What Will Wall Fireplace Be Like In 100 Years
How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A wall fireplace can give your living space a focal point that demands attention. There are numerous models to choose from and you must pick one that meets your requirements.
The most significant features include the heat output, the appearance and the controls. If you're not aware of these elements, it's best to seek out a professional to help you select the best model.
Molded Squares
This living room needed an overhaul to the fireplace due to its outdated stone surround and bland walls. With a few tweaks to the design, the new look is fresh and eye-catching making the hearth a central feature in the room. A whitewashed mantel and contemporary artwork above modernize the fireplace facade and contrast with the shelves in gray below. A few color changes also help the facade stand apart from the wall, which enhances the charm of this fireplace design.
Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces are paired to create a simple, yet efficient way to frame a tile fireplace surround. Select a trim style that contrasts with or complements the other trim elements, like the thick casing around doors and windows to create a cohesive look. If you're looking for an elegant, high-end style, think about using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of a mantel. If you want a more rustic farmhouse look, choose to use dentil trim instead.
Creating an accent wall with wainscoting is a common way to add character to any room. The same method can be employed to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled option like tongue-and groove cedar siding or beadboard in place of plank boards to create a dramatic effect.
Brick is another non-combustible option to use as a fireplace surround. It is available in different styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace with red is a popular choice for Craft Revival-style or cottage-style homes. Rustic-style brick is another option that can fit in with more traditional country style.
If you want to incorporate brick into your fireplace design be sure that your hearth measures 16 to 18 inches from the opening of the firebox, and your surround is 8 to 12 inches wide in all directions. Make sure the material you choose conforms to all national and local construction codes for security.
Open shelves are a great way to organize books and other items however, too many shelves can take over the appearance of the ethanol fireplace. The owners of this family room created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding in order to enhance the look without overwhelming open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Reclaimed wood beams that have a rustic style make a great fireplace wall. They bring a timeless appeal to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood are reclaimed from barns, stalls, and other buildings that have been removed. Each beam is unique and has its own unique history. Reclaimed wood can be used conjunction with wide plank ceiling panels for a completely rustic look or as a decorative element to modern kitchens. They have the typical barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes and a natural aging process that improves their longevity.
Scour architectural salvage yards and flea markets for reclaimed wood elements to use as a mantel or accent wall. For example the earthy color of pine that accentuates the traditional living room mantel and surround evokes an idyllic rural setting. Its knotty imperfections give it a rustic look and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting on the fireplace wall. A pair of sconces with a natural theme and a landscape painting above the mantel add to the rustic coziness of this space.
Repurposed wooden beams can add a unique touch to any space. They can be stained to match your existing decor or carved to give an antique look. They can be painted to give them a modern look or covered with faux finishes such as rust or marbling paint.
The wooden beams can be used as the central feature of any fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel, even without the need for a fire. They can be used to illuminate the mantel without burning fire.
No matter which method you choose to install your beams, make sure that they are protected adequately from the effects of electric fire. Both materials can be fragile in extreme heat. However they can be strengthened with a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products are available in a wide variety of home improvement stores.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tile can make an impact when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens up the space and is a perfect match for any style of decor from modern to traditional. The matte finish is perfect for a polished and clean appearance while adding a splash of contrast to make the fireplace stand out.
Hex tiles can be customised by a variety of textures to create an individual look. Stone Fireplaces-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 tiles are another timeless option that adds an elegant and luxurious look to the room. These tiles have an elegant and glossy surface that reflect light beautifully and brightens 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 patterned tile adds an artistic look to the space, and balances the modern natural style fireplace with the overall style of the room.
If you're unsure about taking a risk with design in your home, a fireplace can be an ideal place to test out a bold pattern which could be intimidating in other areas of your home. The geometric tile with its black grout gives the room an elegant, yet fun feel. The hexagonal shapes fit like cubes to create a stimulating layout. The deep brown hue provides this space with an inviting, warm look that is perfect for industrial decor.
Another way to make a statement with your fireplace is to use tile that resembles the appearance of brick or another familiar material. This textured tile, from LA Designer Affair, has the same look as brick, but with the added benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.
Consider using a peel-and-stick tile to update your fireplace surround without spending a fortune. A majority of these options are heat-resistant which means they are suitable for use in the fireplace and able to stick to the existing wall. This herringbone peel and stick tile is an excellent option that will bring an elegant feel to any living space while coordinating beautifully with traditional furnishings.
Paint the Mantel
If a fireplace on the wall has a brick surround, the most effective way to downplay its appearance is with an update of the paint. The mantel can be painted with a different color to give it a more cosy and spirited look. If you decide to match it with the room's color scheme or go for something bold and striking, a fresh paint color can make your fireplace stand out as a showstopper.
If your mantel is wood be sure to check it for gouges, cracks and scratches. If the dents aren't large enough to be handled then fill them with wood putty and let it set for the recommended amount of time. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it prior to painting. To remove any dirt or debris clean the sanded surfaces with a damp cloth.
While white is a popular choice for walls and fireplaces electric but the right color can really make your fireplace stand out. Look at the other wood trim, moldings and bookcases in your home for inspiration. Do they use the same shade as your mantel, or is it a lighter or a darker hue? If you opt for the latter option, select a color that will work well with the other shades in the room to keep it looking balanced.
Before you begin painting, cover the area surrounding you with drop cloth or sheets. Remove any ornaments or display pieces that were hung above the mantel. Remove any ornaments or photos that are around or on your brick fireplace. 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 of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with either a roller or brush. The semi-gloss finish lasts 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 placed on it. Allow the primer to completely dry, in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer, before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.
The brick may be heavy in both weight and color. Paint the mantel with an even or light color can make it look brighter and more inviting to guests. If you choose a light shade for your mantel, you can pair it with a piece of art in earthy tones or a large mirror to balance out the overall look.