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Design DilemmaFireplaceLiving Room
melanie2204

Advice on adding a fireplace or feature for 60s townhouse

melanie2204
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago

We have moved into a 60s townhouse and want to redo the lounge. There is no chimney and no gas connection in the lounge. The previous owner added a fire surround and electric fire which I don’t like. I want to redo the room in a modern mid century style and I am going to replace practically all the furniture (except for the dark wood cupboard). However I am struggling to know what sort of fireplace to create or alternative feature. I don’t want the TV to be the focal point. I was thinking of a fake chimney breast all the way up to the ceiling with an inset bioethanol fire. Maybe clad in wood or some sort of tile. But I don’t want to embark on a complicated and expensive job as we are on a budget. Has any one got any suggestions? The room is quite long but narrowish so I didn’t want to make it appear even narrower. As I haven’t bought any new furniture yet, I can change the room layout and position a new fireplace somewhere else in the room. I’ve posted 3 pictures of our lounge, as well as a cojoke of fireplaces to show the sort of thing I was thinking about - but wasn’t sure.

Any advice would be much appreciated! Thanks











Featured Answer
  • Jonathan
    5 years ago
    Personally I would get a professional to build the boxing and move electrics as necessary so you know it has been done properly. You could paint this in a confident colour to keep the cost down and add a texture later when your budget allows

    Comments (8)

    • Jonathan
      5 years ago
      I recognise your road in Harrogate- hello neighbour.

      I would look at one if the newest Electric flame effect fires as they have become very realistic.



      I would have a side by side fire and TV
    • melanie2204
      Original Author
      5 years ago

      Thanks for that, Jonathan. Fancy you recognising my street! Small world!!

      I did see one of electric fires last week and agree they look very good, so I’ll have a proper look at those. Pricier than the ethanol but maybe worth it. I do like the side by side look. Just wasn’t sure how to create the shelf part or where to get them from. I prefer a stone or cement type look rather than bright modern white as I want a mid century feel.

    • Jonathan
      5 years ago
      I would get a builder to construct it and face it with a split stone tile for texture.
      You just need to come up with a plan.
      Try drawing the wall to scale and coming up with a plan to spark conversation on here
      melanie2204 thanked Jonathan
    • Carolina
      5 years ago

      If you want a cement type look, there's 'Beton Ciré'. It's a layer of concrete that you can apply to just about anything, even wood. So you could probably create a thick (hollow) wooden shelf under the TV and cover it in a layer of concrete.


      http://www.modernhomesolutions.co.uk/beton-cire-micro-top-concrete/


      I don't think that a false chimney will make the room seem narrower.


    • melanie2204
      Original Author
      5 years ago

      Thanks, Jonathan and Carolina. The cement stuff looks really good. Do you know if it needs a specialist to apply though? I'm worried that my budget just wont stretch to it. I love the look of the electric fires and shelf etc but just not sure I can achieve it on my budget. Champagne taste on a beer budget as always!!

    • E D
      5 years ago

      Ha, these guys work fast!


      Even their tea breaks only take seconds...


      :-D

    • melanie2204
      Original Author
      5 years ago

      Thanks for the reply and video clip Jonathan. I think I prefer to get the job done in one go but will defo get a professional in!

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