How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A wall fireplace can give your living room a focal point that demands attention. There are many different models on the market however, it is essential to choose one that meets your needs.
The heat output, controls and the appearance are some of the most important features. If you’re not familiar with these features, it’s best to seek out an expert to assist you in choosing the best model.
Molded Squares
The living room in this house needed an impressive fireplace overhaul due to its old-fashioned stone surround and dull walls. With a few design tweaks the new look is bright and striking and makes the hearth a central feature in the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel and Wall Fireplace contemporary art above the fireplace modernizes the facade, while the gray shelves below contrast. The fireplace’s facade is accentuated by a few changes in color.
Base cap molding and thin trim pieces are combined to create a simple, yet effective way to frame the tile fireplace insert surround. Choose a trim style that contrasts with or complements your other trim elements for example, the thick casing around windows and doors to make the look more cohesive. If you prefer a more elegant, high-end style, choose a fluted trim to create 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 method can be employed to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled product like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard instead of plank boards to create a dramatic look.
Brick is a different non-combustible option for a fireplace surround. It is available in different styles and colors. A traditional red brick fireplace is a classic option for cottage-style or Craft-Revival-style homes. A rustic-looking brick can be used to complement a traditional country decor.
If you want to incorporate brick into your fireplace design ensure that your hearth is 16 to 18 inches away 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 conforms to all local and national codes.
Open shelving is a great way to organize books and other items However, too many shelves could overwhelm the look of a fireplace. For this family room, homeowners built a wall-to ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the design of the new fireplace without overwhelming the open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look are ideal for a fireplace wall. They add a timeless beauty to any house. Reclaimed wood beams are sourced from old barns, stables and other demolished buildings. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used as a feature in modern kitchens or with wide planks to give an authentic look. They feature the typical markings of barn wood, such as mortise and nail holes and natural patinas that increase their durability.
Search architectural salvage yards and flea market for wood pieces that you can make into a fireplace. The earthy tone of pine used to accent this traditional living room’s mantel and surround evokes a cozy country retreat. The knotty imperfections create a rustic appearance, and they complement the simple lines in the beaded-board wainscoting on the fireplace’s wall. A pair of sconces with a natural theme and a painting of a landscape above the mantel enhance the rustic charm of this space.
Repurposed wooden beams can provide an attractive feature to any room in your home. They can be left as is or stained to complement the decor of your home, or they can be distressed and carved to give them an antique look. They can also be painted for modern appearance, or they can be covered with faux finishes, such as rust or marbled paint.
The wooden beams can be used as the focal feature of any fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel without the need for a fire. They can be used to enhance the mantel, without burning fire.
Whatever method of installation you choose ensure that your wood or steel beams are properly protected from the possible consequences of fire. Both materials can be hard and brittle when heated to extreme temperatures. However they can be strengthened by a layer of fire-resistant drywall. These products are sold at a variety of home improvement stores.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tiles can be utilized to create a dramatic effect as surrounds for fireplaces. Its design instantly brightens the room and complements any style, whether contemporary or traditional. Choosing a matte finish for the tiles is the best way to maintain that clean and polished look while adding some color to make the fireplace stand out.
Hex tiles can be customized by a variety of textures to create a more personalized look. stone fireplaces (learn more about Mystrikingly)-look tile is a popular option that gives the space a classic, rustic feel while pairing beautifully with natural materials like wood. Another timeless option is marble fireplace-look tile, which adds an elegant and luxurious appearance to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting the sunlight and brightening the room.
The perfect tile pattern can enhance the entire 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 adds an artistic look to the space, and balances the modern organic style fireplace electric with the overall design of the room.
If you’re unsure about putting your faith in a pattern in your home, a fireplace can be the perfect place to test out a bold pattern that could be intimidating in other parts of your home. This geometric tile (here’s an alternative) with its black grout lines give the room a sophisticated but playful energy. The hexagonal shapes fit like cubes, creating a lively layout. The deep brown color provides this space with a warm, inviting aesthetic that is perfect for industrial decor.
Tile that looks like brick or other familiar materials is another option to create an impact on your fireplace. This textured tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look to brick, but is much simpler 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. These options are heat-resistant and therefore suitable for fireplaces and can stick to existing surfaces. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a great option to add elegance to any room. It also coordinates beautifully with traditional furniture.
Paint the Mantel
A fresh coat of paint is the best method to cover the brick surround of an unwall-mounted fireplace. The mantel can be painted a different colour to add warmth and character. Whether you choose to match it to the room’s color scheme or opt for something striking or bold, a new color makes your fireplace stand out as a stunning feature.
If your mantel is constructed of wood, you should first examine it for cracks, nicks and gouges. If the dents are small enough to be able to handle Fill them in with wood putty and allow it to set for the appropriate amount of time. Before painting, sand the surface with 100-grit sandpaper in order to rough it up. Wipe down the sanded surface with a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or debris.
White is a popular shade for fireplaces and walls. But the right shade can make your fireplace stand out. Take a look at the wood trims, moldings, and bookcases in your home for ideas. Do they use the same hue as your mantel, or is it a lighter or darker hue? If the latter, pick the color that is well-matched to keep the look balanced.
Before you begin painting, protect the area surrounding you with drop cloth or sheets. Clear off the mantel, removing any decorations or showpieces that might be hanging above it. Remove any ornaments or pictures placed around or on the fireplace made of brick. Once the mantel is empty, wipe it down with a damp cloth to clean off any soot or dust that has accumulated.
Apply a basecoat using a roller or brush to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish is long-lasting and stain-resistant, which means that your mantel will stand up well to the heat generated by the fireplace as well as any other objects placed on it. Allow the primer to dry in accordance with the guidelines of the manufacturer before moving onto the main part of your fireplace’s wall.
While brick is a striking feature of a fireplace’s wall it can be a bit heavy and dark in color. Paint the mantel in an unassuming color or neutral to make it appear lighter and more inviting. If you decide to choose a light color, consider pairing it with a earthy-toned piece of artwork or a large mirror over it to balance the appearance.