Five Killer Quora Answers On Wall Fireplace

How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can give your living room a focal point that demands attention. There are numerous models to choose from so you need to pick 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 best to hire an expert to help you select the right model.

Molded Squares

A worn-out stone fireplace and dull walls made this living space in need of a major fireplace overhaul. The new design is bright, appealing and makes this hearth the main focal point of the room. A whitewashed mantel and contemporary artwork above modernize the fireplace facade while contrasting with the shelves in gray below. A few color changes will also make the fireplace stand apart from the wall, enhancing the appeal of this fireplace design.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces combine to create a simple yet effective, method to frame the tile fireplace surround. Select a trim style that contrasts with or complements your other trim elements, such as the thick casing around windows and doors, to make the look more cohesive. If you're looking for an elegant, high-end style, think about using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of a real mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse-style.

Creating an accent wall with wainscoting is a popular way to add character to any room. The same method can be used to frame the fireplace. Consider a paneled material like tongue-and groove cedar siding or beadboard instead plank boards to create a dramatic appearance.

Another non-combustible option you can use to create the fireplace surround is brick, which comes in many different styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace with red accents is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. A rustic-look brick can also be used to add a rustic touch to a traditional decor.

When you incorporate brick into a fireplace design, you'll need to ensure that your hearth extends 16 to 18 inches from the firebox opening and that your surround is 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the material you select is safe and meets all national and local codes.

Open shelving is a great way of storing books and other things. However the presence of too many shelves can overwhelm the look of the fireplace. For this family room, the homeowners created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding that enhances the look of the new fireplace without overwhelming the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic appearance are perfect for a fireplace wall. They are timeless and beautiful to any house. Reclaimed wood beams originate from barns, stables and other demolished buildings. Each beam is unique and has its own unique history. Reclaimed wood can be used as an accent in modern kitchens or wide planks to give an authentic appearance. They are characterized by the typical marks of barn wood, such as nail holes and mortise pockets as well as natural patinas that increase their durability.

Look through salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets for reclaimed wood elements to make into a fireplace. The rustic tone of pine used to accent this traditional living room surround and mantel creates the feeling of a cozy country getaway. The knotty imperfections in the wood accent the hand-crafted look and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that surrounds the fireplace's wall. The rustic warmth of this room is accentuated by a pair of nature-inspired wall sconces, and a landscape image above the mantel.

Repurposed wooden beams can make an attractive feature to any room in your home. They can be left as-is or stained to match your existing decor or carved and distressed for an antique appearance. They can also be painted for modern appearance or covered with faux finishes, such as marbled paint or rust.

The wooden beams are able to serve as the focal element of any fireplace. They can be positioned above a freestanding gas or ventless or electric fireplace, or be integrated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can be used to accent a mantel without a ethonal fire burning.

Whatever method of installation you decide to use, make sure that your steel or wood beams are properly protected from the consequences of ethanol fire. Both materials can become hard and brittle when heated to extreme temperatures. However, they can be strengthened by a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products can be found at most home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can make an impact when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its shape instantly enhances the space while blending with any decor style, from traditional to modern. The matte finish is ideal for a polished and clean look while adding contrast to make the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles can also be used with various textures for a more personalized look. Stone-look tiles are a popular choice that gives the space an old-fashioned, rustic feel. They also pair beautifully with natural materials such as wood. Marble-look tile is another classic option that gives an elegant and luxurious look to the room. These tiles have a smooth and glossy finish that is a beautiful reflection of light and enhances the space.

The appropriate tile pattern can improve a fireplace'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 provides a handcrafted look to the space, while balancing the contemporary natural style fireplace with the overall design of the room.

If you're unsure about taking a risk with pattern in your home, a fireplace is an ideal place to test out a bold design that might be a bit intimidating in other areas of your home. This geometric tile with its black grout provides this area with an elegant, yet fun feel. The hexagonal shapes work like cubes to create a fascinating layout, while the dark brown hue creates an inviting and warm aesthetic that works with the industrial decor in this room.

Another option to make an impact with your fireplace is to choose tiles that have the look of brick or another popular material. This textured tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance to traditional brick, but is much easier to clean and maintain.

Consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to update your fireplace surround without spending a fortune. These options are heat-resistant, making them suitable for fireplaces wood and can adhere to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great alternative that will add an elegant look to any living space, and will look great with traditional furnishings.

Paint the Mantel

When a wall fireplace has a brick surround, the best method to minimize its appearance is to give it fresh coats of paint. The mantel's paint color can also add warmth and personality to the space. A new paint color can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the overall color scheme of the room or pick something bold.

If your mantel is made of wood, first inspect it for cracks, nicks and gouges. Fill in the dents with wood putty if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the time recommended. Before painting paint, sand the surface using 100-grit sandpaper to roughen it up. Wipe down the sanded surface with a damp cloth to take off any remaining dirt or debris.

White is a favorite color for walls and fireplaces electric. But, the right shade will make your fireplace stand out. For inspiration, examine the trims of wood on your bookcases, moldings, and walls. Do they use the same color as your mantel or is it a lighter or darker hue? If the latter, pick a color that coordinates well to keep the space looking balanced.

Before you start painting, protect the area around you with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove any decorations or showpieces that might have been placed above the mantel. Remove any ornaments or pictures placed around or on the fireplace made of brick. After the mantel has been cleaned, take a damp cloth and wipe it clean to remove any dust or soot.

Apply a basecoat using brushes or rollers to your mantel. The semi-gloss paint lasts and stain-resistant, which means your mantel will stand up to the heat of the fireplace as well as any other items that are placed on it. Allow the primer to completely dry, as per the instructions provided by the manufacturer before you begin painting the main wall of the fireplace.

While brick is a beautiful feature of a fireplace wall, it can be quite heavy and dark in hue. Paint the mantel with an unassuming color or neutral to make it appear lighter and more inviting. If you choose to paint it the lighter hue, think about pairing it with a earthy-toned piece of art or a large mirror over it to balance the appearance.