10 New Appears for Fireplaces in Older Homes

Living in the Midwest, we utilize our fireplace a good deal in the winter. A glowing hearth can add such warmth to a room, both literally and figuratively. This really is a bonus in an old home with quite old windows that allow out quite a bit of valuable warmth in the winter.

In most older homes like my very own, the living area is centered around the fireplace, mechanically placing your mantel as the focal point within the room. Finishing and accessorizing your fireplace and mantel can completely alter the atmosphere in a room you probably spend most of your time — if it is fireplace season or maybe not.

Julie Williams Design

At times it seems there isn’t anyplace else for the TV to go except above the mantel. I’m sure the first owners of our old homes could never imagine such a thing, but now it is common and can be carried out in a way that doesn’t detract from the room’s decor. The dark paint on the woodwork can help to disguise the TV better than if it had been painted white like the shelves.

See more on where to put the TV

Kayron Brewer, CKD, CBD / Studio K B

This Craftsman-style fireplace is extremely popular in 1920s and 1930s bungalows. This chamber has a contemporary approach that starts with the tile surrounding the fireplace. The rest of the room pulls in the deep browns and caramel colors found in the tile.

Judith Balis Interiors

This is a very different way to dress up a Craftsman-style fireplace. Talk about glam! The bold colors and the striped couch are meant to be paired with that mirror. Also, notice how the fireplace just seems to blend into the decoration. Since black is utilized throughout the plan, the fireplace doesn’t look overly heavy but still seems to anchor the space.

Emily Ruddo

This fireplace mantel blends into the background. The colour closely matches the wall color, while bright accessories top the mantel and bold fabrics draw your attention away in the fireplace. This may be a fantastic way to use when your fireplace isn’t functional but still acts as a fixture in the room.

Kathleen Ramsey

I like the grey tones used in this tile. The mantel was painted in one of those darker hues, which makes it a little more dramatic than if it was painted lighter. The accessories and artwork are kept simple and neutral.

Mark English Architects, AIA

Brick fireplaces are common in older homes. If brick isn’t your style, just paint it. This painted white brick lightens a space already saturated in colour and gives your eyes a break. Without making the mantel busy straightforward accessories provide height.

Rebekah Zaveloff | KitchenLab

The owners have left this beautiful timber mantel in its first state. So many older mantels are painted, so we never see their first glory. Even though the mantel appears very conventional, a patterned tile is utilized that’s echoed in the varied bold prints of the carpet and the ottoman. This chamber proves you can have a conventional finish but combine it with bold, fresh patterns.

MuseInteriors

Modern art with this fireplace pairs well with the more traditional decoration to maintain the room feeling upgraded.

Kevin Kelly Interiors

This mantel is dressed with an oversized mirror with a scale that matches the height of the ceiling. This helps draw up the eyes to that gorgeous crown molding that’s frequently found in older homes. And did you observe the whimsical larger-than-life lamp in the corner?

Julia Ryan

This is a notion that we’re considering doing in our formal living room. You can extend your fireplace by adding ornaments to the ceiling and painting it the same colour. This creates a great backdrop for art and would suit board and batten or trimming already on your own space. The bottom ledge offers a wonderful place for decoration. Many men and women use a candelabra in a fireplace when it is not being used, but the plate and also books have a more eclectic and contemporary feel.

See related