Are You Getting The Most Value The Use Of Your Wall Fireplace
How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A fireplace in the wall will provide your living space with an eye-catching focal feature. There are numerous models available however, it is essential to choose one that will meet your requirements.
Some of the most important features include the output of heat as well as the appearance and controls. If you're unfamiliar with these features, it's recommended to hire an expert to assist you in choosing the best model.
Molded Squares
This living room needed a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its outdated stone surround and bland walls. The new style is vibrant, attractive and makes the hearth the focal point of the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel and contemporary art above the fireplace modernizes the appearance of the façade and the shelves in gray below are a 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 tile fireplace surround. Choose a trim style that contrasts with or complements the other trim elements, like the thick casing around windows and doors, to create a cohesive look. If you're looking for a more elegant, high-end look, consider using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of a mantel. For a more rustic farmhouse look, you can opt for dentil trim instead.
Accent walls with wainscoting are a popular method to add personality to rooms. The same technique can also be used to frame a fireplace. Try a paneled product 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 is available in different styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace with red is a popular choice for cottage-style or Craft-Revival-style homes. A rustic-looking brick can be used to enhance a traditional country style.
When incorporating brick into your fireplace design, it is important to be sure your hearth extends 16 to 18 inches from the opening of the firebox and that your surround is 8-12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you choose complies with all national and local building codes for safety.
Open shelving is an ideal way to store books and other things. However having too many shelves can obstruct the look of the fireplace. The homeowners of this family room created the wall fireplace-to-ceiling limestone cladding in order to improve the look of the room without overpowering open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Rustic reclaimed wood beams make the ideal frame for a fireplace on the wall. They add a timeless beauty to any house. Reclaimed beams of wood are made from barns, stalls, and other buildings that have been demolished. Each beam has its own distinct story. Reclaimed wood can be used as a feature in modern kitchens or wide planks to give an authentic appearance. They feature the typical marks of barn wood, including mortise and nail holes as well as a natural patina that enhances their durability.
Scour architectural salvage yards and flea markets to find reclaimed wood elements that can be used for a mantel or an accent wall. For example the earthy hue of pine that highlights the traditional living room mantel and surround evokes a cozy rural retreat. The knotty imperfections in the wood accent the hand-crafted appearance and compliment the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that surrounds the fireplace's wall. The rustic warmth of the room is enhanced by a pair inspired by nature wall sconces, as well as a landscape picture above the mantel.
Repurposed wooden beams will add a unique touch to any room. They can be stained to match your existing decor or carved for an antique appearance. They can also be painted to give a more contemporary appearance or covered with faux finishes such as rust or marbled paint.
The wooden beams can be used as the focal feature of any fireplace. They can be set above a freestanding gas, electric or ventless fireplace or be integrated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can be used to enhance the mantel without a burning fire.
Regardless of which method of installation you choose ensure that your steel or wood beams are adequately protected from the possible effects of fire. Both types of materials can be brittle and weaken in the presence of extreme heat, but both can be strengthened by a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant that is sprayed on steel I-beams. These products are available at most home improvement shops.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tiles can be used to create a striking effect as an accent for fireplaces wooden (Tripsbookmarks official blog). Its design instantly brightens the room and complements any decor, whether contemporary or traditional. Selecting a matte finish for the tiles is a great way to keep that neat and polished look while adding some color to make the fireplace sparkle.
Hex tiles also work well with different textures for a more customized appearance. Stone-look tile is a popular option that gives the space an old-fashioned, rustic feel while blending beautifully with natural materials like wood. Marble-look tile is another classic option that gives an elegant and luxurious look to the space. These tiles have 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 gives the whole space the look of a hand-crafted piece that balances the organic modern style of the fireplace with the overall contemporary design of the room.
If you're unsure about taking a risk with pattern in your home, a fireplace stove can be an excellent place to try out a bold style that might be intimidating in other parts of the house. The geometric tile with its black grout provides this area with an elegant, yet fun feel. The hexagonal shapes are shaped like cubes, creating a lively layout. The deep brown color provides this space with an inviting, warm look that complements the industrial decor.
Another option to make a statement with your fireplace is to select tile that resembles the appearance of brick or another popular material. This pattern-based tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance to brick, however, it is much easier to maintain and clean.
Consider using a peel-and-stick tile to update your fireplace surround without costing you a dime. A lot of these options are heat resistant and therefore safe for the fireplace and able to be affixed to the existing wall. This peel and stick herringbone tile is an excellent option for adding the look of a room. It also works beautifully with traditional furniture.
Paint the Mantel
A fresh coat of paint is the most effective method to hide the brick surround on the wall of a fireplace. Paint the mantel in a different hue also adds warmth and character to the space. If you decide to match it to the decor's color scheme or opt for something striking or bold, a new color can make your fireplace stand out as a showstopper.
If your mantel is constructed 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 amount of time recommended. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it prior to painting. To remove any dirt or debris wipe the surfaces that have been sanded with a damp cloth.
While white is a popular color for fireplaces and walls but the right color can really make your fireplace stand out. For ideas, take a take a look at the wood trim on your bookcases, moldings, and walls. Do they have the same hue as your mantel or is it a darker or lighter hue? If you decide to go with the latter option, select one that blends well with the other colors in the room to keep it looking balanced.
Before you start painting, protect the area around you with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove any decorations or showpieces that might have been placed above the mantel. Remove any ornaments or pictures that are on or around the fireplace made of brick. Once the mantel is empty then wipe it clean with a the help of a damp cloth to wipe off any dust or soot that has built up.
Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel using a brush or roller. The semi-gloss paint lasts and stain-resistant, so your mantel will stand up to the heat of the fireplace, and any other objects that are placed on it. Allow the primer to dry according to the recommendations of the manufacturer prior to moving on to the main body of your fireplace wall.
While brick is an attractive feature of a fireplace's wall it can be quite heavy and dark in hue. The mantel painted with a light or neutral color can make it appear brighter and more welcoming to guests. If you decide to choose an unassuming color for your mantel, pair it with a work of art in earthy tones or a large mirror to complement the appearance.