How To Save Money On Wall Fireplace

How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace will give your living room an attractive focal point. There are a variety of models available so you need to pick one that meets your requirements.

The output of heat, the controls, and the appearance are among the most important features. If you're unfamiliar with these features, 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 drastic fireplace overhaul. The new style is vibrant, attractive and makes the hearth the main focal point of the room. A whitewashed mantel and modern artwork above the fireplace's facade modernize it while contrasting with the shelves in gray below. The fireplace's exterior is enhanced by a few changes in color.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces are combined to create a simple yet effective way to frame the tile fireplace surround. Choose a trim style that contrasts with or matches the other trim elements, like the thick casing around windows and doors, to create a cohesive look. If you prefer a more elegant, high-end look, use fluted trim to give the illusion that there is a mantel. For a more rustic farmhouse look, choose to use dentil trim instead.

Accent walls with wainscoting are a common method of adding the look of a room. The same method can be used to frame a fireplace. Instead of using plank boards, you can try a paneled material like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard to create a striking appearance.

Brick is another non-combustible option for a fireplace surround. It comes in various styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace in red is a traditional choice for cottage-style or Craft-Revival-style homes. A rustic-look brick can also be used to complement a traditional country decor.

If you're planning to incorporate brick into the design of your fireplace ensure that your hearth is 16-18 inches from the opening of the fireplace and the surround is 8 to 12 inches wide in all directions. Make sure the material you choose conforms to all construction codes for safety.

Open shelving is excellent for storing books and other items. However the presence of too many shelves can ruin the appearance of a fireplace. For this family room homeowners built a wall-to ceiling limestone cladding to elevate the design of the new fireplace without overpowering the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wood beams are the perfect frame for a fireplace on the wall. They bring a timeless appeal to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood are reclaimed from old barns, stalls and other buildings that were demolished. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used as an accent in modern kitchens or with wide planks to give a rustic look. They feature the usual barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes, as well as a natural aging process that increases their longevity.

Find salvage yards for architectural elements and flea market for wood pieces that you can repurpose into a mantel. The earthy tone of pine used as a backdrop for the traditional living room mantel and surround evokes an intimate country retreat. The knotty imperfections in the wood accent the hand-crafted look and compliment the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which surrounds the fireplace's wall. The rustic warmth of the room is enhanced by a pair of nature-inspired wall sconces and a landscape picture above the mantel.

Repurposed wood fireplace beams can be an attractive feature to any room in your home. They can be left as-is 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 modern look, or covered with faux finishes such as marbling paint or rust.

The wooden beams can be used as the central feature of any fireplace. They can be used to highlight the mantel without the need for a fire. They can be used to enhance the mantel without a burning fire.

Whatever method you choose to install your beams, ensure that they are protected adequately from the effects of fire. Both types of material are susceptible to becoming brittle and weakening when exposed to extreme heat, however both are able to be strengthened with a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant sprayed on I-beams made of steel. These products are available at most home improvement shops.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a dramatic effect as an accent for fireplaces. Its shape instantly brightens up the space and is a perfect match for any decor style from traditional to modern. The matte finish is perfect to create a polished and sleek appearance while adding a splash of contrast to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can be customized with a variety textures for an individualized appearance. Stone-look tiles are a very popular option that gives the room a rustic, classic feel. They also pair beautifully with natural materials, such as wood. Marble-look tile is another timeless option that adds an elegant and luxurious look to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles sparkles beautifully, reflecting sunlight and brightening the room.

The right tile pattern can elevate 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 patterned tile gives the appearance of a hand-crafted space, balancing the modern natural style fireplace with the overall design of the room.

If you're not sure about taking a pattern risk in your home the fireplace is a great spot to experiment with an imposing design. It could be intimidating for other areas. This geometric tile (here's an alternative) with its black grout lines gives this room a sophisticated and fun energy. The hexagonal shapes are shaped like cubes to create a stimulating layout. The dark brown color gives this space a warm, inviting aesthetic that goes well with the industrial style.

Another method of making a statement with your fireplace is to select tile that resembles the appearance of brick or a similar material. This texture tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look to brick, but is much simpler to maintain and clean.

Consider using a peel-and-stick tile to modernize your fireplace surround without costing you a dime. A lot of these options are heat resistant and therefore suitable for use in the fireplace and able to stick to the existing surface. This peel and stick herringbone tile is an excellent option to add style to any room. It also coordinates beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace on the wall has an existing brick surround, the most effective way to disguise its appearance is with a fresh coat of paint. The mantel can be painted a different color to add warmth and personality. A new color of paint can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the scheme of color in the room or pick something bold.

If your mantel is wood, inspect it first for cracks, gouges, and nicks. Fill in the dents with wood fireplace putty, if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the period recommended. Before painting you can sand the surface 100-grit sandpaper to rough it up. Clean the surface with a damp cloth in order to get rid of any dirt or dust.

White is a popular shade for fireplaces Shop and walls. However, the right shade will make your mantel really stand out. For inspiration, examine the wood trims on your bookcases, mouldings and walls. Do they use the same hue as your mantel or is it a lighter or darker shade? If the latter, pick an appropriate color to keep the room looking balanced.

Before you start painting, protect the area surrounding you with drop cloth or sheets. Clean the mantel and remove any showpieces or decorations that are hanging over it. If your fireplace is brick, remove any pictures or ornaments that are placed on or around it. Once the mantel is empty then wipe it clean with a a damp cloth to clean off any soot or dust that has built up.

Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Fireplace electric Paint to your mantel with the use of a roller or brush. The semi-gloss finish lasts and stain-resistant, ensuring that your mantel will hold up well to the heat of the fireplace and any other items that are placed on it. Allow the primer to dry in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer prior to moving onto the main body of your fireplace wall.

While the brick is an attractive feature of a fireplace wall, it can be quite heavy and dark in shade. Paint the mantel in an unassuming color or neutral to make it appear lighter and more inviting. If you decide to go with the lighter hue, think about pairing it with an earthy-toned piece of artwork or a large mirror over it to balance the look.