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 many models available, so you should choose one that suits your needs.

The heat output, controls and the appearance are among the most important features. If you aren't familiar with these features, it's best to seek out a professional to help you pick the right model.

Molded Squares

The living room in this house needed an impressive fireplace overhaul due to its outdated stone surround and bland walls. The new design is vibrant, attractive and makes the hearth the main focal point of the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel and contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the facade while the shelves that are gray below contrast. A few minor changes in color also help the facade stand apart from the wall, enhancing the appeal of this fireplace suites design.

Base cap moldings and trim pieces are combined to make a simple but effective way to frame a tile fireplace surround. To connect the look pick a trim style to contrast or match your other trim elements such as thick casing around windows and doors. If you're looking for an elegant, high-end look, use fluted trim to give the illusion that there is a mantel. For a more rustic, farmhouse look, you can use dentil trim instead.

Accent walls with wainscoting are a popular method to add character to the interior of a room. The same technique can be used to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled option like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard instead plank boards to create a dramatic look.

Another non-combustible option you can create the fireplace surround is brick, which is available in many different styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace with red accents is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. Rustic-look brick is also an alternative that is able to blend with a more traditional, country decor.

If you're planning to incorporate brick into your fireplace design, make sure that your hearth measures 16-18 inches from the opening of the firebox, and your surround is between 8 and 12 inches wide in all directions. Make sure the material you choose is compliant with all building codes to ensure safety.

Open shelving is a great way to store books and other things However, too many shelves could take over the appearance 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 wooden beams are the ideal frame for a wall fireplace. They add a timeless look to any house. Reclaimed wood beams are reclaimed from old barns, stalls, and other buildings that were removed. Each beam carries with it its own unique history. Reclaimed wood can be used combination with wide plank ceiling paneling to create a rustic look or as an accent to modern kitchens. They feature the usual barn wood markings, such as mortise and nail holes, as well as a natural aging process that increases their durability.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage as well as flea markets for reclaimed wooden elements to repurpose as a mantel or accent wall. The earthy tone of pine used to create this traditional living room surround and mantel evokes an intimate country retreat. Its knotty imperfections emphasize the hand-crafted appearance and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that surrounds the fireplace's wall. The rustic warmth of the space is enhanced by a pair of natural-inspired wall sconces and an image of a landscape above the mantel.

Repurposed wood beams can be an eye-catching statement to any room in your home. They can be stained to match your existing decor or carved for an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a more contemporary appearance or covered with faux finishes like marbling paint or rust.

Wooden beams can be used as a focal point for any kind of fireplace. They can be used to highlight the mantel without a fire burning. They can be used to accent a mantel without a fire burning.

Regardless of which method of installation you decide to use be sure that your wood or steel beams are properly protected from the effects of fire. Both materials are susceptible to becoming brittle in extreme heat. However, they can be strengthened with a layer of fire-resistant drywall. These products are available in most home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can make an impressive statement when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens the space while complementing any decor style from traditional to modern. The matte finish is ideal for a sleek and polished look while adding contrast to make the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles can be customized with a variety textures for a more personalized 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. Another timeless option is marble-look tiles that adds an elegant and luxurious look to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting light and brightening the room.

The right tile pattern can elevate the design 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 adds an artistic look to the space, balancing the modern natural style fireplace with the overall design of the room.

If you're not sure about taking a risk on a pattern in your home, a fireplace is an excellent place to try out a bold design which could be intimidating in other parts of your home. This geometric tile (here's an alternative) with its black grout lines give this room a sophisticated and playful energy. The hexagonal shapes are arranged like cubes for a stimulating layout, while the dark brown color provides a warm and inviting aesthetic that is a perfect match for the industrial décor in the room.

Tiles that resemble brick or other materials you are familiar with is another way to create an impact with your fireplace. This textured tile, made by LA Designer Affair, has a similar look to traditional brick but with the added benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.

If you're hesitant to take on a complete remodel of your fireplace surround, consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to refresh the look without costing you a fortune. A majority of these options are heat-resistant, making them safe for fireplaces and able to be affixed to the existing stone. This herringbone peel and stick tile is an excellent option that will add an elegant feel to any living space, and will look great with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the ideal way to hide the brick surround of an unwall-mounted fireplace. The mantel's paint color also adds warmth and personality to the room. A new color of paint could make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with 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. If the dents aren't large enough to be able to handle then fill them with wood putty and let it set for the appropriate amount of time. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it up 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 walls and fireplaces but the right color can really help your mantel stand out. Take a look at the wood trims, moldings, and bookcases around your home for ideas. Do they use the same hue as your mantel? Or is it a lighter or a darker hue? If the latter, pick the color that is well-matched to keep the room looking well-balanced.

Before you begin painting, protect the surrounding area with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove any decorative items or showpieces that might have been placed over the mantel. If your fireplace is brick, remove any ornaments or pictures that are on or within it. Once the mantel is empty, wipe it down with a damp cloth to clean off any dust or soot that has accumulated.

Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel using the use of a roller or brush. The semi-gloss finish is durable and stain-resistant, so your mantel will hold up well to the heat generated by 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.

While brick is a striking feature of a fireplace wall, it can be quite heavy and dark in color. Paint the mantel with a light or neutral color can make it appear brighter and more welcoming to guests. If you decide to choose a light color for your mantel, match it with a piece art with earthy tones or a large wall mirror to complement the appearance.