How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A wall fireplace can give your living room a focal point that demands attention. There are many models available and you must pick one that suits your needs.
The output of heat, the controls, and the appearance are just a few of the important features. If you're unfamiliar with these features, it's best to seek out an expert to assist you in choosing the best model.
Molded Squares
The living room in this house needed an impressive fireplace overhaul due to its old-fashioned 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 mantel and contemporary artwork above modernize the facade of the fireplace while contrasted with the gray shelves below. The fireplace's exterior is enhanced by a few changes in color.
Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces create a simple, yet effective way to frame a fireplace surround made of tile. Select a trim style that contrasts with or complements the other trim elements, such as the thick casing around doors and windows, to create a cohesive look. If you want a more high-end, elegant style, you can use fluted trim to create the illusion that there is a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse look.
The idea of creating an accent wall using wainscoting is a popular method to add character to any room. The same technique can be used to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled product like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard instead plank boards to create a dramatic look.
Brick is another non-combustible option to use as the fireplace surround. It comes in a variety of styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace in red is a classic option for cottage-style or Craft Revival style homes. A rustic-looking brick could be used to add a rustic touch to a traditional decor.
If you're planning to incorporate brick into your fireplace design ensure that your hearth is 16 to 18 inches from the opening of the firebox, and your surround is between 8 and 12 inches wide in all directions. Make sure the brick you select is safe and complies with all national and local codes.
Open shelving can be an ideal way to store books and other objects. However, too many shelves can ruin the appearance of a fireplace. For this family room homeowners built a wall-to ceiling limestone cladding that enhances the design of the new fireplace, without obscuring the open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Rustic reclaimed wooden beams are the perfect frame for a wall fireplace. They add a timeless beauty to any house. Reclaimed wood beams are reclaimed from barns, stalls, and other structures that were destroyed. Each beam has its own unique story. Reclaimed wood can be used as an accent in modern kitchens or with wide planks of paneling to create a rustic look. They have the typical markings of barn wood, such as mortise and nail holes as well as a natural patina that enhances their durability.
Look through salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea market for reclaimed wooden elements to repurpose into a mantel. For instance, the earthy shade of pine that highlights this traditional living room mantel and surround is reminiscent of an idyllic rural setting. The knotty imperfections create a rustic appearance and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting on the fireplace wall. A pair of sconces inspired by nature and a landscape painting over the mantel add to the rustic ambiance of this space.
Repurposed wooden beams will give a unique appearance to any room. They can be stained to match your existing design or carved to create an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a more modern look, or covered with faux finishes such as rust or marbling paint.
Wooden beams can serve as a focal point for any kind of fireplace. They can be set above a freestanding fireplace gas, ventless or electric fireplace, or be integrated into a stone or brick fireplace. They can be used to enhance the mantel without burning fire.
Whatever method of installation you decide to use ensure that your wood or steel beams are adequately protected from the possible consequences of fire. Both types of material can be brittle and weaken in the face of extreme heat, but both are able to be strengthened with a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant that is sprayed on steel I-beams. These products are sold at most stores for home improvement.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tiles can be used to create a striking effect as a surround for a fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens up the room and complements any decor, whether modern or Fireplace Stove traditional. 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 different textures to create a more individual look. Stone-look tiles are a favorite that give the room an old-fashioned, rustic feel. They also look great with natural materials, such as wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tiles that provides a luxurious and elegant aesthetic to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting sunlight and brightening the space.
The proper tile pattern can improve the entire design of the 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 pattern on the tile gives the whole space an artistic look that balances the organic modern style of the fireplace with the overall contemporary design of the room.
If you are unsure of taking a pattern risk in your home the fireplace is the perfect place to test the bold style. It can be a bit intimidating for other rooms. This geometric tile with its black grout provides this area with an elegant, yet fun feel. The hexagonal shapes are arranged as cubes to create an exciting layout, while the deep brown color creates a warm and inviting aesthetic that is a perfect match for the industrial style of this room.
Tiles that look like brick or other familiar materials is another way to make an impact with your fireplace. This pattern-based tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance as brick but is much easier to clean and maintain.
Consider using a peel-and stick tile to upgrade your fireplace surround without spending a fortune. A lot of these options are resistant to heat which means they are safe for fireplaces and able to be affixed to the existing surface. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a fantastic option to add elegance to any room. It also looks great with traditional furniture.
Paint the Mantel
If a fireplace in a wall has an existing brick surround, the best way to disguise its appearance is to give it a fresh coat of paint. The mantel's paint hue also adds warmth and personality to the space. Whether you choose to match it with the color scheme of your room or opt for something more striking or bold, a new color will make your fireplace stand out as a showpiece.
If your mantel is made of wood, first inspect it for cracks, nicks and gouges. Fill in the dents with 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 in order to rough it up. Wipe the surface that has been sanded with a damp cloth in order to take off any remaining dirt or debris.
While white is a popular option for walls and fireplaces, the right shade can really make your fireplace stand out. To get ideas, examine the trims of wood on your bookcases, mouldings, and walls. Do they have the same hue as your mantel, or is it a darker or lighter hue? If you decide to go with the latter, choose one that blends well with the other colors in the room to keep it looking balanced.
Before you begin painting, protect the surrounding area with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove any decorative items or showpieces that were hung above the mantel. If your fireplace is brick, get rid of any ornaments or pictures that are located on or around it. After the mantel has been cleaned, you can use a damp cloth and wipe it clean to remove any soot or dust.
Apply a basecoat with the brush or roller to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish lasts and stain-resistant, so your mantel will stand up well to the heat generated by the fireplace and any other objects placed on it. Let the primer completely dry, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, before you begin painting the main wall of the fireplace.
The brick can be heavy in weight and color. The mantel painted with an even or light color can make it look brighter and more inviting to guests. If you decide to choose a light hue, think about pairing it with an earthy-toned artwork or a mirror that is large above it to balance the look.