How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A wall fireplace will give your living room an eye-catching focal feature. There are a variety of models available so you need to pick one that meets your requirements.
Some of the most important features include the heat output as well as the appearance and controls. If you're not aware of these features, it's best to consult a professional to assist you in choosing the best model.
Molded Squares
A stale stone fireplace surround and bland walls created a living space that was in need of a dramatic fireplace overhaul. The new look is vibrant, attractive and makes this hearth the focal point of the room. A whitewashed mantel and modern artwork above modernize the fireplace facade while contrasting with the gray shelves below. The fireplace's exterior is enhanced by a few changes in color.
Base cap molding and thin trim pieces are combined to form a simple, yet effective, method to frame your fireplace surround. Choose a trim style that is in contrast with or matches your other trim elements such as the thick casing around windows and doors, to tie the look together. If you're looking for an elegant, high-end look, you can consider using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of a real mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic farmhouse-style.
Creating an accent wall with wainscoting is a common way to add character any room. The same technique can be used to frame a fireplace. Try a paneled option like tongue-and groove cedar siding or beadboard instead of plank boards to create a dramatic effect.
Another non-combustible material that you can use to build an enclosure for your fireplace is brick, which comes in a variety of styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace in red is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. A rustic-looking brick could be used to enhance a traditional country style.
When you incorporate brick in a tabletop Fireplace design, it is important to be sure your hearth extends 16-18 inches from the opening for the fireplace and that the surround extends 8-12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the material you choose is compliant with all construction codes for security.
Open shelves are a great way to store books and other items however, too many shelves can make a mess of the fireplace. The homeowners of this family room created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the look without overwhelming open shelving.
Rustic wood fireplace Beam
Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look are ideal for a fireplace wall. They are timeless and beautiful to any home. Reclaimed wood beams are sourced from barns, stables and other demolished structures. Each beam has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used as a decorative element in modern fireplace kitchens, or with wide plank paneling to create an authentic appearance. They are characterized by barn wood markings, such as mortise and nail holes, plus a natural aging that increases their longevity.
Look through salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets for reclaimed wood elements to make into a fireplace. The earthy tone of pine used to accent this traditional living room's surround and mantel evokes an intimate country retreat. The knotty imperfections of the wood give it a rustic feel, and they complement the simple lines in the beaded-board wainscoting that is on the fireplace wall. The rustic warmth of this space is enhanced by a pair of nature-inspired wall sconces and a landscape picture above the mantel.
Repurposed wooden beams can make an eye-catching statement to any room in your home. They can be stained to match your current decor or carved for an antique appearance. They can also be painted to give an updated look or covered with faux finishes such as marbled paint or Fireplace Insert rust.
Wooden beams can be used as a focal point in any type of fireplace. They can be positioned over a freestanding gas, electric or ventless fireplace or be integrated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can be used to enhance the mantel, without burning fire.
Whatever method you decide to use to mount your beams, make sure that they are protected adequately from the effects of fire. Both materials are susceptible to becoming brittle and weakening in the presence of extreme heat, but both are able to be strengthened with a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant sprays on I-beams made of steel. These products can be found in a wide variety of stores for home improvement.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tile can create an impressive statement when used as a fireplace surround. Its shape instantly brightens the space and is a perfect match for any style, whether modern or traditional. The matte finish is perfect for a polished and clean look while adding contrast to make the fireplace stand out.
Hex tiles also work well with different textures for a more personalized look. Stone-look tile is a popular choice that gives the room an old-fashioned, rustic feel while pairing beautifully with natural materials like wood. Marble-look tiles are another classic option that gives an elegant and luxurious aesthetic to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting sunlight and brightening the space.
The proper tile pattern can improve 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 patterned tile gives the entire room a an artistic look that balances the contemporary organic style of the fireplace, and the overall contemporary design of the room.
If you're unsure about putting your faith in a patterns in your home, a fireplace is an ideal place to test out a bold style which could be a bit intimidating in other areas of your home. This geometric tile (here's an alternative) with its black grout lines give the room a sophisticated but 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 works with the industrial decor in this room.
Another option to make an impact with your fireplace is to use tiles that look like the appearance of brick or another popular material. This textured tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance as brick but is much simpler to maintain and clean.
Consider using a peel-and-stick tile to upgrade your fireplace's surround without spending a fortune. A lot of these options are heat-resistant and therefore suitable for use in the fireplace and able to adhere to the existing wall. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a great option to add style to any room. It also coordinates beautifully with traditional furniture.
Paint the Mantel
A fresh coat of paint is the best method to cover the brick surround of a wall-mounted fireplace. The mantel's paint color also adds warmth and character to the space. It doesn't matter if you choose to match it with the room's color scheme or opt for something more striking and striking, a fresh paint color freestanding Fireplace makes your fireplace stand out as a showstopper.
If your mantel is made of wood, you should first examine it for cracks, nicks and gouges. Fill in the dents with wood putty, if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the amount of time recommended. Before painting you can sand the surface 100-grit sandpaper to rough it up. To get rid of any dirt or debris clean the sanded surfaces with a damp cloth.
While white is a popular color for fireplaces and walls but the right color can make your mantel stand out. Take a look at the wood trim, moldings and bookcases around your home for ideas. Do they use the same hue as your mantel or is it a lighter or darker shade? If you decide to go with the latter option, select one that blends well with the other shades in the room to ensure it looks balanced.
Make sure you cover the area around you by using sheets or a dropcloth prior to when you begin painting. Remove any decorations or showpieces that may have been hung above the mantel. If your fireplace is brick, get rid of any ornaments or pictures that are on or within the fireplace. Once the mantel is empty, wipe it down with the help of a damp cloth to wipe off any dust or soot that has accumulated.
Apply a basecoat 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, which means that your mantel will stand up well to the heat generated by the fireplace, as well as other items that are placed on it. Allow the primer to completely dry, according to the instructions of the manufacturer, before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.
(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/2044/6969/vonhaus-electric-stove-heater-1500w-electric-fireplace-indoor-log-wood-burner-effect-freestanding-fire-portable-led-flame-2-heat-settings-adjustable-thermostat-black-h45-x-w41-x-d24c.jpg)The brick can be heavy in both weight and color. Paint the mantel with a light color or neutral to make it appear brighter and more inviting. If you decide to go with the lighter hue, think about using it in conjunction with an earthy toned piece of art or a large mirror above it to create a balanced look.(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/2044/2141/dimplex-zamora-freestanding-optiflame-electric-fire-black-chrome-contemporary-led-flame-effect-fire-with-a-choice-of-coal-or-white-pebble-fuel-bed-with-thermostat-and-adjustable-2kw-heater-2141.jpg)
