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off-center fireplace

18 years ago

We are planning to expand our living room thereby causing the existing fireplace to be off center. What can we do about this? I am okay with closing the fireplace opening entirely but my husband doesn't love the idea. I am not sure we have any other option?

Just to give you an idea we have a 13x15 LR with fireplace on the 13 foot wall. The new dimensions make it a 17x15 LR with the fireplace on the 17 foot wall but not in the center. I think that would look terrible, don't you agree?

Given that it will be a 4-5 bed, 3 bath house (i.e. large family friendly) I think a larger living room will be a greater asset than a fireplace but welcome others opinions on this.

Featured Answer

Smith_Brother

18 years ago

EdsAcre, just don't let the Fireplace KNOW it is off center. That's the key. hehehe, what it doesn't know won't hurt it that way. I'm surprised people aren't picketing out front of you home, you know with signs that say BAD FIREPLACE INSIDE. Just alittle fun.

Dale
Indy

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Comments (6)

Smith_Brother
18 years ago
I know of no design theme that says a Fire Place has to be centered. Actually such can add a lot to the room. Years ago the front of a house was isometric, but rarely is that the case today. If you have a designer, I would be surprised if they feel like you. Our Fire Place is off center within the room, and the fire place opening is off center within the Fire Place surround too. I have NEVER in 30 years had a single person say, GEE, THAT IS STRANGE YOUR FIRE PLACE IS OFF CENTER. The fact is that our home is decorated and furnished in such a way that people say WOW, WHAT A GREAT FIRE PLACE and HOUSE. Not BRAGGING, just stating what I have found to be true. Nothing WRONG about being centered either. Our Fire Place is covered with 24" X 24" porcelain tiles of silver and black, and it changes colors as the light changes.

I wish you well.

Dale
Indy
roadtrip
18 years ago
Actually, I beleive Dale is right on... an offset fireplace can be done, but it would depend on the interior design. I also think that the existance of an operating fireplace adds value to your home as well.

Perhaps you can dit down with a interior deigner and get some ideas before going one way or another.

Good luck!
Shannon
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Is that a windowless kitchen? Don't let their furniture arrangement stump you. Think outside the box. Could your table go at the window with the heating unit? How does that unit work? Lots of people build something like a "topper" for radiators; would that work here to convert the heater to more of a buffet? Then place TV on the opposite wall with a four chair grouping out in front of the porch doors. Swivels would work well. Widen the bar at the kitchen for comfy stools. Ignore the fireplace this first year and see if you really need/want it. Maybe removal is a better option for you. Maybe later on, something like this would work for you on that other wall and the current fireplace could be eliminated.
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I like the suggestion that Annie gave about using four chairs facing one another. This is a really cozy arrangement especially if you want to relax and converse with friends. It's not that I don't like your mantle, but it's not that French glam that you're seeking, so I'd replace it with a beautifully carved one. I'd spray paint the bar/tea cart gold and use some Rub & Buff to give it a nice vintage finish and then place between the two chairs. If you use this configuration make sure to use a 8' or 9" square rug. They're harder to fine, but they're out there.
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glassquilt
18 years ago
Off center gives you the opportunity to have two conversation areas. It also gives your family/friends the option of sitting closer or farther from the heat. DH feels the cold more than I do. He keeps the stove warm, wears a sweater - I'm in a summer shirt.
wrighthouse
18 years ago
Neither of the fireplaces in my house is centered on a wall. In our family room remodel we have taken advantage of this feature and built a raised hearth that will extend to the wall on the nearest side thus creating a conversation area next to the fire like glassquilt describes.
edsacre
18 years ago
My fireplace is off center & I never thought twice about it until you mentioned it.

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