The Advanced Guide To Wall Fireplace
How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A wall fireplace can give your living space a focal point that demands attention. There are many different models on the market however, it is important to find one that is suitable for your needs.
The heat output, controls, and the appearance are among the most important features. If you aren't familiar with these aspects, it is recommended to consult an expert to help pick the right model.
Molded Squares
This living room needed an overhaul to the fireplace due to its stale stone surround and bland walls. With a few design tweaks, the new look is fresh and striking and makes this hearth a focal point in the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel as well as contemporary art above the fireplace modernizes the facade while the shelves that are gray below contrast. A few color changes also help the facade stand out from the wall, which enhances the charm of this fireplace design.
Base cap molding and thin trim pieces are combined to create a simple yet effective way to frame your fireplace surround. To tie the look together pick a trim style to match or contrast with your other trim elements such as thick casing around windows and doors. If you're looking for a more elegant, high-end style, you can use fluted trim to create the illusion of a mantel. If you want a more rustic farmhouse look, you can choose to use dentil trim instead.
Creating an accent wall with wainscoting is an effective way to add character any room. The same method can be used to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled option like tongue-and groove cedar siding or beadboard instead of plank boards to create a dramatic appearance.
Another non-combustible option you can use to create an enclosure for your fireplace is brick, which is available in many different styles and colors. A traditional red brick fireplace is a popular choice for cottage-style or Craft Revival style homes. A rustic-looking brick can be used to add a rustic touch to a traditional decor.
When incorporating brick into your fireplace design, you'll need to be sure your hearth extends 16-18 inches from the firebox opening and that your surround reaches 8-12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the material you select is safe and complies with all codes of the local and national level.
Open shelving is a great way of storing books and other objects. However the presence of too many shelves can overwhelm the look of the fireplace. In this family room, the homeowners created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the look of the new fireplace without overpowering the open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Rustic reclaimed wood beams are the perfect frame for a wall fireplace. They add a timeless beauty to any house. Reclaimed beams of wood are made from old barns, stalls, and other buildings that have been destroyed. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used in conjunction with wide plank ceiling panels to create a rustic look or as a decorative element to modern kitchens. They have the typical barn wood markings like mortise and nail holes, as well as a natural aging process that improves their durability.
Scour architectural salvage yards and flea markets for reclaimed wood elements to repurpose as a mantel or accent wall. For instance the earthy hue of pine that highlights this traditional living room mantel and surround evokes 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'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 make an attractive feature to any room in your home. They can be stained to match your current design or carved to create an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a more modern fireplace 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 set above a freestanding fireplace gas or ventless or electric fire (mouse click on Enclos Bleu) fireplace, or incorporated into a stone or brick fireplace. They can be used to enhance the mantel, without burning fire.
Regardless of which method of installation you choose, make sure that your wood or steel beams are protected from the potential consequences of fire. Both types of materials can be brittle and weaken in the presence of extreme heat, but both are able to be strengthened with a layer of fire-resistant drywall or Electric Fires commercial fire-protectant sprayed on steel I-beams. These products are available at most home improvement stores.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tiles can be utilized to create a dramatic effect as an accent for fireplaces. Its shape instantly enhances the space while blending with any decor choice from modern to traditional. Choosing matte finishes for the tiles is a great way to keep that neat and polished look, while also adding some contrast that makes the fireplace pop.
Hex tiles can be customised by a variety of textures to create an individualized look. Stone-look tile is a popular option that gives the space an old-fashioned, rustic feel and is a great match with natural materials like wood. marble fireplace-look tile is a timeless option that adds an elegant and luxurious look to the space. These tiles have a smooth and glossy finish that reflect light beautifully and brightens the room.
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 patterned tile gives the whole space an artistic look that balances the modern organic style of the fireplace, and the overall modern design of the room.
If you're unsure about making a design risk in your home, the fireplace is the perfect place to test the bold style. It can be intimidating for other areas. This geometric tile (here's an alternative) with its black grout lines give the room a sophisticated but lively energy. The hexagonal shapes resemble cubes to create a stimulating layout. The deep brown color creates an inviting, warm look that complements the industrial style.
Another method of making a statement with your fireplace is to select tile that resembles the appearance of brick or another familiar material. This textured tile, from LA Designer Affair, has the same look as traditional brick but with the added benefit of being much easier to clean and maintain.
If you're not ready take on a complete remodel of your fireplace's surround, think about applying a peel-and-stick tile to refresh the look without spending a fortune. A lot of these options are heat resistant which means they are suitable for use in the fireplace and able to adhere to the existing surface. This herringbone peel and stick tile is an excellent alternative that will add an elegant feel to any living space, while coordinating beautifully with traditional furnishings.
Paint the Mantel
A fresh coat of paint is the most effective way to hide the brick surround of a wall-mounted fireplace. Painting the mantel a different color also adds warmth and character to the room. A new paint color can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the color scheme of the room or choose 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 period recommended. Before painting, sand the surface with 100-grit sandpaper in order to rough it up. Wipe down the sanded surface with a damp cloth in order to remove any remaining dirt or dust.
White is a popular color for walls and fireplaces. However the right shade can make your mantel really stand out. To get ideas, examine the wood trim on your bookcases, moldings and walls. Do they use the same shade as your mantel? Or is it a lighter or a darker hue? If so, select a color that coordinates well to keep the look well-balanced.
Make sure you cover the area around you with sheets or a dropcloth before you begin painting. Remove the mantel, removing any showpieces or decorations that may be hung above it. If your fireplace is made of brick, take away any ornaments or pictures that are on or around it. After the mantel has been cleaned, use a damp cloth and wipe it clean to get rid of any dust or soot.
Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with either a roller or brush. The semi-gloss finish lasts and stain-resistant, which means that your mantel will hold up well to the heat generated by the fireplace as well as any other objects placed on it. Allow the primer to completely dry, according to the instructions of the manufacturer, before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.
The brick can be quite heavy in color and weight. Paint the mantel with a light color or neutral to make it appear lighter and more inviting. If you decide to choose an unassuming color for your mantel, pair it with a piece art in earthy tones or a large wall mirror to complement the appearance.