15 Reasons Not To Be Ignoring Wall Fireplace

How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace in the wall will give your living room an attractive focal feature. There are a variety of designs available but it is important to find one that meets your needs.

The most significant features are the heat output along with the appearance and controls. If you aren't familiar with these features, it's recommended to consult an expert to help select the best model.

Molded Squares

A stale stone fireplace surround and dull walls created a living space that was in need of a dramatic fireplace overhaul. With a few design tweaks the new look is vibrant and attractive making the hearth a central feature in the room. A whitewashed mantel for the fireplace and contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the exterior while the shelves that are gray below provide a stark contrast. A few minor changes in color can also help the fireplace stand out from the wall, adding the appeal of this fireplace design.

Base cap moldings and trim pieces are paired to make a simple but effective way to frame a tile fireplace surround. To bring the design together, choose a trim style to match or contrast with your other trim elements like thick casings around doors and windows. If you're looking to create an elegant, high-end look, you can consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of a mantel. For a more rustic farmhouse look, opt for dentil trim instead.

The idea of creating an accent wall using wainscoting is an effective way to add character to any room. The same technique can be employed to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards instead, consider a paneled product like beadboard or tongue-andgroove cedar siding to create a dramatic look.

Another non-combustible option you can build a fireplace surround is brick, which is available in many different styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace with red accents is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. A rustic-looking brick could be used to complement a traditional country decor.

If you want to incorporate brick into the design of your fireplace, make sure that your hearth measures 16-18 inches from the opening of the fireplace and your surround is 8-12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the material you choose conforms to all building codes for safety.

Open shelving can be a great way of storing books and other objects. However having too many shelves can overwhelm the appearance of a fireplace. In this family room, the homeowners designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding that enhances the look of the new fireplace, without obscuring the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look are perfect for a fireplace wall. They add a timeless beauty to any house. Reclaimed wood beams come from barns, stables and other demolished structures. Each beam carries with it its own unique history. Reclaimed wood can be used conjunction with wide plank ceiling paneling to create a rustic look or as an accent to modern kitchens. They are characterized by the typical marks of barn wood, like nail holes and mortise pockets and natural patina that increases their durability.

Search architectural salvage yards and flea market for wood pieces that you can transform into a mantel. The natural tone of pine used to accent the traditional living room surround and mantel creates the feeling of a cozy country getaway. Its knotty imperfections emphasize a hand-hewn look and compliment the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that borders the fireplace wall. The rustic warmth of the room is accentuated by a pair inspired by nature wall sconces and a landscape picture above the mantel.

Repurposed wood beams will bring a unique look to any room. They can be stained to match your current design or carved to create an antique appearance. They can also be painted to give a more contemporary appearance or covered with faux finishes like marbled paint or rust.

The wooden beams can serve as the central point of any fireplace. They can be positioned over a freestanding gas, ventless or electric tabletop fireplace, or incorporated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can also be used to highlight the mantel with no Ethonal Fire burning.

No matter which method of installation you decide to use, make sure that your steel or wood beams are adequately protected from the consequences of fire. Both types of materials can be brittle and weaken when exposed to extreme heat, however both can be reinforced with a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant sprays on I-beams made of steel. These products are available at most home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a dramatic effect as surrounds for ethanol fireplaces. Its shape instantly brightens up the space and is a perfect match for any style, whether contemporary or traditional. The matte finish is perfect for a sleek and polished appearance while adding a splash of contrast to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can be customized with a variety textures for an individualized appearance. Stone-look tiles are a popular choice that gives the space an authentic, classic look. They also look great with natural materials, such as wood. Marble-look tile is a timeless option that adds an elegant and luxurious aesthetic to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting sunlight and brightening the room.

The appropriate tile pattern can improve a fireplace electric's design. For example, the ribbed tile on this fireplace by @lorenapulichinodesign creates an interesting visual element that pairs beautifully with the smooth, thick mantel. The pattern of the tile gives the entire room a the look of a hand-crafted piece that balances the contemporary organic style of the fireplace with the overall contemporary design of the room.

If you're unsure about taking a risk with patterns in your home, a fireplace is an excellent place to try out a bold design that could be a bit intimidating in other areas of your home. This geometric tile (here's another option) with its black grout lines give this room a sophisticated and lively energy. The hexagonal shapes are arranged like cubes for a stimulating layout, while the dark brown hue creates an inviting and warm aesthetic that complements the industrial decor in this space.

Tiles that resemble brick or other familiar materials is another way to create an impact on your fireplace. This textured tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look as brick but is much simpler to clean and maintain.

If you're hesitant to make a major overhaul of your tabletop fireplace surround, consider using a peel and stick tile to refresh the look without costing you a fortune. A majority of these options are heat resistant and therefore suitable for use in the fireplace and able to adhere to the existing wall. This peel and stick herringbone tile is an excellent option to add elegance to any room. It also coordinates beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

When a wall fireplace has a brick surround, the most effective way to disguise its appearance is by giving it a fresh coat of paint. The mantel can be painted a different colour to add warmth and character. If you decide to match it to the color scheme of your room or opt for something more striking, a new paint color will make your fireplace stand out as a showpiece.

If the mantel is made of wood take a look at it to find cracks, gouges, and nicks. Fill in the dents with wood putty, if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the time recommended. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it up before painting. Wipe the surface that has been sanded using a damp cloth to remove any remaining dirt or dust.

While white is a popular color for fireplaces and walls, the right shade can make your mantel stand out. To get ideas, look at the wood trim on your bookcases, mouldings, and walls. Does your mantel have the same color as theirs or is it lighter or darker? If the latter, choose an appropriate color to keep the room looking well-balanced.

Before you begin painting, protect the surrounding area with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove any decorations or showpieces that were hung above the mantel. If your fireplace is brick, get rid of any pictures or ornaments that are placed on or within the fireplace. After the mantel has been cleaned, you can use a damp cloth and wipe it clean to remove any soot or dust.

Apply a basecoat with a roller or brush to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish is long-lasting and stain-resistant, which means that your mantel is able to stand up well to the heat of the fireplace, as well as other items placed on it. Let the primer completely dry, according to the instructions of the manufacturer, before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.

While brick is a beautiful feature of a fireplace's wall it can be quite heavy and dark in color. Painting the mantel in a neutral or light shade can make it look brighter and more inviting to guests. If you decide to choose a light color, consider using it in conjunction with an earthy toned piece of art or a mirror that is large above it to balance the appearance.