14 Misconceptions Common To Wall Fireplace
Wiki Article
How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A wall fireplace will provide your living space with an attractive focal feature. There are a variety of models available, however, so it is crucial to choose one that meets your needs.
The most significant features include the output of heat, the appearance and the controls. If you're not aware of these features, it's recommended to hire an expert to assist you in choosing the right model.
Molded Squares
A worn-out stone fireplace surround and dull walls created a living space that was in need of a drastic fireplace overhaul. With a few design tweaks the new look is bright and eye-catching, making the hearth an important centerpiece in the room. A whitewashed mantel and contemporary artwork above modernize the fireplace facade while contrasted with the shelves in gray below. A few changes in color also help the facade stand out from the wall, which enhances the beauty of this fireplace design.
Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces are paired to create a simple, yet effective way to frame a fireplace surround made of tile. Choose a trim style that contrasts with or matches your other trim elements like the thick casing around windows and doors to make the look more cohesive. If you're looking for a more elegant, luxurious look, you can consider using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of a mantel. For a more rustic farmhouse look, you can use dentil trim instead.
Creating an accent wall with wainscoting is an effective way to add character to any room. The same technique can be employed to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled product like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard in place of plank boards to create a dramatic appearance.
Another non-combustible option you can use to create a fireplace surround is brick, which is available in a variety of styles and colors. A classic red brick fireplace is perfect for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. A rustic-looking brick can be used to complement a traditional country decor.
When incorporating brick into your fireplace design, it is important to ensure that your hearth is 16 to 18 inches from the opening for the fireplace and that the surround extends 8-12 inches in all directions. Make sure the brick you select is safe and meets all national and local codes.
Open shelves are a great way to store books and other items However, too many shelves could make a mess of the fireplace. For this family room the homeowners created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to elevate the appearance of the fireplace, without obscuring the open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic appearance are ideal for a fireplace wall. They are timeless and beautiful to any house. Reclaimed wood beams are reclaimed from barns, stalls and other structures that were demolished. Each beam has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used conjunction with wide plank ceiling paneling for a fully rustic design or as an accent to modern kitchens. They feature the usual barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes, and a natural aging process that improves their longevity.
Search architectural salvage yards and flea market for reclaimed wood elements to transform into a mantel. The rustic tone of pine used to create this traditional living room's surround and mantel evokes a cozy country retreat. The knotty imperfections of the wood create a rustic appearance, and they complement the simple lines in the beaded-board wainscoting on the fireplace wall. A pair of sconces inspired by nature and a landscape painting above the mantel enhance the rustic coziness of this space.
Repurposed wooden beams can make an attractive accent to any room in your home. They can be stained to match your current design or carved to create an antique look. They can also be painted to give a more contemporary appearance or covered with faux finishes like rust or marbled paint.
The wooden beams can serve as the focal element of any fireplace. They can be placed above a freestanding gas, ventless or electric fireplace or be integrated into a stone or brick fireplace. They can be used to illuminate the mantel, without burning fire.
Whatever method you decide to use to mount your beams, ensure that they are adequately protected from the effects of fire. Both types of materials can be brittle and weaken in the presence of extreme heat, but both can be reinforced with a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant that is sprayed on steel I-beams. These products are sold at a variety of stores for home improvement.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tiles can be used to create a striking effect as a surround for a fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens the space while complementing any decor style from traditional to modern. The choice of 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 stand out.
Hex tiles can also be combined with a variety of texture choices to create a more individual look. Stone-look tile is a popular choice that gives the room a classic, rustic feel and is a great match with natural materials like wood. Marble-look tiles are another timeless option that adds an elegant and luxurious aesthetic to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting the light and brightening up 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, thick mantel. The patterned tile gives the appearance of a hand-crafted space, balancing the modern natural style fireplace with the overall design of the room.
If you are unsure of taking a risk with a pattern in your home, the fireplace is a great place to experiment with the bold style. It might be a bit intimidating for other rooms. This geometric tile (here's an alternative) with its black grout lines gives this room a sophisticated and lively energy. The hexagonal shapes work as cubes to create an exciting layout, while the dark brown color creates an inviting and warm look that works with the industrial décor in the room.
Another method of making an impact with your fireplace is to use tiles that look like the appearance of brick or another popular material. This texture tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance as brick but is much simpler to maintain and clean.
If you're hesitant to take on a complete remodel of your fireplace's surround, think about applying a peel-and-stick tile to change the appearance without breaking the bank. A lot of these options are heat resistant which means they are safe for fireplaces and able to adhere to the existing stone. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great option that will add an elegant feel to any living space, and will look great with traditional furniture.
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. The mantel can be painted with a different color to give it a fire place more cosy and spirited look. Whether you choose to match it with the color scheme of your room or opt for something more striking or bold, a new color makes your fireplace stand out as a showstopper.
If your mantel is constructed of wood, you should first examine it for cracks, nicks, and gouges. Fill in the dents with wood putty if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the amount of time recommended. Sand the surface with 100-grit paper to roughen it before painting. To remove any debris or dirt, wipe down the surfaces you have sanded with a damp cloth.
While white is a popular color for walls and fireplaces, the right shade can really make your fireplace stand out. To get ideas, look at the wood trim on your bookcases, moldings, and walls. Do they have the same shade as your mantel? Or is it a lighter or darker hue? If the latter, choose a color that coordinates well to keep the room looking well-balanced.
Before you begin painting, cover the area around you with a drop cloth or sheets. Clean the mantel and remove any showpieces or decorations that are hanging over it. Take away any ornaments or pictures that are on or around the fireplace made of brick. Once the mantel is empty and clean, wipe it with a an damp cloth to wash off any soot or dust that has accumulated.
Apply a basecoat using the brush or roller to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish is durable and stain-resistant, which means that your mantel is able to stand up well to the heat from the fireplace as well as any other items that are placed on it. Allow the primer to completely dry, as per the manufacturer’s instructions, before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.
The brick may be heavy in weight and color. The mantel painted with an even or light color can make it look brighter and more inviting for guests. If you decide to go with the lighter hue, think about pairing it with an earthy-toned piece of art or a large mirror above it to balance the appearance.