Five Killer Quora Answers To 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 a variety of designs available, however, so it is crucial to choose one that is suitable for your needs.
The output of heat, the controls and the appearance are some of the most important features. If you're unfamiliar with these features, it's best to consult a professional to help you select the best model.
Molded Squares
The living room in this house needed an overhaul to the fireplace due to its old-fashioned stone surround and bland walls. The new look is bright, appealing and makes this hearth the center of the room. A whitewashed fireplace and contemporary artwork above modernize the facade of the fireplace while contrasting with the shelves in gray below. The fireplace facade is enhanced by a few changes in color.
Base cap moldings and trim pieces are combined to create a simple yet effective way to frame the fireplace with a tile surround. To connect the look, choose a trim style to contrast with or complement the other trim elements like thick casing around windows and doors. If you want a more high-end, elegant look, use fluted trim to give the illusion of a mantel. If you want a more rustic farmhouse look, you can use dentil trim instead.
Wainscoting accent walls is a common method of adding the look of a room. The same technique can also 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 appearance.
Brick is another non-combustible option to use as a fireplace surround. It comes in various styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace in red is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. A rustic-look brick can also be used to complement a traditional country 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 8-12 inches wide in all directions. Make sure the brick you select is safe and conforms to all national and local codes.
Open shelving can be a great way of storing books and other things. However, too many shelves can obstruct the look of the fireplace. For this family room the homeowners created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding that enhances the design of the new fireplace, without obscuring the open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Rustic reclaimed wood beams make the perfect frame for a wall fireplace. They bring a timeless appeal to any house. Reclaimed wood beams are reclaimed from old barns, stalls, and other structures that were demolished. Each beam has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used combination with wide plank ceiling paneling to create a rustic look or as an accent to modern kitchens. They are characterized by the typical marks of barn wood, including nail holes and fireplace inserts mortise pockets, plus natural patinas that increase their durability.
Find salvage yards for architectural elements and flea market for reclaimed wooden elements to make into a fireplace. For instance the earthy color of pine that accents this traditional living room mantel and surround evokes a cozy rural retreat. Its knotty imperfections create a rustic appearance and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that is on the wall of the fireplace. A pair of sconces inspired by nature and a painting of a landscape above the mantel enhance the rustic ambiance of the space.
Repurposed wooden beams will give a unique appearance to any room. They can be left in their natural state or stained to complement your current decor, or they can be carved and distressed for an antique look. They can be painted to give them a more contemporary look or covered with faux finishes like rust or marbling paint.
The wooden beams can serve as the focal element of any fireplace. They can be set above a freestanding gas, electric firesuite or ventless fireplace or they can be incorporated into a brick or stone fireplace insert. They can be used to accent the mantel with no ethonal fire burning.
No matter which method you choose to install your beams, be sure they are protected adequately from the effects of fire. Both materials are susceptible to becoming hard and brittle when heated to extreme temperatures. However, they can be strengthened with a layer of fire-resistant drywall. These products are available at a variety of home improvement stores.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tiles can be used to create a striking effect as surrounds for fireplaces. Its design instantly brightens the room and can be incorporated into any decor, modern or traditional. The matte finish is perfect for a polished and clean appearance while adding a splash of contrast to make the fireplace pop.
Hex tiles can be customised by a variety of textures to create an individualized look. Stone-look tiles are a popular choice that gives the space an old-fashioned, rustic feel. They also go well with natural materials such as wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tile that provides an elegant and luxurious appearance to the space. These tiles feature an elegant and glossy surface that reflect light beautifully and enhances the space.
The right tile pattern can elevate 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 provides a handcrafted look to the space, while balancing the contemporary natural style fireplace with the overall style of the room.
If you're not sure about putting your faith in a design in your home, a fireplace electric can be an ideal place to test out a bold style that might be intimidating in other areas of the house. This geometric tile with its black grout provides this area with an elegant and playful look. The hexagonal shapes are arranged as cubes to create an exciting layout, while the deep brown color creates an inviting and warm aesthetic that complements the industrial decor in the room.
Another way to make an impact with your fireplace is to choose tiles that have the look of brick or another popular material. This pattern-based tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance as brick but is much simpler to maintain and clean.
Consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to upgrade your fireplace surround without breaking the bank. These tiles are resistant to heat, making them suitable for fireplaces as well as able to be bonded to existing surfaces. This peel and stick herringbone tile is an excellent option to add style to any room. It also works beautifully with traditional furniture.
Paint the Mantel
If a fireplace in a wall has a brick surround, the best way to disguise its appearance is with fresh coats of paint. The mantel can be painted in a different color to add warmth and personality. It doesn't matter if you choose to match it to the room's color scheme or go for something bold 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. If the dents aren't large enough to be handled then fill them with wood putty and let it set for the appropriate amount of time. Before painting paint, sand the surface using 100-grit sandpaper to roughen it up. To get rid of any dirt or debris wipe the surfaces you have sanded with a damp cloth.
While white is a popular color for walls and fireplaces but the right color can really help your mantel stand out. Take a look at the wood trim, moldings and bookcases around your home for inspiration. Do they use the same color as your mantel or is it a darker or lighter hue? If the latter, choose an appropriate color to keep the space looking well-balanced.
Before you start painting, cover the area surrounding you with drop cloth or sheets. Remove any decorative items or showpieces that were hung over the mantel. If your fireplace is brick, get rid of any ornaments or pictures that are on or within the fireplace. When the mantel is clean, wipe it down with the help of a damp cloth to wipe off any dust or soot that has accumulated.
Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with either a roller or brush. The semi-gloss finish lasts and stain-resistant, so your mantel will stand up well to the heat of the fireplace as well as any other items that are placed on it. Let the primer dry, as per the instructions of the manufacturer, before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.
The brick can be heavy in color and weight. Paint the mantel in an unassuming color or neutral to make it appear brighter and more inviting. If you opt for a light color for your mantel, you can pair it with a piece of art with earthy tones or a large mirror to complete the overall look.