Here is a tricky design question. Susan writes:Hi Pam,.After two years, I still cannot figure out what to put on these shelves that are built into my fireplace! They are 10.5″ wide and 5.75″ deep, and they are spaced about 11.5″ apart (vertically, from the top of one shelf to the top of the next, if that makes sense). I thought I’d pose the question to you (and possibly your readers), since I can’t be the only one struggling with this….Thanks,Susan, aka Kitty Mommy
Readers — what do you think? How can Susan decorate this space?
J.R. says
I think it depends on what else you have going on in the room. I see this kind of fireplace and see the possibilities for (among other things) a tiki wall, or an Asian art gallery, or even a retro cowboy thing. I think the key here is do not be afraid of the open space, nor assume it must remain open, just because there is not a shelf there, does not mean something bold cannot take up the space on the upper left or lower right. A wagon wheel, Hopalong Cassidy movie poster, or even a stuffed deer for Western, a large brass geometric disk or driftwood for Asian, or a big wooden mask or shield for a tiki look. My point is that it is very much in line with mid century design to place a focal point off center, I think the shelves are meant to be more like back-up singers, not the star attraction.
I think also if you are in want for a more traditional arrangement, you could call in a stone mason to install a wood or stone traditional full-length mantle just over the firebox. This could increase your design options and will change the context and dynamics of the smaller shelves in how they can be used.
As far as the fire screen, it is appropriate and period correct, but that does not mean it best highlights the features of the fireplace or the overall space. Again, you have to consider what else is in the room. Something simple, sleek and monochromatic I think, or perhaps none at all even.
J.R. says
For something a little less “theme-like”, and a traditional real life look, you might mix and match with some artsy California pottery on the top shelf, and some vintage 3M “bookshelf” (check ’em out on e-bay, they’re pretty cool) boxed board games on the bottom, and a collection of some kind on the middle.
Depending on how crazy you want to go, I think the whole fireplace would look more anchored if the tile were eliminated on the floor just in front (with the floating hearth and glass doors, it’s not really necessary as far as fire safety is concerned). I might consider some additional stone work done to “wrap” the fireplace around the wall it is jutting out from, it would be an investment and require a skilled mason to make it look right, but I think it would make the whole fireplace appear more substantial, like the house was build around it.
If you do think about adding a mantle… beyond doing one in matching stone, think of the cool retro effects of one in brushed stainless steel, or a rugged used wood beam, or a raw edge (still has bark) exotic wood plank, or even frosted glass.
hillary says
I have them too, except mine have niches built into the brick behind them, and they aren’t staggered the same way (mine are more in a “V” configuration)…I’ve had a hard time using them in part because they are high enough that anything on them is not at eye level. The top one is only about 18″ from the ceiling. I like the idea of clocks, graphic vases, cameras. Right now I have a shadowbox on each shelf (insect collection). During the holidays we hang stockings from them, which is when they seem the most useful.
Maryanne says
I have the same bricks jutting out on my basement fireplace. It is actually pretty common (at least in my area). Right now it is behind a bunch of stuff because we are renovating but they used to have a midcentury reproduction clock and some pictures on them. Not too imaginative but thanks to this post I have some more ideas once the reno is done!
Shane Walp says
I’ll send a framed picture of me! Put that on one of them! LOL
Marcela says
The idea of the cameras is great
http://www.flickr.com/photos/xtombx/2925847380/
but also, how about some cactus in little terracota ( or avocado green, yum!) planters
http://www.flickr.com/photos/java1888/4125599368/
or if you could find little lamps like these
http://www.flickr.com/photos/26161216@N07/3181875348/
Gavin Hastings says
Let me amend my previous assesment before Pam chases me out of town:
I am sure that somewhere this fireplace design could work- on a larger wall, with larger shelves, in Frank Sinatra’s Palm Springs home, etc
That said…
The fireplace is a focal point of a room, yet unless you are placing the Hope Diamond on one of those shelves….it won’t carry enough “oomph” to make a statement.
If you do not fill your house with the rock-dust that goes along with cutting them off; I would build a plain plywood shelf- matching the bookcase that could be slide over that bottom shelf-extending the width of the fireplace. The mason seems to have centered it with similar stones on the left and right.. Make this mantle “float” just as the bricks do now….hard to explain, but a sort of blonde wood shoebox….five feet long x six inches deep x 4 inches wide….slipped over that bottom brick horizontally.
You would be replicating the rock sill of the bed of the fireplace in wood. Got it?
On the left of this new mantle I would place a tall piece, (at least a foot and a half), and continue with 2 other related pieces on the other shelves…the smallest at the top.
This will create a box shape and give you a base to make an impact and set a tone.
Look at the picture from the base of the fireplace to the first shelf and you will see what I mean.
Good Luck.
Gavin Hastings says
…and sorry folks, I don’t mind the firedoors at all.
troysf says
Two oranges and a shiny green apple. Seriously, have some fun. Display whatever makes you happy that day.
Barbara says
I’d stay away from plants – too predictable. I collect tall art glass bottles – all different colors. You definitely need color, so I would suggest that. And ditch the screen for a black one.
Annie B. says
What a wonderful fireplace! I agree that the fire screen needs some attention; maybe a black finish?
The shelves are art in their own right, to me, and are beautiful bare. However, some Ben Siebel or Eva Zeisel pottery might work; also, how about some Danish Modern iron or wood pieces?
You certainly have a lovely home!
Gavin Hastings says
Thanks Amy-
Actually I would call a mason and have them cut off. They seem to be the inspiration of the bricklayer (so cool, huh?).
If they were gone it would open up 1000’s of possibilities and you could move on.
I think what is there is bad design.
Good luck
Amy Hill says
Dang Gavin, you never disappoint!
I think you’re right, too.
It just crys out for simplicity.
Larry says
I was thinking the exact same thing, I would have them cut flush. I think those shelves are just too small in relationship to the entire fireplace and too far apart from one another for anything that would be placed on them to make sense or relate to one another. Perhaps if they would have put them on one horizontal plane it might have been somewhat better. Gavin is right, the possibilities would be endlesss if it were one large flush space.
Elisabeth says
My grandma’s house (now actually my uncle’s house, but Grandma’s house is always Grandma’s house) has a MASSIVE stone fireplace/room divider made out of local Eastern WA basalt with shelves of a similar idea. They’ve all got taxidermed birds and other small figurines on them, but that’s just the style of their house. (Wood paneling stained dark, flagstone floors, green shag carpet, beautiful orange brocade couches, metal butterfly sculptures on the wall, octagonal coffee table, huge vases, grand piano with the bobcat skin across . . . oh yes)
And my other grandma’s house also has a similar design with rocks that butt out of the wall . . . they’ve always had models of old cars on theirs.
So it’s a standard design feature. I’d personally suggest vases or other pottery with gold accents to tie into the lovely doors. I’ve seen other late 60s houses with similar doors.