How to Decorate Around a
Wall FireplaceA fireplace in the wall can be your living room an element of interest that demands attention. There are many different designs available however, it is crucial to choose one that meets your needs.
The heat output, the controls, and the design are just a few of the important features. If you're not aware of these features, it's best to hire an expert to help you select the right model.
Molded Squares
The living room required an impressive fireplace overhaul due to its outdated stone surround and dull walls. With a few design tweaks the new look is vibrant and striking, making the hearth an important focal point in the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel as well as contemporary art above the fireplace modernizes the facade while the shelves that are gray below contrast. The fireplace's exterior is enhanced by a few changes in color.
Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces are combined to create a simple, yet effective method of framing a tile fireplace surround. To bring the design together, choose a trim style to match or contrast with your other trim elements like thick casings around windows and doors. If you're looking for a more high-end, elegant style, you can use fluted trim to create the illusion that there is a mantel. For a more rustic, farmhouse look, choose to use dentil trim instead.
Creating an accent wall with wainscoting is a popular way to add character any room. The same method can be used to frame a fireplace. Consider a paneled material like tongue-and groove cedar siding or beadboard instead plank boards to create a dramatic effect.
Brick is another non-combustible option to use as 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. A rustic-looking brick could be used to enhance a traditional country style.
If you're planning to incorporate brick into the design of your fireplace be sure that your hearth is 16 to 18 inches away from the opening of the firebox and the surround is 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the material you choose is safe and complies with all local and national codes.
Open shelving is a great way to store books and other things However, too many shelves could overwhelm the look of a fireplace. In this family room, the homeowners created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the design of the new
ethanol fireplace, without obscuring the open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look make a great fireplace wall. They bring a timeless appeal to any home. Reclaimed wood beams are sourced from barns, stables and other demolished structures. Each beam has its own distinct history. Reclaimed wood can be used as a decorative element in modern kitchens or wide planks to give a rustic look. They feature the usual barn wood markings, such as mortise and nail holes, plus a natural aging which increases their durability.
Look through salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets for reclaimed wood elements to transform into a mantel. The rustic tone of pine used as a backdrop for this traditional living room's mantel and surround evokes a cozy country retreat. Its knotty imperfections emphasize the hand-crafted look and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that surrounds the fireplace's wall. A pair of sconces inspired by nature and a painting of a landscape above the mantel add to the rustic charm of the space.
Repurposed wooden beams can give a unique appearance to any space. They can be stained to match your existing design or carved to create an antique appearance. They can also be painted to give a more contemporary appearance or covered with faux finishes, such as marbled or rust paint.
Wooden beams can serve as a focal point in any type of fireplace. They can be positioned above a freestanding gas or ventless or electric fireplace or incorporated into a stone or brick fireplace. They can be used to enhance the mantel, without burning fire.
Whatever method you choose to put in your beams, ensure that they are adequately protected from the effects of fire. Both materials can be fragile in extreme heat. However they can be strengthened with a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products can be found in a wide variety of 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 up the space and is a perfect match for any decor, whether traditional or modern. The matte finish is perfect for a sleek and polished appearance while adding a splash of contrast to make the fireplace stand out.
Hex tiles also work well with a variety of texture choices for a more personalized look. Stone-look tile is a very popular choice that gives the space a classic, rustic feel while pairing beautifully with natural materials such as wood. Marble-look tile is another timeless option that adds an elegant and luxurious appearance to the space. These tiles feature a glossy and smooth finish that reflects light beautifully and enhances the space.
The perfect tile pattern can enhance the overall design of the fireplace. For example, the ribbed tile on this fireplace by @lorenapulichinodesign creates an interesting visual element that pairs beautifully with the smooth,
fires thick mantel. The patterned tile gives a handcrafted look to the space, and balances the modern natural style fireplace with the overall style of the room.
If you're not sure about taking a risk on a patterns in your home, a fireplace can be an ideal place to test out a bold style which could be intimidating in other parts of the house. This geometric tile (here's a similar option) with its black grout lines gives this space a sophisticated yet playful energy. The hexagonal shapes are shaped like cubes to create an exciting layout. The dark brown color provides this space with an inviting and warm aesthetic that goes well with the industrial style.
Tile that looks like brick or other common materials is another way to make an impact on your fireplace. This texture tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance to brick, but is much easier to clean and maintain.
If you're not ready commit to a full-scale remodel of your fireplace's surround, think about applying a peel and stick tile to change the appearance without costing you a fortune. Many of these options are heat resistant, making them suitable for use in the fireplace and able to adhere to the existing stone. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great alternative that will add a sense of elegance to any living space, while coordinating beautifully with traditional furnishings.
Paint the Mantel
If a fireplace in a wall has an existing brick surround, the most effective way to downplay its appearance is by giving it a fresh coat of paint. Painting the mantel a different hue also adds warmth and personality to the room. A new color of paint can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the scheme of color in the room or pick something striking.
If your mantel is wood take a look at it to find gouges, cracks, and scratches. Fill in the dents using wood putty, if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the period recommended. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it prior to painting. To remove any dirt or debris wipe the sanded surfaces with a damp cloth.
White is a favorite color for Cheap fireplaces (
chestnut-peach-Fx55lb.mystrikingly.com) and walls. But, the right shade will make your mantel really stand out. For inspiration, look at the wood trims on your bookcases, mouldings and walls. Does your mantel have the same shade as theirs or is it darker or lighter? If you opt for the latter, choose a color that will work well with the other shades in the room to ensure it looks balanced.
Protect the area around you with sheets or a dropcloth before you begin painting. Remove any decorations or showpieces that might have been placed above the mantel. Take away any ornaments or pictures that are around or on the brick fireplace. Once the mantel is cleaned, you can use a damp cloth and wipe it clean to remove any dust or soot.
Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with either a roller or brush. The semi-gloss paint lasts and stain resistant, so your mantel will be able to withstand the heat of the fireplace, as well as other items that are placed on it. Let the primer completely dry, in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer, before you begin painting the main wall of the fireplace.
While the brick is a beautiful feature of a fireplace wall, it can be quite heavy and dark in shade. 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, you can pair it with a piece of artwork in earthy tones, or a large wall mirror to complete the overall look.
