9 Signs That You're An Expert Wall Fireplace Expert
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How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A wall fireplace can give your living room an attractive focal feature. There are many different models on the market but it is essential to choose one that is suitable for your needs.
The output of heat, the controls and the appearance are just a few of the important features. If you're not familiar with these features, it's best to seek out an expert to help you choose the best model.
Molded Squares
The living room in this house needed a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its stale stone surround and bland walls. With a few tweaks to the design the new look is fresh and attractive, making this hearth a centerpiece in the room. A whitewashed mantel and modern artwork above modernize the facade of the fireplace while contrasting with the shelves in gray below. A few color changes also help the facade stand apart from the wall, adding the beauty of this fireplace design.
Base cap moldings and trim pieces are paired to make a simple but efficient way to frame a fireplace surround made of tile. Choose a trim style that contrasts with or complements the other trim elements, like the thick casing around doors and windows to tie the look together. If you're looking to create an elegant, luxurious style, think about using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse look.
Wainscoting accent walls is an extremely popular way to add personality to the interior of a room. The same technique can be used to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards however, try a paneled product like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard to create a striking appearance.
Another non-combustible material that you can create a fireplace surround is brick, which comes in a variety of styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace in red is a traditional choice for cottage-style or Craft-Revival-style homes. Rustic-look brick is also an option that could be a good fit with more traditional country style.
If you're planning to incorporate brick into your fireplace design ensure that your hearth measures 16-18 inches from the opening of the fireplace and your surround is between 8 and 12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you choose conforms to all local and national construction codes for safety.
Open shelving is a great option to organize books and other items, but too many can overwhelm the look of a fireplace. For this family room the homeowners designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding that enhances the design of the new fireplace without overwhelming the open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Rustic reclaimed wooden beams are the perfect frame for a wall fireplace. They bring a timeless appeal to any house. Reclaimed wood beams come from old stables, barns and other demolished structures. Each beam has its own unique history. Reclaimed wood can be used conjunction with wide plank ceiling paneling to create a rustic look or as a decorative element to modern kitchens. They have the typical markings of barn wood, like nail holes and mortise pockets, plus a natural patina that enhances their durability.
Search architectural salvage yards and flea market for wood pieces that you can repurpose into a mantel. The rustic tone of pine used to accent this traditional living room mantel and surround evokes a cozy country retreat. Its knotty imperfections create a rustic appearance and are a perfect match for the simple lines in the beaded-board wainscoting 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 image above the mantel.
Repurposed wooden beams will add a unique touch to any space. They can be left in their natural state or stained to complement your existing decor, or they can be cut and distressed to create an antique look. They can also be painted to give a more contemporary appearance or covered with faux finishes like marbled 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 the need for a fire. They can also be used to highlight the mantel without a flame burning.
No matter which method of installation you choose, make sure that your wood or steel beams are properly protected from the consequences of fire. Both materials can become brittle in extreme heat. However they can be strengthened by a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products can be found at a variety of stores for home improvement.
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, modern or traditional. The choice of a matte finish for the tiles is the best way to keep that sleek and polished look, while also adding some contrast that makes the fireplace stand out.
Hex tiles can also be used with various textures for a more customized appearance. Stone-look tile is a popular choice that lends the space a classic, rustic feel and is a great match with natural materials such as wood. Marble-look tile is another timeless option that provides an elegant and luxurious aesthetic to the room. These tiles have a glossy and smooth finish that reflects light beautifully and brightens the room.
The right tile pattern can elevate 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 gives the whole space a handcrafted appeal that balances the modern organic style of the fireplace with the overall contemporary design of the room.
If you're unsure about taking a risk on a design in your home, a fireplace is the perfect place to test out a bold pattern which could be intimidating in other parts of your home. This geometric tile with its black grout gives the room an elegant yet playful feel. The hexagonal shapes fit together like cubes for a stimulating layout, while the dark brown hue creates an inviting and warm aesthetic that complements the industrial decor in this space.
Another option to make an impact with your fireplace is to choose tiles that have the look of brick or another familiar material. This texture tile from LA Designer Affair Fireplaces & Stoves has a similar appearance to brick, but is much simpler to clean and maintain.
If you're hesitant to make a major overhaul of your fireplace surround, consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to update the appearance without costing you a fortune. These tiles are resistant to heat, making them suitable for fireplaces and can adhere to existing surfaces. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a fantastic option to add the look of a room. It also looks great with traditional furniture.
Paint the Mantel
A fresh coat of paint is the ideal method to cover the brick surround on a wall-mounted fireplace. The mantel can be painted in a different color to add warmth and personality. A new paint color can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the overall color scheme of the room or choose something striking.
If your mantel is wood, inspect it first for gouges, cracks and scratches. Fill in the dents using wood putty, if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the period recommended. Before painting, sand the surface with 100-grit sandpaper to roughen it up. To remove any debris or dirt, wipe down the sanded surfaces with a damp cloth.
White is a favorite color for walls and fireplaces. But, the right shade will make your fireplace stand out. Look at the other wood trim, moldings and bookcases in your home to get inspiration. Does your mantel match in color as theirs, or is it lighter or darker? If you choose the latter option, pick one that blends well with the other colors in the room to keep it looking balanced.
Cover the area around you by using sheets or a dropcloth prior to when you begin painting. Remove any decorative items or showpieces that may have been hung over the mantel. Take away any ornaments or pictures that are around or on your brick fireplace. Once the mantel is empty and clean, wipe it with a an damp cloth to wash off any soot or dust that has accumulated.
Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel using a brush or roller. The semi-gloss finish is long-lasting and stain-resistant, ensuring that your mantel will hold up well to the heat from the fireplace as well as any other items that are placed on it. Allow the primer to dry in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer prior to moving onto the main body of your fireplace wall.
While brick is a beautiful feature of a fireplace's wall it can be a bit heavy and dark in shade. Paint the mantel with the light or neutral color to make it appear brighter and more inviting. If you decide to choose an unassuming color for your mantel, pair it with a piece of artwork in earthy tones, or a large mirror to complement the appearance.