This Is The Advanced Guide To Wall Fireplace
How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A wall fireplace will give your living room an eye-catching focal area. There are numerous models to choose from so you need to pick one that suits your needs.
The heat output, the controls, and the design 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
This living room needed a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its old-fashioned stone surround and dull walls. With a few tweaks to the design the new look is vibrant and eye-catching making this hearth a focal point in the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel as well as contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the exterior, while the gray shelves below provide a stark contrast. A few changes in color will also make the fireplace stand out from the wall, adding the charm of this fireplace design.
Base cap moldings and trim pieces create a simple yet effective way to frame a tile fireplace surround. Select a trim style that contrasts with or complements your other trim elements for example, the thick casing around doors and windows to make the look more cohesive. If you're looking to create an elegant, luxurious look, consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of a real mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic farmhouse look.
Wainscoting accent walls is a popular method to add the look of rooms. The same method can be used to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled product like tongue-and groove cedar siding or beadboard in place of plank boards to create a dramatic effect.
Brick is another non-combustible option to use as the fireplace surround. It comes in different 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 a more traditional, country decor.
If you are planning to incorporate brick into your fireplace design ensure that your hearth is 16 to 18 inches from the opening of the firebox and the surround is 8-12 inches wide in all directions. Make sure the material you choose is compliant with all national and local building codes for security.
Open shelving can be a great way of storing books and other objects. However, too many shelves can obstruct the appearance of a fireplace. The homeowners of this family room designed a wall to ceiling limestone cladding to improve the look of the room without overwhelming the open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look are ideal for a fireplace wall. They bring timeless elegance to any house. Reclaimed wood beams are sourced from old stables, barns and other buildings that were demolished. Each beam is unique and has its own unique history. Reclaimed wood can also be used as a feature in modern kitchens or with wide planks to give an authentic appearance. They have the typical marks of barn wood, like nail holes and mortise pockets and a natural patina that enhances their durability.
Scour architectural salvage yards and flea markets for reclaimed wooden elements that can be used as a mantel or accent wall. For instance the earthy color of pine that accents the traditional living room mantel and surround evokes the feeling of a rustic, cozy retreat. The knotty imperfections of the wood emphasize a hand-hewn look and compliment the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which surrounds the fireplace's wall. A pair of sconces inspired by nature and a painting of a landscape above the mantel enhance the rustic coziness of the room.
Repurposed wooden beams can provide an attractive accent to any room in your home. They can be left as-is or stained to match the decor of your home or carved and distressed for an antique appearance. They can also be painted for an updated look or covered with faux finishes, such as marbled paint or rust.
Wooden beams can serve as a focal point in any type of fireplace. They can be set above a freestanding fireplace gas, ventless or Electric fire fireplace, or be integrated into a stone or brick fireplace. They can be used to enhance the mantel without a burning fire.
No matter which method you choose to install your beams, make sure that they are adequately protected against the effects of fire. Both materials can become hard and brittle when heated to extreme temperatures. However they can be strengthened with a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products can be found at a variety of home improvement stores.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tile can create an impact when used as a fireplace surround. Its shape instantly brightens the room and can be incorporated into any decor, contemporary or traditional. The choice of an elegant matte finish for the tiles is the best way to keep that neat and polished look, while adding some contrast to make the fireplace pop.
Hex tiles can be customized with a variety textures for a more personalized 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. Another timeless option is marble-look tiles, which adds an elegant and luxurious appearance to the room. These tiles have a smooth and glossy finish that reflects light beautifully and brightens the room.
The perfect tile pattern can enhance the entire look 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 an artistic look to the space, balancing the modern natural style fireplace with the overall style of the room.
If you're unsure about taking a risk with pattern in your home, a fireplace can be an ideal place to test out a bold pattern which could be intimidating in other areas of the house. The geometric tile with its black grout gives the room an elegant yet playful feel. The hexagonal shapes are arranged like cubes for a stimulating layout, fireplace Electric while the dark brown color creates an inviting and warm aesthetic that works with the industrial decor in this space.
Tile that looks like brick or other common materials is another way to make an impact on your fireplace. This textured tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance as brick but is much easier to maintain and clean.
If you're not ready commit to a full-scale remodel of your fireplace's surround, think about applying a peel-and-stick tile to update the look without breaking the bank. A majority of these options are resistant to heat and therefore suitable for use in the fireplace and able to adhere to the existing wall. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a fantastic option for adding the look of a room. It also coordinates beautifully with traditional furniture.
Paint the Mantel
A fresh coat of paint is the best method to cover a brick surround on an unwall-mounted fireplace. Paint the mantel in a different hue also adds warmth and character to the space. It doesn't matter if you choose to match it to the decor's color scheme or opt for something more striking, a new paint color makes your fireplace stand out as a showpiece.
If the mantel is made of wood be sure to check it for gouges, cracks, and scratches. If the dents aren't large enough to be able to handle then fill them with wood putty, and fireplace insert let it set for the recommended amount of time. Sand the surface with 100-grit paper to roughen it prior to painting. Wipe down the sanded surface using a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or debris.
White is a popular color for walls and fireplaces wooden. But the right shade can make your mantel really stand out. Take a look at the trims, moldings, and bookcases around your home for inspiration. Do they have the same hue as your mantel, or is it a darker or lighter shade? If you opt for the latter, choose the color that works well with the other colors in the room to keep it looking balanced.
Protect the area around you by using sheets or a dropcloth prior to when you begin painting. Remove any decorative items or showpieces that might have been placed over the mantel. Remove any ornaments or photos that are on or around your brick fireplace. Once the mantel is cleaned, take a damp cloth and wipe it clean to get rid of any dust or soot.
Apply a basecoat using the brush or roller to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish is long-lasting and stain-resistant, so your mantel will stand up well to the heat of the fireplace, as well as other objects placed on it. Allow the primer to completely dry, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, before you begin painting the main wall of the fireplace.
While brick is a beautiful feature of a fireplace wall, it can be a bit heavy and dark in hue. Paint the mantel with the light or neutral color to make it appear more vibrant and more inviting. If you choose a light shade for your mantel, match it with a piece of art with earthy tones or a large mirror to complete the look.