Fireplace ideas

[WolfertonSmash]

I’m moving to an early 1920’s property that has got a wood burner in a hole in the chimney breast, a much scruffier version of the photo.

Not sure I want it at all, if I took it out I’d replace it with a cast iron fireplace. I’m rural so not interested in the ‘they’re so bad for you’ etc. debate as I do need a back up for bad weather/powercuts.

Anyway, it just doesn’t do anything for me or match the property as it is but I can’t decide what to do to improve it. I don’t want a rustic shelf mantle thing.

It is in the main reception which has got lovely period features and big sash windows. I feel like I want something ‘grand’ (on a small scale) in there. Not sure I can line the opening as I don’t think the tolerances are big enough so that is going to have to just be painted.

I’ve found the second photo online but think I’d have to add a row of tiles to allow more distance between the fire and the wood.

In my mind the polished fireplace would look so much better in this house, I’m just not sure. I need to replace windows, kitchen and put built in wardrobes in before I start decorating/renewing carpets so now’s the time.

Has anyone got any inspiration or done anything similar?

If you have never had a wood burner before I would use it for a bit before you decide to get rid of it. They are easier to use than open fires and give out more hear more quickly.

I like how the one looks with the fancy bits of wood round it but I agree you probably need them to be slightly further away. If the wood burner is set back then you might get away with it as the heat will radiate our, not go round the corner.

Cast iron fireplaces are relatively easy to fit if you change your mind, but you might need a new flue liner because I think their are different regulations for open fire liners Vs wood burner liners.

Thank you @Geneticsbunny. Yes, I’ve had them before, there’s another one in a second reception room in that I don’t mind. It’s just this one. I’m not sure I’ll use it much in this room, occasional use and I feel like I’d prefer a simple log fire - can’t explain why really. Probably because it’s just a scruffy looking hole in the wall atm.

I think I’d like it out (could reuse it in a barn) but I’m not sure if it’s a bit of an unnecessary expense/shortsighted of me.

I suppose if I could be sure that it would look like I might want it to in that photo I might give it a shot. I think I’m worried about spending a few hundred quid on having a surround made and not being a fan I guess.

My worry would be that it has been put in because the other heating in the room isn't good enough, so if you take it out, the room might be unusable in winter.

If you absolutely need some back up heating I would stick with a wood burner. They kick out more heat so are much more practical and they are much better for indoor pollution. Both open fires and wood burners will affect indoor pollution but open fires are much much worse.

Thanks, I’ve got a wood burner, open fire and a solid fuel Rayburn here (before I move).

I’d prefer the aesthetic of the open fire, I always thought they were better for airflow in the room so that’s interesting @INeedToClingToSomething.

It’s got a huge cast iron radiator in there too.

Maybe I’ll give it a few months (it’s a south facing room) to see how warm it is. I’d planned on it being sorted/decorated by the time my family from overseas come to stay, hence the planning.

In reality no one will care really.

I definitely wouldn’t do anything until I’d lived in the house for a few months, considered central heating, how well the chimney draws etc.

We took out a log burner and put in a Baxi grate, so real fire but it draws from under the floorboards, so less draft.

We are 1920's as well and found a great concrete fireplace (looks like limestone) from a salvage yard and had it fitted.

Thanks @tealgate , I’ve not heard of that sort of grate I’ll look it up.

Is your surround like these from Haddonstone? That’s something else I’ve looked at, there’s a small maker near me so that’s another option.

ETA I don’t know anything about cast stone vs stone so that’s something I need to google.

Yes, similar to those, but as it is concrete (albeit old concrete) it was so much cheaper. I didn't realise it wasn't stone when I bought it!

There are quite a few on FB marketplace

Thanks @tealgate . I’ll have a look.