Five Killer Quora Answers On Wall Fireplace

How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can give your living room a focal point that demands attention. There are numerous models to choose from, so you should choose one that is suitable for your needs.

Some of the most important features are the heat output along with the appearance and controls. If you're unfamiliar with these features, it's best to seek out an expert to assist you in choosing the best model.

Molded Squares

This living room needed a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its stale stone surround and bland 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 mantel as well as contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the facade, while the gray shelves below contrast. The fireplace's exterior is enhanced by a few color changes.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces are combined to create a simple, yet effective, method to frame the tile fireplace surround. To connect the look select a trim design to contrast or match the other trim elements like thick casings around windows and doors. If you're looking to create an elegant, high-end look, consider using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of a real mantel. For a more rustic, farmhouse style, choose to use dentil trim instead.

Accent walls with wainscoting are an extremely popular way to add the look of the interior of a room. The same method can be used to frame a fireplace. Instead of using plank boards however, try a paneled material like beadboard or tongue-andgroove cedar siding to create a striking look.

Brick is another non-combustible option to use as a tabletop fireplace surround. It comes in different styles and colors. A traditional red brick fireplace is a classic option for cottage-style or Craft-Revival-style homes. A rustic-look brick can also be used to enhance a traditional country style.

If you are incorporating brick into your fireplace design, you'll want to be sure your hearth is 16 to 18 inches from the firebox opening and that the surround extends 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the brick you select is safe and complies with all national and local codes.

Open shelving is an ideal way to store books and other items. However having too many shelves can obstruct the look of a fireplace. For this family room, homeowners built a wall-to ceiling limestone cladding that enhances the look of the new fireplace without overpowering the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wood beams make the ideal frame for a fireplace on the wall. They add a timeless beauty to any home. Reclaimed wood beams come from barns, stables and other demolished structures. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used as a feature in modern kitchens, or with wide plank paneling to create a rustic look. They have the typical barn wood markings like mortise and nail holes as well as a natural aging process that improves their durability.

Search architectural salvage yards and flea market for wood pieces that you can make into a fireplace. The rustic tone of pine used to create this traditional living room mantel and surround evokes the feeling of a cozy country getaway. The knotty imperfections of the wood create a rustic appearance, and they complement the simple lines in the beaded-board wainscoting on the fireplace wall. The rustic warmth of this space is enhanced by a pair inspired by nature wall sconces and a landscape image above the mantel.

Repurposed wooden beams can bring a unique look to any space. They can be stained to match your existing decor or carved to give an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a more contemporary appearance or covered with faux finishes such as rust or marbling paint.

Wooden beams can serve as a focal point in any kind of fireplace. They can be set over a freestanding gas, electric fireplaces or ventless fireplace or be integrated into a stone or brick fireplace. They can also be used to highlight the mantel without a flame burning.

Whatever method you decide to use to mount your beams, be sure they are adequately protected from the effects of ethonal fire. Both materials can be fragile in extreme heat. However they can be strengthened by a layer of fire-resistant drywall. These products can be found in a wide variety of home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can make an impressive statement when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its design instantly brightens the room and can be incorporated into any decor, whether traditional or modern. The matte finish is ideal for a polished and clean look while adding contrast to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can also be used with different textures for a more customized appearance. Stone-look tiles are a very popular option that gives the space an old-fashioned, rustic feel. They also go well with natural materials, such as wood. Marble-look tile is another timeless option that adds an elegant and luxurious aesthetic to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles sparkles beautifully, reflecting light and brightening up the space.

The perfect tile pattern can enhance 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 appearance of a hand-crafted space, balancing the modern natural style fireplace with the overall style of the room.

If you're unsure about taking a risk with patterns in your home, a fireplace can be the perfect place to test out a bold pattern that could be intimidating in other areas of the house. This geometric tile with its black grout gives this space an elegant, yet fun feel. The hexagonal shapes fit like cubes, creating a lively layout. The deep brown color provides this space with a warm, inviting aesthetic that goes well with the industrial style.

Another method of making an impact with your fireplace is to use tile that resembles the appearance of brick or another familiar material. The textured tile, which is made by LA Designer Affair, has a similar look to brick, but has the added benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.

Consider using a peel-and stick tile to upgrade your fireplace surround without costing you a dime. These options are heat-resistant, making them suitable for fireplaces as well as able to stick to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is an excellent option that will bring an elegant feel to any living space and will look great with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace on the wall has a brick surround, the most effective method to minimize its appearance is to give it fresh coats of paint. The mantel's paint color also adds warmth and character to the room. Whether you choose to match it with the color scheme of your room or go for something bold and striking, a fresh paint color will make your fireplace stand out as a stunning feature.

If your mantel is constructed from wood, first check it for cracks, nicks and gouges. If the dents aren't enough to be able to handle Fill them in with wood putty and allow it to set for the recommended amount of time. Sand the surface with 100-grit paper to roughen it prior to painting. To get rid of any dirt or debris clean the sanded surfaces with a damp cloth.

While white is a popular color for fireplaces and walls The right shade can really help your mantel stand out. Look at the other wood trims, moldings, and bookcases in your home to get inspiration. Does your mantel match in color as theirs, or is it darker or lighter? If you opt for the latter option, select a color that will work well with the other shades in the room to ensure it looks balanced.

Before you begin painting, cover the area surrounding you with drop cloth or sheets. Clean the mantel and remove any showpieces or decorations that may be hung above it. If your fireplace is brick, get rid of any pictures or ornaments that are on or around it. After the mantel has been cleaned, take a damp cloth and wipe it down to get rid of any dust or soot.

Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with the use of a roller or brush. The semi-gloss finish lasts and stain-resistant, ensuring that your mantel will stand up well to the heat from the fireplace as well as any other objects placed on it. Let the primer dry according to the recommendations of the manufacturer prior to moving on to the main part of your fireplace's wall.

The brick can be heavy in both weight and color. Paint the mantel with a light or neutral color can make it appear brighter and more inviting for guests. If you decide to choose an unassuming color for your mantel, match it with a work of art with earthy tones or a large mirror to complete the overall look.