5 Killer Quora Answers On Wall Fireplace
How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A wall fireplace can give your living space an attractive focal point that requires attention. There are numerous models to choose from so you need to pick one that suits your needs.
The most significant features include the output of heat along with the appearance and controls. If you aren't familiar with these elements, it's best to hire an expert to help you pick the right model.
Molded Squares
A dull stone fireplace surround and bland walls left this living space in need of a major fireplace overhaul. The new style is bright, appealing and makes this hearth the center of the room. A whitewashed mantel and contemporary artwork above modernize the fireplace facade while contrasted with the shelves in gray below. A few minor changes in color can also help the fireplace stand out from the wall, adding the appeal of this fireplace design.
Base cap moldings and trim pieces are combined to create a simple, yet efficient way to frame a fireplace surround made of tile. To tie the look together select a trim design to contrast or match the other trim elements such as thick casing around doors and windows. If you want a more elegant, high-end style, choose a fluted trim to create the illusion of a mantel. If you want a more rustic farmhouse style, opt for dentil trim instead.
Accent walls with wainscoting are a common method of adding personality to a room. The same technique can be employed to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled product such as 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 comes in a variety of styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace in red is a traditional choice for Craft Revival-style or cottage-style homes. A rustic-looking brick can be used to complement a traditional country decor.
If you are incorporating brick into a fireplace design, it is important to ensure that your hearth extends 16-18 inches from the opening of the firebox and that your surround reaches 8-12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the brick you select is safe and conforms to all codes of the local and national level.
Open shelves are a great way to store books and other things, but too many can overwhelm the look of a fireplace. In this family room, the homeowners created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to elevate the design of the new fireplace without overwhelming the open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Reclaimed wood fireplace beams with a rustic look are perfect for a fireplace wall. They bring a timeless appeal to any home. Reclaimed wood beams are reclaimed from barns, stalls, and other buildings that have been destroyed. Each beam has its own unique story. Reclaimed wood can be used as a decorative element in modern kitchens, or with wide planks to give an authentic look. They have the typical barn wood markings, such as mortise and nail holes as well as a natural aging process that improves their durability.
Search architectural salvage yards and flea market for reclaimed wood elements to make into a fireplace. The natural tone of pine used to create this traditional living room surround and mantel creates the feeling of a cozy country getaway. The knotty imperfections of the wood create a rustic appearance and are a perfect match for the simple lines in the beaded-board wainscoting that is on the wall of the fireplace. A pair of sconces with a natural theme and a landscape-themed painting above the mantel enhance the rustic coziness of the room.
Repurposed wooden beams can provide an attractive accent to any room in your home. They can be left in their natural state or stained to complement your existing decor or carved and distressed for an antique look. They can also be painted to give modern appearance, or they can be covered with faux finishes like rust or marbled paint.
Wooden beams can serve as a focal point in any type of fireplace. They can be positioned above a freestanding gas or electric or ventless fireplace or incorporated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can also be used to highlight the mantel with no fire burning.
Whichever method you decide to use to mount your beams, be sure they are adequately protected from the effects of fire. Both types of material can become brittle and weaken in the face of extreme heat, but both can be reinforced with a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant sprayed on I-beams made of steel. These products are available 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 design instantly brightens the space and is a perfect match for any decor, whether contemporary or traditional. The matte finish is perfect for a sleek and polished appearance, while also adding a pop of contrast to make the fireplace pop.
Hex tiles can be customized with a variety textures for a more personalized look. Stone-look tiles are a popular choice that gives the room an old-fashioned, rustic feel. They also go well with natural materials, such as wood. Marble-look tile is a timeless option that adds an elegant and luxurious appearance to the space. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting light and brightening up the space.
The right tile pattern can elevate 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 pattern of the tile gives the entire room a a handcrafted appeal that balances the contemporary organic style of the fireplace and the overall modern design of the room.
If you're unsure about taking a risk on a pattern in your home, a fireplace is an excellent place to try out a bold pattern that could be intimidating in other parts of the house. The geometric tile with its black grout gives this space an elegant and playful look. The hexagonal shapes fit together like cubes to create a fascinating layout, and the dark brown color provides an inviting and warm aesthetic that works with the industrial style of this room.
Another option to make an impact with your fireplace is to choose tile that resembles the appearance of brick or another popular material. This texture tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look as brick but is much easier to maintain and clean.
If you're not ready to commit to a full-scale remodel of your fireplace's surround, think about using a peel and stick tile to refresh the look without costing you a fortune. These tiles are resistant to heat which makes them suitable for fireplaces shop and can stick to existing surfaces. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a great option to add style to any room. It also works beautifully with traditional furniture.
Paint the Mantel
If a fireplace on the wall has a brick surround, the most effective method to minimize its appearance is to give it an update of the paint. Paint the mantel in a different color can also add warmth and character to the space. A new paint color can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the color scheme of the room or pick something bold.
If your mantel is made of wood be sure to check it for gouges, cracks and scratches. If the dents aren't enough to handle then fill them with wood putty and allow it to set for the appropriate amount of time. Sand the surface with 100-grit paper to roughen it prior to painting. Wipe down the sanded surface using a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or dust.
White is a popular color for fireplaces and walls. However the right shade will make your fireplace stand out. Take a look at the wood trims, moldings, and bookcases in your home for inspiration. Does your mantel have the same shade as theirs or is it lighter or darker? If you opt for the latter, choose a color that will work well with the other colors in the room to ensure it looks balanced.
Before you begin painting, protect the area around you with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove the mantel, removing any decorative pieces or displays that might be hanging above it. Remove any ornaments or pictures that are around or on the brick fireplace. Once the mantel is empty, wipe it down with a damp cloth to clean off any dust or soot that has accumulated.
Apply a basecoat with a roller or brush to your mantel. The semi-gloss paint is long-lasting and stain-resistant, so your mantel will be able to withstand the heat of the fireplace, and any other items placed on it. Allow the primer to dry according to the manufacturer's recommendations before moving onto the main body of your fireplace's wall.
The brick can be quite heavy in both weight and color. Paint the mantel with a light or neutral color will make it appear more lively and more welcoming to guests. If you decide to choose an unassuming color for your mantel, match it with a work of art in earthy tones or a large mirror to complete the appearance.