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Home Decorating Fireplaces living room

Old Brick Fireplace with Heatilator Vents

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

Recently we moved into a new house and have been working on decorating the living room. There is an old 1950s fireplace, in non-working condition. The fireplace has four Heatilator vents, which look old and have peeling paint, and the firebox is very dirty. To me, the vents and the firebox stand out like a sore thumb and I would like them to stand out a little less. The budget for the project would be small ($100-$200) and I am not really good at DIY.

Some things I have thought of:

Paint the vent covers black
Replace the vent covers with decorative covers
Paint the inside of the firebox black
Put decorative logs on a grate inside the fireplace
Place tall urns/plants in front of the vents
Place basket with blankets in front of one of the lower vents

Any suggestions or thoughts would be most welcome!

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Comments (5)

kelly lachapelle
3 years ago
@patriciaahagen - were you able to come up with a good solution?
patriciaahagen thanked kelly lachapelle
patriciaahagen
Original Author
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I put black felt behind the vent covers so you can't see into the cobweb-y space beyond. I used a lamp, plant, and basket to partially cover them.

Someday I may paint the firebox black, but with three small children, it's pretty far down on my to do list.
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I have the same issue and short of calling in a mason to take the ugly think out, I am wondering if you can get nicer vent covers??? Mine are gross and dirty.... My plan is too call the mason and cover it all witha combination stone/ granite and wood... has anyone tried this??
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the novus series is there decrotive line, the caliber series is there heater listed line, the NXT series is there heater rated line. The novus will take the chill of the room., but it is known as a "builder box" there fairly inexpensive, but not the least expensive. Its a far better unit then any b vent fireplace on the market, and looks decent for the money. IF you wanted somting a little better and more efficient, i would look at there sister companies units, like the quadrafire qv36 or the qv36a. Dont bother with the fan on the novus series, it will usally be a dissapointment. The novus is typically installed in track homes and custom home bedrooms where heat isnt the main priority.
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Unvented equipment is not worth the risks of death or injury that are involved. In theory, the equipment is safe if operated according to the manufacturer's directions, but I have yet to encounter a user who read, understood and followed all the warnings and directions supplied by a manufacturer. There are usually a LOT of them.
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Most fireplaces of that vintage have no venting to provide combustion air. Starting with a smaller flame will help to get the draft going up the chimney instead of drawing the smoke into the living space. That said, a core drill can be used to bore a 3" or so hole from the outside to the fire box to provide combustion air. I'd also get a fireplace professional to make sure it's done correctly, as well as to inspect the chimney for any existing issues. JM$.02W
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patriciaahagen
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks for asking! Any other ideas would be welcome.
Jilly
3 years ago
Such a pretty room! What about a vintage-style decorative screen?
patriciaahagen thanked Jilly
patriciaahagen
Original Author
3 years ago
That's a really nice idea! I'll keep my eyes open for a fireplace screen.

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