Then You ve Found Your Wall Fireplace ... Now What

How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace in the wall will make your living space an attractive focal feature. There are a variety of models on the market, however, so it is important to find one that meets your needs.

Some of the most important features include the output of heat as well as the appearance and controls. If you aren't familiar with these features, it's best to hire an expert to help you pick the right model.

Molded Squares

A worn-out stone fireplace surround and bland walls made this living space in need of a major fireplace overhaul. With a few tweaks to the design, the new look is bright and eye-catching and makes the hearth an important central feature in the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel and contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the exterior, while the gray shelves below provide a stark contrast. A few changes in color can also help the fireplace stand out from the wall, adding 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. Select a trim style that is in contrast with or matches your other trim elements for example, the thick casing around doors and windows, to tie the look together. If you prefer a more high-end, elegant look, use fluted trim to give the illusion of a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic farmhouse style.

Accent walls with wainscoting are a popular method to add the look of rooms. The same technique can also be used to frame a fireplace. Consider a paneled material like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard in place of plank boards to create a dramatic look.

Brick is another non-combustible option to use as the fireplace surround. It comes in different styles and colors. A traditional red brick fireplace is a traditional choice for cottage-style or Craft-Revival-style homes. A rustic-look brick can also be used to complement a traditional country decor.

When you incorporate brick into your fireplace design, it is important 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. Make sure your chosen material complies with all building codes to ensure security.

Open shelving can be an ideal way to store books and other objects. However, too many shelves can obstruct the look of a fireplace. The owners of this family room created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to elevate the design without overwhelming the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wooden beams are the perfect frame for a fireplace insert on the wall. They add a timeless look to any house. Reclaimed wood beams are reclaimed from old barns, stalls, and other structures that were demolished. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used in combination with wide plank ceiling panels for a completely rustic look or as accents to modern kitchens. They feature the usual barn wood markings like mortise and nail holes, and a natural aging process which increases their durability.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets to find reclaimed wood elements to repurpose as a mantel or accent wall. The earthy tone of pine used to accent the traditional living room surround and mantel evokes an intimate country retreat. The knotty imperfections in the wood accent the hand-crafted appearance and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which is a part of the fireplace's wall. A pair of nature-inspired sconces and a landscape painting above the mantel add to the rustic coziness of the room.

Repurposed wood beams can be an attractive feature to any room in your home. They can be stained to match your existing decor or carved to give an antique look. They can also be painted to give a more contemporary appearance or covered with faux finishes such as rust or marbled paint.

Wooden beams can be used as a focal point for any kind of fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel, even without any fire burning. They can also be used to highlight a mantel without a fire burning.

Regardless of which method of installation you decide to use be sure that your steel or wood beams are protected from the possible consequences of fire. Both types of materials are susceptible to becoming brittle and weakening in the face of extreme heat, but both can be strengthened by a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant sprays on I-beams made of steel. These products are available in a wide variety of 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 and is a perfect match for any decor, traditional or modern. The matte finish is perfect to create a polished and sleek look while adding contrast to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can also be used with a variety of texture choices for a more personalized look. Stone-look tiles are a popular choice that gives the space an old-fashioned, rustic feel. They also look great with natural materials like wood. Marble-look tile is a classic option that gives an elegant and luxurious appearance to the room. These tiles have an elegant and glossy surface that is a beautiful reflection of light and enhances the space.

The proper tile pattern can enhance 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 the appearance of a hand-crafted space, and balances the modern organic style fireplace with the overall design of the room.

If you're unsure about taking a risk with a pattern in your home The fireplace is a great spot to test a bold design. It can be intimidating for other areas. The geometric tile with its black grout provides this area with an elegant, yet fun feel. The hexagonal shapes work like cubes for a stimulating layout, and the dark brown color creates an inviting and warm aesthetic that complements the industrial decor in the room.

Tile that looks like brick or other common materials is another way to create an impact with your fireplace. This textured tile, made by LA Designer Affair, has the same look as brick, but has the added benefit of being much easier to clean and maintain.

If you're not ready commit to a full-scale remodel of your fireplace surround, consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to change the look without breaking the bank. A majority of these options are heat-resistant and therefore safe for the fireplace and able to adhere to the existing stone. This peel and stick herringbone tile is an excellent option to add style to any room. It also looks great with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

When a wall fireplace has an existing brick surround, the most effective way to downplay its appearance is by giving it fresh coats of paint. The mantel's paint color also adds warmth and personality to the space. A new color of paint could make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the overall color scheme of the room or choose something striking.

If your mantel is made of wood be sure to check it for cracks, gouges, and nicks. If the dents are small enough to be handled then fill them with wood putty and let it set for the appropriate amount of time. Before painting, sand the surface with 100-grit sandpaper in order to rough it up. To remove any debris or dirt clean the surfaces that have been sanded with a damp cloth.

While white is a popular choice for fireplaces wood and walls, the right shade can really make your fireplace stand electric firesuite (simply click the following article) out. To get ideas, take a look at the trims of wood on your bookcases, mouldings and walls. Does your mantel have the same shade as theirs or is it lighter or darker? If the latter, pick a color that coordinates well to keep the room looking well-balanced.

Protect the area around you by using sheets or a dropcloth before you begin painting. Remove the mantel, removing any decorative pieces or displays that are hanging over it. If your fireplace is brick, remove any ornaments or pictures that are located on or within the fireplace. Once the mantel is cleaned, you can use a damp cloth and wipe it clean to get rid of any soot or dust.

Apply a basecoat with the brush or roller to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish lasts and stain-resistant, which means that your mantel will stand up well to the heat of the fireplace, as well as other items that are placed on it. Allow the primer to dry in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations before moving on to the main part of your fireplace's wall.

While brick is an attractive feature of a fireplace's wall, it can be quite heavy and dark in hue. Painting the mantel an even or light color can make it appear brighter and more inviting for guests. If you opt for a light shade for your mantel, match it with a piece of art in earthy tones or a large mirror to balance out the appearance.