5 Killer Quora Answers On 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 models available and you must pick one that suits your needs.

The heat output, the controls, and the design are just a few of the important features. If you’re unfamiliar with these features, it’s best to hire an expert to help you choose the best model.

Molded Squares

The living room required an impressive fireplace overhaul due to its stale stone surround and dull walls. With a few design tweaks, the new look is fresh and striking and makes the hearth a centerpiece in the room. A whitewashed mantel for the fireplace and contemporary art above the fireplace modernizes the facade while the shelves that are gray below are a contrast. A few minor changes in color also help the facade stand apart from the wall, enhancing the beauty of this fireplace design.

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 your other trim elements like thick casing around windows and doors. If you’re looking to create an elegant, luxurious look, you can consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of a real mantel. If you want a more rustic farmhouse look, you can opt for dentil trim instead.

Making an accent wall using wainscoting is an effective method to add character to any room. The same technique can be used to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled product like tongue-and groove cedar siding or beadboard in place of plank boards to create a dramatic effect.

Another non-combustible material you can use to create the fireplace surround is brick, which comes in many different styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace with red accents is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. Rustic-style brick is another option that can fit in with a more traditional, country decor.

If you are incorporating brick into your fireplace design, you’ll need to ensure that your hearth extends 16-18 inches from the firebox opening and that your surround is 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Make sure your chosen material complies with all building codes to ensure safety.

Open shelves are a great way to store books and other items, but too many can take over the appearance of the fireplace. The owners of this living room have created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the look without overpowering open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams that have a rustic style are ideal for a fireplace wall. They bring a timeless appeal to any house. Reclaimed beams of wood are made from old barns, stalls, and other structures that were destroyed. Each beam carries with it its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used as a decorative element in modern kitchens or wide plank paneling to create an authentic appearance. They have the typical marks of barn wood, like nail holes and mortise pockets, plus natural patina that increases their durability.

Look through salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea market for reclaimed wooden elements to repurpose into a mantel. The natural tone of pine used to accent the traditional living room surround and mantel evokes an intimate country retreat. The knotty imperfections of the wood give it a rustic feel and are a perfect match for the simple lines in the beaded-board wainscoting on the fireplace’s wall. The rustic warmth of the room is enhanced by a pair of natural-inspired wall sconces, as well as a landscape image above the mantel.

Repurposed wooden beams can provide an attractive accent to any room in your home. They can be left in their natural state or stained to complement the decor of your home or carved and distressed for an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a more contemporary appearance or covered with faux finishes such as marbling paint or rust.

Wooden beams can be used as a focal point in any type of fireplace. They can be set over a freestanding gas, ventless or electric fireplace, or incorporated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can be used to enhance the mantel without a burning fire.

No matter which method you decide to use to mount your beams, ensure that they are protected adequately from the effects of fire. Both materials can become brittle in extreme heat. However, they can be strengthened with a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products are available in a wide variety of home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can create an impressive statement when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens up the room and can be incorporated into any decor, whether traditional or modern. The matte finish is perfect to create a polished and sleek look while adding contrast to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles also work well with a variety of texture choices for a more customized appearance. Stone-look tiles are a favorite that gives the room a rustic, classic feel. They also look great with natural materials such as wood. Another classic option is marble-look tile that provides an elegant and luxurious look to the space. These tiles feature an elegant and glossy surface that reflects light beautifully and brightens 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 gives a handcrafted look to the space, while balancing the contemporary organic style fireplace with the overall style of the room.

If you’re unsure about taking a risk with a pattern in your home the fireplace is a great spot to experiment with an imposing design. It could be intimidating for other areas. The geometric tile with its black grout gives this space an elegant yet playful feel. The hexagonal shapes are arranged as cubes to create an exciting layout, and the dark brown hue creates a warm and inviting aesthetic that is a perfect match for the industrial décor in this room.

Another method of making a statement with your fireplace is to select tiles that have the look of brick or another popular material. This textured tile, from LA Designer Affair, has an identical look to brick, but has the added benefit of being much easier to clean and maintain.

Consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to modernize your fireplace’s surround without costing you a dime. These options are heat-resistant which makes them suitable for fireplaces and can adhere to existing surfaces. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a great option to add the look of a room. It also coordinates beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the best way to hide the brick surround of an unwall-mounted fireplace. The mantel can be painted with a different color to add warmth and personality. A new color of paint can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the color scheme of the room or pick something bold.

If the mantel is made of wood be sure to check it for gouges, cracks, and scratches. If the dents aren’t large enough to handle, fill them with wood putty and allow it to set for the recommended amount of time. Sand the surface with 100-grit paper to roughen it up before painting. To get rid of any dirt or debris, wipe down the sanded surfaces with a damp cloth.

While white is a popular option for walls and fireplaces, the right shade can really make your fireplace stand out. For inspiration, take a look at the wood trim on your bookcases, mouldings and walls. Do they have the same color as your mantel? Or is it a lighter or a darker shade? If the latter, choose 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 might have been placed over the mantel. Take away any ornaments or pictures that are around or on your brick fireplace. Once the mantel is cleaned, use a damp cloth and wipe it clean to get rid of any soot or dust.

Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel using either a roller or brush. The semi-gloss finish lasts and stain-resistant, ensuring that your mantel will hold up well to the heat generated by the fireplace, as well as other objects placed on it. Allow the primer to dry in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer prior to moving on to the main part of your fireplace wall.

While brick is an attractive feature of a fireplace wall, it can be a bit heavy and dark in color. Paint the mantel with an even or light color can make it appear brighter and more welcoming to guests. If you opt for a light color for your mantel, match it with a piece of art with earthy tones or a large wall mirror to complete the overall look.