15 Reasons Why You Shouldn t Be Ignoring Wall Fireplace

How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can give your living room an attractive focal point that requires attention. There are numerous models to choose from so you need to pick one that is suitable for your needs.

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

Molded Squares

A worn-out stone fireplace and dull walls left this living space in need of a dramatic fireplace revamp. With a few design tweaks the new look is bright and striking and makes the hearth a focal point in the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel as well as contemporary art above the fireplace modernize the facade while the shelves that are gray below contrast. A few color changes will also make the fireplace stand out from the wall, enhancing the charm of this fireplace design.

Base cap moldings and trim pieces are combined to create a simple, yet effective method of framing a tile fireplace surround. To bring the design together, choose a trim style to contrast or match the other trim elements, such as thick casing around doors and windows. If you're looking to create an elegant, luxurious style, think about 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.

Creating an accent wall with wainscoting is a popular method to add character to any room. The same technique can be employed to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards however, try a paneled material like beadboard or tongue-and-groove cedar siding to create a dramatic look.

Another non-combustible material that you can create the fireplace surround is brick, which is available in many different styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace with red is a popular choice for Craft Revival-style or cottage-style homes. Rustic-style brick is another alternative that is able to blend with more traditional country decor.

If you want to incorporate brick into your fireplace design be sure that your hearth is 16 to 18 inches from the opening of the fireplace and your surround is between 8 and 12 inches wide in all directions. Be sure that the brick you select is safe and meets all codes of the local and national level.

Open shelves are a great way to store books and other items however, too many shelves can take over the appearance of the fireplace. The homeowners of this family room created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding in order to elevate the design without overwhelming the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams that have a rustic style are perfect for a fireplace wall. They add timeless beauty to any home. Reclaimed wood beams are reclaimed from old barns, stalls and other buildings that were destroyed. Each beam carries with it 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 are characterized by the typical marks of barn wood, including mortise and nail holes, plus natural patinas that increase their durability.

Find salvage yards for architectural elements and flea market for wood pieces that you can transform into a mantel. For example the earthy color of pine that accents this traditional living room mantel and surround creates a cozy rural retreat. The knotty imperfections in the wood accent the hand-crafted appearance and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that borders the fireplace wall. A pair of sconces with a natural theme and a landscape-themed painting above the mantel add to the rustic coziness of this space.

Repurposed Wooden Fireplaces beams can make an attractive accent to any room in your home. They can be stained to match your current design or carved to create an antique look. They can be painted to give them a more contemporary appearance, or covered with faux finishes like marbling paint or rust.

The wooden beams can serve as the focal feature of any fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel, even without any fire burning. They can also be used to highlight the mantel with no fire burning.

Whichever method you decide to use to mount your beams, ensure that they are protected adequately from the effects of fire. Both types of material can become brittle and weaken in the presence of extreme heat, but both can be reinforced with a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant that is sprayed on I-beams made of steel. These products are available at most home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a striking effect as surrounds for fireplaces. Its shape instantly brightens the space while blending with any style of decor from traditional to modern. Choosing an elegant matte finish for the tiles is the best way to keep that sleek and polished look while adding some contrast to make the fireplace sparkle.

Hex tiles also work well with various textures for a more personalized look. Stone-look tiles are a favorite that gives the space a rustic, classic feel. They also go well with natural materials such as wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tile that provides a luxurious and elegant aesthetic to the room. These tiles feature a glossy and smooth finish that is a beautiful reflection of light and brightens the room.

The right tile pattern can elevate 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 adds a unique a handcrafted appeal that balances the modern organic style of the fireplace with the contemporary style of the room.

If you're unsure about taking a risk with design in your home, a fireplace is an excellent place to try out a bold style which could be intimidating in other areas of your home. This geometric tile with its black grout provides this area with an elegant yet playful feel. The hexagonal shapes work as cubes to create an exciting layout, while the dark brown color provides an inviting and warm aesthetic that works with the industrial décor in the room.

Tiles that look like brick or other materials you are familiar with is another way to make an impact with your fireplace. This textured tile, from LA Designer Affair, has an identical look to brick, but has the added benefit of being much easier to clean and maintain.

If you're not ready to take on a complete remodel of your fireplace surround, consider applying a peel and stick tile to refresh the look without spending a fortune. Many of these options are resistant to heat which means they are suitable for use in the fireplace and able to adhere to the existing stone. This herringbone peel and stick tile is an excellent option that will bring an elegant look to any living space, while also blending beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the best way to hide a brick surround on an unwall-mounted fireplace. The mantel's paint hue also adds warmth and personality to the space. Whether you choose to match it with the decor's color scheme or opt for something striking or bold, a new color will make your fireplace stand out as a stunning feature.

If your mantel is made of wood, first inspect it for cracks, nicks and gouges. Fill in the dents using wood putty if they are small enough. Allow it to dry for the amount of time recommended. Before painting you can sand the surface 100-grit sandpaper to roughen it up. To remove any debris or dirt wipe the surfaces that have been sanded with a damp cloth.

White is a favorite color for walls and fireplaces wood. But the right shade can make your mantel really stand out. For ideas, take a take a look at the wood trim on your bookcases, moldings and walls. Do they have the same hue as your mantel, or is it a lighter or darker shade? If you choose the latter option, pick the color that works well with the other shades in the room to ensure it looks balanced.

Before you begin painting, cover the area surrounding you with drop cloth or sheets. Clean the mantel, removing any decorative pieces or displays that are hanging over it. Remove any ornaments or photos that are around or on the fireplace made of brick. After the mantel has been cleaned, use a damp cloth and wipe it down to get rid of any dust or soot.

Apply a basecoat using the brush or roller to your mantel. The semi-gloss paint lasts and stain resistant, so your mantel can withstand the heat of the ethanol fireplace, and any other items that are placed on it. Let the primer completely dry, as per the manufacturer’s instructions, before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.

The brick can be heavy in both weight and color. Paint the mantel in the light or neutral color to make it appear more vibrant and more inviting. If you decide to choose a light shade for your mantel, you can pair it with a piece of art with earthy tones or a large wall mirror to complement the appearance.