Five Killer Quora Answers To Wall Fireplace
How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A wall fireplace (her latest blog) can give your living room an element of interest that demands attention. There are many models available, so you should choose one that meets your requirements.
The output of heat, the controls, and the design are just a few of the important features. If you're not familiar with these features, it's best to hire a professional to help you choose the right model.
Molded Squares
This living room needed an impressive fireplace overhaul due to its outdated stone surround and boring walls. The new style is bright, eye-catching and makes this hearth the focal point of the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel as well as contemporary art above the fireplace modernize the exterior, while the gray shelves below provide a stark contrast. The fireplace inserts's facade is accentuated by a few color changes.
Base cap molding and thin trim pieces join to form a simple, yet effective way to frame the fireplace surround. Choose a style of trim that is in contrast with or matches your other trim elements like the thick casing around doors and windows to create a cohesive look. If you're looking for an elegant, high-end look, consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic farmhouse look.
The idea of creating an accent wall using wainscoting is an effective way to add character to any room. The same technique can be used to frame a fireplace. Try a paneled product like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard in place of plank boards to create a dramatic effect.
Another non-combustible material that you can build a fireplace surround is brick, which comes in a variety of styles and colors. A traditional red brick fireplace is a traditional choice for Craft Revival-style or cottage-style homes. Rustic-look brick is also an option that can fit in with more traditional country-style decor.
If you want to incorporate brick into your fireplace design ensure that your hearth is 16 to 18 inches away from the opening of the fireplace and the surround is 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Make sure your chosen material complies with all building codes for safety.
Open shelves are a great way to store books and other items, but too many can make a mess of a fireplace. The owners of this living room have created the wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the look without overwhelming open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic appearance are perfect for a fireplace wall. They bring a timeless appeal to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood are reclaimed from old barns, stalls and other buildings that were removed. Each beam has its own distinct story. Reclaimed wood can be used conjunction with wide plank ceiling panels for a fully rustic design or as a decorative element to modern kitchens. They feature the usual barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes, and a natural aging process that improves their durability.
Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets to find reclaimed wood elements to use for a mantel or an accent wall. The rustic tone of pine used as a backdrop for this traditional living room's mantel and surround evokes a cozy country retreat. Its knotty imperfections emphasize the hand-crafted appearance and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which is a part of the fireplace's wall. A pair of nature-inspired sconces and a landscape painting above the mantel enhance the rustic ambiance of this space.
Repurposed wood beams can be an eye-catching statement to any room in your home. They can be left in their natural state or stained to complement your existing decor or cut and distressed to create 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 be used as the central point of any fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel without the need for a fire. They can also be used to highlight the mantel without a flame burning.
Whichever method you choose to install your beams, be sure they are adequately protected from the effects of ethonal fire. Both materials can be brittle and weaken in the face of extreme heat, but both can be reinforced with a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant sprayed on I-beams made of steel. These products can be found at most home improvement shops.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tile can make an impressive statement when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens the room and complements any decor, whether modern fireplace or traditional. Selecting matte finishes for the tiles is a great way to keep that neat and polished look while adding some contrast that makes the fireplace stand out.
Hex tiles can be customised by a variety of textures to create an individual look. Stone-look tile is a very popular choice that lends the space an authentic, rustic look and is a great match with natural materials like wood. Another timeless option is marble fireplaces-look tiles that provides a luxurious and elegant aesthetic to the space. These tiles feature an elegant and glossy surface that is a beautiful reflection of light and enhances the space.
The right tile pattern can elevate the design 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 provides the appearance of a hand-crafted space, while balancing the contemporary organic style fireplace with the overall style of the room.
If you are unsure of taking a pattern risk in your home, the fireplace is a great place to experiment with the bold style. It could be a bit intimidating for other rooms. The geometric tile with its black grout gives this space an elegant and playful look. The hexagonal shapes fit like cubes to create an exciting layout. The deep brown hue gives this space an inviting and warm aesthetic that goes well with the industrial decor.
Tile that looks like brick or other familiar materials is another option to create an impact on your fireplace. This textured tile, made by LA Designer Affair, has the same look as brick, but with the benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.
Consider using a peel-and-stick tile to modernize your fireplace's surround without breaking the bank. A majority of these options are heat resistant which means they are safe for fireplaces wood and able to adhere to the existing surface. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great option that will bring an elegant feel to any living space, while coordinating beautifully with traditional furniture.
Paint the Mantel
A fresh coat of paint is the ideal way to hide the brick surround on the wall of a fireplace. The mantel can be painted in a different hue to add warmth and personality. A new color of paint could make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the overall color scheme of the room or choose something bold.
If your mantel is made of wood, you should first examine it for cracks, nicks and gouges. Fill in the dents using wood putty, if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the time recommended. Before painting you can sand the surface 100-grit sandpaper in order to rough it up. To get rid of any debris or dirt clean the surfaces you have sanded with a damp cloth.
White is a popular shade for fireplaces and walls. However the right shade will make your mantel really stand out. Look at the other wood trim, moldings and bookcases in your home for ideas. Do they use the same hue as your mantel, or is it a lighter or a darker shade? If you decide to go with the latter, choose a color that will work well with the other colors in the room to ensure it looks balanced.
Before you begin painting, protect the area around you with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove any ornaments or display pieces that may have been hung above the mantel. If your fireplace is brick, remove any ornaments or pictures that are on or around it. Once the mantel has been cleaned, you can use a damp cloth and wipe it clean to get rid of any soot or dust.
Apply a basecoat with a roller or brush to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish lasts and stain-resistant, ensuring that your mantel is able to stand up well to the heat from the fireplace as well as any other items that are placed on it. Let the primer completely dry, in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer, before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.
The brick can be heavy in both weight and color. Painting the mantel an even or light color can make it look brighter and more inviting to guests. If you decide to choose the lighter hue, think about using it in conjunction with an earthy toned piece of artwork or a large mirror above it to balance the appearance.