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Original poster

Painting 1950s tiled fireplace?

20 replies

MrsMummyBx · 19/08/2018 13:16

Hi all

I've got a 1950s tiled fireplace in my living room. I'm a lover of original features and don't like ripping them out or changing them unless absolutely necessary. I don't like the colour particularly but it's not the worst example of a tiled fireplace either. In my aim of retaining everything I have painted the chimney breast a similar colour to the fireplace to make a feature of it, but I'm just not sure about it. Several people who have come to the house have suggested painting the fireplace white. If I do this I could change the chimney breast colour and maybe even the whole room (thinking greige would look nice against a white fireplace). The other thing is that I want to use the fireplace in the winter occasionally and worried that a painted fireplace will be less durable than a tiled one. Option C is to change the fireplace completely....

Opinions on what I should do much appreciated!!

Painting 1950s tiled fireplace?
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Racecardriver · 19/08/2018 13:24

Don't repaint it. It's a real gem. I would pair it with blush pink. It's really on trend and also captures the 50s vibe.

JT05 · 19/08/2018 15:59

I’d leave it. It’s a lovely complete example, most of them are a horrid brown with broken hearth tiles.

MrsMoastyToasty · 19/08/2018 16:02

Keep it! But I wouldn't accessorise with a water bottle...

picklemepopcorn · 19/08/2018 16:17

That is stunning! I'd go for a contrast or a tone, though.

wowfudge · 19/08/2018 16:49

My suggestion would be to paint the alcoves to match the darker tiles of the fireplace. It will add depth. Of the type, that's a lovely example.

wonkylegs · 19/08/2018 17:03

That's a lovely one, don't paint it if you want to continue using it.
If you wanted to update it consider changing the hearth (the bottom bit in front) by possibly replacing with slate which would be less fussy but the grey tones would compliment the colours in the decorative bit.

babydreamer1 · 19/08/2018 17:28

Keep the fireplace exactly the same, it's gorgeous, then just paint the chimney Brest a slightly darker shade of the hearth tiles. It's just a bit too samey to stand out at the moment.

Original poster
MrsMummyBx · 19/08/2018 18:22

Thank you all so much for your advice- I really am lacking inspiration for this room for some reason. It seems like the unanimous consensus is to keep it- so we will! Any suggestions on paint colours to go well? It's such an odd colour, it was very difficult to get the existing match (F&B Setting Plaster but a lightened version with white). I tried about 12 testers! Anyone with any ideas and inspiration for colour I would really appreciate it!

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Original poster
MrsMummyBx · 19/08/2018 18:24

Gosh a Buxton water bottle is the height of interior design fashion nowadays!! Wink

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FilledSoda · 19/08/2018 18:37

It's beautiful , I'm really envious .

Knittedfairies · 19/08/2018 18:41

That is by far the nicest 1950s tiled fireplace I have seen. Most are... grim.

Original poster
MrsMummyBx · 19/08/2018 19:56

Thanks all - you have made me feel a lot better about my fireplace, I'm looking at it with different eyes thanks to all of you!! Colour inspiration would be so so helpful xx

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picklemepopcorn · 19/08/2018 20:27

What about the kind of peach/pink of raw plaster? It's kind of cool as pinks go...

Or a stone colour? And then deeper in the recesses.

midgesforever · 21/08/2018 02:31

I think it looks great and seems to be in good condition, I wouldn't paint it or remove it. I would have a more contrasting color.

Maverick66 · 21/08/2018 16:51

No, do not paint it.
I would paint chimney breast and alcoves all one colour.
Have a look at a colour called 'rolling fog' I think it would b very flattering.
I think it might be a Little Greene colour.

LiveatCityHall · 21/08/2018 16:59

Are you watching Hey Duggee? Smile
The fireplace is stunning. I'm incredibly jealous!!

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MrsMummyBx · 21/08/2018 19:34

Thank you wonkylegs for your suggestions- so kind of you!!

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Original poster
MrsMummyBx · 21/08/2018 19:36

Hi Maverick,thanks so much- rolling fog looks like a lovely colour, wasn't sure about having a beigey colour next to the dusky pink fireplace- do you think it would look good?

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Original poster
MrsMummyBx · 21/08/2018 19:39

Thanks LiveatCityHall I am seeing my fireplace with new eyes due to all you lovely MNers. You have an eagle eye for TV- yes I believe Hey Duggee was indeed on when I took the picture. There's a constant cycle of Cbeebies on in our living room!!

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