20 Things You Need To Be Educated About Wall Fireplace
How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A wall fireplace can give your living room an eye-catching focal point. There are numerous models available, however, so it is important to find one that will meet your requirements.
The output of heat, the controls and the appearance are just a few of the important features. If you aren't familiar with these aspects, it is best to hire a professional 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 boring walls. With a few tweaks to the design, the new look is vibrant and striking and makes the hearth an important central feature in the room. A whitewashed mantel and modern artwork above modernize the facade of the fireplace while contrasted with the shelves in gray below. A few changes in color can also help the fireplace stand apart from the wall, which enhances the appeal of this fireplace design.
Base cap molding and thin trim pieces are combined to create a simple, yet effective, method to frame the fireplace surround. Select a trim style that contrasts with or complements your other trim elements for example, the thick casing around windows and doors to tie the look together. If you want a more high-end, elegant style, choose a fluted trim to give the illusion of a mantel. For a more rustic, farmhouse look, you can opt for dentil trim instead.
Accent walls with wainscoting are a popular method to add the look of rooms. The same technique can be used to frame the fireplace. Consider a paneled material such as tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard instead of plank boards to create a dramatic look.
Brick is a different non-combustible option for the fireplace surround. It is available in different styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace with red is a traditional choice for Craft Revival-style or cottage-style homes. A rustic-looking brick could be used to complement a traditional country decor.
If you are incorporating brick in a fireplace design, you'll want to be sure your hearth extends 16-18 inches from the opening for the fireplace and that your surround reaches 8-12 inches in all directions. Make sure your chosen material conforms to all local and national construction codes for security.
Open shelving is a great option to store books and other things, but too many can make a mess of a fireplace. The homeowners of this family room created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding in order to elevate the design without overpowering open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look make a great fireplace wall. They bring timeless elegance to any house. Reclaimed beams of wood are made from barns, stalls, and other buildings that were removed. Each beam has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used as a decorative element in modern kitchens or wide plank paneling to create an authentic appearance. They have the typical marks of barn wood, such as nail holes and mortise pockets as well as natural patinas that increase their durability.
Search architectural salvage yards and flea markets for reclaimed wood fireplaces elements to transform into a mantel. For example, the earthy shade of pine that accentuates this traditional living room mantel and surround is reminiscent of an idyllic rural setting. Its knotty imperfections emphasize the hand-crafted appearance and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which surrounds the fireplace wall. A pair of nature-inspired sconces and a landscape painting above the mantel add to the rustic charm of the space.
Repurposed wooden beams will give a unique appearance to any room. They can be left as-is or stained to match your existing decor or carved and distressed for an antique look. They can also be painted to give modern appearance, or they can be covered with faux finishes, biofireplace (moved here) such as marbled or rust paint.
The wooden beams are able to serve as the central element of any fireplace. They can be set above a freestanding gas, ventless or electric fireplace or they can be incorporated into a stone or brick fireplace. They can be used to accent a mantel without a fire burning.
No matter which method of installation you decide to use be sure that your wood or steel beams are adequately protected from the potential consequences of fire. Both materials can be brittle in extreme heat. However, they can be strengthened by a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products are sold at a variety of home improvement stores.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tiles can be used to create a dramatic effect as surrounds for fireplaces shop. Its shape instantly brightens up the space while complementing any decor choice from modern to traditional. The choice of an elegant matte finish for the tiles is the best way to keep that sleek and polished look, while also adding some contrast that makes the fireplace sparkle.
Hex tiles also work well with a variety of texture choices to create a more individual look. Stone-look tiles are a popular choice that give the room an old-fashioned, rustic feel. They also go well with natural materials such as wood. marble fireplace-look tiles are another classic option that gives an elegant and luxurious look to the room. These tiles have a glossy and smooth finish that is a beautiful reflection of light and brightens the space.
The right tile pattern can elevate 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 patterned tile adds an artistic look to the space, while balancing the contemporary natural style fireplace with the overall design of the room.
If you're not sure about taking a risk with a pattern in your home, the fireplace is a great spot to play around with a bold design. It can be a bit intimidating for other rooms. This geometric tile (here's an alternative) with its black grout lines give this space a sophisticated yet playful energy. The hexagonal shapes are arranged as cubes to create an exciting layout, while the dark brown color provides a warm and inviting aesthetic that is a perfect match for the industrial decor in this space.
Tiles that resemble brick or other common materials is another way to make an impact with your fireplace. This texture tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance to brick, but is much simpler to maintain and clean.
Consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to upgrade your fireplace surround without breaking the bank. These tiles are heat-resistant and therefore suitable for fireplaces as well as able to adhere to existing surfaces. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a great option to add elegance to any room. It also looks great with traditional furniture.
Paint the Mantel
A fresh coat of paint is the best method to hide the brick surround of the wall of a fireplace. Painting the mantel a different color can also add warmth and character to the room. It doesn't matter if you choose to match it to the room's color scheme or go for something bold, a new paint color will make your fireplace stand out as a showpiece.
If the mantel is made of wood be sure to check it for cracks, gouges, and nicks. If the dents aren't large enough to be able to handle then fill them with wood putty and let it set for the recommended amount of time. Before painting, sand the surface with 100-grit sandpaper in order to rough it up. Wipe the surface that has been sanded using a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or dust.
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 around your home for inspiration. Do they have the same color as your mantel, or is it a lighter or a darker hue? If you decide to go with the latter, choose one that blends well with the other colors in the room to ensure it looks balanced.
Cover the area around you by using a dropcloth or sheets before you begin painting. Remove the mantel, taking out any showpieces or decorations that might be hanging above it. Remove any ornaments or photos placed around or on the fireplace made of brick. Once the mantel is cleaned, take a damp cloth and wipe it down to get rid of any soot or dust.
Apply a basecoat using a roller or brush to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish lasts and stain-resistant, ensuring that your mantel is able to stand up well to the heat from the fireplace and any other items that are placed on it. Let the primer dry in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations before moving onto the main body of your fireplace wall.
While brick is an attractive feature of a fireplace's wall, it can be heavy and dark in shade. Paint the mantel with a light color or neutral to make it appear brighter and more inviting. If you decide to choose a light hue, think about using it in conjunction with an earthy toned piece of art or a large mirror over it to balance the look.