9 Signs You're An Expert Wall Fireplace Expert
Wiki Article
How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A wall fireplace can provide your living space with an attractive focal feature. There are numerous models to choose from, so you should choose one that suits your needs.
The most significant features include the heat output as well as the appearance and controls. If you're not aware of these features, it's best to seek out an expert to help you choose the right model.
Molded Squares
The living room required an impressive fireplace overhaul due to its outdated stone surround and dull walls. The new look is vibrant, attractive and makes this hearth the focal point of the room. A whitewashed mantel and modern artwork above modernize the fireplace facade and contrast with the gray shelves below. The fireplace facade is enhanced by a few changes in color.
Base cap molding and thin trim pieces are combined to create a simple yet effective way to frame your fireplace surround. To connect the look select a trim design to match or contrast with the other trim elements like thick casings around windows and doors. If you're looking for a more elegant, high-end style, think about using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of a mantel. For a more rustic, farmhouse look, you can choose to use dentil trim instead.
Creating an accent wall with wainscoting is an effective way to add character to any room. The same method can be used to frame a fireplace. Instead of using plank boards, you can try using a paneled material such as beadboard or tongue-and-groove cedar siding to create a dramatic look.
Another non-combustible material that you can build an enclosure for your fireplace is brick, which comes in many different styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace with red accents is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. Rustic-style brick is another alternative that is able to blend with a more traditional, country style.
When incorporating brick into a fireplace design, you'll want to ensure that your hearth extends 16-18 inches from the firebox opening and that your surround reaches 8-12 inches in all directions. Make sure the brick you select is safe and conforms to all local and national codes.
Open shelving is an ideal way to store books and other objects. However having too many shelves can obstruct the look of a fireplace. For this family room, the homeowners created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding that enhances the design of the new fireplace without overpowering the open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look are perfect for a fireplace 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 has its own unique story. Reclaimed wood can be used combination with wide plank ceiling panels to create a rustic look 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 which increases their durability.
Find salvage yards for architectural elements and flea market for reclaimed wood elements to transform into a mantel. For instance the earthy hue of pine that accentuates the traditional mantel and surround creates an idyllic rural setting. Its knotty imperfections give it a rustic look and complement the simple lines in the beaded-board wainscoting that is on the fireplace wall. The rustic warmth of this room is enhanced by a pair inspired by nature wall sconces, and a landscape image above the mantel.
Repurposed wood beams will bring a unique look to any space. They can be left in their natural state or stained to match the decor of your home or distressed and carved to give them an antique appearance. 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 element of any fireplace. They can be positioned above a freestanding gas or read more ventless or electric fireplace or be integrated into a stone or brick fireplace. They can also be used to highlight the mantel with no fire burning.
Whatever method of installation you choose ensure that your steel or wood beams are adequately protected from the effects of fire. Both materials are susceptible to becoming brittle and weakening when exposed to extreme heat, but both can be strengthened by a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant sprayed on steel I-beams. These products are available in a wide variety of home improvement stores.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tile can make an impressive statement when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens the space while complementing any style of decor from modern to traditional. The matte finish is perfect for a polished and clean appearance, while also adding a pop of contrast to make the fireplace pop.
Hex tiles can also be combined with different textures for a more personalized look. Stone-look tiles are a favorite that gives the space an authentic, classic look. They also go well with natural materials such as wood. Marble-look tile is another classic option that gives an elegant and luxurious look to the space. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles sparkles beautifully, reflecting sunlight and brightening the room.
The right tile pattern can elevate the look 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 contemporary style of the room.
If you're not sure about making a design risk in your home the fireplace is a great place to experiment with an imposing design. It might be intimidating for other areas. This geometric tile with its black grout provides this area with an elegant yet playful feel. The hexagonal shapes work like cubes for a stimulating layout, while the dark brown color provides an inviting and warm aesthetic that works with the industrial decor in the room.
Tiles that resemble brick or other common materials is another option to create an impact on your fireplace. This textured tile, made by LA Designer Affair, has the same look as brick, but with the added benefit of being much easier to clean and maintain.
Consider using a peel-and-stick tile to modernize your fireplace's surround without breaking the bank. These options are heat-resistant and therefore suitable for fireplaces and able be bonded to existing surfaces. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a fantastic option for adding style to any room. It also works beautifully with traditional furniture.
Paint the Mantel
A fresh coat of paint is the best method to hide the brick surround of the wall of a fireplace. The mantel can be painted a different color to give it a more cosy and spirited look. A new color of paint could make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the overall color scheme of the room or choose something bold.
If your mantel is made of wood be sure to check it for gouges, cracks, and nicks. If the dents are small enough to be able to handle then fill them with wood putty and allow it to set for the appropriate amount of time. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it before painting. Wipe the surface that has been sanded using a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or debris.
While white is a popular choice for walls and fireplaces, the right shade can really help your mantel stand out. To get ideas, take a look at the wood trim on your bookcases, moldings and walls. Do they use the same color as your mantel, or is it a darker or lighter shade? If you choose the latter option, select one that blends well with the other colors in the room to ensure it looks balanced.
Before you begin painting, protect the area surrounding you with drop cloth or sheets. Remove any ornaments or display pieces that were hung over the mantel. Take away any ornaments or pictures placed around or on the fireplace made of brick. Once the mantel is cleaned, take a damp cloth and wipe it down to get rid of any soot or dust.
Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with the use of a roller or brush. The semi-gloss paint is durable and stain-resistant, which means your mantel can withstand the heat of the fireplace, and any other items placed on it. Let the primer dry, according to the manufacturer’s instructions, before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.
The brick can be heavy in color and weight. Painting the mantel in a neutral or light shade will make it appear more lively and more inviting for guests. If you decide to go with a light color, consider using it in conjunction with an earthy toned piece of artwork or a mirror that is large above it to balance the appearance.