20 Fun Facts About Wall Fireplace
Wiki Article
How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A wall fireplace can give your living room an element of interest that demands attention. There are a variety of models available, so you should choose one that is suitable for your needs.
Some of the most important features include the output of heat along with the appearance and controls. If you aren't familiar with these elements, it's recommended to consult a professional to help you pick the right model.
Molded Squares
This living room needed an impressive fireplace overhaul due to its old-fashioned stone surround and dull walls. The new design is bright, appealing and makes this hearth the main focal point of the room. A whitewashed mantel for the fireplace and contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the facade, while the gray shelves below are a contrast. The fireplace facade is enhanced by a few color variations.
Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces are combined to create a simple, yet effective way to frame a tile fireplace surround. Choose a style of trim that contrasts with or complements your other trim elements such as the thick casing around windows and doors, to make the look more cohesive. If you're looking for a more elegant, high-end style, choose a fluted trim to give the illusion of a mantel. For a more rustic, farmhouse look, you can choose to use dentil trim instead.
Accent walls with wainscoting are a popular method to add personality to rooms. The same method can be used to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards, instead, consider a paneled product like beadboard or tongue-and-groove cedar siding to create a striking look.
Brick is a different non-combustible option for the fireplace surround. It comes in different styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace in red is a classic option for cottage-style or Craft-Revival-style homes. A rustic-looking brick could be used to enhance a traditional country style.
If you are planning to incorporate brick into your fireplace design, make sure that your hearth is 16-18 inches from the opening of the fireplace and your surround is 8-12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the material you choose is compliant with all local and national building codes for security.
Open shelving is a great way to store books and other things, but too many can overwhelm the look of the fireplace. For this family room, the homeowners designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to elevate the look of the new fireplace without overwhelming the open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look are perfect for a fireplace wall. They add timeless beauty to any house. Reclaimed wood beams are reclaimed from barns, stalls, and other buildings that have been demolished. Each beam has its own distinct story. Reclaimed wood can be used in combination with wide plank ceiling panels for a completely rustic look or as a decorative element to modern kitchens. They have the typical barn wood markings, such as mortise and nail holes, as well as a natural aging process that improves their longevity.
Look through salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea market for wood pieces that you can make into a fireplace. The earthy tone of pine used to create this traditional living room mantel and surround evokes a cozy country retreat. Its knotty imperfections give it a rustic feel, and they complement the simple lines in the beaded-board wainscoting that is on the wall of the fireplace. The rustic warmth of the room is accentuated by a pair of nature-inspired wall sconces and an image of a landscape above the mantel.
Repurposed wooden beams can make an eye-catching statement to any room in your home. They can be left in their natural state or stained to complement your existing decor or cut and distressed to create an antique appearance. They can also be painted for modern appearance, or they can be covered with faux finishes like marbled or rust paint.
Wooden beams can serve as a focal point in any kind of fireplace. They can be placed over a freestanding gas, electric or ventless fireplace or they can be incorporated into a stone or brick fireplace. They can also be used to highlight the mantel with no fire burning.
No matter which method of installation you decide to use be sure that your steel or wood beams are adequately protected from the possible effects of fire. Both materials are susceptible to becoming hard and brittle when heated to extreme temperatures. However, they can be strengthened by a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products are available at most home improvement shops.
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 can be incorporated into any style, whether modern or traditional. The matte finish is perfect for a sleek and polished appearance fire places while adding a splash of contrast to make the fireplace pop.
Hex tiles also work well with a variety of texture choices for a more personalized look. Stone-look tile is a popular option that gives the space an old-fashioned, rustic feel and is a great match with natural materials like wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tile, which adds an elegant and luxurious appearance to the space. These tiles feature an elegant and glossy surface that is a beautiful reflection of light and brightens the space.
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 patterned tile adds the appearance of a hand-crafted space, while balancing the contemporary organic style fireplace with the overall design of the room.
If you're unsure about taking a risk with a pattern in your home the fireplace is a great place to test an imposing design. It might be intimidating for other areas. This geometric tile with its black grout provides this area with an elegant and playful look. The hexagonal shapes fit like cubes to create a stimulating layout. The dark brown color gives this space an inviting and warm aesthetic that is perfect for industrial style.
Tile that looks like brick or other materials you are familiar with is another way to make an impact with your fireplace. This textured tile, made by LA Designer Affair, has an identical look to brick, but with the added benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.
If you're hesitant to make a major overhaul of your fireplace's surround, think about applying a peel and stick tile to update the appearance without breaking the bank. A majority of these options are heat resistant and therefore safe for the fireplace and able to adhere to the existing surface. This herringbone peel and stick tile is an excellent option that will add a sense of elegance to any living space, and will look great with traditional furniture.
Paint the Mantel
A fresh coat of paint is the most effective method to cover the brick surround of a wall-mounted fireplace. The mantel can be painted a different hue to add warmth and personality. A new paint color can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the scheme of color in the room or pick something bold.
If your mantel is made of wood take a look at it to find gouges, cracks, and scratches. If the dents are small enough to be able to handle then fill them with wood putty, and let it set for the appropriate amount of time. Before painting, sand the surface with 100-grit sandpaper to rough it up. Wipe the surface that has been sanded with a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or debris.
While white is a popular option for walls and fireplaces, the right shade can really help your mantel stand out. For ideas, take a look at the wood trim on your bookcases, moldings, and walls. Does your mantel match in shade as theirs or is it darker or lighter? If you opt for the latter option, pick one that blends well with the other shades 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. Clear off the mantel, taking out any decorative pieces or displays that may be hung above it. If your fireplace is brick, get rid of any pictures or ornaments that are placed on or within it. Once the mantel is empty, wipe it down with an damp cloth to wash off any dust or soot 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 is able to stand up well to the heat from the fireplace as well as any other items that are placed on it. Let the primer dry according to the manufacturer's recommendations before moving on to the main part of your fireplace's wall.
The brick can be quite heavy in color and weight. Paint the mantel with the light or neutral color to make it appear lighter and more inviting. If you choose a light color for your mantel, match it with a piece of art in earthy tones or a large wall mirror to balance out the appearance.