9 Signs That You re A Wall Fireplace Expert

How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace will provide your living space with an attractive focal point. There are numerous models on the market but it is essential to choose one that will meet your requirements.

The most significant features are the heat output along with the appearance and controls. 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 worn-out stone fireplace and dull walls made this living space in need of a major fireplace revamp. The new design is vibrant, attractive and makes the hearth the main focal point of the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel as well as contemporary art above the fireplace modernizes the exterior and the shelves in gray below contrast. The fireplace's exterior is enhanced by a few color changes.

Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces are combined to create a simple, yet effective way to frame a tile fireplace surround. To connect the look pick a trim style to contrast or match your other trim elements like thick casings around doors and windows. If you're looking for an elegant, premium look, consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of an actual mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic farmhouse style.

Accent walls with wainscoting are a popular method to add character to rooms. The same technique can also be used to frame the tabletop fireplace - Learn Even more,. Consider a paneled material like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard instead of plank boards to create a dramatic look.

Brick is another non-combustible option for a fireplace surround. It comes in various styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace in red is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. A rustic-look brick can also be used to enhance a traditional country style.

If you are incorporating brick into your fireplace design, you'll need to be sure your hearth extends 16 to 18 inches from the opening for the fireplace and that the surround extends 8-12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you choose is compliant with all building codes to ensure security.

Open shelving is a great way of storing books and other objects. However the presence of too many shelves can ruin the look of a fireplace. The owners of this family room designed the wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the look without overpowering open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams that have a rustic style make a great fireplace wall. They add a timeless look to any home. Reclaimed wood beams are sourced from old stables, barns and other demolished buildings. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used in combination with wide plank ceiling paneling to create a rustic look or as an accent to modern kitchens. They are characterized by the typical markings of barn wood, such as mortise and nail holes and a natural patina that enhances their durability.

Search architectural salvage yards and flea markets for reclaimed wooden elements to repurpose into a mantel. For example the earthy hue of pine that accents this traditional living room mantel and surround is reminiscent of an idyllic rural setting. Its knotty imperfections emphasize a hand-hewn look and compliment the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that surrounds the fireplace's wall fires. A pair of nature-inspired sconces and a landscape-themed painting above the mantel add to the rustic charm of this space.

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

The wooden beams can serve as the central feature of any fireplace. They can be positioned above a freestanding gas, ventless or electric fireplace or be integrated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can be used to enhance the mantel without a burning fire.

Whatever method of installation you decide to use ensure that your steel or wood beams are properly protected from the possible consequences 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 I-beams made of steel. These products are sold at most home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can make an impressive statement when used as a fireplace surround. Its shape instantly brightens up the space and is a perfect match for any style of decor, from traditional to modern. Selecting matte finishes for the tiles is a great way to maintain that clean and polished look, while also adding some contrast that makes the fireplace sparkle.

Hex tiles also work well with various textures for a more personalized look. Stone-look tiles are a favorite that give the room an authentic, classic look. They also look great with natural materials such as wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tiles that adds an elegant and luxurious appearance to the room. These tiles have an elegant and glossy surface that reflect light beautifully and brightens the space.

The right tile pattern can elevate 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 pattern of the tile provides the appearance of a hand-crafted space, while balancing the contemporary organic style fireplace with the overall design of the room.

If you're unsure about taking a risk with pattern in your home, a fireplace can be an excellent place to try out a bold style that could be intimidating in other parts of the house. This geometric tile (here's a similar option) with its black grout lines give this space a sophisticated yet lively energy. The hexagonal shapes are arranged like cubes to create a fascinating layout, while the dark brown hue creates a warm and inviting aesthetic that works with the industrial style of this room.

Another way to make an impact with your fireplace insert is to choose tiles that have the look of brick or another familiar material. This textured tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look to traditional brick, but is much easier to maintain and clean.

Consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to modernize your fireplace's surround without costing you a dime. These tiles are heat-resistant, making them suitable for fireplaces and able be bonded to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great alternative that will add an elegant look to any living space, while also blending beautifully with traditional furnishings.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the most effective method to hide the brick surround on the wall of a fireplace. The mantel can be painted with a different color to give it a more cosy and spirited look. A new color of paint can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the scheme of color in the room or choose something striking.

If your mantel is wood be sure to check it for gouges, cracks, and nicks. Fill in the dents with wood putty if they are small enough. Allow it to dry for the time recommended. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it up before painting. Clean the surface with a damp cloth to remove any remaining dirt or dust.

White is a popular color for walls and fireplaces wood. But, the right shade will make your mantel really stand out. Look at the other wood fireplace trims, moldings, and bookcases in your home to get inspiration. Do they use the same shade as your mantel or is it a lighter or darker hue? If the latter, choose the color that is well-matched to keep the space looking well-balanced.

Protect the area around you by using a dropcloth or sheets before you begin painting. Clean the mantel, taking out any showpieces or decorations that may be hung above it. If your fireplace is brick, get rid of any ornaments or pictures that are placed on or within the fireplace. Once the mantel has been cleared and clean, wipe it with a the help of a damp cloth to wipe off any dust or soot that has built up.

Apply a basecoat with brushes or rollers to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish lasts and stain-resistant, so your mantel will stand up well to the heat from the fireplace as well as any other items that are placed on it. Allow the primer to dry according to the guidelines of the manufacturer before moving on to the main part of your fireplace wall.

While brick is an attractive feature of a fireplace's wall it can be quite heavy and dark in hue. Paint the mantel with a light or neutral color can make it look brighter and more inviting for guests. If you decide to choose a light shade for your mantel, pair it with a piece art with earthy tones or a large wall mirror to balance out the overall look.