An Wall Fireplace Success Story You'll Never Believe
Wiki Article
How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A wall fireplace will provide your living space with an attractive focal feature. There are numerous designs available but it is crucial to choose one that is suitable for your needs.
Some of the most important features are the heat output, the appearance and the controls. If you're unfamiliar with these features, it's best to hire an expert to help you select the right model.
Molded Squares
The living room in this house needed a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its outdated stone surround and dull walls. The new style is bright, eye-catching and makes this hearth the center of the room. A whitewashed mantel and modern artwork above modernize the fireplace facade while contrasting with the gray shelves below. A few changes in color will also make the fireplace stand out from the wall, adding the charm of this fireplace design.
Base cap molding and thin trim pieces join to form a simple, yet effective, method to frame your fireplace surround. To bring the design together select a trim design to match or contrast with your other trim elements such as thick casing around windows and doors. If you prefer a more high-end, elegant style, choose a fluted trim to give the illusion of a mantel. For a more rustic, farmhouse look, opt for dentil trim instead.
Wainscoting accent walls is a popular method to add personality to rooms. The same technique 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 effect.
Another non-combustible material you can build an enclosure for your fireplace is brick, which is available in a variety of styles and colors. A classic red brick fireplace is perfect for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. The rustic-look brick is an alternative that is able to blend with more traditional country-style decor.
When you incorporate brick into your fireplace design, you'll want to be sure your hearth extends 16 to 18 inches from the opening of the firebox and that your surround reaches 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Make sure your chosen material is compliant with all building codes for safety.
Open shelving can be excellent for storing books and other objects. However, too many shelves can obstruct the look of the fireplace. The homeowners of this living room have created a wall to ceiling limestone cladding to improve the look of the room 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 home. Reclaimed wood beams come from old barns, stables and other buildings that were demolished. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used in combination with wide plank ceiling paneling for a fully rustic design or as a decorative element to modern kitchens. They are characterized by barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes as well as a natural aging process that improves their durability.
Scour architectural salvage yards and flea markets for reclaimed wooden elements to use for a mantel or an accent wall. For example the earthy hue of pine that highlights the traditional living room mantel and surround evokes the feeling of a rustic, cozy retreat. The knotty imperfections in the wood accent the hand-crafted appearance and compliment the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that surrounds the fireplace wall. A pair of sconces inspired by nature and a landscape painting over the mantel add to the rustic ambiance of this space.
Repurposed wooden beams can give a unique appearance to any space. 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 look or covered with faux finishes such as rust or marbling paint.
The wooden beams can be used as the central point of any fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel, even without the need for a fire. They can be used to enhance the mantel, without burning fire.
No matter which method you choose to install your beams, be sure they are protected adequately from the effects of fire. Both materials can be hard and brittle when heated to extreme temperatures. 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 tile can make a dramatic statement when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its shape instantly enhances the space and is a perfect match for any style of decor from modern to 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 be customised with a variety of textures for an individualized appearance. Stone-look tile is a very popular choice that lends the space a classic, rustic feel while blending beautifully with natural materials such as wood. Marble-look tiles are another classic option that gives an elegant and luxurious aesthetic to the space. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting the light and brightening the room.
The right tile pattern can elevate the entire look 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 gives the entire room a the look more info of a hand-crafted piece that balances the modern organic style of the fireplace with the contemporary style of the room.
If you're unsure about putting your faith in a design in your home, a fireplace is an ideal place to test out a bold design that could be intimidating in other parts of the house. This geometric tile (here's another option) with its black grout lines gives this space a sophisticated yet fun energy. The hexagonal shapes resemble cubes, creating a lively layout. The deep brown hue provides this space with an inviting, warm look that is perfect for industrial style.
Tiles that look like brick or other materials you are familiar with is another way to create an impact with your fireplace. This texture tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance to 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, making them safe for fireplaces and able to adhere to the existing wall. This peel and stick herringbone tile is an excellent option for adding the look of a room. It also looks great with traditional furniture.
Paint the Mantel
When a wall fireplace has a brick surround, the best way to downplay its appearance is with a fresh coat of paint. The mantel's paint color also adds warmth and character to the space. Whether you choose to match it with the decor's color scheme or opt for something striking or bold, a new color can make your fireplace stand out as a showstopper.
If the mantel is made of wood be sure to check it for gouges, cracks, and nicks. If the dents are small enough to handle then fill them with wood putty and allow it to set for the appropriate amount of time. Sand the surface with 100-grit paper to roughen it up prior to painting. To get rid of any debris or dirt clean the surfaces that have been sanded with a damp cloth.
While white is a popular color for fireplaces and walls The right shade can make your mantel stand out. For ideas, take a examine the trims of wood on your bookcases, moldings and walls. Do they have the same hue as your mantel, or is it a lighter or a darker hue? If you choose the latter option, pick one that blends well with the other shades in the room to keep it looking balanced.
Before you start painting, cover the area surrounding you with drop cloth or sheets. Remove any decorative items or showpieces that may have been hung over the mantel. If your fireplace is made of brick, take away any ornaments or pictures that are placed on or around the fireplace. Once the mantel is empty then wipe it clean with a an damp cloth to wash off any dust or soot that has built up.
Apply a basecoat using a roller or brush to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish lasts and stain-resistant, which means that your mantel is able to stand up well to the heat generated by the fireplace and any other items placed on it. Allow the primer to dry according to the recommendations of the manufacturer prior to moving on to the main body of your fireplace's wall.
The brick can be heavy in color and weight. Paint the mantel in a light color or neutral to make it appear more vibrant and more inviting. If you decide to go with the lighter hue, think about pairing it with a earthy-toned artwork or a large mirror over it to balance the appearance.