Five Killer Quora Answers On Wall Fireplace
How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A wall fireplace (Link Website) can give your living room an element of interest that demands attention. There are a variety of models available, so you should choose one that meets 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 you select the best model.
Molded Squares
The living room in this house needed an overhaul to the fireplace due to its old-fashioned stone surround and boring walls. With a few tweaks to the design the new look is vibrant and attractive, making this hearth a focal point in the room. A whitewashed mantel and contemporary artwork above modernize the fireplace facade while contrasted with the gray shelves below. The fireplace's facade is accentuated by a few changes in color.
Base cap moldings and trim pieces make a simple but efficient way to frame a fireplace surround made of tile. Select a trim style that contrasts with or matches your other trim elements, like the thick casing around doors and windows to create a cohesive look. If you're looking to create an elegant, luxurious look, consider using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of a real mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse-style.
Wainscoting accent walls is a popular method to add personality to the interior of a room. The same method can be employed to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled product like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard instead of plank boards to create a dramatic look.
Brick is a different 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. Rustic-look brick is also an option that could be a good fit with more traditional country-style decor.
When incorporating brick in a fireplace design, you'll need to be sure your hearth extends 16 to 18 inches from the firebox opening and that the surround extends 8-12 inches in all directions. Make sure your chosen material is compliant with all national and local building codes to ensure security.
Open shelving is a great option to store books and other items, but too many can make a mess of a fireplace. The homeowners of this family room designed the wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding in order to elevate the design without overwhelming the open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Reclaimed wood beams that have a rustic style are ideal for a fireplace wall. They add a timeless beauty to any home. Reclaimed wood beams are sourced from old barns, stables and other demolished structures. Each beam carries with it its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used in combination with wide plank ceiling paneling to create a rustic look or as accents to modern kitchens. They are characterized by barn wood markings, such as mortise and nail holes and a natural aging process that increases their durability.
Look through salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea market for reclaimed wooden elements to make into a fireplace. For instance the earthy color of pine that accents the traditional living room mantel and wood fireplaces surround creates the feeling of a rustic, cozy retreat. The knotty imperfections of the wood fireplace create a rustic appearance and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting on the fireplace wall. The rustic warmth of the room is enhanced by a pair of natural-inspired wall sconces and a landscape picture above the mantel.
Repurposed wooden beams can provide an attractive accent to any room in your home. They can be left as-is or stained to match your current decor, or they can be distressed and carved to give them an antique look. They can be painted to give them a more contemporary look or covered with faux finishes like marbling paint or rust.
The wooden beams are able to serve as the central feature of any fireplace. They can be placed over a freestanding gas, ventless or electric fires fireplace, or they can be incorporated into a stone or brick fireplace. They can be used to accent the mantel without a flame burning.
Whatever method of installation you decide to use be sure that your wood or steel beams are adequately protected from the possible consequences of fire. Both materials can become brittle in extreme heat. However, they can be strengthened by a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products are sold in a wide variety of home improvement stores.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tiles can be used to create a dramatic effect as a surround for a fireplace. Its shape instantly enhances the space and is a perfect match for any style of decor from traditional to modern. Choosing matte finishes for the tiles is ideal to maintain that clean and polished look, while adding some contrast to make the fireplace stand out.
Hex tiles also work well with various textures to create a more individual look. Stone-look tiles are a popular choice that gives the room a rustic, classic feel. They also look great with natural materials, such as wood. Another classic option is marble-look tile that provides a luxurious and elegant aesthetic to the space. These tiles have an elegant and glossy surface that reflect light beautifully and enhances the space.
The proper tile pattern can improve 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 patterned tile adds the appearance of a hand-crafted space, balancing the modern organic 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 place to play around with the bold style. It can be a bit intimidating for other rooms. This geometric tile (here's another option) with its black grout lines gives this space a sophisticated yet fun energy. The hexagonal shapes fit like cubes to create an exciting layout. The deep brown hue creates an inviting, warm look that goes well with the industrial style.
Another method of making a statement with your fireplace is to choose tiles that look like the appearance of brick or another familiar material. This pattern-based tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance as brick but is much easier to maintain and clean.
Consider using a peel-and stick tile to update your fireplace surround without costing you a dime. Many of these options are heat-resistant and therefore safe for fireplaces and able to be affixed to the existing stone. This herringbone peel and stick tile is an excellent option that will bring a sense of elegance to any living space while coordinating beautifully with traditional furniture.
Paint the Mantel
When a wall fireplace has an existing brick surround, the most effective way to downplay its appearance is to give it fresh coats of paint. The mantel can be painted a different color to add warmth and character. It doesn't matter if you choose to match it to the room's color scheme or opt for something more striking, a new paint color makes your fireplace stand out as a stunning feature.
If your mantel is constructed of wood, you should first examine it for cracks, nicks and gouges. Fill in the dents using wood putty, if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the period recommended. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it prior to painting. Wipe the surface that has been sanded with a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or debris.
White is a favorite color for fireplaces electric and walls. However the right shade can make your fireplace stand out. Check out the other wood trim, moldings and bookcases around your home for inspiration. Does your mantel match in color as theirs or is it darker or lighter? If you decide to go with the latter option, pick one that blends well with the other colors in the room to ensure it looks balanced.
Before you start painting, protect the area surrounding you with drop cloth or sheets. Remove any decorative items or showpieces that might have been placed over the mantel. Remove any ornaments or photos placed around or on the brick fireplace. After the mantel has been cleaned, take a damp cloth and wipe it down to remove any soot or dust.
Apply a basecoat with a roller or brush to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish lasts and stain-resistant, so your mantel will stand up well to the heat generated by the fireplace and any other items that are placed on it. Allow the primer to dry in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations before moving onto the main body of your fireplace wall.
While the brick is an attractive feature of a fireplace's wall it can be heavy and dark in shade. Painting the mantel an even or light color will make it appear more lively and more welcoming to guests. If you opt for an unassuming color for your mantel, you can pair it with a piece of art with earthy tones or a large mirror to balance out the appearance.
