How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A fireplace on the wall can create your living room a focal point that demands attention. There are many models available, so you should choose one that suits your needs.
The output of heat, the controls, and the design are some of the most important features. If you're unfamiliar with these features, modern Fireplace it's best to hire an expert to help you select the right model.
Molded Squares
A dull stone fireplace surround and bland walls left this living space in need of a major fireplace overhaul. The new look is bright, eye-catching and makes this hearth the main focal point of the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel as well as contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the appearance of the façade, while the gray shelves below are a contrast. The fireplace facade is enhanced by a few color changes.
Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces are combined to make a simple but efficient way to frame a tile fireplace surround. To tie the look together, choose a trim style to contrast with or complement your other trim elements like thick casing around windows and doors. If you prefer an elegant, high-end style, you can use fluted trim to create the illusion of a mantel. If you want a more rustic farmhouse style, opt for dentil trim instead.
Making an accent wall using wainscoting is a popular way to add character any room. The same method can be used to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards, you can try using a paneled material such as tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard to create a striking look.
Brick is a different non-combustible option for the fireplace surround. It 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 alternative that is able to blend with a more traditional, country decor.
If you are incorporating brick into your fireplace design, you'll need to ensure that your hearth extends 16-18 inches from the opening for the fireplace and that the surround extends 8-12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the material you select is safe and meets all codes of the local and national level.
Open shelving can be a great way of storing books and other things. However the presence of too many shelves can obstruct the appearance of the fireplace. In this family room, the homeowners designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the appearance of the fireplace, without obscuring the open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic appearance make a great fireplace wall fires. They add a timeless beauty to any house. Reclaimed wood beams are reclaimed from old barns, stalls, and other structures that were demolished. Each beam has its own unique story. Reclaimed wood can be used in conjunction with wide plank ceiling paneling to create a rustic look or as an accent to modern kitchens. They have the typical marks of barn wood, like nail holes and mortise pockets and natural patina that increases their durability.
Scour architectural salvage yards and flea markets for reclaimed wooden elements that can be used as a mantel or accent wall. For example, the earthy shade of pine that accentuates this traditional living room mantel and surround creates the feeling of a rustic, cozy retreat. Its knotty imperfections emphasize the hand-crafted appearance and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that surrounds the fireplace wall. The rustic warmth of this room is enhanced by a pair inspired by nature wall sconces and a landscape image above the mantel.
Repurposed wooden beams can make an eye-catching statement to any room in your home. They can be left as is or stained to complement your existing decor, or they can be carved and distressed for an antique look. They can be painted to give them a modern appearance, or covered with faux finishes such as marbling paint or rust.
The wooden beams can serve as the focal feature of any fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel without any fire burning. They can be used to accent the mantel without a flame burning.
Whichever method you choose to install your beams, be sure they are adequately protected against the effects of fire. Both types of materials are susceptible to becoming brittle and weakening in the face of extreme heat, but both can be strengthened by a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant sprays on I-beams made of steel. 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 the space and is a perfect match for any style of decor from modern to traditional. The matte finish is perfect for a polished and clean appearance while adding a splash of contrast to make the fireplace stand out.
Hex tiles can be customized by a variety of textures to create a more personalized appearance. Stone-look tiles are a very popular option that give the room an authentic, classic look. They also look great with natural materials, such as wood. Marble-look tiles are another classic option that gives an elegant and luxurious appearance to the space. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles sparkles beautifully, reflecting light and brightening up the room.
The perfect tile pattern can enhance 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 whole space a handcrafted appeal that balances the organic modern style of the fireplace, and the overall modern design of the room.
If you're unsure about making a design risk in your home, the fireplace is the perfect place to experiment with the bold style. It can be intimidating for other areas. This geometric tile with its black grout gives the room an elegant, yet fun feel. The hexagonal shapes fit like cubes to create an exciting layout. The deep brown color creates an inviting and warm aesthetic that complements the industrial style.
Another method of making a statement with your fireplace is to choose tiles that look like the appearance of brick or another familiar material. This texture tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance to traditional brick, but is much simpler to clean and maintain.
If you're hesitant to commit to a full-scale remodel of your fireplace surround, consider applying a peel and stick tile to change the appearance without spending a fortune. A lot of these options are heat resistant, making them suitable for use in the fireplace and able to be affixed to the existing wall. This herringbone peel and stick tile is an excellent alternative that will add a sense of elegance to any living space while also blending beautifully with traditional furniture.
Paint the Mantel
A fresh coat of paint is the ideal method to hide the brick surround on an unwall-mounted fireplace. The mantel's paint hue also adds warmth and character to the room. If you decide to match it to the decor's color scheme or opt for something striking or bold, a new color can make your fireplace stand out as a stunning feature.
If your mantel is wood take a look at it to find gouges, cracks and scratches. Fill in the dents with wood putty if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the amount of time recommended. Before painting, sand the surface with 100-grit sandpaper to roughen it up. Wipe down the sanded surface with a damp cloth to take off any remaining dirt or dust.
White is a favorite color for fireplaces electric and walls. But the right shade can make your mantel really stand out. Check out the other trims, moldings, and bookcases in your home to get ideas. Do they have the same hue as your mantel? Or is it a lighter or a darker shade? If you decide to go with the latter, choose one that blends well with the other shades in the room to ensure it looks balanced.
Protect the area around you by using sheets or a dropcloth prior to when you begin painting. Clear off the mantel, taking out any decorations or showpieces that may be hung above it. Remove any ornaments or photos that are around or on your brick fireplace. Once the mantel has been cleaned, take a damp cloth and wipe it clean to get rid of any dust or soot.
Apply a basecoat using a roller or brush to your mantel. The semi-gloss paint lasts and stain-resistant, Fireplace inserts which means your mantel will be able to withstand the heat of your fireplace as well as any other items that are placed on it. Allow the primer to completely dry, as per the instructions of the manufacturer, before you begin painting the main wall of the fireplace.
While the brick is a striking feature of a fireplace's wall, it can be a bit heavy and dark in hue. The mantel painted with in a neutral or light shade can make it look brighter and more inviting to guests. If you decide to choose a light shade for your mantel, pair it with a piece art with earthy tones or a large mirror to balance out the look.