How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A wall fireplace can make your living space an attractive focal area. There are many different models available however, it is essential to choose one that will meet your requirements.
The output of heat, the controls, and the appearance are just a few of the important features. If you aren't familiar with these aspects, it is best to hire a professional to help you choose the right model.
Molded Squares
The living room required a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its stale stone surround and boring walls. With a few tweaks to the design, the new look is bright and eye-catching making this hearth a central feature in the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel as well as contemporary art above the fireplace modernizes the facade and the shelves in gray below contrast. A few changes in color also help the facade stand out from the wall, adding the appeal of this fireplace design.
Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces are paired to make a simple but effective method of framing the fireplace with a tile surround. To connect the look pick a trim style to contrast or match your other trim elements such as thick casing around windows and doors. If you're looking to create an elegant, premium look, consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of a mantel. If you want a more rustic farmhouse look, you can opt for dentil trim instead.
Accent walls with wainscoting are a popular method to add character to the interior of a room. The same technique can be employed to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards, however, try using a paneled material such as beadboard or tongue-andgroove cedar siding to create a striking look.
Another non-combustible material that you can build an enclosure for your fireplace is brick, which is available in many different styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace with red accents is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. Rustic-look brick is also an option that can fit in with a more traditional, country style.
If you want to incorporate brick into the design of your fireplace insert be sure that your hearth is 16-18 inches from the opening of the firebox, and the surround is 8 to 12 inches wide in all directions. Make sure the material you choose complies with all construction codes for security.
Open shelving is a great option to organize books and other items however, too many shelves can take over the appearance of a fireplace. The homeowners of this family room created the wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding in order to elevate the design without overwhelming open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look are ideal for a fireplace wall. They add timeless beauty to any house. Reclaimed wood beams are reclaimed from old barns, stalls, and other buildings that have been removed. Each beam has its own distinct story. Reclaimed wood can be used in conjunction with wide plank ceiling paneling to create a rustic look or as accents to modern kitchens. They have the typical marks of barn wood, such as nail holes and mortise pockets, plus a natural patina that enhances their durability.
Scour architectural salvage yards and flea markets to find reclaimed wood elements to use as a mantel or accent wall. The natural tone of pine used to create the traditional living room surround and mantel creates a cozy country retreat. The knotty imperfections of the wood emphasize a hand-hewn look and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which borders the fireplace's wall. A pair of sconces inspired by nature and a landscape-themed painting over the mantel add to the rustic ambiance of the room.
Repurposed wooden beams will add a unique touch to any room. They can be stained to match your current decor or carved for an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a modern look, or covered with faux finishes such as marbling paint or rust.
Wooden beams can be used as a focal point in any kind of fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel without a fire burning. They can also be used to highlight a mantel without a fire burning.
Whatever method of installation you decide to use, make sure that your wood or steel beams are protected from the potential effects of fire. Both materials can be brittle in extreme heat. However they can be strengthened by a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products are available at most home improvement shops.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tile can make an impressive statement when used as a fireplace surround. Its shape instantly brightens up the space while blending with any decor choice, from traditional to modern. Choosing an elegant matte finish for the tiles is a great way to maintain that clean and polished look, while adding some color to make the fireplace sparkle.
Hex tiles also work well with a variety of texture choices for a more personalized look. Stone-look tiles are a favorite that give the room an authentic, classic look. They also go well with natural materials like wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tile that provides a luxurious and elegant aesthetic to the space. These tiles have a glossy and smooth finish that reflects light beautifully and stone fireplaces brightens the room.
The proper tile pattern can improve the entire look 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 patterned tile adds the appearance of a hand-crafted space, while balancing the contemporary natural style fireplace with the overall design of the room.
If you're not sure about taking a risk with pattern in your home, a fireplace can be the perfect place to test out a bold pattern which could be a bit intimidating in other areas of your home. This geometric tile (here's another option) with its black grout lines gives the room a sophisticated but playful 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 complements the industrial style of the room.
Tiles that resemble brick or other familiar materials is another way to create an impact on your fireplace. This textured tile, made by LA Designer Affair, has an identical look to brick, but has the added benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.
If you're not ready to take on a complete remodel of your fireplace's surround, think about using a peel and stick tile to update the appearance without costing you a fortune. These tiles are resistant to heat which makes them suitable for cheap fireplaces as well as able to stick to existing surfaces. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a fantastic option to add the look of a room. It also works beautifully with traditional furniture.
Paint the Mantel
When a wall fireplace has an existing brick surround, the most effective way to disguise its appearance is with a fresh coat of paint. The mantel's paint hue also adds warmth and personality to the space. It doesn't matter if you choose to match it with the color scheme of your room or opt for something striking, a new paint 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. If the dents aren't large enough to handle Fill them in with wood putty and allow it to set for the recommended amount of time. Before painting paint, sand the surface using 100-grit sandpaper to rough it up. Wipe down the sanded surface using a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or debris.
White is a favorite color for fireplaces Electric (wiki.cockos.com) and walls. But, the right shade will make your mantel really stand out. For ideas, take a 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 you choose the latter, choose one that blends well with the other hues in the room to ensure it looks balanced.
Before you begin painting, protect the area around you with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove any decorative items or showpieces that may have been hung over 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 down to remove any soot or dust.
Apply a basecoat with a roller or brush to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish is durable and stain-resistant, so your mantel will hold up well to the heat of the fireplace and any other items that are placed on it. Let the primer dry, according to the instructions of the manufacturer, before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.
The brick can be heavy in weight and color. Paint the mantel with a light color or neutral to make it appear brighter and more inviting. If you decide to choose a light color, consider pairing it with an earthy-toned artwork or a large mirror over it to balance the appearance.