Ugly fireplace

[dallasgrl40]

I have just bought a house and it has a fireplace that is just ugly. I am painting the room a beige and would like some suggestions on what to do with the fireplace.

http://www.homerepairforum.com/images/uploads/2005-8-21_house_012_w550.jpg

picture of fireplace in link


Thanks.

Christine

[kactuskid]

It looks like there's a problem with the fireplace not drafting properly in the first place since there's so much soot on the outside of the brick. A combustion air source may be needed while burning in order to get a good draft and prevent the exhaust from rolling out. Make sure a window is open in the room when burning and that no exhaust fans are running.

As for the outside of the box, you could clean the soot up from the the brick or you could cover it up with tiles to give a new appearance. Here's a link that'll show you how:

http://ronhazelton.com/html/407a.html

You should also extend the hearth out on the floor with tiles to prevent any sparks from catching the carpet on fire. Laying ceramic tiles out in front at least 2-3 feet would help alot.