Five Killer Quora Answers To Wall Fireplace

How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can give your living room an element of interest that demands attention. There are many different designs available but it is important to find one that will meet your requirements.

The most significant features are the heat output along with the appearance and controls. If you aren't familiar with these features, it's best to seek out a professional to help you choose the right model.

Molded Squares

This living room needed an overhaul to the fireplace due to its stale stone fireplaces surround and bland walls. With a few tweaks to the design the new look is bright and striking and makes the hearth an important central feature in the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel as well as contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the facade and the shelves in gray below contrast. A few changes in color will also make the fireplace stand apart from the wall, adding the beauty of this fireplace design.

Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces create a simple yet effective method of framing a fireplace surround made of tile. Choose a style of trim that is in contrast with or matches your other trim elements like the thick casing around windows and doors to tie the look together. If you're looking for a more elegant, premium look, consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of a real mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse look.

Accent walls with wainscoting are an extremely popular way to add the look of rooms. The same technique can be employed to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards, you can try a paneled product like beadboard or tongue-andgroove cedar siding to create a dramatic look.

Another non-combustible material you can build a fireplace surround is brick, which comes in a variety of styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace in red is a popular choice for cottage-style or Craft Revival style homes. Rustic-look brick is also an option that could be a good fit with a more traditional, country style.

If you are incorporating brick in a fireplace stove design, you'll want to be sure your hearth extends 16 to 18 inches from the firebox opening and that your surround is 8-12 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 option to organize books and other items however, too many shelves can overwhelm the look of a fireplace. The owners of this family room designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding in order to elevate the design without overpowering open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wood beams are the ideal frame for a wall fireplace. They add a timeless look to any home. Reclaimed wood beams come from barns, stables and other buildings that were demolished. Each beam is unique and has its own unique history. Reclaimed wood can be used combination with wide plank ceiling paneling to create a rustic look or as an accent to modern kitchens. They feature the typical marks of barn wood, like nail holes and mortise pockets and natural patina that increases their durability.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage as well as flea markets to find reclaimed wood elements to use as a mantel or accent wall. The rustic tone of pine used to accent this traditional living room surround and mantel evokes the feeling of a cozy country getaway. Its knotty imperfections give it a rustic look and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that is on the wall of the fireplace. A pair of sconces inspired by nature and a landscape painting above the mantel enhance the rustic ambiance of the room.

Repurposed wood beams can be an eye-catching statement to any room in your home. They can be stained to match your current design or carved to create an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a more contemporary look or covered with faux finishes such as marbling paint or rust.

The wooden beams can serve as the central element of any fireplace. They can be positioned over a freestanding gas, ventless or electric fireplaces fireplace, or be integrated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can be used to enhance the mantel without burning fire.

No matter which method you decide to use to mount your beams, ensure that they are adequately protected against the effects of fire. Both materials can become brittle and weaken in the face of extreme heat, but both can be strengthened by a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant that is sprayed on I-beams made of steel. These products can be found in most home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a striking effect as surrounds for fireplaces. Its design instantly brightens the room and can be incorporated into any decor, traditional or modern. The matte finish is ideal for a sleek and polished appearance while adding a splash of contrast to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles also work well with a variety of texture choices to create a more individual look. Stone-look tile is a popular choice that lends the space an old-fashioned, rustic feel while pairing beautifully with natural materials such as wood. Marble-look tiles are another timeless option that provides an elegant and luxurious appearance to the room. These tiles have a glossy and smooth finish that is a beautiful reflection of light and enhances the space.

The proper tile pattern can enhance a fireplace's design. 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 an artistic look to the space, balancing the modern natural style fireplace with the overall style of the room.

If you're not sure about taking a risk with a pattern in your home, the fireplace is a great spot to experiment with a bold design. It can be intimidating for other areas. This geometric tile with its black grout gives this space an elegant yet playful feel. The hexagonal shapes fit together like cubes for a stimulating layout, while the deep brown hue creates an inviting and warm aesthetic that is a perfect match for the industrial décor in this room.

Tiles that look like brick or other materials you are familiar with is another option to create an impact on your fireplace. This textured tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance to traditional brick, but is much simpler to clean and maintain.

Consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to update your fireplace surround without spending a fortune. A lot of these options are resistant to heat and therefore safe for fireplaces and able to be affixed to the existing wall. This herringbone peel and stick tile is an excellent alternative that will add an elegant feel to any living space while coordinating beautifully with traditional furnishings.

Paint the Mantel

When a wall fireplace has an existing brick surround, the most effective way to disguise its appearance is by giving it an update of the paint. The mantel can be painted with a different hue to give it a more cosy and spirited look. Whether you choose to match it to the color scheme of your room or opt for something striking and striking, a fresh paint color can make your fireplace stand out as a showpiece.

If your mantel is made of wood be sure to check it for gouges, cracks and nicks. If the dents aren't large enough to be handled Fill them in with wood fireplace putty and allow it to set for the appropriate amount of time. Sand the surface with 100-grit paper to roughen it up prior to painting. Clean the surface using a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or dust.

While white is a popular choice for walls and fireplaces The right shade can really make your fireplace stand out. Look at the other trims, moldings, and bookcases in your home to get ideas. Do they use the same color as your mantel? Or is it a lighter or darker hue? If the latter, choose an appropriate color to keep the room looking balanced.

Before you begin painting, protect the area around you with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove the mantel, taking out any decorative pieces or displays that might be hanging above it. Take away any ornaments or pictures that are on or around the fireplace made of brick. Once the mantel has been cleaned, take a damp cloth and wipe it down to get rid of any soot or dust.

Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with either a roller or brush. The semi-gloss paint is durable and stain resistant, so your mantel will stand up to the heat of the fireplace, and any other items placed on it. Allow the primer to dry according to the recommendations of the manufacturer prior to moving on to the main body of your fireplace's wall.

While the brick is an attractive feature of a fireplace wall, it can be a bit heavy and dark in hue. Paint the mantel with an even or light color will make it appear more lively and more inviting for guests. If you choose to paint it the lighter hue, think about using it in conjunction with an earthy toned piece of art or a large mirror over it to balance the appearance.