Five Killer Quora Answers To 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 many models available so you need to pick one that meets your requirements.
Some of the most important features include the output of heat along with the appearance and controls. If you're not familiar with these elements, it's best to seek out a professional to help you select the best model.
Molded Squares
The living room required an overhaul to the fireplace due to its old-fashioned stone surround and boring walls. The new look is vibrant, attractive and makes the hearth the focal point of the room. A whitewashed fireplace and contemporary artwork above modernize the fireplace facade while contrasted with the shelves in gray below. The fireplace's facade is accentuated by a few changes in color.
Base cap molding and thin trim pieces join to create a simple, yet effective way to frame the tile fireplace surround. Select a trim style that contrasts with or complements your other trim elements for example, the thick casing around doors and windows, to create a cohesive look. If you're looking for an elegant, high-end style, you can use fluted trim to give the illusion that there is a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic farmhouse look.
Accent walls with wainscoting are a common method of adding personality to a room. The same method can be used to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards, you can try a paneled material like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard to create a dramatic look.
Brick is another non-combustible option to use as a fireplace surround. It is available in a variety of styles and colors. A classic red brick fireplace is perfect for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. The rustic-look brick is an option that can fit in with more traditional country style.
When incorporating brick in a fireplace design, you'll want to be sure your hearth extends 16-18 inches from the opening of the firebox and that your surround reaches 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you choose is safe and meets all national and local codes.
Open shelves are a great way to store books and other things However, too many shelves could overwhelm the look of the fireplace. In this family room, the homeowners created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding that enhances the look of the new fireplace without overwhelming the open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Rustic reclaimed wood beams make the ideal frame for a wall fireplace. They add a timeless beauty to any house. Reclaimed beams of wood are made from barns, stalls, and other buildings that were demolished. Each beam has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used in combination with wide plank ceiling paneling 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 which increases their durability.
Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage as well as flea markets to find reclaimed wood elements that can be used for a mantel or an accent wall. For example the earthy color of pine that accents the traditional living room mantel and surround creates a cozy rural retreat. The knotty imperfections in the wood accent the hand-crafted appearance and compliment the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which is a part of the fireplace wall. A pair of sconces with a natural theme and a landscape painting over the mantel add to the rustic ambiance of this space.
Repurposed wooden beams will give a unique appearance to any space. They can be stained to match your current decor or carved to give an antique look. They can also be painted to give a more contemporary appearance or covered with faux finishes like rust or marbled paint.
The wooden beams can be used as the central feature of any fireplace inserts. They can be used to highlight the mantel without any fire burning. They can be used to illuminate the mantel without a burning fire.
Regardless of which method of installation you decide to use, make sure that your steel or wood beams are protected from the consequences of bioethanol fire. Both materials can become fragile in extreme heat. However they can be strengthened by a layer of fire-resistant drywall. These products are available at most home improvement shops.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tile can make a dramatic statement when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its design instantly brightens the space and is a perfect match for any decor, whether contemporary or traditional. The matte finish is ideal for a polished and clean look while adding contrast to make the tabletop fireplace pop.
Hex tiles can be customized with a variety textures for an individual appearance. Stone-look tile is a popular choice that lends the space an old-fashioned, rustic feel while blending beautifully with natural materials like wood. Marble-look tiles are another timeless option that adds an elegant and luxurious aesthetic to the room. These tiles feature a smooth and glossy finish that reflects light beautifully and brightens the room.
The right tile pattern can elevate the look of a 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, and balances the modern natural style fireplace with the overall style of the room.
If you're not sure about taking a risk on a pattern in your home, a fireplace is an ideal place to test out a bold style that could be a bit intimidating in other areas of your home. This geometric tile (here's an alternative) with its black grout lines gives this room a sophisticated and lively energy. The hexagonal shapes work like cubes to create a fascinating layout, while the deep brown hue creates a warm and inviting aesthetic that is a perfect match for the industrial decor in this space.
Another way to make a statement with your fireplace is to select tiles that have the look of brick or another popular material. This textured tile, made by LA Designer Affair, has an identical 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. Many of these options are heat-resistant which means they are safe for the fireplace and able to stick to the existing surface. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a great option to add style to any room. It also looks great with traditional furniture.
Paint the Mantel
When a wall fireplace has an existing brick surround, the best method to minimize its appearance is to give it a fresh coat of paint. Paint the mantel in a different hue also adds warmth and character to the space. A new color of paint could make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the overall color scheme of the room or pick something striking.
If your mantel is made of wood, inspect it first for gouges, cracks and scratches. Fill in the dents with wood putty if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the period recommended. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it prior to painting. Wipe the surface that has been sanded with a damp cloth in order to take off any remaining dirt or Wood Fireplaces debris.
While white is a popular option for walls and fireplaces electric but the right color can make your mantel stand out. For inspiration, take a look at the wood trims on your bookcases, moldings, and walls. Does your mantel match in color as theirs or is it lighter or darker? If the latter, pick an appropriate color to keep the room looking balanced.
Make sure you cover the area around you by using sheets or a dropcloth before you begin painting. Clean the mantel and remove any decorations or showpieces that might be hanging above it. If your fireplace is brick, get rid of any ornaments or pictures that are located on or within it. Once the mantel is cleaned, you can 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 using either a roller or brush. The semi-gloss paint is durable and stain-resistant, which means your mantel will stand up to the heat of the fireplace, as well as other objects that are placed on it. Let the primer completely dry, in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer, before you begin painting the main wall of the fireplace.
The brick can be heavy in weight and color. The mantel painted with in a neutral or light shade can make it appear brighter and more welcoming to guests. If you decide to go with a light hue, think about pairing it with an earthy-toned artwork or a large mirror over it to balance the look.