What would you do with this 60s fireplace

[Lelivre]

The gas fire is broken beyond repair so need to do something. The surround I didn’t mind when moving in as the house is 60s.

But...there are some cracked tiles and we don’t love it.

We are pretty skint. Can we retile it? I keep seeing fairly simple marble or stone used fireplaces on gumtree, is this an option or a nightmare to install.

Or just replace the gas fire for a more contemporary one. I can’t think. Any advice welcome.

Oh yes! Haha, might as well be boohoo!

Thanks discotits (what a name ) and lelivre! I have Proud Peacock on my saved pics on the Dulux Visualizer - really enjoying using that app! I think I'm going to go slightly lighter with 'Sea Urchin 2' but we shall see.

Painting the gold/ brass bit surround be the way forward
There are some great painted fireplace transformations on google images/ Pinterest.

Sorry it took so long- here's mine now after I painted it black. I'll try and find a before pic

This is the only one I can find- sorry it's awful and I'm embarrassed about those horrible shiny box decorations. As you can see- it was pretty horrible. I really think if you put a back fire in and painted the hearth black, yours would look fantastic. I love the surround.

I like the retro tiles. Hate the golden/brass effect fire.

Please don’t put a Victorian or Edwardian fireplace in

Ooooooh - I LOVE it. Exactly as it is. Much more unusual than the ubiquitous Victorian fireplaces.

www.c20fireplaces.co.uk/original-fireplace-complete/f767_1950s-or-60s-brown-marble-fireplace

Just get a contemporary black inset and keep the tiled surround

I love the surround, would just replace the fire, although even that wouldn't bother me massively therefore I'd take my time to find something perfect.

Agree with pp’s re surround - just wanted to add that the mirror is too big and is making things look out of proportion imo, do you have a smaller mirror?

Another one who likes it

Just give your fireplace looks great now, what a huge improvement!

Justgivemesomepeace - wow what a huge improvement. Thanks for posting. That was a bit clever! I can see the back tile hearth, that’s the same kind of tiles I have. DH and I talking about doing that and spraying the gold bits of fire (which doesn’t work and can’t be repaired) and see how it looks. I don’t mind trying another mirror

So glad for some positive comments as I don’t really have the stomach to pull it out but figured...ifchanging the fire it would be the time to do it if we were going to...

You must not put an Edwardian or Victorian fireplace In a 1960s house 😳 I have an 'of its time' 1930's fireplace that everyone hates but I love! I really like your fireplace. I'd definitely keep it!

Period architectural stuff like this should be kept true to the house. Incorrect period features always look dreadful.

My fireplace. My husband think it’s is monstrosity 😡

Barbara. Great mirror!

Thanks!

( Argos, £35 👍🏼)

BarbaraO - I sort of know what he means and yet I have to say... it’s also fabulousness

Totally fabulousness! have been known to stroke it

Thanks- cost about £15! Tin of tile paint and spray can from the corner shop. Figured I couldn't make it look any worse! I think that's a great idea to spray the gold bits on the fire black if the fires broken. I'm loving that surround more each time I look at it. And Barbara first impressions are a bit but I think that could really grow on me. Makes my Victorian affair look very boring.

Can you turn the mirror 90 degrees or would that look really bad?

Just dropped by to check out Barbs extraordinary fireplace again (wows)
And share a photo of my spray painted fireplace ->

Toned it down a lot. I took away the grate

How much better does that look? Amazing transformation - naff to chic and sophisticated with one can of spray!!