10 Things Everybody Hates About Wall Fireplace
Wiki Article
How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A wall fireplace can give your living room an attractive focal area. There are a variety of models available so you need to pick one that is suitable for your needs.
The heat output, the controls and the appearance are among the most important features. If you're not aware of these elements, it's best to seek out an expert to help you choose the right model.
Molded Squares
This living room needed an overhaul to the fireplace due to its stale stone surround and dull walls. With a few tweaks to the design the new look is fresh and attractive and makes the hearth an important centerpiece in the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel and contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the appearance of the façade and the shelves in gray below are a contrast. The fireplace facade is enhanced by a few changes in color.
Base cap molding and thin trim pieces join to form a simple, yet effective, way to frame your fireplace surround. Choose a style of trim that contrasts with or matches the other trim elements, like the thick casing around windows and doors to create a cohesive look. If you're looking for a more elegant, premium look, you can consider using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic farmhouse style.
Accent walls with wainscoting are a popular method to add character to a room. The same method can be used to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards you can try a paneled product like beadboard or tongue-and-groove cedar siding to create a striking look.
Another non-combustible option you can create the fireplace surround is brick, which comes in many different styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace in red is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. Rustic-style brick is another option that could be a good fit with a more traditional, country-style decor.
If you are planning to incorporate brick into the design of your fireplace be sure that your hearth measures 16-18 inches from the opening of the firebox, and the surround is 8-12 inches wide in all directions. Make sure the brick you select is safe and complies with all codes of the local and national level.
Open shelving can be excellent for storing books and other items. However, too many shelves can ruin the appearance of the fireplace. In this family room, the homeowners created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to elevate the look of the new fireplace without overwhelming the open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Rustic reclaimed wooden beams are the ideal frame for a wall fireplace. They add a timeless beauty to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood are made from barns, stalls and other structures that were destroyed. Each beam has its own unique story. Reclaimed wood can be used conjunction with wide plank ceiling panels for a fully rustic design or as accents to modern kitchens. They have the typical barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes, plus a natural aging which increases their longevity.
Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage as well as flea markets to find reclaimed wood elements to use as a mantel or accent wall. The natural tone of pine used to create the traditional living room surround and mantel evokes a cozy country retreat. The knotty imperfections give it a rustic look and are a perfect match for the simple lines in the beaded-board wainscoting that is on the fireplace wall. The rustic warmth of this room is accentuated by a pair of natural-inspired wall sconces, as well as a landscape picture above the mantel.
Repurposed wood beams will bring a unique look to any room. They can be stained to match your existing decor or carved to give an antique look. They can be painted to give them a more modern appearance or covered with faux finishes like rust or marbling paint.
Wooden beams can be used as a focal point in any kind of fireplace. They can be set above a freestanding gas or ventless or electric fireplace or incorporated into a stone or brick fireplace. They can be used to illuminate the mantel without a burning fire.
No matter which method you decide to use to mount your beams, make sure that they are adequately protected against the effects of fire. Both materials are susceptible to becoming hard and brittle when heated to extreme temperatures. However, they can be strengthened with a layer of fire-resistant drywall. These products are available at most home improvement shops.
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 blending with any style of decor from modern to traditional. The matte finish is perfect to create a polished and sleek appearance, while also adding a pop of contrast to make the fireplace pop.
Hex tiles can be customised by a variety of textures to create an individualized appearance. Stone-look tile is a popular choice that gives the space an authentic, rustic look while blending beautifully with natural materials such as wood. Marble-look tile is another timeless option that provides an elegant and luxurious aesthetic to the space. These tiles feature a smooth and glossy finish that reflects light beautifully and brightens the space.
The right tile pattern can elevate a fireplace's design. 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 the look of a hand-crafted piece that balances the modern organic style of the fireplace and the overall modern design of the room.
If you're unsure about taking a risk with a pattern in your home The fireplace is the perfect place to test a bold design. It might be a bit intimidating for other rooms. The geometric tile with its black grout gives the room an elegant yet playful feel. The hexagonal shapes are arranged like cubes to create a fascinating layout, while the dark brown color provides an inviting and warm look that works with the industrial style of this space.
Another way to make an impact with your fireplace is to choose tiles that look like the appearance of brick or a similar material. The textured tile, which is made by LA Designer Affair, has a similar look to traditional brick but with the added benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.
If you're not ready to commit to a full-scale remodel of your fireplace's surround, consider using a peel and stick tile to update the appearance without spending a fortune. These tiles are resistant to heat and therefore suitable for fireplaces as well as able to stick to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great alternative that will add an elegant feel to any living space, while also blending beautifully with traditional furnishings.
Paint the Mantel
A fresh coat of paint is the most effective method to hide a brick surround on the wall of a fireplace. Painting the mantel a different color also adds warmth and personality to the space. A new color of paint can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the overall color scheme of the room or choose something bold.
If your mantel is constructed of wood, first inspect it for cracks, nicks, and gouges. If the dents aren't enough to be handled, fill them with wood putty, and let it set for the recommended amount of time. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper website to roughen it prior to painting. Wipe down the sanded surface using a damp cloth to take off any remaining dirt or debris.
White is a popular shade for walls and fireplaces. But the right shade will make your mantel really stand out. For ideas, take a look at the wood trim on your bookcases, mouldings and walls. Do they have the same color as your mantel? Or is it a darker or lighter hue? If you opt for the latter option, pick one that blends well with the other hues in the room to keep it looking balanced.
Before you start painting, protect the area surrounding you with drop cloth or sheets. Remove any ornaments or display pieces that may have been hung over the mantel. Remove any ornaments or photos that are around or on the brick fireplace. Once the mantel is empty and clean, wipe it with a the help of a damp cloth to wipe off any dust or soot that has accumulated.
Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel using the use of a roller or brush. The semi-gloss paint lasts and stain-resistant, which means your mantel can stand up to the heat of the fireplace, and any other objects that are placed on it. Allow the primer to completely dry, as per the manufacturer’s instructions, before you begin painting the main wall of the fireplace.
While brick is a beautiful feature of a fireplace wall, it can be a bit heavy and dark in shade. Paint the mantel with a light color or neutral to make it appear brighter and more inviting. If you opt for a light shade for your mantel, pair it with a work of artwork in earthy tones, or a large mirror to balance out the appearance.