5 Killer Quora Answers On Wall Fireplace
How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A fireplace on the wall can create your living room an element of interest that demands attention. There are many different models on the market, however, so it is crucial to choose one that meets your needs.
The most significant features include the heat output along with the appearance and controls. If you aren't familiar with these features, it's best to hire an expert to help choose the right model.
Molded Squares
The living room in this house needed an impressive fireplace overhaul due to its old-fashioned stone surround and boring walls. With a few design tweaks the new look is fresh and attractive, making this hearth a centerpiece in the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel as well as contemporary art above the fireplace modernizes the facade while the shelves that are gray below are a contrast. A few color changes also help the facade stand out from the wall, enhancing the beauty of this fireplace stove design.
Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces are paired to make a simple but effective way to frame a fireplace suites surround made of tile. To bring the design together pick a trim style to contrast or match the other trim elements like thick casings around windows and doors. If you're looking for a more elegant, luxurious style, think about using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of a real mantel. If you want a more rustic farmhouse look, use dentil trim instead.
Accent walls with wainscoting are a common method of adding personality to the interior of a room. The same technique can be employed to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled option such as tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard instead of plank boards to create a dramatic effect.
Another non-combustible material that you can use to create a fireplace surround is brick, which is available in many different styles and colors. A traditional red brick fireplace is a classic option for Craft Revival-style or cottage-style homes. The rustic-look brick is an alternative that is able to blend with more traditional country style.
If you're planning to incorporate brick into your fireplace design be sure that your hearth measures 16 to 18 inches away from the opening of the fireplace and the surround is 8-12 inches wide in all directions. Make sure your chosen material complies with all national and local building codes for safety.
Open shelving can be an ideal way to store books and other items. However, too many shelves can obstruct the appearance of a fireplace. The owners of this family room designed a wall fires-to-ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the look without overpowering open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Rustic reclaimed wood beams are the perfect frame for a fireplace on the wall. They add a timeless beauty to any house. Reclaimed wood beams come from old stables, barns and other demolished buildings. Each beam has its own unique story. Reclaimed wood can also be used as an accent in modern kitchens or wide plank paneling to create an authentic look. They feature the typical marks of barn wood, including mortise and nail holes as well as natural patina that increases their durability.
Search architectural salvage yards and flea markets for reclaimed wood elements to make into a fireplace. The rustic tone of pine used to accent this traditional living room mantel and surround evokes an intimate country retreat. The knotty imperfections of the wood emphasize a hand-hewn look and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which surrounds the fireplace's wall. A pair of sconces with a natural theme and a landscape painting above the mantel add to the rustic coziness of this space.
Repurposed wood beams will give a unique appearance to any space. They can be stained to match your existing decor or carved to give an antique look. They can also be painted for modern appearance, or they can be covered with faux finishes such as rust or marbled paint.
Wooden beams can be used as a focal point in any type of fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel without a fire burning. They can also be used to highlight the mantel without a flame burning.
No matter which method of installation you decide to use ensure that your wood or steel beams are properly protected from the possible effects of fire. Both materials can become brittle and weaken in the face 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 are available in most home improvement stores.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tiles can be utilized to create a dramatic effect as surrounds for fireplaces. Its shape instantly brightens the room and complements any decor, modern or traditional. Selecting an elegant matte finish for the tiles is the best way to keep that sleek and polished look, while adding some contrast to make the fireplace stand out.
Hex tiles also work well with a variety of texture choices for a more customized appearance. Stone-look tile is a very popular choice that gives the space an old-fashioned, rustic feel while pairing beautifully with natural materials such as wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tile that adds an elegant and luxurious appearance to the room. These tiles have a glossy and smooth finish that reflect light beautifully and brightens the room.
The proper tile pattern can improve the overall 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 patterned tile adds a unique a handcrafted appeal that balances the contemporary organic style of the fireplace and the overall modern design of the room.
If you're not sure about taking a risk on a design in your home, a fireplace is the perfect place to test out a bold pattern which could be a bit intimidating in other areas of your home. 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, while the deep brown color provides a warm and inviting aesthetic that works with the industrial décor electric firesuite (click for info) in this room.
Tile that looks like brick or other common materials is another way to make an impact with your fireplace. This textured tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look to brick, but is much simpler to clean and maintain.
If you're not ready to make a major overhaul of your fireplace's surround, think about applying a peel and stick tile to refresh the appearance without spending a fortune. These tiles are heat-resistant and therefore suitable for fireplaces and able be bonded to existing surfaces. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a great option for adding elegance to any room. It also coordinates beautifully with traditional furniture.
Paint the Mantel
A fresh coat of paint is the ideal way to hide the brick surround on the wall of a fireplace. The mantel's paint color can also add warmth and character to the space. It doesn't matter if you choose to match it to the color scheme of your room or go for something bold and striking, a fresh paint color will make your fireplace stand out as a stunning feature.
If your mantel is constructed of wood, first inspect it for cracks, nicks and gouges. If the dents are small enough to be handled, 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. Wipe down the sanded surface with a damp cloth in order to take off any remaining dirt or debris.
While white is a popular choice for fireplaces and walls The right shade can make your mantel stand out. For inspiration, look at the wood trim on your bookcases, mouldings and walls. Does your mantel have the same shade as theirs or is it darker or lighter? If the latter, choose a color that coordinates well to keep the look balanced.
Before you start painting, cover the area surrounding you with drop cloth or sheets. Clean the mantel, taking out any decorations or showpieces that might be hanging above it. Remove any ornaments or photos that are on or around your brick fireplace. After the mantel has been cleaned, you can use a damp cloth and wipe it clean to remove any dust or soot.
Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with either a roller or brush. The semi-gloss finish is durable and stain-resistant, which means that your mantel will hold up well to the heat from the fireplace, as well as other items that are placed on it. Let the primer completely dry, according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.
The brick may be heavy in both weight and color. Paint the mantel with in a neutral or light shade will make it appear more lively and more inviting to guests. If you choose a light color for your mantel, pair it with a piece art with earthy tones or a large wall mirror to complement the look.
