15 Reasons Why You Shouldn t Ignore Wall Fireplace

How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can provide your living space with an attractive focal area. There are a variety of models available so you need to pick one that suits your needs.

The most significant features include the heat output as well as the appearance and controls. If you aren't familiar with these aspects, it is best to hire an expert to help you choose the right model.

Molded Squares

This living room needed a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its old-fashioned stone surround and bland walls. The new design is bright, appealing and makes the hearth the main focal point of the room. A whitewashed mantel and contemporary artwork above modernize the facade of the fireplace and contrast with the gray shelves below. A few minor changes in color also help the facade stand out from the wall, adding the charm of this fireplace design.

Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces are combined to create a simple yet effective method of framing a tile fireplace surround. To bring the design together select a trim design to contrast or match your other trim elements like thick casings around doors and windows. If you're looking for a more elegant, luxurious look, consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse-style.

Accent walls with wainscoting are an extremely popular way to add personality to the interior of a room. The same technique can also be used to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards, instead, consider a paneled product like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard to create a striking look.

Brick is another non-combustible option to use as a fireplace surround. It comes in a variety of styles and colors. A classic red brick fireplace is perfect for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. A rustic-looking brick could be used to enhance a traditional country style.

If you're planning to incorporate brick into the design of your fireplace be sure that your hearth is 16 to 18 inches away from the opening of the firebox, and the surround is 8-12 inches in all directions. Make sure your chosen material is compliant with all local and national building codes to ensure security.

Open shelves are a great way to store books and other items However, too many shelves could make a mess of a fireplace. The homeowners of this family room designed the wall fires-to-ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the look without overpowering open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams that have a rustic style are ideal for a fireplace insert wall. They add a timeless look to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood are reclaimed from old barns, stalls, and other structures that were removed. Each beam has its own story. Reclaimed wood can also be used as a feature in modern kitchens, or with wide planks of paneling to create a rustic look. They have the typical barn wood markings like mortise and nail holes as well as a natural aging process that increases their longevity.

Find salvage yards for architectural elements and flea markets for reclaimed wood elements to transform into a mantel. For instance the earthy color of pine that accents this traditional living room mantel and surround is reminiscent of a cozy rural retreat. The knotty imperfections in the wood accent a hand-hewn look and compliment the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that surrounds the fireplace's wall. A pair of sconces inspired by nature and a landscape painting above the mantel enhance the rustic ambiance of the space.

Repurposed wooden beams will give a unique appearance to any room. They can be left in their natural state or stained to match your existing decor or cut and distressed to create an antique look. They can be painted to give them a more contemporary look or covered with faux finishes like rust or marbling paint.

The wooden beams are able to serve as the central point of any fireplace. They can be placed over a freestanding gas, electric fire or ventless fireplace or they can be incorporated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can be used to accent the mantel with no fire burning.

Regardless of which method of installation you decide to use ensure that your wood or steel beams are properly protected from the possible effects of fire. Both materials are susceptible to becoming fragile in extreme heat. However, they can be strengthened with a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products are available at a variety of home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be utilized to create a dramatic effect as an accent for fireplaces. Its shape instantly brightens the space while blending with any decor style from traditional to modern. The matte finish is ideal to create a polished and sleek look while adding contrast to make the fireplace insert stand out.

Hex tiles also work well with a variety of texture choices to create a more individual look. Stone-look tiles are a favorite that give the room an authentic, classic look. They also go well with natural materials, such as wood. Marble-look tiles are another timeless option that provides an elegant and luxurious appearance to the space. These tiles feature an elegant and glossy surface that reflect light beautifully and enhances the space.

The perfect tile pattern can enhance the overall design of the fireplace. 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 and the contemporary style of the room.

If you're not sure about taking a risk on a design in your home, a fireplace is the perfect place to test out a bold style that might be intimidating in other areas of the house. The geometric tile with its black grout provides this area with an elegant, yet fun feel. The hexagonal shapes resemble cubes, creating a lively layout. The deep brown hue provides this space with a warm, inviting aesthetic that is perfect for industrial style.

Tile that looks like brick or other familiar materials is another option to create an impact on your fireplace. The textured tile, which is made by LA Designer Affair, has an identical look to brick, but has the benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.

If you're not ready to commit to a full-scale remodel of your fireplace surround, consider using a peel and stick tile to refresh the appearance without costing you a fortune. A majority of these options are heat-resistant and therefore safe for fireplaces and able to adhere to the existing stone. This peel and stick herringbone tile is an excellent option to add style to any room. It also works beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace on the wall has a brick surround, the best method to minimize its appearance is to give it a fresh coat of paint. Painting the mantel a different hue also adds warmth and personality to the room. It doesn't matter if you choose to match it with the color scheme of your room or opt for something striking, a new paint color can make your fireplace stand out as a showpiece.

If your mantel is made of wood, you should first examine it for cracks, nicks and gouges. Fill in the dents using wood putty, if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the amount of time recommended. Before painting you can sand the surface 100-grit sandpaper to rough it up. To get rid of any dirt or debris, wipe down the sanded surfaces with a damp cloth.

While white is a popular option for walls and fireplaces but the right color can really help your mantel stand out. Take a look at the wood trim, moldings and bookcases in your home for inspiration. Do they use the same color as your mantel or is it a lighter or darker shade? If you decide to go with the latter option, select the color that works well with the other colors in the room to keep it looking balanced.

Before you begin painting, cover the area surrounding you with drop cloth or sheets. Remove any decorative items or showpieces that were hung over the mantel. Remove any ornaments or photos that are around or on your brick fireplace. Once the mantel is cleaned, you can use a damp cloth and wipe it down to get rid of any dust or soot.

Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with a brush or roller. The semi-gloss finish lasts and stain-resistant, so your mantel will stand up well to the heat of the fireplace as well as any other items that are placed on it. Allow the primer to completely dry, in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer, before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.

While the brick is an attractive feature of a fireplace's wall it can be a bit heavy and dark in hue. Painting the mantel a light or neutral color can make it appear brighter and more welcoming to guests. If you choose to paint it the lighter hue, think about pairing it with a earthy-toned piece of artwork or a mirror that is large above it to create a balanced look.