What to replace a fireplace with?

[womanofdulwich]

I've spent hours trying to think what to replace a fireplace with. I don't need any heat - underfloor heating is being installed. There was an imitation gas- coal effect fire there - its just the room is lacking a focus in the chimney breast. Do any of you creative and stylish people have any ideas?

The house is about 100 years old and the fireplace is in the ( to be formed) kitchen/diner/ family room. Kitchen will be quite modern looking but with a range cooker. Im looking forward to losing the bulky raised hearth that has been sticking out and taking away space. I feel the default is a space with a few candles in it which I'd like to avoid. I was toying with an trendy ethanol burner - but not very safe- too expensive

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=ethanol+burner&rlz=1C1OPRB_enGB518GB520&espv=2&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjf-qfl8pzTAhWmBsAKHbLyB-oQ_AUIBygC&biw=1536&bih=760&dpr=1.25#tbm=isch&q=ethanol+burner+fireplace&imgrc=YrzmWygt9MBZCM:

[Nigello]

A fish tank, such as those taller ones by Bio-Orb (sp?) would be good, or a larger terrarium (with our without Amazonian tree frogs).

[KidKruger]

You could stick a lintel in about 6-8ft up an remove brick below to create an alcove in which you can fit a light / power and perhaps cupboard or other use. I did this on basis that a small space where fireplace was is less useful than a bigger, lit, space. It's a bit messy to do but fun. And cheap.

[dbboy]

Double fronted glass cabinet

[alice]

cant you just get rid of the chimney breast?

[womanofdulwich]

Its a party wall I'm afraid Alice. Keep those ideas coming please. I've never head of a bio orb. Mmm

[red devil]

As it's in the kitchen area how about a wine bottle display rack, maybe just for your reds to keep them at room temp...

[Jules-and-Boo]

Keep the alcove from the fireplace and fill it with logs.

I have the same problem in two rooms but have never thought they should have a function.

I quite like empty space.

[Siduhe]

Have a look at this: http://www.housebeautiful.com/design-inspiration/home-makeovers/g2260/non-working-fireplace-ideas/

I particularly like the bookcase and the winerack ideas.

[Jeremy]

Wine rack... shelving for cook books.. maybe just a large plant?

I'm assuming you don't want the range cooker in the chimney breast (with extraction built into the chimney opening)?

Even though it's a party wall, it still should be possible to remove the chimney breast. If your neighbours still use their fireplace, you might need some steelwork to support the chimney stack. (but understand you might not want the hassle, or want to keep it as a "feature").

[womanofdulwich]

I guess the issue is that the furniture used to be facing the fireplace and now I don't think looking at a stack of wine bottles will be so good......... maybe a kind of drinks cabinet though...... :)

[Phlox]

Lava lamps.

[stringvest]

I really hate it when people fill up an empty non working fireplace with logs (it appears to be a silly trend). The logs have no purpose other than to house spiders and collect dust!

It would make a good cupboard for storing bottles of drink. With solid shelves it would be useful for quantities of heavy items like tins.

OR: it could be a cupboard used for storing potatoes, onions, shallots and ginger etc., that like a dry dark place.

OR: grow some mushrooms ??LOL

OR: it could be purely decorative with a suitable planter and boston fern, or a suitable bits of victoriana like apocathery jars? and kitchenailia like a churn?, or a very large hurricane lamp with LARGE CANDLES (NEVER teeny ones).

OR: as long as the flue is blocked off, it could be the hidey house/litter tray a cat would like with the cupboard doors painted, like an old house and an access hole where the front door would be ...I've got carried away.

Although ... my cat likes going in private and has an access "porthole" to its tray kept in the cupboard under the stairs, that way neither are on general display!

GOOD LUCK.

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

Should you go for apothecary jars, I have recipes for the coloured liquids inside

(eg, for red: dissolve one dram iodine in one pint water and add 2 oz hydrochloric acid).

Could keep you amused for hours.