How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can give your living room a focal point that demands attention. There are numerous models to choose from so you need to pick one that suits your needs.

The most significant features include the heat output, the appearance and the controls. If you're not aware of these features, it's recommended to seek out an expert to help you choose the best model.

Molded Squares

The living room in this house needed an impressive fireplace overhaul due to its old-fashioned stone surround and boring walls. With a few tweaks to the design, the new look is bright and eye-catching, making the hearth an important central feature in the room. A whitewashed fireplace and contemporary artwork above modernize the fireplace facade while contrasted with the shelves in gray below. The tabletop fireplace facade is enhanced by a few color changes.

Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces create a simple, yet effective way to frame the fireplace with a tile surround. Choose a trim style that contrasts with or matches the other trim elements, such as the thick casing around doors and windows to create a cohesive look. If you're looking for an elegant, high-end style, you can use fluted trim to give the illusion that there is 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 technique can be used to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards you can try a paneled product like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard 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 with red is a traditional choice for cottage-style or Craft-Revival-style homes. A rustic-looking brick can be used to complement a traditional country decor.

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

Open shelving is excellent for storing books and other things. However having too many shelves can ruin the appearance of the fireplace. For this family room, homeowners built a wall-to ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the look of the new fireplace without overpowering the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look make a great fireplace wall. They bring timeless elegance to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood are reclaimed from old barns, stalls and other buildings that have been removed. Each beam is unique and has its own unique history. Reclaimed wood can be used combination with wide plank ceiling panels for a completely rustic look or as accents to modern kitchens. They feature the usual barn wood markings like mortise and nail holes, and a natural aging process which increases their durability.

Look through salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea market for reclaimed wood elements to repurpose into a mantel. The rustic tone of pine used as a backdrop for the traditional living room surround and mantel creates an intimate country retreat. Its knotty imperfections create a rustic appearance and complement the simple lines in the beaded-board wainscoting that is on the wall of the fireplace. A pair of sconces inspired by nature and a landscape painting above the mantel add to the rustic ambiance of this space.

Repurposed wood beams will add a unique touch to any room. They can be left as-is or stained to match your existing decor or carved and distressed for an antique look. They can also be painted to give modern appearance or covered with faux finishes like marbled or rust paint.

The wooden beams can be used as the central point of any fireplace. They can be placed above a freestanding gas or ventless or electric fireplace or they can be incorporated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can be used to highlight the mantel, without burning fire.

No matter which method of installation you decide to use, make sure that your wood fireplace or steel beams are properly protected from the possible effects of fire. Both materials can become hard and brittle when heated to extreme temperatures. However they can be strengthened by a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products are sold in a wide variety of home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a dramatic effect as an accent for fireplaces. Its shape instantly brightens up the room and complements any decor, whether contemporary or traditional. Selecting an elegant matte finish 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 can also be used with a variety of texture choices for a more customized appearance. Stone-look tile is a very popular choice that gives the space an authentic, rustic look while pairing beautifully with natural materials such as wood. marble fireplace-look tile is another timeless option that adds an elegant and luxurious look to the room. These tiles feature a glossy and smooth finish that reflects light beautifully and enhances the space.

The right tile pattern can elevate the look 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 of the tile gives the whole space a handcrafted appeal that balances the organic modern style of the fireplace, and the overall contemporary design of the room.

If you are unsure of making a design risk in your home the fireplace is a great place to play around with an imposing design. It might be intimidating for other areas. This geometric tile with its black grout gives the room an elegant yet playful feel. The hexagonal shapes are arranged like cubes for a stimulating layout, while the dark brown hue creates an inviting and warm look that is a perfect match for the industrial style of this room.

Another method of making an impact with your fireplace is to select tiles that look like the appearance of brick or a similar material. The textured tile, Electric fireplaces which is made by LA Designer Affair, has a similar look to brick, but has the added benefit of being much easier to clean and maintain.

If you're hesitant to commit to a full-scale remodel of your fireplace's surround, think about using a peel and stick tile to change the look without spending a fortune. These tiles are resistant to heat, making them suitable for fireplaces as well as able to be bonded to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is an excellent option that will add an elegant feel to any living space while also blending beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

When a wall fireplace has an existing brick surround, the most effective way to downplay its appearance is by giving it a fresh coat of paint. The mantel can be painted a different colour to give it a more cosy and spirited look. Whether you choose to match it with the decor's color scheme or opt for something striking, a new paint color can make your fireplace stand out as a showstopper.

If your mantel is made from wood, first check it for cracks, nicks and gouges. Fill in the dents with wood putty if they are small enough. Allow it to dry for the period recommended. Before painting, sand the surface with 100-grit sandpaper to roughen it up. To get rid of any dirt or debris wipe the surfaces you have sanded with a damp cloth.

White is a popular shade for walls and fireplaces wood. However, the right shade will make your mantel really stand out. Look at the other wood trim, moldings and bookcases in your home for ideas. Does your mantel match in color as theirs, or is it darker or lighter? If the latter, pick an appropriate color to keep the room looking well-balanced.

Protect the area around you with a dropcloth or sheets before you begin painting. Clear off the mantel, taking out any decorative pieces or displays that are hanging over it. If your fireplace - Suggested Website, is brick, remove any pictures or ornaments that are on or within the fireplace. Once the mantel is cleaned, use a damp cloth and wipe it clean to remove any dust or soot.

Apply a basecoat with a roller or brush to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish is long-lasting and stain-resistant, so your mantel is able to stand up well to the heat from the fireplace, as well as other items that are placed on it. Let the primer dry according to the manufacturer's recommendations before moving on to the main body of your fireplace's wall.

The brick can be quite heavy in weight and color. Paint the mantel with an unassuming color or neutral to make it appear lighter and more inviting. If you opt for a light color for your mantel, match it with a piece of art with earthy tones or a large mirror to balance out the overall look.