Five Killer Quora Answers To Wall Fireplace
How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A wall fireplace will give your living room an attractive focal feature. There are numerous models to choose from, so you should choose one that suits your needs.
The output of heat, the controls and the appearance are just a few of the important features. If you're unfamiliar with these features, it's recommended to hire an expert to help you choose the right model.
Molded Squares
A worn-out stone fireplace and dull walls created a living space that was in need of a drastic fireplace revamp. With a few tweaks to the design, the new look is bright and eye-catching making the hearth an important centerpiece in the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel and contemporary art above the fireplace modernize the appearance of the façade and the shelves in gray below are a contrast. A few minor changes in color can also help the fireplace stand apart from the wall, adding the appeal of this fireplace design.
Base cap molding and thin trim pieces combine to form a simple, yet effective, way to frame the tile fireplace surround. Choose a style of trim that is in contrast with or matches the other trim elements, such as the thick casing around doors and windows, to create a cohesive look. If you're looking for an elegant, luxurious look, consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of an actual mantel. If you want a more rustic farmhouse look, you can choose to use dentil trim instead.
Making an accent wall using wainscoting is an effective method to add character to any room. The same technique can also be used to frame a fireplace. Instead of using plank boards, however, try 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 various styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace in red is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. Rustic-style brick is another option that could be a good fit with more traditional country style.
When incorporating brick into a fireplace design, you'll need to ensure that your hearth extends 16-18 inches from the firebox opening and that your surround reaches 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you choose is compliant with all local and national construction codes for security.
Open shelving is a great option to organize books and other items however, too many shelves can overwhelm the look of the fireplace. For this family room homeowners built a wall-to ceiling limestone cladding that enhances the appearance of the fireplace without overpowering the open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic appearance make a great fireplace wall. They add timeless beauty to any house. Reclaimed wood beams are reclaimed from old barns, stalls, and other buildings that have been removed. Each beam carries with it its own distinct history. Reclaimed wood can also be used as a feature in modern fireplace kitchens or with wide planks of paneling to create an authentic look. They feature the usual barn wood markings, such as mortise and nail holes and a natural aging process which increases their longevity.
Look through salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea market for reclaimed wood elements to make into a fireplace. The earthy tone of pine used to create this traditional living room surround and mantel creates an intimate country retreat. The knotty imperfections of the wood give it a rustic feel, and they complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that is on the fireplace's wall. The rustic warmth of the space is enhanced by a pair of nature-inspired wall sconces and a landscape image above the mantel.
Repurposed wooden beams will give a unique appearance to any room. They can be left in their natural state or stained to complement your current decor or carved and distressed for an antique look. They can be painted to give them a more contemporary appearance, or covered with faux finishes like rust or marbling paint.
The wooden beams can serve as the focal feature of any fireplace. They can be placed above a freestanding gas, ventless or electric fireplace - Highly recommended Online site -, or incorporated into a stone or brick fireplace. They can be used to highlight the mantel without burning fire.
No matter which method of installation you decide to use ensure that your steel or wood beams are adequately protected from the effects of fire. Both materials can become hard and brittle when heated to extreme temperatures. However they can be strengthened by a layer ethonal fire-resistant drywall. These products are available at most home improvement stores.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tiles can be utilized to create a dramatic effect as surrounds for fireplaces. Its shape instantly brightens up the space while blending with any decor choice, from traditional to modern. Choosing matte finishes for the tiles is a great way to keep that neat and polished look, while adding some color to make the fireplace pop.
Hex tiles can be customised with a variety textures for an individual look. Stone-look tiles are a favorite that gives the space an old-fashioned, rustic feel. They also pair beautifully with natural materials such as wood. Marble-look tile is a classic option that gives an elegant and luxurious aesthetic to the space. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles sparkles beautifully, reflecting sunlight and brightening the room.
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 patterned tile gives the whole space a handcrafted appeal that balances the organic modern style of the fireplace and the contemporary style of the room.
If you're unsure about putting your faith in a design in your home, a fireplace can be an ideal place to test out a bold design that might be intimidating in other areas of your home. This geometric tile (here's another option) with its black grout lines give this space a sophisticated yet fun energy. The hexagonal shapes work as cubes to create an exciting layout, while the deep brown hue creates an inviting and warm look that works with the industrial décor in this space.
Tiles that resemble brick or other familiar materials is another option to create an impact on your fireplace. This textured tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look to traditional brick, but is much simpler to maintain and clean.
If you're not ready to commit to a full-scale remodel of your fireplace's surround, consider applying a peel and stick tile to refresh the appearance without spending a fortune. These tiles are resistant to heat, making them suitable for fireplaces wood as well as able to be bonded to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great alternative that will add an elegant feel to any living space, and will look great with traditional furniture.
Paint the Mantel
A fresh coat of paint is the best method to cover the brick surround of an unwall-mounted fireplace. Painting the mantel a different hue also adds warmth and character to the room. A new color of paint can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the scheme of color in the room or pick something bold.
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 time recommended. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it up prior to painting. Wipe down the sanded surface with a damp cloth in order to take off any remaining dirt or dust.
While white is a popular choice for walls and fireplaces The right shade can make your mantel stand out. Take a look at the trims, moldings, and bookcases in your home for inspiration. Do they use the same shade as your mantel, or is it a lighter or a darker shade? If so, select an appropriate color to keep the space looking well-balanced.
Make sure you cover the area around you with sheets or a dropcloth before you begin painting. Remove the mantel and remove any decorative pieces or displays that are hanging over it. Remove any ornaments or pictures placed around or on your brick fireplace. Once the mantel is empty then wipe it clean with a an damp cloth to wash off any dust or soot that has built up.
Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with the use of a roller or brush. The semi-gloss finish is long-lasting and stain-resistant, which means that your mantel will hold up well to the heat of the fireplace, as well as other objects placed on it. Allow the primer to completely dry, as per the manufacturer’s instructions, before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.
While the brick is a beautiful feature of a fireplace wall, it can be a bit heavy and dark in color. Paint the mantel with in a neutral or light shade will make it appear more lively and more inviting to guests. If you decide to go with a light color, consider pairing it with an earthy-toned piece of artwork or a large mirror over it to balance the appearance.