14 Misconceptions Commonly Held About Wall Fireplace
Wiki Article
How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A fireplace on the wall can create your living space an attractive focal point that requires attention. There are a variety of models on the market however, it is important to find one that is suitable for your needs.
The most significant features are the heat output, the appearance and the controls. If you're not familiar with these features, it's best to seek out an expert to help you choose the best model.
Molded Squares
A dull stone fireplace surround and bland walls made this living space in need of a major fireplace revamp. The new style is vibrant, attractive and makes this hearth the center of the room. A whitewashed mantel and modern artwork above modernize the facade of the fireplace while contrasted with the shelves in gray below. The fireplace's facade is accentuated by a few color changes.
Base cap moldings and trim pieces create a simple yet effective method of framing a fireplace surround made of tile. Choose a trim style that contrasts with or matches your other trim elements such as the thick casing around windows and doors to create a cohesive look. If you're looking for an elegant, premium 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, choose to use dentil trim instead.
Wainscoting accent walls is a popular method to add character to a room. The same method can be used to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards instead, consider a paneled material like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard to create a dramatic look.
Brick is another non-combustible option for the fireplace surround. It is available in various styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace in red is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. The rustic-look brick is an option that can fit in with a more traditional, country-style decor.
If you want to incorporate brick into the design of your fireplace, make sure that your hearth measures 16 to 18 inches from the opening of the fireplace and the surround is between 8 and 12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you select is safe and complies with all codes of the local and national level.
Open shelving is a great option to organize books and other items, but too many can take over the appearance of a fireplace. For this family room homeowners built a wall-to ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the appearance of the fireplace, without obscuring the open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Rustic reclaimed wood beams are the perfect frame for a fireplace on the wall. They add a timeless look to any home. Reclaimed wood beams come from old barns, stables and other demolished buildings. Each beam is unique and has its own unique history. Reclaimed wood can be used conjunction with wide plank ceiling paneling to create a rustic look or as accents to modern kitchens. They feature the usual barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes as well as a natural aging process that increases their longevity.
Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets for reclaimed wooden elements to repurpose as a mantel or accent wall. For example, the earthy shade of pine that accents the traditional mantel and surround is reminiscent of a cozy rural retreat. The knotty imperfections in the wood accent the hand-crafted look and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which surrounds the fireplace's wall. A pair of sconces inspired by nature and a painting of a landscape above the mantel enhance the rustic charm of the room.
Repurposed wood beams can be an eye-catching statement to any room in your home. They can be left in their natural state or stained to complement your existing decor, or they can be carved and distressed for an antique appearance. They can also be painted for a more contemporary appearance or covered with faux finishes such as marbled paint or rust.
Wooden beams can be used as a focal point in any kind of fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel without any fire burning. They can also be used to highlight a mantel without a fire burning.
Whichever method you choose to put in your beams, make sure that they are protected adequately from the effects of fire. Both types of material can be brittle and weaken in the presence of extreme heat, however both are able to be strengthened with a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant sprays on steel I-beams. These products can be found in most home improvement stores.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tiles can be used to create a striking effect as an accent for fireplaces. Its design instantly brightens the room and complements any style, whether traditional or modern. The choice of a matte finish for the tiles is ideal to maintain that clean and polished look, while also adding some color to make the fireplace stand out.
Hex tiles can be customized by a variety of textures to create an individual look. Stone-look tiles are a favorite that gives the space an authentic, classic look. They also pair beautifully with natural materials, such as wood. Another classic option is marble-look tile, which adds an elegant and luxurious appearance to the space. These tiles feature an elegant and glossy surface that reflects light beautifully and brightens the space.
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 pattern on the tile gives the whole space the look of a hand-crafted piece that balances the organic modern style of the fireplace with the overall modern design of the room.
If you're not sure about taking a risk with patterns in your home, a fireplace can be an excellent place to try out a bold pattern that could be intimidating in other parts of your home. This geometric tile with its black grout provides this area with an elegant and playful look. The hexagonal shapes fit together like cubes to create a fascinating layout, while the deep brown color creates a warm and inviting aesthetic that is a perfect match for the industrial décor in this room.
Another way to make a statement with your fireplace is to select tiles that have the look of brick or another familiar material. This pattern-based tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look to brick, but is much easier to maintain and clean.
Consider using a peel-and-stick tile to upgrade your fireplace surround without costing you a dime. These tiles are resistant to heat and therefore suitable for fireplaces and can adhere to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is an excellent option that will add a sense of elegance to any living space, and will look great with traditional furniture.
Paint the Mantel
When a wall fireplace has a brick surround, the best way to downplay its appearance is to give it fresh coats of paint. The mantel can be painted in a different colour to add warmth and character. Whether you choose to match it with the color scheme of your room or opt for something striking, a new paint color makes your fireplace stand out as a showstopper.
If the mantel is made of wood take a look at it to find gouges, cracks and nicks. Fill in the dents using wood putty if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the amount of time recommended. Sand the surface with 100-grit paper to roughen it prior to painting. Clean the surface with a damp cloth to take off any remaining dirt or dust.
White is a popular color for walls and fireplaces. But the right shade can make your fireplace stand out. For ideas, take a look at the wood trim on your bookcases, mouldings and walls. Does your mantel match in color as theirs, or is it darker or lighter? If you decide to go with the latter option, select the color that works well with the other shades in the room to keep it looking balanced.
Protect the area around you with sheets or a dropcloth before you begin painting. Remove the mantel and remove any decorative pieces or displays that may be hung above it. If your fireplace is brick, remove any ornaments or pictures that are placed on or around the fireplace. When the mantel is clean then wipe it clean with a a damp cloth to clean off any dust or soot read more that has built up.
Apply a basecoat with brushes or rollers to your mantel. The semi-gloss paint is durable and stain resistant, so your mantel will be able to withstand the heat of the fireplace, and any other items that are placed on it. Let the primer dry according to the guidelines of the manufacturer before moving on to the main part of your fireplace's wall.
While brick is a striking feature of a fireplace's wall, it can be heavy and dark in hue. Paint the mantel with an unassuming color or neutral to make it appear lighter and more inviting. If you opt for a light color for your mantel, match it with a piece art in earthy tones or a large mirror to complete the overall look.