Should I add a mantel to the fire place?

[rkcorrigan]

I live in a 1932 Tudor with the original tapered plaster fireplace. I make a huge effort to keep the house as original as I can (windows, woodwork, light fixtures, flooring etc...) and so I have struggled with the idea of altering the fireplace since it is still in original condition. Would it be a terrible old house crime to add a mantel to the fireplace?



This is the look I would be going for without the columns.

[Daniel Meyer]

In my humble opinion, it NEEDS one...it's calling for one! So, yes!

[Josiecat]

Nope. I'm a purist. No mantel.

[brick1101]

*

[artfox]

Just my opinion -- a simple wood mantel, possibly stained in a medium to dark tone, might work very well. There are a lot of strong "verticals" on that wall, what with tall windows on either side of a tall fireplace -- and the horizontal line of the mantel would give the room a more balanced appearance

Even if you decide against installing the mantel, a larger picture, relief carving or some other type of wall decor compatible with the '30's Tudor style would look wonderful.

I wonder if your fireplace was originally brilliant white, or perhaps a more subtle off-white, ivory, pale ecru, etc.?

[cs]

Hmmm... I agree with Josiecat - I'd keep it original. It looks a lot like the fireplace in a "storybook" Tudor (including the stone decoration around the opening) around the corner from me. That particular house was built in about 1929, and has many original details.

A quick Google search provides plenty of examples of this architectural style (an offshoot of "regular"Tudor). Here is a very similar original fireplace on a 1932 house: http://c772206.r6.cf2.rackcdn.com/5/105 ... 71d7dc7923

and two other semi-close examples: http://www.colorado-homestore.com/mlsph ... 53580A.jpg
http://photos-6.idxco.com/1024efb8e3177 ... 7fca941658

In my opinion, you have something special there!

Chris
http://www.saracenihouse.com

[Alexander]

Before I would add a mantel I would paint the fireplace the same color as the walls it seems too stark. It is lovely the way it is and would soften and blend better if it were not so white. It has a fairy tale look to it that I quite like. There is a house in Pittsburgh that had this type of fireplace and it was a soft golden tan color and looked beautiful. Perhaps a bigger piece of art would also help.

Alexander

[candy-factory]

I often struggle with the "as original as possible" and "this would be a nice addition" dilemma (or, opportunity?)

In this case, if you would enjoy it more, go for it. It's not like you're knocking out the fireplace and putting in a gas version that comes with a remote. We're talking about a mantle. Aesthetically, it would be a nice design feature to cut the vertical with a horizontal line.

If you want to put it in, but will struggle with your inner self about it, then don't.

We live short lives, so do what will make you happy (just don't put in that remote operated gas fireplace, OK? )

[rkcorrigan]

So the "picture" above the hearth is actually an hand painted tile inset in the plaster and I'm pretty sure it is original. The tile surround is original too, it matches the tile in the vestibule and other places in the house.
So i din't want a large piece of art above the hearth because it would cover the decorative tile.
One more thing- the fireplace tapers and blends into the ceiling. So it is the same color as the ceiling. I think if I painted it another color i would have to choose a point where the fireplace color would stop and the ceiling color would begin. Suggestions?

[rkcorrigan]

Here are some more pics: