An Easy-To-Follow Guide To Wall Fireplace
How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A fireplace on the wall can create your living space an attractive focal point that requires attention. There are numerous models on the market but it is crucial to choose one that meets your needs.
The output of heat, the controls, and the design are just a few of the important features. If you're not aware of these features, it's recommended to seek out an expert to help you select the best model.
Molded Squares
A stale stone fireplace and dull walls created a living space that was in need of a major fireplace overhaul. With a few tweaks to the design, the new look is bright and eye-catching, making the hearth an important centerpiece in the room. A whitewashed fireplace and contemporary 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 form a simple, yet effective, method to frame the tile fireplace surround. Select a trim style that contrasts with or complements your other trim elements for example, the thick casing around doors and windows, to make the look more cohesive. If you're looking for an elegant, premium style, think about using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of a real mantel. For a more rustic, farmhouse look, you can use dentil trim instead.
Making an accent wall using wainscoting is a common way to add character any room. The same method can be used to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards instead, consider using a paneled material such as tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard to create a dramatic look.
Another non-combustible material you can create a fireplace surround is brick, which is available in a variety of styles and colors. A traditional red brick fireplace is a classic option for cottage-style or Craft-Revival-style homes. Rustic-style brick is another option that can fit in with more traditional country style.
If you want to incorporate brick into the design of your fireplace ensure that your hearth measures 16 to 18 inches away from the opening of the firebox and your surround is 8 to 12 inches wide in all directions. Make sure your chosen material conforms to all local and national construction codes for security.
Open shelving is a great way to store books and other items, but too many can overwhelm the look of the fireplace. For this family room, homeowners built a wall-to ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the appearance of the fireplace without overpowering the open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic appearance are ideal for a fireplace wall. They are timeless and beautiful to any house. Reclaimed wood beams are sourced from barns, stables and other demolished structures. Each beam has its own unique story. Reclaimed wood can be used conjunction with wide plank ceiling panels for a completely rustic look or as a decorative element to modern kitchens. They feature the typical markings of barn wood, such as nail holes and mortise pockets as well as natural patinas that increase their durability.
Search architectural salvage yards and flea market for wood pieces that you can make into a fireplace. The earthy tone of pine used to accent this traditional living room surround and mantel creates a cozy country retreat. The knotty imperfections give it a rustic feel and complement the simple lines in the beaded-board wainscoting on the fireplace wall. A pair of sconces with a natural theme and a painting of a landscape over the mantel add to the rustic coziness of the space.
Repurposed wooden beams will give a unique appearance to any space. They can be stained to match your existing decor or carved to give an antique appearance. They can also be painted for an updated look or covered with faux finishes, such as marbled or rust paint.
The wooden beams are able to serve as the central feature 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 with no fire burning.
No matter which method you choose to put in your beams, ensure that they are adequately protected from the effects of fire. Both types of materials can be brittle and weaken in the face of extreme heat, but both are able to be strengthened with a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant that is sprayed on steel I-beams. These products can be found in most home improvement stores.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tiles can be used to create a dramatic effect as a surround for a fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens up the room and complements any decor, contemporary or traditional. The choice of matte finishes for the tiles is the best way to keep that sleek and polished look while adding some contrast that makes the fireplace stand out.
Hex tiles can be customized with a variety of textures for an individual look. Stone-look tiles are a favorite that gives the space an old-fashioned, rustic feel. They also go well with natural materials such as wood. Marble-look tile is a timeless option that provides an elegant and luxurious appearance to the room. These tiles feature a glossy and smooth finish that is a beautiful reflection of light and enhances the space.
The perfect tile pattern can enhance 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 patterned tile gives a handcrafted look to the space, while balancing the contemporary organic style fireplace with the overall style of the room.
If you're not sure about taking a risk with pattern in your home, a fireplace can be an ideal place to test out a bold pattern which could be intimidating in other areas of your home. The geometric tile with its black grout gives this space an elegant, yet fun feel. The hexagonal shapes are arranged as cubes to create an exciting layout, while the dark brown color creates a warm and inviting aesthetic that works with the industrial style of this space.
Another method of making a statement with your fireplace is to select tiles that look like the appearance of brick or another popular material. This texture tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance to brick, however, it is much easier to clean and maintain.
Consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to update your fireplace surround without costing you a dime. These options are heat-resistant, making them suitable for fireplaces as well as able to adhere to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is an excellent option that will add an elegant feel to any living space, while also blending beautifully with traditional furniture.
Paint the Mantel
A fresh coat of paint is the ideal method to hide the brick surround of an unwall-mounted fireplace. The mantel's paint hue also adds warmth and character to the space. It doesn't matter if you choose to match it to the decor's color scheme or go for something bold or bold, a new color makes your fireplace stand out as a showpiece.
If your mantel is constructed from wood, first check it for cracks, nicks and gouges. If the dents aren't enough to be able to handle then fill them with wood putty, and let it set for the appropriate amount of time. Before painting you can sand the surface 100-grit sandpaper to rough it up. Wipe the surface that has been sanded with a damp cloth to take off any remaining dirt or debris.
While white is a popular choice for walls and fireplaces but the right color can really help your mantel stand out. For inspiration, look at the wood trims on your bookcases, mouldings, and walls. Do they use the same hue as your mantel or is it a darker or lighter hue? If you opt for the latter, choose one that blends well with the other shades in the room to ensure it looks balanced.
Before you start painting, protect the area around you with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove any decorative items or showpieces that were hung above the mantel. If your fireplace is made of brick, take away any pictures or ornaments that are placed on or around the fireplace. Once the mantel has been cleaned, take a damp cloth and wipe it clean to remove any soot or dust.
Apply a basecoat with the brush or roller to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish is long-lasting and stain-resistant, which means that your mantel is able to stand up well to the heat of the fireplace as well as any other items placed on it. Let the primer dry according to the manufacturer's recommendations before moving onto the main part of your fireplace's wall.
While the brick is an attractive feature of a fireplace's wall it can be heavy and dark in shade. Paint the mantel with an unassuming color or neutral to make it appear more vibrant and more inviting. If you decide to choose the lighter hue, think about using it in conjunction with an earthy toned piece of art or a large mirror above it to create a balanced look.