Five Killer Quora Answers On Wall Fireplace

How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can give your living room an attractive focal point that requires attention. There are many different models on the market however, it is essential to choose one that is suitable for your needs.

The heat output, the controls, and the design are among the most important features. If you're not familiar with these features, it's recommended to consult a professional to help you select the best model.

Molded Squares

The living room in this house needed an impressive fireplace overhaul due to its outdated stone surround and boring walls. The new style is vibrant, attractive and makes this hearth the main focal point of the room. A whitewashed mantel for the fireplace and contemporary art above the fireplace modernizes the facade and the shelves in gray below contrast. The fireplace's exterior is enhanced by a few color variations.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces combine to create a simple yet effective, way to frame the fireplace surround. To bring the design together pick a trim style to contrast with or complement the other trim elements such as thick casing around doors and windows. If you're looking for a more elegant, high-end look, use fluted trim to create the illusion of a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic farmhouse look.

Wainscoting accent walls is a common method of adding character to a room. The same method can be used to frame a fireplace. Consider a paneled material like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard instead of plank boards to create a dramatic appearance.

Brick is another non-combustible option to use as the fireplace surround. It comes in different styles and colors. A traditional red brick fireplace is a classic option for Craft Revival-style or cottage-style homes. The rustic-look brick is an alternative that is able to blend with a more traditional, country decor.

If you are incorporating brick into your fireplace design, it is important to ensure that your hearth extends 16 to 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 choose conforms to all construction codes for safety.

Open shelving is excellent for storing books and other things. However, too many shelves can overwhelm the look of the fireplace. For this family room homeowners built a wall-to ceiling limestone cladding that enhances the appearance of the fireplace, without obscuring the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look are ideal for a fireplace wall. They add a timeless look to any house. Reclaimed beams of wood are made from old barns, stalls, and ethanol fire other buildings that were destroyed. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used in combination with wide plank ceiling paneling to create a rustic look or as a decorative element to modern kitchens. They feature the usual barn wood markings, such as mortise and nail holes, as well as a natural aging process that improves their longevity.

Scour architectural salvage yards and flea markets for reclaimed wood elements to repurpose as a mantel or accent wall. The natural tone of pine used to accent this traditional living room's mantel and surround evokes the feeling of a cozy country getaway. Its knotty imperfections emphasize the hand-crafted appearance and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which surrounds the fireplace's wall. A pair of sconces with a natural theme and a painting of a landscape over the mantel add to the rustic ambiance of the space.

Repurposed wooden beams can give a unique appearance to any space. They can be left as is or stained to match the decor of your home or cut and distressed to create an antique appearance. They can also be painted for a more contemporary appearance or covered with faux finishes such as marbled or rust paint.

The wooden beams are able to serve as the central element of any fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel, even without the need for a fire. They can be used to accent the mantel with no fire burning.

Regardless of which method of installation you choose be sure that your wood or steel beams are protected from the potential effects of fire. Both materials can become fragile in extreme heat. However they can be strengthened by a layer of fire-resistant drywall. These products are available at most home improvement shops.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can create a dramatic statement when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens up the space and is a perfect match for any decor, whether contemporary or traditional. The choice of a matte finish for the tiles is the best way to maintain that clean and polished look while adding some color to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can also be combined with different textures for a more customized appearance. stone fireplaces-look tiles are a popular choice that gives the space an old-fashioned, rustic feel. They also look great with natural materials such as wood. Marble-look tiles are another timeless option that adds an elegant and luxurious aesthetic to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles sparkles beautifully, reflecting sunlight and brightening the space.

The right tile pattern can elevate the look of a 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 adds a unique an artistic look that balances the contemporary organic style of the fireplace with the contemporary style of the room.

If you're not sure about taking a risk with pattern in your home, a fireplace is an excellent place to try out a bold pattern that might be a bit intimidating in other areas of the house. This geometric tile with its black grout gives this space an elegant yet playful feel. The hexagonal shapes resemble cubes, creating a lively layout. The dark brown color creates an inviting and warm aesthetic that is perfect for industrial decor.

Tiles that look like brick or other familiar materials is another way to create an impact with your fireplace. The textured tile, which is made by LA Designer Affair, has an identical look to traditional brick but with the added benefit of being much easier to clean and maintain.

If you're not ready to commit to a full-scale remodel of your fireplace's surround, consider using a peel and stick tile to update the look without costing you a fortune. These options are heat-resistant which makes them suitable for fireplaces as well as able to adhere to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great option that will bring an elegant look to any living space, and will look great with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the most effective method to hide the brick surround on a wall-mounted fireplace. The mantel can be painted in a different hue to add warmth and personality. If you decide to match it with the room's color scheme or go for something bold, a new paint color will make your fireplace stand out as a stunning feature.

If your mantel is constructed from wood, first check it for cracks, nicks, and gouges. If the dents aren't large enough to handle, fill them with wood putty, and let it set for the appropriate amount of time. Before painting you can sand the surface 100-grit sandpaper in order to rough it up. Wipe the surface that has been sanded with a damp cloth in order to take off any remaining dirt or debris.

While white is a popular option for cheap fireplaces and walls, the right shade can make your mantel stand out. For inspiration, examine the wood trim on your bookcases, moldings, and walls. Does your mantel match in shade as theirs or is it darker or lighter? If you opt for the latter, choose a color that will work well with the other colors in the room to ensure it looks balanced.

Before you start painting, protect the surrounding area with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove the mantel and remove any decorative pieces or displays that are hanging over it. Remove any ornaments or photos placed around or on the fireplace made of brick. Once the mantel is cleaned, take a damp cloth and wipe it clean to get rid of any dust or soot.

Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with either a roller or brush. The semi-gloss paint lasts and stain-resistant, which means your mantel will be able to stand up to the heat of the fireplace as well as any other objects that are placed on it. Let the primer dry according to the recommendations of the manufacturer prior to moving onto the main part of your fireplace's wall.

While brick is an attractive feature of a fireplace's wall, it can be quite heavy and dark in hue. Paint the mantel in a light color or neutral to make it appear brighter and more inviting. If you choose an unassuming color for your mantel, pair it with a piece of artwork in earthy tones, or a large mirror to complete the look.