and give it a year.

RuthW · 28/07/2024 11:47

I think that's lovely but no idea on date.

Original poster
mynamechangemyrules · 28/07/2024 11:47

Ooh I'm so happy everyone is onside. Now have to pretend I've asked a vintage expert and tell BIL to do one. He's already got my other (proper vintage but also massive for a tiny bedroom) fireplace from the upstairs renovation. My sister despairs 🤣

OP posts:
ALovelyCupOfNameChange · 28/07/2024 11:48

A really pale oak plinth (is that the right word for the top of the frame?) would look beautiful with those flowers

Time40 · 28/07/2024 11:49

That is absolutely, definitely not 20s or 30s. It's really hard to date, though - it could be anything from the 50s right up to the 80s. I think it's a non-standard design that was probably made by someone as a one-off.

ManyATrueWord · 28/07/2024 11:52

Not only does that look 1950s it isn't even a very nice 1950s fireplace. Know someone who kept their one and it really spoils a very nice room. You're not the National Trust, if it doesn't brink you joy then get rid of it.

ShutYourSausageRollHole · 28/07/2024 11:55

I really think you should ask someone who deals in mid century/mid century modern items as it could be valuable. Why would you destroy something that someone might pay you good money for?

Scammersarescum · 28/07/2024 11:58

I don't think thats original.

I was once made to tear out a tiled 30s fireplace on a refurb by my boss. I wanted to incorporate it.

I never forgave him. It was a beauty

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