This Is The Advanced Guide To Wall Fireplace

How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can provide your living space with an attractive focal feature. There are a variety of models available and you must pick one that meets your requirements.

Some of the most important features include the output of heat, the appearance and the controls. If you're not aware of these features, it's best to seek out an expert to help you choose the right model.

Molded Squares

A stale stone fireplace surround and dull walls left this living space in need of a major fireplace revamp. With a few tweaks to the design the new look is bright and striking and makes the hearth an important central feature in the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel as well as contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the facade and the shelves in gray below provide a stark contrast. The fireplace's facade is accentuated by a few color variations.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces combine to create a simple, yet effective, way to frame your fireplace surround. Select a trim style that contrasts with or matches the 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, premium style, think about using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse style.

Making an accent wall using wainscoting is a popular way to add character to any room. The same method can be used to frame a fireplace. Try a paneled option like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard in place of plank boards to create a dramatic effect.

Brick is a different non-combustible option for a fireplace surround. It is available in a variety of styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace with red is a classic option for Craft Revival-style or cottage-style homes. A rustic-looking brick can be used to complement a traditional country decor.

If you are incorporating brick into a fireplace design, you'll need to be sure your hearth is 16 to 18 inches from the firebox opening and that your surround reaches 8-12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you choose is safe and conforms to all codes of the local and national level.

Open shelving is a great option to store books and other things, but too many can overwhelm the look of a fireplace. In this family room, the homeowners created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding that enhances the appearance of the fireplace, without obscuring the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look make a great fireplace wall. They bring timeless elegance to any house. Reclaimed wood beams are reclaimed from old barns, stalls, and other buildings that have been demolished. Each beam carries with it its own unique history. Reclaimed wood can also be used as an accent in modern kitchens or wide planks of paneling to create an authentic appearance. They feature the typical marks of barn wood fireplaces, like nail holes and mortise pockets as well as natural patinas that increase their durability.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage as well as flea markets for reclaimed wood elements that can be used for a mantel or an accent wall. The natural tone of pine used as a backdrop for this traditional living room's mantel and surround evokes a cozy country retreat. Its knotty imperfections emphasize the hand-crafted look and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which surrounds the fireplace's wall. The rustic warmth of this room is enhanced by a pair of natural-inspired wall Fires sconces and a landscape image above the mantel.

Repurposed wooden beams can bring a unique look to any room. They can be left as is or stained to match your current decor, or they can be distressed and carved to give them an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a more modern look or covered with faux finishes like marbling paint or rust.

Wooden beams can be used as a focal point for any kind of fireplace. They can be placed above a freestanding gas or ventless or electric fire fireplace or incorporated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can be used to enhance the mantel without burning fire.

Whichever method you choose to install your beams, make sure that they are protected adequately from the effects of fire. Both materials can become brittle in extreme heat. However they can be strengthened with a layer of fire-resistant drywall. These products can be found in most home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a striking effect as surrounds for fireplaces. Its shape instantly enhances the space while complementing any decor style, from traditional to modern. Choosing an elegant matte finish for the tiles is ideal to keep that neat and polished look, while adding some contrast to make the fireplace sparkle.

Hex tiles can also be used with a variety of texture choices to create a more individual look. Stone-look tiles are a very popular option that gives the room an authentic, classic look. They also look great with natural materials such as wood. marble fireplaces-look tile is a classic option that gives an elegant and luxurious look to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles sparkles beautifully, reflecting light and brightening the space.

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 with the overall modern design of the room.

If you're not sure about taking a risk on a patterns in your home, a fireplace is an ideal place to test out a bold style that could be intimidating in other parts of your home. This geometric tile (here's an alternative) with its black grout lines gives the room a sophisticated but fun energy. The hexagonal shapes fit together like cubes to create a fascinating layout, and the dark brown color creates an inviting and warm look that is a perfect match for the industrial décor in the room.

Tile that looks 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 hesitant to take on a complete remodel of your fireplace's surround, consider applying a peel and stick tile to update the look without costing you a fortune. Many of these options are heat-resistant which means they are safe for fireplaces and able to adhere to the existing stone. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a great option for adding the look of a room. It also looks great with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

When a wall fireplace has a brick surround, the best way to disguise its appearance is by giving it a fresh coat of paint. Paint the mantel in a different color also adds warmth and character to the room. Whether you choose to match it with the room's color scheme or go for something bold, a new paint color makes your fireplace stand out as a showstopper.

If your mantel is wood, inspect it first for cracks, gouges, and nicks. Fill in the dents with wood putty if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the time recommended. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it up prior to painting. To remove any debris or dirt clean the surfaces you have sanded with a damp cloth.

While white is a popular option for cheap fireplaces and walls The right shade can really help your mantel stand out. Take a look at the wood trims, moldings, and bookcases around your home for inspiration. Does your mantel match in color as theirs or is it darker or lighter? If you decide to go with the latter option, pick one that blends well with the other shades in the room to ensure it looks balanced.

Before you start painting, cover the surrounding area with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove any decorations or showpieces that were hung above the mantel. If your fireplace is brick, remove any ornaments or pictures that are placed on or within it. When the mantel is clean, wipe it down with an damp cloth to wash off any soot or dust that has built up.

Apply a basecoat using brushes or rollers to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish is durable and stain-resistant, ensuring that your mantel is able to stand up well to the heat generated by the fireplace, as well as other items placed on it. Let the primer completely dry, in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer, before you begin painting the main wall of the fireplace.

While the brick is a striking feature of a fireplace's wall, it can be quite heavy and dark in color. The mantel painted with a light or neutral color can make it look brighter and more inviting for guests. If you choose to paint it the lighter hue, think about pairing it with an earthy-toned artwork or a large mirror above it to create a balanced look.