How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A fireplace in the wall will provide your living space with an eye-catching focal area. There are a variety of models available however, it is essential to choose one that will meet your requirements.
The most significant features include the heat output as well as the appearance and controls. If you're not aware of these features, it's best to consult a professional to help you choose the right model.
Molded Squares
This living room needed an overhaul to the fireplace due to its old-fashioned stone surround and dull walls. The new design is bright, appealing and makes the hearth the focal point of the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel and contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the exterior and the shelves in gray below are a contrast. The fireplace's exterior is enhanced by a few changes in color.
Base cap molding and thin trim pieces are combined to form a simple, yet effective, way to frame the fireplace surround. To tie the look together select a trim design to match or contrast with your other trim elements like thick casing around windows and doors. If you're looking to create an elegant, premium style, think about using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse-style.
Making an accent wall using wainscoting is a popular way to add character to any room. The same method can be used to frame the fireplace. Consider a paneled material like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard instead of plank boards to create a dramatic look.
Brick is another non-combustible option for a fireplace surround. It comes in various styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace with red accents is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. The rustic-look brick is an option that can fit in with more traditional country decor.
If you want to incorporate brick into the design of your fireplace, make sure that your hearth is 16-18 inches from the opening of the firebox and your surround is 8-12 inches wide in all directions. Make sure the brick you select is safe and conforms to all national and local codes.
Open shelves are a great way to organize books and other items However, too many shelves could take over the appearance of the fireplace. For this family room the homeowners designed 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 fireplace on the wall. They bring a timeless appeal to any house. Reclaimed beams of wood are reclaimed from barns, stalls and other buildings that have been demolished. Each beam carries with it its own unique history. Reclaimed wood can be used as an accent in modern kitchens or with wide planks of paneling to create an authentic look. They feature the typical marks of barn wood, including mortise and nail holes as well as natural patina that increases their durability.
Scour architectural salvage yards and flea markets to find reclaimed wood elements to repurpose for a mantel or an accent wall. The earthy tone of pine used to create the traditional living room surround and mantel creates a cozy country retreat. Its knotty imperfections emphasize the hand-crafted appearance and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that borders the fireplace wall. A pair of sconces with a natural theme and a painting of a landscape above the mantel add to the rustic ambiance of this space.
Repurposed wood beams will bring a unique look to any room. They can be stained to match your current design or White Fireplace (
Https://Gitea.Myrmidon.Org/) carved to create an antique appearance. They can also be painted for an updated look or covered with faux finishes, such as rust or marbled paint.
Wooden beams can be used as a focal point in any kind of fireplace. They can be positioned over a freestanding gas, ventless or
electric fireplace or incorporated into a brick or
Stone Fireplaces fireplace. They can be used to enhance the mantel without burning fire.
Whichever method you choose to install your beams, make sure that they are adequately protected against the effects of fire. Both materials can be brittle and weaken in the presence of extreme heat, however both can be reinforced with a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant that is sprayed on I-beams made of steel. These products are available in most home improvement stores.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tile can make a dramatic statement when used as a fireplace surround. Its shape instantly brightens up the room and can be incorporated into any decor, traditional or modern. Selecting a matte finish for the tiles is the best way to maintain that clean and polished look, while also adding some color to make the fireplace stand out.
Hex tiles can be customised with a variety of textures for a more personalized look. Stone-look tile is a very popular choice that lends the space a classic, rustic feel and is a great match with natural materials like wood. Another timeless 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 light and brightening up the space.
The right tile pattern can elevate the design of a 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 pattern on the tile gives the entire room a a handcrafted appeal that balances the organic modern style of the fireplace and the contemporary style of the room.
If you're unsure about taking a risk with a pattern in your home, the fireplace is a great place to test the bold style. It might be intimidating for other areas. This geometric tile (here's a similar option) with its black grout lines give this space a sophisticated yet playful energy. The hexagonal shapes work as cubes to create an exciting layout, while the dark brown color provides an inviting and warm look that complements the industrial decor in the room.
Tiles that resemble brick or other familiar materials is another way to make an impact on your fireplace. This pattern-based tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look as brick however, it is much easier to maintain and clean.
Consider using a peel-and-stick tile to modernize your fireplace surround without costing you a dime. These options are heat-resistant, making them suitable for fireplaces and able be bonded to existing surfaces. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a great option to add elegance to any room. It also looks great with traditional furniture.
Paint the Mantel
A fresh coat of paint is the most effective method to hide the brick surround on a wall-mounted fireplace. The mantel's paint color can also add warmth and personality to the room. Whether you choose to match it to the color scheme of your room or opt for something striking or bold, a new color will make your
fireplace suites stand out as a showstopper.
If your mantel is constructed of wood, first inspect it for cracks, nicks and gouges. Fill in the dents using wood putty, if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the amount of time recommended. Before painting, sand the surface with 100-grit sandpaper to roughen it up. Clean the surface using a damp cloth to take off any remaining dirt or dust.
While white is a popular option for walls and fireplaces, the right shade can really make your fireplace stand out. Take a look at the wood trim, moldings and bookcases in your home for ideas. Does your mantel have the same shade as theirs or is it lighter or darker? If you decide to go with the latter option, pick the color that works well with the other colors in the room to ensure it looks balanced.
Cover the area around you by using sheets or a dropcloth before you begin painting. Clear off the mantel, removing any decorations or showpieces that are hanging over it. Remove any ornaments or photos that are around or on your brick fireplace. Once the mantel has been cleared and clean, wipe it with a an damp cloth to wash off any soot or dust that has built up.
Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with either a roller or brush. The semi-gloss finish is durable and stain-resistant, ensuring that your mantel will hold up well to the heat of the fireplace as well as any other objects placed on it. Let the primer completely dry, according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer before you begin painting the main wall of the fireplace.
While the brick is a beautiful feature of a fireplace's wall it can be quite heavy and dark in color. Paint the mantel with an even or light color will make it appear more lively and more welcoming to guests. If you opt for a light color for your mantel, pair it with a work of art in earthy tones or a large wall mirror to balance out the look.
