How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A wall fireplace can give your living room an eye-catching focal point. There are many models available so you need to pick one that meets your requirements.
Some of the most important features include the output of heat along with the appearance and controls. If you're not familiar with these features, it's recommended to consult a professional to assist you in choosing the right model.
Molded Squares
A dull stone fireplace and dull walls left this living space in need of a drastic fireplace makeover. With a few tweaks to the design, the new look is fresh and striking making the hearth an important focal point in the room. A whitewashed mantel for the fireplace and contemporary art above the fireplace stove modernizes the facade while the shelves that are gray below contrast. A few minor changes in color also help the facade stand apart from the wall, adding the beauty of this fireplace design.
Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces are paired to create a simple yet effective method of framing a fireplace surround made of tile. Choose a style of trim that contrasts with or matches your other trim elements for example, 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 of a mantel. For a more rustic farmhouse look, choose to use dentil trim instead.
Making an accent wall using wainscoting is an effective way to add character to any room. The same method can be used to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards you can try a paneled product like beadboard or tongue-andgroove cedar siding to create a striking appearance.
Another non-combustible material that you can create a fireplace surround is brick, which is available in many different styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace with red is a popular choice for Craft Revival-style or cottage-style homes. A rustic-looking brick can be used to enhance a traditional country style.
If you are planning to incorporate brick into your fireplace design be sure that your hearth measures 16 to 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 is safe and meets all codes of the local and national level.
Open shelves are a great way to store books and other things, but too many can overwhelm the look of a fireplace. The owners of this family room designed a wall to ceiling limestone cladding to improve the look of the room without overwhelming open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Reclaimed wood beams that have a rustic style are ideal for a fireplace wall. They add timeless beauty to any home. Reclaimed wood beams are reclaimed from barns, stalls and other buildings that have been removed. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used as a feature in modern kitchens, or with wide planks of paneling to create an authentic look. They have the typical barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes, as well as a natural aging process that increases their longevity.
Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets for reclaimed wood elements that can be used for a mantel or an accent wall. For instance the earthy color of pine that accentuates this traditional living room mantel and surround is reminiscent of a cozy rural retreat. Its knotty imperfections create a rustic appearance and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that is on the wall of the fireplace. A pair of sconces with a natural theme and a landscape painting above the mantel enhance the rustic ambiance of the space.
Repurposed wooden beams can provide an eye-catching statement to any room in your home. They can be stained to match your existing decor or carved to give an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a modern appearance, or covered with faux finishes like marbling paint or rust.
The wooden beams can be used as the central element of any fireplace. They can be used to highlight the mantel without the need for a fire. They can also be used to highlight the mantel without a flame burning.
Regardless of which method of installation you decide to use, make sure that your wood or steel beams are properly protected from the consequences of fire. Both materials can be fragile 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 tile can create a dramatic statement when used as a fireplace surround. Its shape instantly brightens up the space and is a perfect match for any decor, whether modern or traditional. Choosing matte finishes for the tiles is the best way to keep that neat and polished look, while also adding some contrast to make the fireplace stand out.
Hex tiles can be customised with a variety of textures for a more personalized appearance. Stone-look tiles are a very popular option that give the room a rustic, classic feel. They also look great with natural materials like wood. marble fireplace-look tile is a timeless option that provides an elegant and luxurious appearance to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles sparkles beautifully, reflecting light and brightening the room.
The proper tile pattern can improve the overall 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 of the tile gives the entire room a the look of a hand-crafted piece that balances the organic modern style of the fireplace and the contemporary style of the room.
If you're unsure about taking a risk with pattern in your home, a fireplace can be the perfect place to test out a bold design that could be intimidating in other areas of your home. This geometric tile (here's an alternative) with its black grout lines give this space a sophisticated yet lively energy. The hexagonal shapes work as cubes to create an exciting layout, while the deep brown hue creates an inviting and warm aesthetic that works with the industrial style of this space.
Tiles that look like brick or other common materials is another way to create an impact on your fireplace. This textured tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look as brick but is much easier to clean and maintain.
Consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to modernize your fireplace surround without breaking the bank. A majority of these options are resistant to heat which means they are safe for Fireplaces Electric 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 coordinates beautifully with traditional furniture.
Paint the Mantel
When a wall fireplace has a brick surround, the best method to minimize its appearance is to give it fresh coats of paint. Paint the mantel in a different color can also add warmth and character to the space. A new paint color can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the scheme of color in the room or choose something striking.
If the mantel is made of wood take a look at it to find cracks, gouges, and nicks. If the dents aren't large enough to be able to handle, fill them with wood putty, and let it 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 remove any remaining dirt or debris.
White is a popular color for walls and electric fireplaces. But the right shade can make your fireplace stand out. For inspiration, look at the wood trims on your bookcases, mouldings, and walls. Does your mantel have the same shade as theirs or is it darker or lighter? If you choose the latter, choose one that blends well with the other colors in the room to ensure it looks balanced.
Cover the area around you by using sheets or a dropcloth before you begin painting. Clean the mantel and remove any decorations or showpieces that may be hung above it. Remove any ornaments or photos that are on or around the fireplace made of brick. Once the mantel has been cleaned, take a damp cloth and wipe it down to remove any soot or dust.
Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel using a brush or roller. The semi-gloss paint is long-lasting and stain resistant, so your mantel can stand up to the heat of the fireplace as well as any other items that are placed on it. Let the primer dry in accordance with the guidelines of the manufacturer before moving on to the main body of your fireplace wall.
While brick is a striking feature of a fireplace wall fires, it can be heavy and dark in shade. Painting the mantel in a neutral or light shade can make it appear brighter and more welcoming to guests. If you opt for a light shade for your mantel, match it with a piece of artwork in earthy tones, or a large mirror to balance out the appearance.