What Freud Can Teach Us About Wall Fireplace

How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can give your living room a focal point that demands attention. There are many models available and you must pick one that suits your needs.

Some of the most important features include the output of heat, the appearance and the controls. If you're not familiar with these features, it's recommended to consult a professional to help you select the best model.

Molded Squares

The living room required an impressive fireplace overhaul due to its old-fashioned stone surround and boring walls. With a few design tweaks the new look is bright and attractive, making this hearth a central feature in the room. A whitewashed mantel and contemporary artwork above modernize the facade of the buy fireplace while contrasting with the gray shelves below. The fireplace's facade is accentuated by a few changes in color.

Base cap moldings and trim pieces make a simple but effective method of framing the fireplace with a tile surround. Select a trim style that is in contrast with or matches your other trim elements for example, the thick casing around doors and windows, to tie the look together. If you prefer an elegant, high-end style, you can use fluted trim to create the illusion of a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic farmhouse style.

Accent walls with wainscoting are a common method of adding the look of rooms. The same method can be employed to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled option like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard instead of plank boards to create a dramatic look.

Brick is another non-combustible option to use as the fireplace surround. It is available in a variety of styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace in red is a traditional choice for Craft Revival-style or cottage-style homes. Rustic-style brick is another alternative that is able to blend with more traditional country style.

If you are planning to incorporate brick into your fireplace design be sure that your hearth measures 16-18 inches from the opening of the firebox, and your surround is 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the brick you select is safe and meets all local and national codes.

Open shelving is an ideal way to store books and other items. However, too many shelves can overwhelm the appearance of the fireplace. The owners of this family room designed a wall to ceiling limestone cladding in order to enhance the look without overwhelming open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look are perfect for a fireplace wall. They add a timeless look to any home. Reclaimed wood beams originate from old barns, stables and other buildings that were demolished. Each beam has its own distinct history. Reclaimed wood can be used as a feature in modern kitchens or with wide plank paneling to create an authentic look. They feature the typical markings of barn wood, like nail holes and mortise pockets and natural patina that increases their durability.

Find salvage yards for architectural elements and flea market for reclaimed wood elements to repurpose into a mantel. For example the earthy hue of pine that highlights the traditional living room mantel and surround evokes an idyllic rural setting. Its knotty imperfections emphasize a hand-hewn look and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which is a part of the fireplace wall. The rustic warmth of the room is accentuated by a pair inspired by nature wall sconces and a landscape image above the mantel.

Repurposed wood beams will bring a unique look to any room. They can be left in their natural state or stained to complement the decor of your home or distressed and carved to give them 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 type of fireplace. They can be placed above a freestanding gas or electric or ventless fireplace or be integrated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can be used to accent the mantel with no fire burning.

Whatever method you choose to put in your beams, be sure they are adequately protected against the effects of fire. Both materials can become brittle and weaken when exposed to extreme heat, but both are able to be strengthened with a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant sprays on I-beams made of steel. These products are available in 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 enhances the space while complementing any style of decor, from traditional to modern. Selecting matte finishes for the tiles is a great way to keep that neat and polished look while adding some color to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles also work well with different textures to create a more individual look. Stone-look tile is a popular choice that gives the space an authentic, rustic look and is a great match with natural materials such as wood. Marble-look tile is a timeless option that adds an elegant and luxurious look to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting the light and brightening the space.

The proper tile pattern can improve 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 adds an artistic look to the space, and balances the modern natural style fireplace with the overall style of the room.

If you're unsure about taking a risk on a patterns in your home, a fireplace can be the perfect place to test out a bold design that could be a bit intimidating in other areas of your home. This geometric tile with its black grout gives this space an elegant, yet fun feel. The hexagonal shapes are arranged like cubes for a stimulating layout, while the dark brown color provides an inviting and warm aesthetic that complements the industrial style of this space.

Another method of making a statement with your fireplace is to choose tiles that have the look of brick or another familiar material. This pattern-based tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance as brick however, it is much easier to maintain and clean.

If you're not ready commit to a full-scale remodel of your fireplace's surround, consider using a peel and stick tile to change the look without spending a fortune. A lot of these options are resistant to heat and therefore safe for Fireplaces Uk and able to be affixed to the existing surface. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great option that will add a sense of elegance to any living space, and will look great with traditional furnishings.

Paint the Mantel

When a wall fireplace has a brick surround, the most effective method to minimize its appearance is by giving it a fresh coat of paint. The mantel can be painted in a different hue to give it a more cosy and spirited look. It doesn't matter if you choose to match it to the color scheme of your room or opt for something striking or bold, a new color can make your fireplace stand out as a showpiece.

If your mantel is made of wood, inspect it first for gouges, cracks, and nicks. If the dents aren't enough to be handled then 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 prior to painting. Clean the surface using a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or debris.

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

Before you start painting, cover the surrounding area with a drop cloth or sheets. Clear off the mantel and remove any showpieces or decorations that might be hanging above it. If your fireplace is made of brick, take away any ornaments or pictures that are on or around it. 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 built up.

Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with the use of a roller or brush. The semi-gloss finish is long-lasting and stain-resistant, so your mantel will hold up well to the heat from the fireplace, as well as other objects placed on it. Let the primer dry according to the manufacturer's recommendations before moving onto the main part of your fireplace wall.

The brick can be quite heavy in color and weight. Paint the mantel in a light color or neutral to make it appear more vibrant and more inviting. If you decide to choose an unassuming color for your mantel, pair it with a piece of art with earthy tones or a large mirror to complete the look.