Five Killer Quora Answers To Wall Fireplace
How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A wall fireplace can give your living room an attractive focal point that requires attention. There are a variety of models available and you must pick one that is suitable for your needs.
Some of the most important features include the output of heat, the appearance and the controls. If you aren't familiar with these features, it's recommended to consult a professional to help you select the best model.
Molded Squares
This living room needed a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its outdated stone surround and bland walls. With a few tweaks to the design, the new look is bright and attractive, making the hearth a centerpiece in the room. A whitewashed mantel and modern artwork above modernize the facade of the fireplace and contrast with the shelves in gray below. The fireplace's exterior is enhanced by a few changes in color.
Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces create a simple yet effective method of framing a tile tabletop fireplace surround. Select a trim style that contrasts with or complements your other trim elements for example, the thick casing around windows and doors to make the look more cohesive. If you're looking for an elegant, wall fires premium look, you can consider using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of an actual mantel. For a more rustic farmhouse style, use dentil trim instead.
The idea of creating an accent wall using wainscoting is an effective way to add character to any room. The same method can be employed to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled option like tongue-and groove cedar siding or beadboard in place of plank boards to create a dramatic look.
Another non-combustible option you can use to build an enclosure for your fireplace is brick, which comes in many different styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace in red is a traditional choice for cottage-style or Craft Revival style homes. Rustic-style brick is another alternative that is able to blend with a more traditional, country decor.
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 your surround reaches 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you select is safe and meets all local and national codes.
Open shelving can be an ideal way to store books and other objects. However the presence of too many shelves can ruin the appearance of the fireplace. The owners of this family room designed the wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the look without overwhelming the open shelving.
Rustic wood fireplaces Beam
Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look are ideal for a fireplace wall. They add timeless beauty to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood are reclaimed from barns, stalls and other buildings that have been destroyed. Each beam carries with it its own unique history. Reclaimed wood can also be used as a feature in modern kitchens or wide plank paneling to create an authentic appearance. They have the typical barn wood markings, such as mortise and nail holes and a natural aging process that increases their longevity.
Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage as well as flea markets to find reclaimed wood elements that can be used as a mantel or accent wall. The earthy tone of pine used as a backdrop for this traditional living room's surround and mantel evokes the feeling of a cozy country getaway. The knotty imperfections of the wood emphasize the hand-crafted appearance and compliment the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that borders the fireplace's wall. The rustic warmth of this room is accentuated by a pair inspired by nature wall fires sconces and an image of a landscape above the mantel.
Repurposed wooden beams can make an attractive accent to any room in your home. They can be stained to match your existing decor or carved for an antique look. They can also be painted for a more contemporary appearance, or they can be covered with faux finishes such as marbled or rust paint.
Wooden beams can be used as a focal point for any type of fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel without a fire burning. They can be used to highlight the mantel, without burning fire.
Whatever method you choose to install your beams, ensure that they are adequately protected against the effects of fire. Both materials can become fragile in extreme heat. However, they can be strengthened with a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products are available at most home improvement stores.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tile can create an impact when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens up the space and is a perfect match for any style, whether contemporary or traditional. The matte finish is perfect for a sleek and polished appearance while adding a splash of contrast to make the fireplace pop.
Hex tiles can also be combined with a variety of texture choices for a more personalized look. Stone-look tiles are a popular choice that give the room an authentic, classic look. They also pair beautifully with natural materials such as wood. Another classic option is marble-look tile that provides an elegant and luxurious look to the room. These tiles have a glossy and smooth finish that reflects light beautifully and brightens the space.
The perfect tile pattern can enhance the entire design 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 pattern of the tile provides a handcrafted look to the space, balancing the modern organic style fireplace with the overall style of the room.
If you're not sure about taking a risk on a design in your home, a fireplace is an excellent place to try out a bold design that could be intimidating in other areas of the house. This geometric tile (here's a similar option) with its black grout lines gives the room a sophisticated but lively energy. The hexagonal shapes are arranged as cubes to create an exciting layout, and the dark brown color provides a warm and inviting aesthetic that is a perfect match for the industrial style of the room.
Another option to make a statement with your fireplace is to choose tiles that have the look of brick or another popular material. This textured tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look as brick however, it is much easier to clean and maintain.
Consider using a peel-and-stick tile to upgrade your fireplace's surround without spending a fortune. These options are heat-resistant and therefore suitable for fireplaces and can stick to existing surfaces. This peel and stick herringbone tile is an excellent option to add style to any room. It also works beautifully with traditional furniture.
Paint the Mantel
When a wall fireplace has an existing brick surround, the best method to minimize its appearance is with an update of the paint. The mantel's paint hue also adds warmth and personality to the space. 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 bold.
If the mantel is made of wood be sure to check it for gouges, cracks, and scratches. If the dents aren't enough to handle, fill them with wood putty and let it set for the recommended amount of time. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it before painting. To remove any debris or dirt clean the surfaces that have been sanded with a damp cloth.
While white is a popular choice for fireplaces and walls, the right shade can really make your fireplace stand out. For inspiration, take a look at the trims of wood on your bookcases, moldings, and walls. Does your mantel match in color as theirs, or is it lighter or darker? If you decide to go with the latter option, pick a color that will work well with the other colors in the room to keep it looking balanced.
Before you start painting, cover the area around you with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove the mantel and remove any decorative pieces or displays that may be hung above it. If your fireplace is made of brick, take away any pictures or ornaments that are on or within the fireplace. Once the mantel is empty, wipe it down with an damp cloth to wash off any dust or soot that has built up.
Apply a basecoat using brushes or rollers to your mantel. The semi-gloss paint is durable and stain resistant, so your mantel will be able to be able to withstand the heat of your fireplace as well as any other items placed on it. Allow the primer to completely dry, as per the instructions of the manufacturer, before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.
The brick may be heavy in weight and color. Paint the mantel with a light color or neutral to make it appear more vibrant and more inviting. If you choose an unassuming color for your mantel, pair it with a work of artwork in earthy tones, or a large mirror to complete the look.