15 Shocking Facts About Wall Fireplace
Wiki Article
How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A wall fireplace will give your living room an eye-catching focal point. There are numerous models to choose from, so you should choose one that suits your needs.
Some of the most important features include the output of heat, the appearance and the controls. If you're not familiar with these features, it's recommended to consult a professional to help you select the best model.
Molded Squares
The living room required a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its stale stone surround and boring walls. With a few design tweaks, the new look is vibrant and striking making this hearth a central feature in the room. A whitewashed fireplace and contemporary artwork above modernize the fireplace facade while contrasting with the shelves in gray below. A few changes in color also help the facade stand out from the wall, enhancing the appeal of this fireplace design.
Base cap molding and thin trim pieces combine to form a simple, yet effective, method to frame the tile fireplace surround. To bring the design together pick a trim style to match or contrast with your other trim elements such as thick casing around doors and windows. If you're looking to create an elegant, premium style, think about using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of a real mantel. For a more rustic farmhouse look, you can opt for dentil trim instead.
Creating an accent wall with wainscoting is an effective way to add character to any room. The same technique can be used to frame a fireplace. Consider a paneled material like tongue-and groove cedar siding or beadboard in place of plank boards to create a dramatic look.
Brick is another non-combustible option for a fireplace surround. It is available in various 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 more traditional country decor.
If you want to incorporate brick into the design of your fireplace ensure that your hearth measures 16 to 18 inches from the opening of the firebox, and your surround is 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you choose complies with all local and national building codes for security.
Open shelving can be a great way of storing books and other things. However having too many shelves can overwhelm the appearance of the fireplace. The homeowners 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 with a rustic look are perfect for a fireplace wall. They bring timeless elegance to any house. Reclaimed beams of wood are reclaimed from old barns, stalls, and other buildings that have been removed. Each beam carries with it its own distinct history. Reclaimed wood can also be used as a decorative element in modern kitchens or with wide plank paneling to create an authentic appearance. They feature the usual barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes as well as a natural aging process that improves their longevity.
Look through salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets for reclaimed wooden elements to repurpose into a mantel. The earthy tone of pine used as a backdrop for the traditional living room surround and mantel creates the feeling of a cozy country getaway. The knotty imperfections in the wood accent the hand-crafted look and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that is a part of the fireplace wall. The rustic warmth of this room is enhanced by a pair of nature-inspired wall sconces, and a landscape picture above the mantel.
Repurposed wooden beams can give a unique appearance to any room. They can be stained to match your existing decor or carved for an antique appearance. They can also be painted to give an updated look or covered with faux finishes such as marbled paint or rust.
Wooden beams can serve as a focal point for any type of fireplace. They can be positioned over a freestanding gas, ventless or electric fireplace or be integrated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can be used to accent the mantel with no fire burning.
No matter which method you decide to use to mount your beams, ensure that they are adequately fire places protected from the effects of fire. Both materials can be 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 can be found in a wide variety of home improvement stores.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tiles can be used to create a dramatic effect as surrounds for fireplaces. Its shape instantly brightens up the room and complements any decor, whether traditional or modern. The choice of a matte finish for the tiles is ideal to keep that sleek and polished look, while adding some contrast to make the fireplace pop.
Hex tiles also work well with various textures for a more customized appearance. Stone-look tiles are a very popular option that give the room an old-fashioned, rustic feel. They also go well with natural materials, such as wood. Marble-look tile is another timeless option that provides an elegant and luxurious appearance to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting the light and brightening up the space.
The proper tile pattern can improve 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 provides an artistic look to the space, while balancing the contemporary natural style fireplace 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 an ideal place to test out a bold design which could be intimidating in other parts of your home. This geometric tile (here's another option) with its black grout lines give the room a sophisticated but fun energy. The hexagonal shapes are arranged as cubes to create an exciting layout, while the deep brown hue creates an inviting and warm aesthetic that is a perfect match for the industrial style of this room.
Another way to make an impact with your fireplace is to choose tile that resembles the appearance of brick or a similar material. This textured tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance to brick, but is much easier to maintain and clean.
Consider using a peel-and-stick tile to update your fireplace's surround without costing you a dime. These tiles are heat-resistant, making them suitable for fireplaces and can adhere to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great option that will bring a sense of elegance to any living space, while coordinating beautifully with traditional furniture.
Paint the Mantel
A fresh coat of paint is the best method to hide a brick surround on the wall of a fireplace. The mantel can be painted in a different colour to add warmth and personality. A new color of paint could make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the overall color scheme of the room or pick something striking.
If your mantel is made of wood be sure to check it for gouges, cracks, and scratches. If the dents aren't large enough to handle then fill them with wood putty and let it set for the appropriate amount of time. Before painting you can sand the surface 100-grit sandpaper in order to rough it up. To remove any dirt or debris, wipe down the surfaces you have sanded with a damp cloth.
White is a popular color for walls and fireplaces. But, the right shade will make your mantel really stand out. Check out the other wood trim, moldings and bookcases in your home for ideas. Do they use the same shade as your mantel, or is it a lighter or darker shade? If you decide to go with the latter option, select one that blends well with the other shades in the room to ensure it looks balanced.
Before you begin painting, protect the surrounding area with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove any decorations or showpieces that might have been placed over the mantel. If your fireplace is brick, get rid of any ornaments or pictures that are placed on or within the fireplace. Once the mantel is cleaned, you can use a damp cloth and wipe it clean to remove any dust or soot.
Apply a basecoat using the brush or roller to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish lasts and stain-resistant, so your mantel will hold up well to the heat from the fireplace as well as any other objects placed on it. Let the primer dry, as per the manufacturer’s instructions, before you begin painting the main wall of the fireplace.
While the brick is a beautiful feature of a fireplace's wall it can be heavy and dark in hue. Painting the mantel in a neutral or light shade can make it appear brighter and more inviting for guests. If you decide to choose a light color for your mantel, you can pair it with a piece artwork in earthy tones, or a large wall mirror to balance out the look.