Are You Getting The Most From Your Wall Fireplace?
Wiki Article
How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A wall fireplace can provide your living space with an eye-catching focal point. There are a variety of models on the market but it is important to find one that meets your needs.
The heat output, controls, and the appearance are some of the most important features. If you're not aware of these aspects, it is best to seek out a professional to help you select the best model.
Molded Squares
A dull stone fireplace and dull walls created a living space that was in need of a dramatic fireplace overhaul. With a few tweaks to the design, the new look is bright and striking making this hearth a focal point in the room. A whitewashed mantel and contemporary artwork above modernize the fireplace facade while contrasting with the shelves in gray below. A few minor changes in color also help the facade stand apart from the wall, which enhances the charm of this fireplace design.
Base cap molding and thin trim pieces are combined to create a simple, yet effective way to frame your fireplace surround. To bring the design together, choose a trim style to match or contrast with the other trim elements like thick casing around windows and doors. If you're looking to create an elegant, high-end look, consider using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of a real mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic farmhouse style.
The idea of creating an accent wall using wainscoting is an effective way to add character to any room. The same technique can be used to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards, instead, consider a paneled product like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard to create a striking look.
Brick is a different non-combustible option for the fireplace surround. It is available in different styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace with red accents is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. Rustic-style brick is another option that can fit in with a more traditional, country decor.
When incorporating brick into a fireplace design, you'll want to be sure your hearth extends 16-18 inches from the opening for the fireplace and that your surround reaches 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the material you choose conforms to all national and local construction codes for safety.
Open shelving is a great option to store books and other items, but too many can make a mess of the fireplace. The homeowners of this family room created a wall to ceiling limestone cladding in order to enhance the look without overwhelming the open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Rustic reclaimed wood beams are the perfect frame for a fireplace on the wall. They bring a timeless appeal to any house. Reclaimed wood beams are reclaimed from old barns, stalls, and other structures that were destroyed. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used as a decorative element in modern kitchens or with wide plank paneling to create an authentic appearance. They have the typical marks of barn wood, such as mortise and nail holes as well as a natural patina that enhances their durability.
Find salvage yards for architectural elements and flea markets for wood pieces that you can repurpose into a mantel. The earthy tone of pine used to create the traditional living room surround and mantel evokes a cozy country retreat. The knotty imperfections of the wood emphasize the hand-crafted look and compliment the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which is a part of the fireplace's wall. The rustic warmth of the space is enhanced by a pair of nature-inspired wall sconces and a landscape image above the mantel.
Repurposed wood beams can be an attractive accent to any room in your home. They can be stained to match your current decor or carved for an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a more contemporary look, or covered with faux finishes like marbling paint or rust.
Wooden beams can serve as a focal point in any kind of fireplace. They can be used to highlight the mantel without a fire burning. They can be used to accent the mantel without a flame burning.
No matter which method of installation you decide to use, make sure that your steel or wood beams are properly protected from the potential consequences of fire. Both materials are susceptible to becoming brittle in extreme heat. However they can be strengthened by a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products can be found at most home improvement shops.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tile can create a dramatic statement when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens the space and is a perfect match for any decor choice from traditional to modern. The matte finish is perfect to create a polished and sleek appearance while adding a splash of contrast to make the fireplace pop.
Hex tiles can also be used with different textures to create a more individual look. Stone-look tiles are a favorite that gives the room an authentic, classic look. They also go well with natural materials like wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tile that adds an elegant and luxurious look to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting light and brightening up the room.
The right tile pattern can elevate 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 pattern on the tile adds a unique a handcrafted appeal that balances the modern organic style of the fireplace, and the overall contemporary design of the room.
If you're unsure about putting your faith in a pattern in your home, a fireplace can be an ideal place to test out a bold style that could be intimidating in other parts of the house. The geometric tile with its black grout gives the room an elegant, yet fun feel. The hexagonal shapes work like cubes to create a fascinating layout, and the dark brown hue creates an inviting and warm look that is a perfect match for the industrial décor in this room.
Tiles that resemble brick or other familiar materials is another way to make an impact with your fireplace. This textured tile, from LA Designer Affair, has a similar look to brick, but with the added benefit of being much easier to clean and maintain.
Consider using a peel-and-stick tile to update your fireplace surround without spending a fortune. Many of these options are resistant to heat which means they are suitable for use in the fireplace and able to adhere to the existing surface. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a fantastic option to add style to any room. It also works beautifully with traditional furniture.
Paint the Mantel
If a fireplace in a wall has a brick surround, the best way to downplay its appearance is with fresh coats of paint. The mantel can be painted a different hue to give it a more cosy and spirited look. It doesn't matter if you choose to match it to the color scheme of your room or opt for something more striking or bold, a new color makes your fireplace stand out as a showpiece.
If your mantel is made from wood, first check it for cracks, nicks and gouges. If the dents are small enough to handle Fill them in with wood putty and let it set for the recommended amount of time. Before painting you can sand the surface 100-grit sandpaper UK Fireplaces to roughen it up. Clean the surface with a damp cloth in order to take off any remaining dirt or debris.
White is a favorite color for fireplaces and walls. But the right shade will make your mantel really stand out. Take a look at the wood trims, moldings, and bookcases in your home to get ideas. Does your mantel have the same color as theirs, or is it lighter or darker? If the latter, choose a color that coordinates well to keep the room looking balanced.
Before you start painting, cover the surrounding area with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove any decorative items or showpieces that might have been placed over the mantel. Remove any ornaments or photos that are on or around your brick fireplace. After the mantel has been cleaned, you can use a damp cloth and wipe it down to remove any soot or dust.
Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with the use of a roller or brush. The semi-gloss finish is durable and stain-resistant, ensuring that your mantel will hold up well to the heat of the fireplace and any other items placed on it. Let the primer completely dry, in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer, before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.
While the brick is a striking feature of a fireplace wall, it can be quite heavy and dark in shade. Paint the mantel with an unassuming color or neutral to make it appear brighter and more inviting. If you choose a light shade for your mantel, you can pair it with a work of artwork in earthy tones, or a large wall mirror to complete the look.