15 Amazing Facts About Wall Fireplace

How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace in the wall will give your living room an attractive focal area. There are a variety of models available and you must pick one that is suitable for your needs.

The output of heat, the controls and the appearance are just a few of the important features. If you're not familiar with these features, it's best to seek out an expert to help select the best model.

Molded Squares

A stale stone fireplace and dull walls left this living space in need of a drastic fireplace overhaul. With a few tweaks to the design the new look is bright and eye-catching, making this hearth a central feature in the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel and contemporary art above the fireplace modernize the exterior while the shelves that are gray below contrast. A few minor changes in color also help the facade stand apart from the wall, which enhances the beauty of this fireplace design.

Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces are paired to create a simple, yet effective method of framing a fireplace surround made of tile. Select a trim style that contrasts with or matches your other trim elements like the thick casing around windows and doors, to create a cohesive look. If you're looking to create an elegant, high-end look, consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of a real mantel. For a more rustic farmhouse style, use dentil trim instead.

Making an accent wall using wainscoting is an effective method to add character to any room. The same technique can be employed to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards, instead, consider using a paneled material such as tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard to create a striking appearance.

Another non-combustible material that you can build a fireplace surround is brick, which is available in many different styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace in red is a classic option for cottage-style or Craft-Revival-style homes. Rustic-look brick is also an option that could be a good fit with a more traditional, country-style decor.

If you want to incorporate brick into your fireplace design, make sure that your hearth is 16-18 inches from the opening of the firebox and the surround is 8-12 inches wide in all directions. Make sure the material you select is safe and conforms to all national and local codes.

Open shelving is a great option to store books and other items However, too many shelves could take over the appearance of a fireplace. The owners of this family room designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding in order to enhance the look without overwhelming open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wood beams are the perfect frame for a fireplace on the wall. They bring a timeless appeal to any home. Reclaimed wood beams originate from old barns, stables and other buildings that were demolished. Each beam is unique and has its own distinct history. Reclaimed wood can be used combination with wide plank ceiling paneling for a fully rustic design or as accents to modern kitchens. They are characterized by the typical markings of barn wood, including mortise and nail holes and a natural patina that enhances their durability.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets for reclaimed wooden elements that can be used as a mantel or accent wall. The rustic tone of pine used to accent the traditional living room surround and mantel creates the feeling of a cozy country getaway. 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 this space is enhanced by a pair inspired by nature wall sconces, and a landscape image above the mantel.

Repurposed wood beams can be an attractive accent to any room in your home. They can be left in their natural state or stained to match the decor of your home or cut and distressed to create an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a more modern look, or covered with faux finishes such as marbling paint or rust.

Wooden beams can be used as a focal point for any kind of fireplace. They can be positioned above a freestanding gas or ventless or electric fireplaces fireplace, or they can be incorporated into a brick or Ethonal Fire stone fireplace. They can be used to highlight the mantel without a burning fire.

Regardless of which method of installation you choose ensure that your steel or wood beams are properly protected from the potential effects of fire. Both materials are susceptible to becoming brittle and weakening in the face of extreme heat, but both can be strengthened by a layer of ethonal fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant sprays on steel I-beams. These products can be found in a wide variety of home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a striking effect as a surround for a fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens the space and is a perfect match for any style of decor, from traditional to modern. Selecting a matte finish for the tiles is ideal to maintain that clean 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 tiles are a favorite that gives the space a rustic, classic feel. They also pair beautifully with natural materials such as wood. Marble-look tiles are another timeless option that adds an elegant and luxurious appearance to the room. These tiles have a smooth and glossy finish that is a beautiful reflection of light and enhances the space.

The appropriate tile pattern can improve a fireplace's design. 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 an artistic look to the space, and balances the modern natural style fireplace with the overall style of the room.

If you are unsure of making a design risk in your home, the fireplace is a great spot to test the bold style. It might be intimidating for other areas. This geometric tile (here's a similar option) with its black grout lines gives this room a sophisticated and playful energy. The hexagonal shapes are shaped like cubes, creating a lively layout. The deep brown hue creates an inviting, warm look that is perfect for industrial style.

Another way to make an impact with your fireplace is to use tiles that look like the appearance of brick or another popular material. This texture tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look to brick, but is much easier to maintain and clean.

If you're not ready to take on a complete remodel of your fireplace surround, consider applying a peel and stick tile to update the look without breaking the bank. These options are heat-resistant and therefore suitable for fireplaces and can be bonded to existing surfaces. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a fantastic option for adding style to any room. It also works beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace in a wall has an existing brick surround, the most effective method to minimize its appearance is to give it a fresh coat of paint. The mantel can be painted in a different hue to add warmth and personality. A new paint color can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the scheme of color in the room or pick something bold.

If your mantel is wood take a look at it to find cracks, gouges, and scratches. Fill in the dents with wood putty if they are small enough. Allow it to dry for the time recommended. Before painting, sand the surface with 100-grit sandpaper in order to rough it up. To remove any dirt or debris clean the surfaces you have sanded with a damp cloth.

White is a favorite color for Fireplaces wood and walls. But, the right shade will make your mantel really stand out. Look at the other wood trims, moldings, and bookcases in your home to get ideas. Does your mantel have the same shade as theirs or is it lighter or darker? If the latter, pick a color that coordinates well to keep the look well-balanced.

Before you begin painting, protect the surrounding area with a drop cloth or sheets. Clean the mantel, removing any showpieces or decorations that might be hanging above it. Remove any ornaments or pictures placed around or on the fireplace made of brick. Once the mantel has been cleaned, take a damp cloth and wipe it clean to remove any soot or dust.

Apply a basecoat with a roller or brush to your mantel. The semi-gloss paint is long-lasting and stain resistant, so your mantel will be able to withstand the heat of the fireplace as well as any other items placed on it. Let the primer completely dry, in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.

The brick can be quite heavy in color and weight. Paint the mantel with a light or neutral color can make it appear brighter and more welcoming to guests. If you choose a light shade for your mantel, match it with a piece artwork in earthy tones, or a large mirror to complete the look.