The Advanced Guide To Wall Fireplace
How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A fireplace on the wall can create your living space a focal point that demands attention. There are numerous models on the market however, it is important to find one that meets your needs.
The heat output, the controls and the appearance are just a few of the important features. If you're not familiar with these features, it's best to hire an expert to help you select the best model.
Molded Squares
The living room in this house needed an impressive fireplace overhaul due to its stale stone surround and boring walls. The new look is vibrant, attractive and makes this hearth the center of the room. A whitewashed mantel and modern artwork above the fireplace's facade modernize it while contrasting with the gray shelves below. The fireplace's exterior is enhanced by a few changes in color.
Base cap moldings and trim pieces are combined to create a simple, yet efficient way to frame a fireplace surround made of tile. Select a trim style that contrasts with or matches your other trim elements, like the thick casing around doors and windows to make the look more cohesive. If you're looking to create an elegant, luxurious look, consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of an actual mantel. For a more rustic, farmhouse look, opt for dentil trim instead.
Making an accent wall using wainscoting is a popular method to add character to any room. The same technique can be used to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled option such as tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard in place of plank boards to create a dramatic effect.
Another non-combustible material you can create an enclosure for your fireplace is brick, which is available in a variety of styles and colors. A classic red brick fireplace is perfect for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. A rustic-looking brick could be used to enhance a traditional country style.
When incorporating brick into a fireplace design, it is important to be sure your hearth extends 16 to 18 inches from the opening of the firebox and that the surround extends 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the material you select is safe and meets all national and local codes.
Open shelving is a great option to organize books and other items however, too many shelves can take over the appearance of a fireplace. The homeowners of this family room designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding in order to enhance the look without overwhelming the open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Rustic reclaimed wooden beams are the perfect frame for a wall fireplace. They add a timeless look to any house. Reclaimed beams of wood are reclaimed from old barns, stalls and other structures that were destroyed. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can also be used as a feature in modern kitchens or with wide planks to give an authentic look. They feature the usual barn wood markings, such as mortise and nail holes plus a natural aging that improves their longevity.
Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets for reclaimed wooden elements to use as a mantel or accent wall. The earthy tone of pine used to create the traditional living room surround and mantel evokes a cozy country retreat. The knotty imperfections of the wood emphasize the hand-crafted look and compliment the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that surrounds the fireplace's wall. A pair of sconces inspired by nature and a painting of a landscape above the mantel enhance the rustic coziness of the room.
Repurposed wooden beams can provide an attractive accent to any room in your home. They can be left as is or stained to complement your existing decor or cut and distressed to create an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a more modern look or covered with faux finishes like rust or marbling paint.
Wooden beams can be used as a focal point in any type of fireplace. They can be set above a freestanding gas, electric or ventless fireplace or be integrated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can also be used to highlight a mantel without a fire burning.
Whatever method you decide to use to mount your beams, ensure that they are adequately protected 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 can be found at most home improvement shops.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tiles can be utilized 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 matte finish is ideal for a sleek and polished look while adding contrast to make the fireplace stand out.
Hex tiles can be customized with a variety textures for an individual look. Stone-look tiles are a very popular option that gives the space an authentic, classic look. freestanding fireplace go well with natural materials, such as wood. Marble-look tile is a timeless option that provides an elegant and luxurious aesthetic to the space. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting light and brightening up the room.
The right tile pattern can elevate a fireplace's design. 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 on the tile gives the entire room a an artistic look that balances the contemporary organic style of the fireplace and the overall modern design of the room.
If you're not sure about taking a risk with pattern in your home, a fireplace is an ideal place to test out a bold style which could be a bit intimidating in other areas of the house. The geometric tile with its black grout gives this space an elegant and playful look. The hexagonal shapes are shaped like cubes to create an exciting layout. The deep brown color provides this space with an inviting, warm look that goes well with the industrial style.
Another option to make a statement with your fireplace is to select tiles that have the look of brick or another popular material. The textured tile, which is made by LA Designer Affair, has a similar look to traditional brick but with the added benefit of being much easier to clean and maintain.
If you're hesitant to take on a complete remodel of your fireplace's surround, consider applying a peel and stick tile to update the appearance without spending a fortune. These tiles are heat-resistant and therefore suitable for fireplaces as well as able to be bonded 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 a brick surround on the wall of a fireplace. The mantel's paint hue also adds warmth and character to the room. Whether you choose to match it to the color scheme of your room or opt for something more striking or bold, a new color can make your fireplace stand out as a showpiece.
If the mantel is made of wood be sure to check it for gouges, cracks, and scratches. If the dents aren't enough to be handled, fill them with wood putty and allow it to set for the appropriate amount of time. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it before painting. Wipe down the sanded surface with a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or debris.
White is a popular shade for fireplaces and walls. However, the right shade will make your mantel really stand out. To get ideas, examine the wood trims on your bookcases, moldings and walls. Does your mantel have the same shade as theirs or is it lighter or darker? If the latter, pick an appropriate color to keep the space looking well-balanced.
Protect the area around you by using a dropcloth or sheets before you begin painting. Clear off the mantel and remove any showpieces or decorations that may be hung above it. Take away any ornaments or pictures that are around or on the brick fireplace. After the mantel has been cleaned, take a damp cloth and wipe it clean to remove any dust or soot.
Apply a basecoat using the brush or roller to your mantel. The semi-gloss paint is durable and stain-resistant, which means your mantel will be able to withstand the heat of the fireplace, as well as other items placed on it. Allow the primer to dry according to the manufacturer's recommendations before moving onto the main part of your fireplace wall.
While brick is an attractive feature of a fireplace's wall it can be a bit heavy and dark in shade. Paint the mantel in the light or neutral color to make it appear brighter and more inviting. If you decide to go with a light hue, think about pairing it with a earthy-toned artwork or a large mirror above it to balance the look.