Five Killer Quora Answers On Wall Fireplace
How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A wall fireplace (check this link right here now) can give your living room an attractive focal point that requires attention. There are a variety of models available and you must pick one that is suitable for your needs.
The heat output, 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 select the best model.
Molded Squares
A worn-out stone fireplace and dull walls left this living space in need of a major fireplace revamp. The new style is bright, appealing and makes the hearth the center of the room. A whitewashed fireplace and contemporary artwork above the fireplace's facade modernize it and contrast with the gray shelves below. A few color changes also help the facade stand apart from the wall, which enhances the beauty of this fireplace insert design.
Base cap molding and thin trim pieces are combined to create a simple yet effective way to frame your fireplace surround. Choose a style of trim that contrasts with or matches your other trim elements, like the thick casing around windows and doors, to tie the look together. If you're looking for a more elegant, luxurious style, think about using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of a real mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic farmhouse look.
Wainscoting accent walls is an extremely popular way to add character to a room. The same technique can also be used to frame a fireplace. Try a paneled option such as tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard instead plank boards to create a dramatic appearance.
Another non-combustible material you can use to create the fireplace surround is brick, which comes in a variety of styles and colors. A traditional red brick fireplace is a popular choice for Craft Revival-style or cottage-style homes. A rustic-looking brick could be used to complement a traditional country decor.
If you want to incorporate brick into your fireplace design be sure that your hearth measures 16-18 inches from the opening of the firebox and your surround is 8-12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the brick you select is safe and complies with all codes of the local and national level.
Open shelving is a great way of storing books and other items. However, too many shelves can obstruct the appearance of a fireplace. The homeowners of this living room have created the wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to improve the look of the room without overpowering open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Rustic reclaimed wood beams are the ideal frame for a wall fireplace. They bring a timeless appeal to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood are made from barns, stalls, and other structures that were demolished. Each beam carries with it its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used in combination with wide plank ceiling paneling for a fully rustic design or as accents to modern kitchens. They have the typical barn wood markings like mortise and nail holes, and a natural aging process that increases their longevity.
Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage as well as flea markets for reclaimed wooden 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 a cozy country retreat. The knotty imperfections of the wood give it a rustic look and complement the simple lines in the beaded-board wainscoting on the wall of the fireplace. A pair of sconces inspired by nature and a landscape-themed painting above the mantel enhance the rustic coziness of the room.
Repurposed wooden beams can give a unique appearance to any space. They can be stained to match your current decor or carved for an antique look. They can be painted to give them a more contemporary look or covered with faux finishes such as marbling paint or rust.
The wooden beams can serve as the central feature of any fireplace. They can be positioned above a freestanding gas or ventless or electric fireplace or be integrated into a stone or brick fireplace. They can be used to accent the mantel without a flame burning.
No matter which method you choose to put in your beams, make sure that they are protected adequately from the effects of fire. Both materials can be hard and brittle when heated to extreme temperatures. However, they can be strengthened with a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products are available in a wide variety of home improvement stores.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tile can make an impact when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens up the room and complements any decor, whether modern or traditional. The matte finish is ideal to create a polished and sleek look while adding contrast to make the fireplace pop.
Hex tiles can be customised by a variety of textures to create an individualized appearance. Stone-look tile is a very popular choice that lends the space an old-fashioned, rustic feel and is a great match with natural materials like wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tiles that provides an elegant and luxurious appearance to the space. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting the light and brightening up the room.
The perfect tile pattern can enhance 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 on the tile gives the whole space an artistic look that balances the modern organic style of the fireplace with the contemporary style of the room.
If you're not sure about taking a risk with a pattern in your home, the fireplace is a great place to test a bold design. It might be a bit intimidating for other rooms. This geometric tile (here's a similar option) with its black grout lines give the room a sophisticated but fun energy. The hexagonal shapes work as cubes to create an exciting layout, while the dark brown hue creates a warm and inviting aesthetic that is a perfect match for the industrial style of this space.
Another method of making a statement with your fireplace is to choose tiles that have the look of brick or another familiar material. The textured tile, which is made by LA Designer Affair, has an identical look to brick, but with the added benefit of being much easier to clean and maintain.
If you're not ready to take on a complete remodel of your fireplace surround, consider using a peel and stick tile to refresh the look without breaking the bank. These tiles are resistant to heat and therefore suitable for ethanol fireplaces as well as able to stick to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is an excellent alternative that will add an elegant look to any living space, while also blending beautifully with traditional furnishings.
Paint the Mantel
When a wall fireplace has an existing brick surround, the best way to disguise its appearance is to give it an update of the paint. The mantel can be painted with a different hue to add warmth and character. It doesn't matter if you choose to match it with the color scheme of your room or opt for something more striking, a new paint color makes your fireplace stand out as a stunning feature.
If your mantel is constructed from wood, first check it for cracks, nicks, and gouges. Fill in the dents using wood putty if they are small enough. Allow it to dry for the period recommended. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it up before painting. To get rid of any dirt or debris clean the sanded surfaces with a damp cloth.
White is a popular color for fireplaces and walls. But the right shade can make your fireplace stand out. Check out the other wood trim, moldings and bookcases in your home for ideas. Do they have the same hue as your mantel, or is it a darker or lighter hue? If the latter, choose an appropriate color to keep the look balanced.
Before you start painting, protect the area surrounding you with drop cloth or sheets. Remove any ornaments or display pieces that may have been hung over the mantel. If your fireplace is brick, get rid of any ornaments or pictures that are on or around it. When the mantel is clean then wipe it clean with a an damp cloth to wash off any dust or soot that has built up.
Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with the use of a roller or brush. The semi-gloss finish is long-lasting and stain-resistant, ensuring that your mantel will hold up well to the heat of the fireplace and any other items placed on it. Allow the primer to completely dry, as per the instructions of the manufacturer, before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.
The brick may be heavy in both weight and color. Paint the mantel in a light color or neutral to make it appear brighter and more inviting. If you choose a light shade for your mantel, match it with a piece of art with earthy tones or a large wall mirror to complement the look.