When you have just bought your first home, and there is a fireplace in the living room, it can be tempting to simply leave it be. After all, a fireplace does add an interesting point and charm to any room whilst adding to the overall appeal of the property. However, if you are looking to transform an older fireplace with an attached chimney into a functional one, there are some things you need to know about how to care for it.
The key thing to note in this regard is that safety is a priority, especially in an older home with an old fireplace. With this in mind, here are some of the smaller things you can do to look after a fireplace in an older home.
Clean It
It sounds obvious, but the first thing you need to do is clean the parts that you can see. If there is any brass on the hearth or around the mantle, mix lemon and table salt to clean these areas. Once the initial grit has been removed, you can wipe the brass with a damp cloth. If there is rust, you can remove this with fine wire wool and some metal polish or with a wool brush on a Dremel-like tool for smaller areas.
Always be sure to change any of the firewood that may be in the fireplace and wipe down the surrounding area with a damp cloth. If you are looking to have the chimney cleaned, you will want to call in a professional.
Paint It
If the mantle is particularly beautiful, then why not aim to highlight those intricate engravings and features by adding a touch of paint?
If the mantle itself is made of wood, then semi-gloss acrylic paint can work perfectly. To paint the insert, you will need high-heat enamel paint and a foam brush. If there are tiles, then simply use semi-gloss paint.
The color of the paint that you choose is yours, but for most people, whites and lighter shades work better.
Restore or Embrace?
It can be tempting to pull out an old wooden fireplace or a brick fireplace, especially if it doesn’t fit with the decor of your home – but this can be expensive, and most people choose to embrace the look that a fireplace brings. This can mean adding a lick of paint or adding some additional coverage, but generally speaking, this is more affordable than having an entire fireplace refitted.
However, sometimes, having a new fireplace installed is a better idea, especially if the existing one is too far gone or entails a bigger restoration job than you might be comfortable with. Ideally, you’ll want to choose a new fireplace that goes well with the charm of the old house, so choosing from the antique fireplaces London specialists offer could be a wise move in this case.
Whitewash (Brick Only)
If your fireplace is surrounded by dull bricks, these are not the easiest things to makeover. It can once again be tempting to opt for having it restored, but using whitewash can help give these bricks a new lease of life while also looking very rustic. Plus, it is also extremely affordable.
Safety Check Before Use
As mentioned, before you use or update your fireplace, you will need to have it safety checked. This will involve an expert coming to your home to inspect the chimney, the hearth, and the protection around the fireplace itself. Never take a chance on your or your family’s safety!
