How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A wall fireplace can give your living room an element of interest that demands attention. There are a variety of designs available but it is essential to choose one that meets your needs.
The heat output, the controls, and the appearance are just a few of the important features. If you're not aware of these elements, it's best to hire an expert to help pick the right model.
Molded Squares
The living room required an overhaul to the fireplace due to its old-fashioned stone surround and bland walls. With a few tweaks to the design the new look is vibrant and eye-catching and makes the hearth an important central feature in the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel and contemporary art above the fireplace modernize the appearance of the façade and the shelves in gray below provide a stark contrast. A few minor changes in color also help the facade stand out from the wall, enhancing the beauty of this fireplace design.
Base cap molding and thin trim pieces combine to create a simple yet effective, method to frame your fireplace surround. To tie the look together, choose a trim style to match or contrast with your other trim elements like thick casing around windows and doors. If you're looking for an elegant, high-end style, choose a fluted trim to give the illusion that there is a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic farmhouse-style.
Accent walls with wainscoting are a common method of adding personality to a room. The same technique can also be used to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards instead, consider a paneled material like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard to create a striking look.
Another non-combustible material that you can use to build an enclosure for your fireplace is brick, which is available 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 option that could be a good fit with more traditional country style.
If you are incorporating brick into your fireplace design, you'll want to be sure your hearth is 16 to 18 inches from the opening of the firebox and that your surround is 8-12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the material you choose complies with all national and local construction codes for security.
Open shelving is an ideal way to store books and other things. However the presence of too many shelves can obstruct the appearance of the fireplace. The homeowners of this family room created a wall to ceiling limestone cladding in order to enhance the look without overwhelming the open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Reclaimed wood beams that have a rustic style make a great fireplace wall. They are timeless and beautiful to any house. Reclaimed wood beams originate from barns, stables and other demolished structures. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can also be used as a decorative element in modern kitchens or wide planks of paneling to create an authentic look. They have the typical barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes and a natural aging process that improves their longevity.
Scour architectural salvage yards and flea markets to find reclaimed wood elements to repurpose for a mantel or an accent wall. The earthy tone of pine used to create this traditional living room's surround and mantel creates a cozy country retreat. The knotty imperfections of the wood emphasize the hand-crafted appearance and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that borders the fireplace wall. The rustic warmth of the space is enhanced by a pair of nature-inspired wall sconces, as well as a landscape image above the mantel.
Repurposed wooden beams will add a unique touch to any room. They can be stained to match your current decor or carved to give an antique look. They can be painted to give them a more modern look, or covered with faux finishes such as rust or marbling paint.
The wooden beams are able to serve as the focal element of any fireplace. They can be set above a freestanding gas, ventless or electric fireplace (My Page), or they can be incorporated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can be used to accent a mantel without a fire burning.
Regardless of which method of installation you choose be sure that your wood or steel beams are adequately protected from the possible effects of fire. Both types of materials can be brittle and weaken in the face of extreme heat, however both can be strengthened by a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant that is sprayed on steel I-beams. These products can be found at most home improvement shops.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tiles can be used to create a striking effect as an accent for fireplaces. Its shape instantly enhances the space and is a perfect match for any decor style 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 contrast that makes the fireplace sparkle.
Hex tiles can also be used with various textures for a more customized appearance. Stone-look tiles are a very popular option that gives the space an authentic, classic look. They also pair beautifully with natural materials like wood. marble fireplace-look tile is another classic option that gives an elegant and luxurious aesthetic to the space. These tiles have an elegant and glossy surface that reflect light beautifully and enhances the space.
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 gives the whole space an artistic look that balances the modern organic style of the fireplace, and the overall contemporary design of the room.
If you're not sure about making a design risk in your home the fireplace is a great spot to test the bold style. It might be a bit intimidating for other rooms. This geometric tile (here's another option) with its black grout lines give this room a sophisticated and lively energy. The hexagonal shapes are shaped like cubes to create a stimulating layout. The deep brown hue gives this space a warm, inviting aesthetic that is perfect for industrial decor.
Another option to make an impact with your fireplace is to use tile that resembles the appearance of brick or a similar material. 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.
Consider using a peel-and stick tile to update your fireplace surround without costing you a dime. These tiles are heat-resistant and therefore suitable for fireplaces and able adhere to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is an excellent option that will bring an elegant feel to any living space, and will look great with traditional furnishings.
Paint the Mantel
When a wall fireplace has a brick surround, the best method to minimize its appearance is with fresh coats of paint. The mantel's paint color can also add warmth and personality 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 bold.
If your mantel is made of wood, inspect it first for cracks, gouges, and nicks. Fill in the dents with wood putty if they are small enough. Allow it to dry for the period recommended. Before painting, sand the surface with 100-grit sandpaper to rough it up. To remove any dirt or debris clean the surfaces that have been sanded with a damp cloth.
White is a popular color for fireplaces and walls. However the right shade can make your fireplace stand out. For inspiration, take a look at the trims of wood on your bookcases, moldings, and walls. Does your mantel have the same shade as theirs or is it darker or lighter? If you decide to go with the latter, choose the color that works well with the other hues in the room to keep it looking balanced.
Make sure you cover the area around you by using sheets or a dropcloth prior to when you begin painting. Remove any decorations or showpieces that might have been placed over the mantel. Remove any ornaments or pictures placed around or on the brick fireplace. Once the mantel has been cleared then wipe it clean with a a damp cloth to clean off any soot or dust that has accumulated.
Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel using either a roller or brush. The semi-gloss paint is long-lasting and stain-resistant, so your mantel will be able to be able to withstand the heat of your fireplace as well as any other objects that are placed on it. Allow the primer to completely dry, according to the instructions of the manufacturer, before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.
While brick is an attractive feature of a fireplace wall, it can be heavy and wall fires (www.git.domt.app) dark in shade. Paint the mantel in the light or neutral color to make it appear brighter and more inviting. If you decide to choose the lighter hue, think about pairing it with a earthy-toned artwork or a large mirror above it to balance the appearance.