15 Reasons You Shouldn t Ignore Wall Fireplace
How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A wall fireplace can give your living room an element of interest that demands attention. There are a variety of models available, so you should choose one that meets your requirements.
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 recommended to seek out an expert to assist you in choosing the best model.
Molded Squares
The living room required a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its outdated stone surround and dull walls. The new design is vibrant, attractive and makes the hearth the focal point of the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel as well as contemporary art above the fireplace modernizes the appearance of the façade and the shelves in gray below contrast. A few minor changes in color also help the facade stand out from the wall, enhancing the beauty of this fireplace inserts design.
Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces make a simple but effective way to frame the fireplace with a tile surround. Select a trim style that contrasts with or complements the other trim elements, such as the thick casing around doors and windows to tie the look together. If you're looking for an elegant, high-end look, you can consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of a real mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic farmhouse-style.
The idea of creating an accent wall using wainscoting is an effective method to add character to any room. The same technique can be used to frame a fireplace. Instead of using plank boards you can try a paneled product like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard to create a dramatic look.
Brick is a different non-combustible option for a fireplace surround. It comes in different styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace in red is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. Rustic-style brick is another option that could be a good fit with more traditional country-style decor.
If you're planning to incorporate brick into the design of your fireplace, make sure that your hearth measures 16-18 inches from the opening of the firebox and the surround is 8-12 inches wide in all directions. Make sure your chosen material conforms to all national and local building codes to ensure security.
Open shelves are a great way to store books and other items however, too many shelves can overwhelm the look of a fireplace. The owners of this family room designed the wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding in order to improve the look of the room without overwhelming the open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look are perfect for a fireplace wall fires. They add timeless beauty to any home. Reclaimed wood beams come from barns, stables and other demolished buildings. Each beam has its own unique story. Reclaimed wood can also be used as an accent in modern kitchens or with wide planks of paneling to create an authentic appearance. They have the typical barn wood markings, such as mortise and nail holes, and a natural aging process that increases their durability.
Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets for reclaimed wood fireplaces elements that can be used for a mantel or an accent wall. The rustic tone of pine used to create the traditional living room surround and mantel evokes a cozy country retreat. Its knotty imperfections emphasize a hand-hewn look and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which is a part of the fireplace wall. The rustic warmth of this room is enhanced by a pair inspired by nature wall sconces, and a landscape image above the mantel.
Repurposed wood beams will give a unique appearance to any room. They can be left as-is or stained to match your current decor, or they can be carved and distressed for 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 serve as a focal point in any kind of fireplace. They can be used to highlight the mantel without any fire burning. They can be used to accent the mantel without a flame burning.
No matter which method of installation you decide to use ensure that your wood or steel beams are properly protected from the potential effects of fire. Both materials can become brittle and weaken when exposed to extreme heat, but both can be reinforced with a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant sprays on I-beams made of steel. These products are sold at a variety of stores for home improvement.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tiles can be utilized to create a dramatic effect as surrounds for fireplaces. Its shape instantly brightens the space while blending with any style of decor from modern to traditional. The matte finish is perfect to create a polished and sleek appearance, while also adding a pop of contrast to make the fireplace pop.
Hex tiles also work well with different textures for a more customized appearance. Stone-look tiles are a favorite that give the room an old-fashioned, rustic feel. They also go well with natural materials such as wood. Marble-look tiles are another timeless option that adds an elegant and luxurious aesthetic to the room. These tiles feature an elegant and glossy surface that reflect light beautifully and brightens the room.
The right tile pattern can elevate the entire look 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 entire room a an artistic look that balances the contemporary organic style of the fireplace, and the contemporary style of the room.
If you're unsure about taking a risk on a pattern in your home, a fireplace can be an ideal place to test out a bold style that might be a bit intimidating in other areas of your home. The geometric tile with its black grout provides this area with an elegant yet playful feel. The hexagonal shapes are arranged as cubes to create an exciting layout, while the dark brown hue creates an inviting and warm aesthetic that complements the industrial decor in this space.
Tile that looks like brick or other materials you are familiar with is another way to create an impact with your fireplace. This textured tile, made by LA Designer Affair, has an identical look to traditional brick but with the added benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.
Consider using a peel-and stick tile to upgrade your fireplace surround without spending a fortune. Many of these options are resistant to heat and therefore safe for the fireplace and able to adhere to the existing surface. This peel and stick herringbone tile is an excellent option for adding elegance to any room. It also looks great 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 a fresh coat of paint. Paint the mantel in a different color can also add warmth and character to the room. A new color of paint can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the color scheme of the room or choose something striking.
If your mantel is made of wood, first inspect it for cracks, nicks, and gouges. If the dents aren't large enough to handle, 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 up before painting. Wipe down the sanded surface with a damp cloth in order to get rid of any dirt or debris.
White is a favorite color for fireplaces and walls. But the right shade will make your mantel really stand out. Take a look at the wood trims, moldings, and bookcases in your home to get inspiration. Does your mantel match in color as theirs or is it darker or lighter? If you decide to go with the latter, choose the color that works well with the other colors in the room to ensure it looks balanced.
Before you begin painting, protect the area around you with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove the mantel, removing any showpieces or decorations that are hanging over it. If your fireplace is brick, get rid of any pictures or Fireplaces wood ornaments that are on or around it. Once the mantel has been cleared then wipe it clean with a a damp cloth to clean off any dust or soot that has accumulated.
Apply a basecoat using brushes or rollers to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish is long-lasting and stain-resistant, so your mantel is able to stand up well to the heat generated by the fireplace as well as any other items that are placed on it. Allow the primer to completely dry, in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer before you begin painting the main wall of the fireplace.
While the brick is an attractive feature of a fireplace wall, it can be heavy and dark in color. Paint the mantel with an unassuming color or neutral to make it appear brighter and more inviting. If you decide to go with the lighter hue, think about pairing it with a earthy-toned piece of art or a mirror that is large above it to create a balanced look.
