15 Reasons To Not 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 designs available however, it is essential to choose one that meets your needs.

The heat output, controls, and the design are among the most important features. If you're not familiar with these features, it's best to hire an expert to help choose the right model.

Molded Squares

A stale stone fireplace surround and bland walls made this living space in need of a dramatic fireplace overhaul. With a few tweaks to the design, the new look is fresh and striking, making the hearth a centerpiece in the room. A whitewashed mantel for the fireplace and contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the facade, while the gray shelves below contrast. The fireplace's exterior is enhanced by a few changes in color.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces are combined to create a simple, yet effective, method to frame the tile fireplace surround. To tie the look together pick a trim style to contrast or match the other trim elements like thick casings around doors and windows. If you want a more high-end, elegant look, use fluted trim to create the illusion that there is a mantel. If you want a more rustic farmhouse look, use dentil trim instead.

Accent walls with wainscoting are an extremely popular way to add personality to the interior of a room. The same method can be employed to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards, you can try a paneled product like beadboard or tongue-and-groove cedar siding to create a striking look.

Another non-combustible option you can use to create a fireplace surround is brick, which is available in many different styles and colors. A traditional red brick fireplace is a classic option for cottage-style or Craft-Revival-style homes. A rustic-looking brick could be used to enhance a traditional country style.

If you are planning to incorporate brick into the design of your fireplace ensure that your hearth measures 16-18 inches from the opening of the firebox, and your surround is 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Make sure your chosen material conforms to all local and national building codes for security.

Open shelving is a great option to store books and other items, but too many can overwhelm the look of the fireplace. For this family room the homeowners designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding that enhances the appearance of the fireplace without overpowering the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look are ideal for a fireplace wall. They add a timeless look to any house. Reclaimed wood beams originate from old stables, barns and other demolished structures. Each beam is unique and has its own distinct history. Reclaimed wood can be used conjunction with wide plank ceiling panels for a fully rustic design or as an accent to modern kitchens. They have the typical barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes as well as a natural aging process which increases their longevity.

Scour architectural salvage yards and flea markets to find reclaimed wood elements that can be used for a mantel or an accent wall. For instance, the earthy shade of pine that accentuates this traditional living room mantel and surround creates a cozy rural retreat. The knotty imperfections in the wood accent the hand-crafted appearance and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which borders the fireplace price usa wall. A pair of sconces inspired by nature and a painting of a landscape above the mantel add to the rustic coziness of the space.

Repurposed wooden beams can give a unique appearance to any room. They can be stained to match your existing decor or carved for an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a more contemporary appearance or covered with faux finishes like rust or marbling paint.

The wooden beams can be used as the focal element of any fireplace. They can be placed over 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.

No matter which method you decide to use to mount your beams, ensure that they are protected adequately from the effects of fire. Both types of materials are susceptible to becoming brittle and weakening in the face of extreme heat, however both can be reinforced with a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant sprayed on steel I-beams. These products can be found at most home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can create a dramatic statement when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens the space while complementing any decor choice from modern to traditional. The choice of a matte finish for the tiles is the best way to keep that neat and polished look, while also adding some contrast that makes the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles can also be used with different textures to create a more individual look. Stone-look tile is a very popular choice that gives the room a classic, rustic feel and is a great match with natural materials like wood. Marble-look tile is a timeless option that adds an elegant and luxurious look to the space. These tiles feature an elegant and glossy surface that is a beautiful reflection of light and enhances the space.

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 an artistic look to the space, balancing the modern natural style fireplace with the overall style of the room.

If you are unsure of taking a pattern risk in your home The fireplace is the perfect place to play around with a bold design. It can be intimidating for other areas. This geometric tile (here's an alternative) with its black grout lines gives this room a sophisticated and fun energy. The hexagonal shapes are arranged like cubes to create a fascinating layout, while the deep brown color creates a warm and inviting aesthetic that complements the industrial décor in this room.

Another option to make a statement with your fireplace is to choose tiles that have the look of brick or a similar material. This textured tile, from LA Designer Affair, has a similar look to brick, but with the added benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.

Consider using a peel-and-stick tile to upgrade your fireplace's surround without breaking the bank. A majority of these options are resistant to heat which means they are safe for fireplaces and able to be affixed to the existing stone. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a fantastic option for adding style to any room. It also looks great with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the most effective method to cover the brick surround on a wall-mounted fireplace. The mantel's paint color can also add warmth and character to the room. A new paint color can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the overall color scheme of the room or choose something bold.

If the mantel is made of wood be sure to check it for gouges, cracks, and scratches. If the dents aren't large enough to handle Fill them in with wood putty and allow it to set for the recommended amount of time. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it up before painting. Wipe the surface that has been sanded with a damp cloth in order to get rid of any dirt or debris.

White is a popular shade for fireplaces and walls. However the right shade can make your mantel really stand out. Look at the other wood trim, moldings and bookcases in your home for inspiration. Do they have the same hue as your mantel? Or is it a lighter or darker shade? If the latter, choose an appropriate color to keep the room looking well-balanced.

Cover the area around you with sheets or a dropcloth before you begin painting. Clear off the mantel and remove any decorations or showpieces that might be hanging above it. If your fireplace is brick, remove any pictures or ornaments that are placed on or around it. Once the mantel has been cleared then wipe it clean with a the help of a damp cloth to wipe off any soot or dust that has accumulated.

Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel using the use of a roller or brush. The semi-gloss paint is durable and stain-resistant, so your mantel can stand up to the heat of the fireplace, as well as other items placed on it. Allow the primer to dry according to the guidelines of the manufacturer before moving on to the main body of your fireplace's wall.

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