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 a variety of models available and you must pick one that is suitable for your needs.

The heat output, controls and the appearance are just a few of the important features. If you aren't familiar with these aspects, it is best to seek out a professional to help you pick the right model.

Molded Squares

A worn-out stone fireplace surround and bland walls made this living space in need of a drastic fireplace overhaul. With a few tweaks to the design, the new look is bright and attractive making this hearth a central feature in the room. A whitewashed fireplace and contemporary artwork above modernize the facade of the fireplace and contrast with the gray shelves below. The fireplace facade is enhanced by a few changes in color.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces combine to create a simple, yet effective, way to frame the fireplace surround. To bring the design together select a trim design to contrast or match the other trim elements, such as thick casing around doors and windows. If you prefer a more high-end, elegant look, use fluted trim to create the illusion that there is a mantel. If you want a more rustic farmhouse style, use dentil trim instead.

Accent walls with wainscoting are a common method of adding personality to rooms. The same technique can also be used to frame a fireplace. Instead of using plank boards, instead, consider using a paneled material such as beadboard or tongue-and-groove cedar siding to create a striking appearance.

Brick is another non-combustible option for the fireplace surround. It is available in various styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace with red is a classic option for cottage-style or Craft-Revival-style homes. The rustic-look brick is an option that can fit in with a more traditional, country-style decor.

If you're planning to incorporate brick into your fireplace design be sure that your hearth is 16-18 inches from the opening of the firebox and the surround is 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Make sure the brick you select is safe and meets all national and local codes.

Open shelving is a great way to store books and other things, but too many can make a mess 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 bring a timeless appeal to any home. Reclaimed wood beams come from old stables, barns and other demolished structures. Each beam has its own distinct story. Reclaimed wood can be used in conjunction with wide plank ceiling paneling for a fully rustic design or as accents to modern kitchens. They are characterized by barn wood markings like mortise and nail holes plus a natural aging that improves their durability.

Find salvage yards for architectural elements and flea markets for reclaimed wooden fireplaces elements to repurpose into a mantel. For instance, the earthy shade of pine that highlights this traditional living room mantel and surround is reminiscent of an idyllic rural setting. The knotty imperfections in the wood accent the hand-crafted look and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that borders the fireplace's wall. A pair of sconces inspired by nature and a painting of a landscape above the mantel enhance the rustic charm of this space.

Repurposed wood beams can be an attractive feature to any room in your home. They can be stained to match your existing design or carved to create an antique appearance. They can also be painted to give modern appearance or covered with faux finishes like marbled or rust paint.

The wooden beams can be used as the focal point of any fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel, even without a fire burning. They can also be used to highlight a mantel without a fire burning.

Whichever method you decide to use to mount your beams, be sure they are adequately protected against the effects of fire. Both materials can be brittle and weaken in the presence of extreme heat, but both can be strengthened by a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant sprays 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 an accent for your fireplace. Its design instantly brightens the space and is a perfect match for any decor, whether traditional or modern. Choosing matte finishes for the tiles is a great way to keep that neat and polished look while adding some contrast that makes the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can be customized with a variety of textures for an individualized look. Stone-look tiles are a popular choice that give the room a rustic, classic feel. They also go well with natural materials, such as wood. Marble-look tiles are another timeless option that adds an elegant and luxurious look to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting light and brightening up the space.

The proper tile pattern can improve the entire design 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 adds an artistic look to the space, balancing the modern organic style fireplace (Going in Expressbookmark) with the overall design of the room.

If you're not sure about taking a risk with design in your home, a fireplace can be an ideal place to test out a bold design that might be intimidating in other parts of your home. This geometric tile with its black grout gives the room an elegant, yet fun feel. The hexagonal shapes are shaped like cubes, creating a lively layout. The deep brown hue provides this space with a warm, inviting aesthetic that goes well with the industrial decor.

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

Consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to update your fireplace's surround without breaking the bank. These tiles are heat-resistant and therefore suitable for fireplaces shop as well as able to adhere to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is an excellent option that will bring an elegant look to any living space and will look great with traditional furnishings.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace in a wall fires has an existing brick surround, the best way to disguise its appearance is to give it fresh coats of paint. Paint the mantel in a different hue also adds warmth and personality to the space. A new paint color can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the overall color scheme of the room or choose something striking.

If your mantel is made of wood, first inspect it for cracks, nicks, and gouges. If the dents aren't large enough to be able to handle Fill them in with wood putty, and let it set for the appropriate amount of time. Before painting, sand the surface with 100-grit sandpaper in order to rough it up. Wipe down the sanded surface with a damp cloth in order to remove any remaining dirt or debris.

While white is a popular option for walls and fireplaces but the right color can really make your fireplace stand out. Check out the other trims, moldings, and bookcases in your home for ideas. Do they have the same color as your mantel or is it a lighter or a darker shade? If the latter, pick the color that is well-matched to keep the look balanced.

Protect the area around you with a dropcloth or sheets before you begin painting. Remove any decorative items or showpieces that may have been hung above the mantel. If your fireplace is brick, get rid of any pictures or ornaments that are located on or within the fireplace. When the mantel is clean and clean, wipe it with a an damp cloth to wash off any dust or soot that has built up.

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, so your mantel can withstand the heat of the fireplace, and any other items placed on it. Let the primer dry according to the manufacturer's recommendations before moving on to the main body of your fireplace's wall.

While brick is a beautiful feature of a fireplace wall, it can be heavy and dark in hue. Paint the mantel with in a neutral or light shade will make it appear more lively and more welcoming to guests. If you opt for a light color for your mantel, match it with a work of artwork in earthy tones, or a large wall mirror to balance out the look.