Fireplace HELL(P)! Pics included

[diyisnotmyforte]

My fireplace looks so sad. Help a girl out. What can I do?

I'm hoping to save money and do this myself.

Get some marble/stone cut to fit the base and keep the metal surround thing?
What would you guys do?

Thanks!

You could tile the bottom bit yourself. Are you planning to use it?

We have a solid piece of slate across the front on the floor, I'd have liked some sort of replica victorian front surrounding the opening. Or a reclaimed old one.
Like these

I have used this company for hearths a couple of times. Beautiful Welsh slate cut to size. Can't recommend them highly enough:

https://www.berwynslate.com/product/welsh-slate-hearths/?gadsource=1&gbraid=0AAAAADDTQlMWFWHLHKz79CswX10HL36Hj&gclid=Cj0KCQjwo8S3BhDeARIsAFRmkOOJ7UKYBxSz7QF7mMVs7rpblonQuJ3PGcp2rL8d3XXJeGvoYvAh18aAi5KEALw_wcB

If you are using the fireplace you should probably check the regulations on hearth sizes. I can't remember off the top of my head.

Thanks all. It's not a useable fireplace and not that keen on slate as wanted something lighter. Like a sandstone or something?

Would something like the attached work?

Oh didn't attach

I would investigate stripping the paint of the fire surround.

You could probably use three large floor tiles as the hearth. Then you will have a huge choice of colour and texture.

If not a usable fire, I would look to get some form of light in there, you could even use battery powered fairy lights.

Ah yes you could have sandstone / limestone / bath stone, it would look very pretty.

I had one years ago but can't remember the supplier now. Word of warning: if you want something lighter like that just make sure you seal it well as can stain very easily. Somebody spilt something greasy on my hearth just after it was installed (not yet sealed) and it stained like buggery.

@TwoLeftSocksWithHoles do you mean stripping the surround? Sorry I'm probably not using the right fireplace terminology 😂 I'm not sure what it's made off, but it's been painted over and over again so looks a bit naff. How best would I strip it back? (Can tell I'm absolutely clueless when it comes to diy!)
We are on such a budget but would love to make it prettier!

@WildCherryBlossom thanks for the top. Yes think a sandstone would look really nice but will defo treat as have kids and doggo !

@WildCherryBlossom tip 😅

Did that work? Trying to post a photo !!

Yes, that's right. I would try a scraping away a small area with a stanley knife, perhaps at the side against the wall to see what is underneath. It could be marble or stone, or maybe wood. If it feels cold it is more likely to be a stone rather than wood.

If you do decide to strip it you could try a hot air gun (but take care not to crack it if it is stone)

As for stripping with a solvent, you could read this. www.yourhomestyle.uk/reviews/best-paint-strippers
I haven't used any solvents for a long time and believe the vital ingedient that did the job has been removed as it was dangerous (of course it was - it could remove paint!)

I would do this before you decide on a hearth as you may want to match or contrast the colour of the surround.

It might look like one of these once stripped...

Take a look at bioethanol insets. It could be a real fire and focal piece if you wanted.

We had similar in our rental. We had someone cut a piece of granite to fit.

Also I'd take the paint off the surround.