Then You've Found Your Wall Fireplace ... Now What?

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 and you must pick one that is suitable for your needs.

The output of heat, the controls and the appearance are some of the most important features. If you aren't familiar with these features, it's best to seek out a professional to help you select the best model.

Molded Squares

The living room required an impressive fireplace overhaul due to its outdated stone surround and dull walls. With a few tweaks to the design the new look is fresh and eye-catching making this hearth a focal point in the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel and contemporary art above the fireplace modernize the appearance of the façade and the shelves in gray below provide a stark contrast. The fireplace's exterior is enhanced by a few changes in color.

Base cap moldings and trim pieces create a simple, yet efficient way to frame a tile fireplace surround. Choose a style of trim that contrasts with or complements your other trim elements for example, the thick casing around windows and doors, to make the look more cohesive. If you're looking to create an elegant, high-end look, you can consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of a real mantel. For a more rustic farmhouse style, opt for dentil trim instead.

Making an accent wall using wainscoting is a common method to add character to any room. The same technique can be used to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled option like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard instead plank boards to create a dramatic look.

Another non-combustible material that you can use to build a fireplace surround is brick, which comes in many different styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace in red is a traditional choice for cottage-style or Craft Revival style homes. A rustic-looking brick can be used to add a rustic touch to a traditional decor.

If you are 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 between 8 and 12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you choose complies with all national and local building codes for safety.

Open shelves are a great way to store books and other things, but too many can make a mess of the fireplace. For this family room, the homeowners created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding that enhances the appearance of the fireplace, without obscuring the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wood beams are the perfect frame for a wall fireplace. They bring a timeless appeal to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood are made from old barns, stalls and other buildings that have been removed. Each beam has its own unique story. Reclaimed wood can be used as an accent in modern kitchens or with wide planks of paneling to create a rustic look. They are characterized by the typical markings of barn wood, including mortise and nail holes and natural patina that increases 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. The earthy tone of pine used to create this traditional living room surround and mantel evokes a cozy country retreat. Its knotty imperfections create a rustic appearance and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that is on the fireplace's wall. The rustic warmth of this room is enhanced by a pair of nature-inspired wall sconces and a landscape picture above the mantel.

Repurposed wooden beams can give a unique appearance to any space. They can be stained to match your existing decor or carved for an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a more modern look, or covered with faux finishes such as rust or marbling paint.

The wooden beams can be used as the central feature of any fireplace. They can be positioned over a freestanding gas, electric or ventless fireplace or incorporated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can also be used to highlight the mantel without a flame burning.

No matter which method of installation you choose, make sure that your steel or wood beams are protected from the consequences of fire. Both materials are susceptible to becoming hard and brittle when heated to extreme temperatures. However, they can be strengthened with a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products are sold in a wide variety of stores for home improvement.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be utilized to create a dramatic effect as an accent for fireplaces. Its shape instantly brightens the space while complementing any decor choice 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 by a variety of textures to create a more personalized look. Stone-look tile is a popular option that gives the room a classic, rustic feel while blending beautifully with natural materials like wood. Another classic option is marble-look tile that adds an elegant and luxurious appearance to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting the light and brightening up the room.

The appropriate tile pattern can improve 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 patterned tile gives a handcrafted look to the space, balancing the modern organic style fireplace with the overall style of the room.

If you're unsure about putting your faith in a design in your home, a fireplace is an ideal place to test out a bold pattern that might be intimidating in other parts of your home. This geometric tile (here's an alternative) with its black grout lines gives this room a sophisticated and playful energy. The hexagonal shapes work like cubes to create a fascinating layout, and the dark brown hue creates a warm and inviting aesthetic that is a perfect match for the industrial style of this space.

Another way to make an impact with your fireplace is to select tile that resembles the appearance of brick or a similar material. This textured tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance as brick but is much easier to clean and maintain.

If you're hesitant to make a major overhaul of your fireplace surround, consider using a peel and stick tile to change the look without costing you a fortune. These tiles are heat-resistant which makes them suitable for fireplaces shop and able be bonded to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great alternative that will add an elegant feel to any living space, while coordinating beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace on the wall has a brick surround, the most effective way to disguise its appearance is to give it a fresh coat of paint. Painting the mantel a different color also adds warmth and character to the space. A new color of paint could make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the overall color scheme of the room or pick something bold.

If your mantel is constructed of wood, you should first examine it for cracks, nicks, and gouges. If the dents are small enough to handle, fill them with wood putty and let it set for the recommended amount of time. Before painting paint, sand the surface using 100-grit sandpaper in order to rough it up. To remove any dirt or debris clean the surfaces that have been sanded with a damp cloth.

White is a popular color for walls and fireplaces. However, the right shade will make your fireplace stand out. Take a look at the wood trim, moldings and bookcases around your home for ideas. Does your mantel match in color as theirs or is it lighter or darker? If you choose the latter, choose a color that will work well with the other shades in the room to ensure it looks balanced.

Cover the area around you with sheets or a dropcloth prior to when you begin painting. Remove any decorative items or showpieces that might have been placed above the mantel. Remove any ornaments or photos placed around or on your brick fireplace. Once the mantel has been cleared, wipe it down with the help of a damp cloth to wipe off any dust or soot that has accumulated.

Apply a basecoat using a roller or brush to your mantel. The semi-gloss paint is durable and stain-resistant, which means your mantel will withstand the heat of the uk fireplace, as well as other items 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 shop fireplace - navigate to this site, wall.

While brick is a beautiful feature of a fireplace wall, it can be a bit heavy and dark in color. Painting the mantel in a neutral or light shade can make it appear brighter and more inviting to guests. If you choose an unassuming color for your mantel, match it with a work of art in earthy tones or a large mirror to balance out the appearance.