The Biggest Issue With Wall Fireplace And How You Can Fix It

How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace in the wall will give your living room an eye-catching focal area. There are a variety of models available so you need to pick one that meets your requirements.

Some of the most important features are the heat output, the appearance and the controls. If you're not aware of these aspects, it is recommended to consult a professional to help you select the best model.

Molded Squares

The living room required an overhaul to the fireplace due to its stale stone surround and bland walls. With a few design tweaks the new look is bright and eye-catching making the hearth an important central feature in the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel and contemporary art above the fireplace modernize the facade, while the gray shelves below provide a stark contrast. The fireplace's exterior is enhanced by a few changes in color.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces combine to create a simple yet effective, way to frame the fireplace surround. To connect the look pick a trim style to match or contrast with the other trim elements like thick casings around windows and doors. If you're looking for an elegant, luxurious look, consider using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of an actual mantel. For a more rustic, farmhouse look, opt for dentil trim instead.

Creating an accent wall with wainscoting is a common way to add character any room. The same technique can be used to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled option 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 an enclosure for your fireplace is brick, which comes in a variety of styles and colors. A classic red brick fireplace is perfect for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. Rustic-style brick is another alternative that is able to blend with a more traditional, country decor.

If you're planning to incorporate brick into the design of your fireplace, make sure that your hearth is 16 to 18 inches from the opening of the firebox, and your surround is 8-12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you choose is safe and conforms to all national and local codes.

Open shelves are a great way to organize books and other items However, too many shelves could take over the appearance of the fireplace. In this family room, the homeowners created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the appearance of the fireplace, without obscuring the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic appearance are ideal for a fireplace wall. They add a timeless look to any home. Reclaimed wood beams are sourced from old barns, stables and other demolished buildings. Each beam is unique and has its own distinct history. Reclaimed wood can be used conjunction with wide plank ceiling panels for a fully rustic design or as accents to modern kitchens. They are characterized by the typical markings of barn wood, like nail holes and mortise pockets and natural patina that increases their durability.

Look through salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea market for reclaimed wooden elements to transform into a mantel. For example, the earthy shade of pine that accentuates this traditional living room mantel and surround is reminiscent of a cozy rural retreat. The knotty imperfections give it a rustic look and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting on the wall of the fireplace. A pair of nature-inspired sconces and a painting of a landscape above the mantel add to the rustic charm of this space.

Repurposed wooden beams can provide an attractive accent to any room in your home. They can be left as is or stained to complement your existing decor or carved and distressed for an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a more modern look or covered with faux finishes like marbling paint or rust.

The wooden beams can be used as the central point of any fireplace. They can be positioned above a freestanding gas or ventless or electric fireplace, or incorporated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can also be used to highlight a mantel without a fire burning.

Regardless of which method of installation you decide to use ensure that your wood or steel beams are properly protected from the potential effects of fire. Both types of materials can become brittle and weaken in the face of extreme heat, but both are able to be strengthened with a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant sprays on steel I-beams. These products can be found at most home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a dramatic effect as surrounds for fireplaces. Its design instantly brightens the room and complements any style, whether contemporary or traditional. The choice of matte finishes for the tiles is a great way to keep that sleek and polished look while adding some contrast to make the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles can also be combined with a variety of texture choices to create a more individual look. Stone-look tiles are a popular choice that gives the room an old-fashioned, rustic feel. They also look great with natural materials such as wood. Marble-look tiles are another timeless option that adds an elegant and luxurious aesthetic to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles sparkles beautifully, reflecting light and brightening the space.

The right tile pattern can elevate the look of a 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 a handcrafted look to the space, and biofireplace balances the modern natural style fireplace with the overall style of the room.

If you're unsure about putting your faith in a patterns in your home, a fireplace is the perfect place to test out a bold pattern that could be intimidating in other parts of your home. This geometric tile (here's a similar option) with its black grout lines give this room a sophisticated and playful energy. The hexagonal shapes work as cubes to create an exciting layout, while the deep brown hue creates a warm and inviting aesthetic that is a perfect match for the industrial style of this space.

Another method of making an impact with your fireplace is to select tiles that have the look of brick or another popular material. The textured tile, which is made by LA Designer Affair, has the same look as brick, but with the added benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.

Consider using a peel-and stick tile to upgrade your fireplace's surround without breaking the bank. Many of these options are heat resistant, making them safe for the fireplace and able to adhere to the existing stone. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great alternative that will add a sense of elegance to any living space, while coordinating beautifully with traditional furnishings.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace in a wall has a brick surround, the most effective way to downplay its appearance is with fresh coats of paint. Paint the mantel in a different color 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 color scheme of the room or pick something striking.

If your mantel is made of wood, inspect it first for cracks, gouges, and nicks. If the dents aren't large enough to be handled then fill them with wood putty and let it set for the recommended amount of time. Before painting paint, sand the surface using 100-grit sandpaper to roughen it up. Clean the surface with a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or debris.

White is a popular shade for walls and cheap fireplaces. But the right shade can make your mantel really stand out. Look at the other wood fireplaces trim, moldings and bookcases in your home for ideas. Do they use the same color as your mantel, or is it a lighter or darker shade? If you opt for the latter, choose one that blends well with the other hues in the room to ensure it looks balanced.

Make sure you cover the area around you with sheets or a dropcloth prior to when you begin painting. Remove any decorations or showpieces that might have been placed over the mantel. If your fireplace is made of brick, take away any pictures or ornaments that are placed on or within the fireplace. After the mantel has been cleaned, take a damp cloth and wipe it clean to get rid of any soot or dust.

Apply a basecoat using brushes or rollers to your mantel. The semi-gloss paint is durable and stain-resistant, so your mantel will be able to withstand Biofireplace the heat of your fireplace as well as any other objects that are placed on it. Let the primer dry according to the recommendations of the manufacturer prior to moving onto the main part of your fireplace wall.

While the brick is an attractive feature of a fireplace electric's wall, it can be quite heavy and dark in color. Painting the mantel an even or light color can make it look brighter and more inviting to guests. If you decide to go with the lighter hue, think about pairing it with an earthy-toned piece of artwork or a large mirror above it to balance the look.