How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A wall fireplace can give your living room a focal point that demands attention. There are many different designs available, however, so it is essential to choose one that meets your needs.
The output of heat, the controls, and the design are some of the most important features. If you're not familiar with these features, it's recommended to seek out an expert to help you select the best model.
Molded Squares
The living room required an impressive fireplace overhaul due to its outdated stone surround and boring walls. The new style is vibrant, attractive and makes the hearth the main focal point of the room. A whitewashed mantel and modern artwork above modernize the fireplace facade while contrasted with the gray shelves below. The fireplace's facade is accentuated by a few changes in color.
Base cap molding and thin trim pieces join to form a simple, yet effective, way to frame the tile fireplace surround. To tie the look together select a trim design to contrast with or complement your other trim elements like thick casings around doors and windows. If you're looking for a more elegant, luxurious look, you can consider 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 common method of adding the look of the interior of a room. The same technique can also be used to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards, you can try a paneled product like beadboard or tongue-and-groove cedar siding to create a striking appearance.
Another non-combustible option you can build an enclosure for your fireplace is brick, which comes in many different styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace in red is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. The rustic-look brick is an option that can fit in with a more traditional, country style.
If you are planning to incorporate brick into the design of your fireplace ensure that your hearth is 16 to 18 inches away from the opening of the firebox and Fireplacesandstoves.uk the surround is 8-12 inches wide in all directions. Make sure the material you select is safe and meets all local and national codes.
Open shelving is a great way to store books and other things, but too many can make a mess of a fireplace. For this family room homeowners built 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 perfect frame for a fireplace on the wall. They bring a timeless appeal to any house. Reclaimed wood beams are reclaimed from barns, stalls and other buildings that have been removed. Each beam has its own distinct story. Reclaimed wood can be used as an accent in modern kitchens, or with wide planks to give an authentic appearance. They feature the usual barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes, plus a natural aging that improves their durability.
Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage as well as flea markets for reclaimed wood elements that can be used for a mantel or an accent wall. For instance the earthy hue of pine that accents the traditional living room mantel and surround creates an idyllic rural setting. The knotty imperfections of the wood give it a rustic look, and they complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting on the fireplace's wall. A pair of nature-inspired sconces and a landscape-themed painting above the mantel add to the rustic charm of the room.
Repurposed wooden beams can make an eye-catching statement to any room in your home. They can be left as is or stained to match your existing decor or distressed and carved to give them an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a modern appearance, or covered with faux finishes like rust or marbling paint.
Wooden beams can serve as a focal point for any type of fireplace. They can be used to highlight the mantel without a fire burning. They can be used to accent the mantel without a flame burning.
No matter which method of installation you choose ensure that your steel or wood beams are adequately protected from the effects of fire. Both materials can become brittle and weaken in the presence of extreme heat, however both can be strengthened by a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant sprayed on steel I-beams. These products are available in a wide variety of home improvement stores.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tile can make an impact when used as a fireplace surround. Its shape instantly brightens up the space while complementing any decor choice from modern to traditional. The choice of matte finishes for the tiles is the best way to keep that sleek and polished look, while adding some color to make the fireplace pop.
Hex tiles can be customized by a variety of textures to create a more personalized appearance. Stone-look tile is a very popular choice that gives the space a classic, rustic feel while blending beautifully with natural materials such as wood. Marble-look tile is another timeless option that adds an elegant and luxurious aesthetic to the space. These tiles have a smooth and glossy finish that reflects light beautifully and enhances 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 pattern of the tile provides an artistic look to the space, and balances the modern organic style fireplace with the overall design of the room.
If you're not sure about taking a risk with design in your home, a fireplace is an excellent place to try out a bold pattern which could be intimidating in other parts of your home. This geometric tile (here's another option) with its black grout lines gives the room a sophisticated but lively energy. The hexagonal shapes are shaped like cubes to create an exciting layout. The dark brown color gives this space an inviting and warm aesthetic that is perfect for industrial decor.
Tiles that resemble brick or other materials you are familiar with is another option to create an impact with your fireplace. This textured tile, made by LA Designer Affair, has a similar look to brick, but with the added benefit of being much easier to clean and maintain.
Consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to upgrade your fireplace's surround without costing you a dime. A lot of these options are heat resistant, making them safe for the fireplace and able to adhere to the existing stone. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great option that will bring an elegant feel to any living space, while also blending beautifully with traditional furniture.
Paint the Mantel
A fresh coat of paint is the best method to hide the brick surround on a wall-mounted fireplace. The mantel can be painted with a different hue to give it a more cosy and spirited look. A new color of paint could make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the color scheme of the room or pick something bold.
If your mantel is made of wood take a look at it to find gouges, cracks and scratches. Fill in the dents using wood putty if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the time recommended. Sand the surface with 100-grit paper to roughen it before painting. Clean the surface using a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or debris.
White is a favorite color for walls and fireplaces. However the right shade will make your mantel really stand out. Take a look at the wood trim, moldings and bookcases around your home for ideas. Do they have the same hue as your mantel? Or is it a darker or lighter shade? If so, select an appropriate color to keep the room looking well-balanced.
Protect the area around you by using sheets or a dropcloth prior to when you begin painting. Clean the mantel and remove any decorations or showpieces that might be hanging above it. Remove any ornaments or pictures placed around or on the fireplace made of brick. When the mantel is clean and clean, wipe it with a a damp cloth to clean off any dust or soot that has accumulated.
Apply a basecoat using the brush or roller to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish is durable and stain-resistant, ensuring that your mantel is able to stand up well to the heat of the fireplace and any other objects placed on it. Allow the primer to dry in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer prior to moving onto the main part of your fireplace wall.
While the brick is a beautiful feature of a fireplace's wall it can be a bit heavy and dark in hue. Paint the mantel in the light or neutral color to make it appear brighter and more inviting. If you opt for a light shade for your mantel, pair it with a piece of artwork in earthy tones, or a large mirror to complement the overall look.