How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A fireplace in the wall will give your living room an eye-catching focal point. There are numerous models to choose from and you must pick one that meets your requirements.
The output of heat, the controls, and the design are some of the most important features. If you're unfamiliar with these features, it's recommended to hire an expert to help you select the best model.
Molded Squares
The living room required an impressive fireplace overhaul due to its outdated stone surround and dull walls. The new look is bright, appealing and makes the hearth the main focal point of the room. A whitewashed mantel and contemporary artwork above the fireplace's facade modernize it while contrasted with the gray shelves below. The fireplace facade is enhanced by a few color Electric fire variations.
Base cap molding and thin trim pieces combine to create a simple, yet effective, way to frame the fireplace surround. Choose a trim style that contrasts with or matches your 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, luxurious look, consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of an actual mantel. For a more rustic farmhouse look, opt for dentil trim instead.
Accent walls with wainscoting are an extremely popular way to add personality to rooms. The same technique can be used to frame a fireplace. Instead of using plank boards instead, consider a paneled material like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard to create a dramatic look.
Another non-combustible material that you can build a fireplace surround 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. A rustic-looking brick could be used to complement a traditional country decor.
When you incorporate brick in a fireplace design, it is important to ensure that your hearth extends 16-18 inches from the opening for the fireplace and that your surround reaches 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you select is safe and conforms to all codes of the local and national level.
Open shelving is an ideal way to store books and other things. However, too many shelves can ruin the appearance of a fireplace. The homeowners of this family room designed the wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding in order to enhance the look without overwhelming open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Reclaimed wood beams that have a rustic style are perfect for a fireplace wall. They add a timeless beauty to any home. Reclaimed fireplaces wood beams originate from old barns, stables and other demolished buildings. Each beam carries with it its own story. Reclaimed wood can also be used as a feature in modern kitchens or with wide planks to give an authentic appearance. They are characterized by barn wood markings like mortise and nail holes, plus a natural aging which increases their longevity.
Scour architectural salvage yards and flea markets for reclaimed wooden elements to repurpose as a mantel or accent wall. For example, the earthy shade of pine that highlights the traditional living room mantel and surround is reminiscent of a cozy rural retreat. Its knotty imperfections emphasize the hand-crafted appearance and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that is a part of the fireplace wall. A pair of sconces inspired by nature and a painting of a landscape above the mantel enhance the rustic ambiance of the room.
Repurposed wooden beams can make an attractive accent to any room in your home. They can be stained to match your current design or carved to create an antique appearance. They can also be painted to give a more contemporary appearance, or they can be covered with faux finishes like marbled or rust paint.
The wooden beams can be used as the focal element of any fireplace. They can be positioned above a freestanding gas or ventless or electric fireplace or incorporated into a stone or brick fireplace. They can be used to illuminate the mantel without burning fire.
Whatever method you choose to install your beams, ensure that they are adequately protected from the effects of fire. Both materials can become fragile in extreme heat. However, they can be strengthened with a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products can be found at a variety of home improvement stores.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tile can make a dramatic statement when used as a fireplace surround. Its design instantly brightens the room and complements any decor, whether traditional or modern. The matte finish is perfect for a polished and clean appearance, while also adding a pop of contrast to make the fireplace pop.
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 look great with natural materials, such as wood. marble fireplace-look tiles are another timeless option that provides an elegant and luxurious look to the space. These tiles have an elegant and glossy surface that is a beautiful reflection of light and enhances 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 of the tile provides the appearance of a hand-crafted space, while balancing the contemporary natural style fireplace with the overall style of the room.
If you're not sure about taking a risk on a design in your home, a fireplace is an ideal place to test out a bold pattern that might be intimidating in other parts of the house. The geometric tile with its black grout gives the room an elegant, yet fun feel. The hexagonal shapes fit together like cubes to create a fascinating layout, while the deep brown color provides a warm and inviting aesthetic that is a perfect match for the industrial style of this room.
Another way to make an impact with your fireplace is to choose tiles that look like the appearance of brick or another familiar material. This textured tile, made by LA Designer Affair, has an identical look to traditional brick but with the added benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.
Consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to modernize your fireplace's surround without breaking the bank. A lot of these options are heat-resistant, making them safe for fireplaces fireplaces and able to stick to the existing surface. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great option that will bring an elegant feel to any living space, and will look great with traditional furnishings.
Paint the Mantel
A fresh coat of paint is the ideal way to hide the brick surround of a wall-mounted fireplace. Paint the mantel in a different hue also adds warmth and character to the room. A new color of paint could make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the scheme of color in the room or choose something striking.
If your mantel is constructed of wood, you should first examine it for cracks, nicks, and gouges. If the dents aren't large enough to be handled then 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. To get rid of any debris or dirt wipe the sanded surfaces with a damp cloth.
White is a popular shade for walls and fireplaces shop. But, the right shade will make your fireplace stand out. Look at the other wood trim, moldings and bookcases in your home to get inspiration. Does your mantel have the same shade as theirs or is it darker or lighter? If the latter, choose a color that coordinates well to keep the look well-balanced.
Protect the area around you with sheets or a dropcloth before you begin painting. Remove any decorations or showpieces that might have been placed over the mantel. Remove any ornaments or pictures that are around or on the fireplace insert made of brick. Once the mantel has been cleared, wipe it down with an damp cloth to wash off any soot or dust that has built up.
Apply a basecoat with the brush or roller to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish is long-lasting and stain-resistant, which means that your mantel will stand up well to the heat generated by the fireplace as well as any other items that are placed on it. Allow the primer to dry in accordance with the guidelines of the manufacturer before moving onto the main part of your fireplace's wall.
While the brick is a beautiful feature of a fireplace wall, it can be heavy and dark in shade. Paint the mantel with an even or light color can make it appear brighter and more welcoming to guests. If you decide to choose the lighter hue, think about pairing it with a earthy-toned piece of art or a mirror that is large above it to balance the look.