5 Killer Quora Answers To Wall Fireplace
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 on the market, however, so it is essential to choose one that will meet your requirements.
The most significant features include the heat output as well as the appearance and controls. If you're not familiar with these features, it's best to seek out an expert to help you choose the right model.
Molded Squares
The living room required a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its stale stone surround and bland walls. With a few design tweaks, the new look is fresh and eye-catching making the hearth a central feature in the room. A whitewashed mantel and modern artwork above modernize the fireplace facade and contrast with the shelves in gray below. A few color changes can also help the fireplace stand out from the wall, adding the beauty of this fireplace design.
Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces make a simple but effective method of framing the fireplace with a tile surround. Choose a trim style that is in contrast with or matches the other trim elements, such as the thick casing around doors and windows to create a cohesive look. If you're looking for an elegant, high-end look, consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of an actual mantel. If you want a more rustic farmhouse style, choose to use dentil trim instead.
Creating an accent wall with wainscoting is a common way to add character to any room. The same technique can be used 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 different styles and colors. A traditional red brick fireplace is a traditional choice for cottage-style or Craft-Revival-style homes. A rustic-look brick can also be used to enhance a traditional country style.
When you incorporate brick in a fireplace design, it is important to ensure that your hearth extends 16-18 inches from the opening for the fireplace and that the surround extends 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the material you select is safe and conforms to all national and local codes.
Open shelving is a great way to store books and other things However, too many shelves could take over the appearance of the fireplace. For this family room homeowners built a wall-to ceiling limestone cladding to elevate the look of the new fireplace, without obscuring the open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic appearance make a great fireplace wall. They are timeless and beautiful to any house. Reclaimed beams of wood are made from old barns, stalls, and other structures that were demolished. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used conjunction with wide plank ceiling panels for a fully rustic design or as an accent to modern kitchens. They feature the usual barn wood markings, such as mortise and nail holes and a natural aging process which increases their durability.
Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets for reclaimed wood elements to repurpose for a mantel or an accent wall. The rustic tone of pine used to create this traditional living room's surround and mantel evokes a cozy country retreat. The knotty imperfections create a rustic appearance and complement the simple lines in the beaded-board wainscoting on the fireplace stove wall. The rustic warmth of the room is enhanced by a pair of natural-inspired wall sconces and a landscape image above the mantel.
Repurposed wooden beams will bring a unique look to any space. They can be left as is or stained to complement the decor of your home or cut and distressed to create an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a more contemporary 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 placed over a freestanding gas, ventless or electric fires fireplace, or be integrated into a stone or brick fireplace. They can also be used to highlight the mantel without a flame burning.
Whichever method you decide to use to mount your beams, ensure that they are protected adequately from the effects of fire. Both types of material can become brittle and weaken in the presence of extreme heat, but both can be strengthened by a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant sprays on I-beams made of steel. These products can be found in most home improvement stores.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tile can make an impact when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens the space and is a perfect match for any decor style, from traditional to modern. Selecting an elegant matte finish for the tiles is ideal to maintain that clean and polished look while adding some color to make the fireplace sparkle.
Hex tiles can be customized with a variety textures for an individual look. Stone-look tiles are a popular choice that give the room an authentic, classic look. They also look great with natural materials such as wood. marble fireplace-look tiles are another timeless option that adds an elegant and luxurious aesthetic to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles sparkles beautifully, reflecting sunlight and brightening the space.
The proper tile pattern can improve the entire look 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 patterned tile gives the whole space the look of a hand-crafted piece that balances the modern organic style of the fireplace, and the overall contemporary design of the room.
If you're not sure about taking a risk with patterns in your home, a fireplace can be an ideal place to test out a bold style that could be a bit intimidating in other areas of the house. This geometric tile (here's a similar option) with its black grout lines give the room a sophisticated but fun energy. The hexagonal shapes resemble cubes to create an exciting layout. The deep brown hue gives this space a warm, inviting aesthetic that goes well with the industrial style.
Tile that looks like brick or other familiar materials is another option to create an impact on your fireplace. This textured tile, from LA Designer Affair, has a similar look to brick, but with the added benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.
Consider using a peel-and stick tile to upgrade your fireplace surround without spending a fortune. These tiles are resistant to heat, making them suitable for fireplaces and can be bonded to existing surfaces. 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
A fresh coat of paint is the ideal method to hide a brick surround on an unwall-mounted fireplace. The mantel's paint color also adds warmth and personality to the space. It doesn't matter if you choose to match it to the color scheme of your room or go for something bold or bold, a new color makes your fireplace stand out as a showpiece.
If your mantel is made of wood, you should first examine it for cracks, nicks and gouges. Fill in the dents with wood putty if they are small enough. Allow it to dry for the amount of time recommended. Before painting, sand the surface with 100-grit sandpaper to roughen it up. Clean the surface with a damp cloth to take off any remaining dirt or debris.
While white is a popular color for walls and fireplaces, the right shade can really help your mantel stand out. Check out the other trims, moldings, and bookcases in your home for ideas. Do they use the same color as your mantel, or is it a lighter or darker shade? If you choose the latter option, select a color that will work well with the other colors in the room to keep it looking balanced.
Protect the area around you by using sheets or a dropcloth before you begin painting. Clean the mantel and remove any decorative pieces or displays that might be hanging above it. If your fireplace is made of brick, take away any pictures or ornaments that are located on or within the fireplace. Once the mantel has been cleaned, use a damp cloth and wipe it down to remove any dust or soot.
Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with a brush or roller. The semi-gloss paint lasts and stain-resistant, which means your mantel will withstand the heat of the fireplace, and any other items that are 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 weight and color. Paint the mantel in an unassuming color or neutral to make it appear lighter and more inviting. If you decide to choose the lighter hue, think about pairing it with a earthy-toned piece of art or a large mirror above it to create a balanced look.