5 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 a variety of designs available but it is important to find one that will meet your requirements.
The heat output, controls and the appearance are just a few of the important features. If you're not aware of these features, it's best to seek out an expert to help you select the best model.
Molded Squares
A worn-out stone fireplace and dull walls made this living space in need of a drastic fireplace revamp. The new look is bright, eye-catching and makes the hearth the focal point of the room. A whitewashed mantel for the fireplace and contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the appearance of the façade, while the gray shelves below provide a stark contrast. The fireplace facade is enhanced by a few color changes.
Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces make a simple but effective way to frame a tile fireplace surround. Select a trim style that is in contrast with or matches your other trim elements such as the thick casing around doors and windows, to make the look more cohesive. 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 an actual mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic farmhouse style.
Accent walls with wainscoting are a popular method to add character to rooms. The same method can be employed to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled product like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard instead of plank boards to create a dramatic effect.
Another non-combustible material you can use to create a fireplace surround is brick, which is available in many different styles and colors. A classic red brick fireplace is perfect for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. Rustic-look brick is also an option that can fit in with a more traditional, country-style decor.
If you are incorporating brick into your tabletop fireplace design, you'll need to ensure that your hearth extends 16 to 18 inches from the opening of the firebox and that the surround extends 8-12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the material you select is safe and meets all codes of the local and national level.
Open shelves are a great way to store books and other things, but too many can take over the appearance of the fireplace. For this family room, the homeowners designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the appearance of the fireplace without overwhelming the open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Rustic reclaimed wood beams make the ideal frame for a wall fireplace. They add timeless beauty to any home. Reclaimed wood beams come from old stables, barns and other buildings that were demolished. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used as a decorative element in modern kitchens or wide plank paneling to create an authentic look. They have the typical marks of barn wood, like mortise and nail holes and natural patinas that increase their durability.
Look through salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea market for wood pieces that you can transform into a mantel. The natural tone of pine used as a backdrop for this traditional living room's surround and mantel creates a cozy country retreat. The knotty imperfections of the wood emphasize the hand-crafted appearance and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which is a part of the fireplace wall. The rustic warmth of this space is enhanced by a pair inspired by nature wall sconces, as well as a landscape picture above the mantel.
Repurposed wooden beams can make an attractive accent to any room in your home. They can be left as is or stained to match your existing decor, or they can be distressed and carved to give them an antique appearance. They can also be painted to give modern appearance or covered with faux finishes, such as rust or marbled paint.
The wooden beams can be used as the focal element of any fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel, even without the need for a fire. They can be used to accent the mantel with no fire burning.
Whatever method of installation you decide to use ensure that your steel or wood beams are adequately protected from the potential effects of fire. Both types of materials are susceptible to becoming brittle and weakening when exposed to extreme heat, but both can be reinforced with a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial electric fire-protectant sprays on steel I-beams. These products are available at a variety of stores for home improvement.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tiles can be used to create a striking effect as an accent for fireplaces. Its shape instantly brightens up the space and is a perfect match for any decor, whether modern or traditional. The choice of a matte finish for the tiles is a great way to maintain that clean and polished look, while also adding some color to make the fireplace pop.
Hex tiles also work well with different textures to create a more individual look. Stone-look tile is a popular option that gives the room an authentic, rustic look and is a great match with natural materials such as wood. Marble-look tile is a timeless option that provides an elegant and luxurious appearance to the space. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles sparkles beautifully, reflecting light and brightening the space.
The right tile pattern can elevate 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 pattern of the tile gives the entire room a a handcrafted appeal that balances the organic modern style of the fireplace with the overall contemporary design of the room.
If you're not sure about taking a risk with patterns in your home, a fireplace is an excellent place to try out a bold design which could be a bit intimidating in other areas of your home. The geometric tile with its black grout gives this space an elegant and playful look. The hexagonal shapes are shaped like cubes to create an exciting layout. The deep brown color provides this space with a warm, inviting aesthetic that complements the industrial style.
Another way to make a statement with your fireplace is to use tiles that look like the appearance of brick or a similar material. This textured tile, made by LA Designer Affair, has a similar look to brick, but has the added benefit of being much easier to clean and maintain.
If you're not ready to take on a complete remodel of your fireplace surround, consider applying a peel and stick tile to change the appearance without spending a fortune. A majority of these options are heat-resistant and therefore suitable for use in the fireplace and able to stick to the existing wall. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great option that will bring an elegant look to any living space while coordinating beautifully with traditional furnishings.
Paint the Mantel
When a wall fireplace 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 can also add warmth and character to the room. A new paint color can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the color scheme of the room or pick something striking.
If your mantel is constructed of wood, first inspect it for cracks, nicks and gouges. If the dents aren't large enough to be handled Fill them in with wood putty and allow it to set for the recommended amount of time. Before painting you can sand the surface 100-grit sandpaper in order to rough it up. Clean the surface using a damp cloth to remove any remaining dirt or dust.
White is a popular color for fireplaces and walls. But the right shade will make your mantel really stand out. Check out the other trims, moldings, and bookcases around your home for inspiration. Do they use the same hue as your mantel, or is it a lighter or a darker hue? If the latter, choose a color that coordinates well to keep the space looking balanced.
Before you start painting, protect the area around you with a drop cloth or sheets. Clear off the mantel, taking out any decorative pieces or displays that might be hanging above it. If your fireplace is brick, get rid of any ornaments or pictures that are on or around it. When the mantel is clean then wipe it clean with a the help of a damp cloth to wipe off any dust or soot that has built up.
Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel using a brush or roller. The semi-gloss paint lasts and stain-resistant, so your mantel can be able to withstand the heat of your fireplace, as well as other objects that are placed on it. Let the primer completely dry, according to the instructions of the manufacturer, before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.
The brick may be heavy in weight and color. The mantel painted with an even or light color can make it look brighter and more welcoming to guests. If you decide to choose a light shade for Ethanol Fireplaces your mantel, match it with a work of art in earthy tones or a large mirror to complete the look.