14 Misconceptions Commonly Held About Wall Fireplace

How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace in the wall will provide your living space with an eye-catching focal area. There are many different models on the market but it is essential to choose one that meets your needs.

The output of heat, the controls, and the appearance are among the most important features. If you're not familiar with these elements, it's best to seek out a professional to help you select the best fireplace model.

Molded Squares

A worn-out stone fireplace surround and dull walls left this living space in need of a drastic fireplace makeover. With a few tweaks to the design, the new look is fresh and attractive making the hearth an important central feature in the room. A whitewashed mantel and contemporary artwork above modernize the facade of the fireplace and contrast with the gray shelves below. The fireplace's exterior 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 the tile fireplace surround. To connect the look select a trim design to contrast or match the other trim elements, such as thick casing around doors and windows. If you're looking for a more elegant, premium look, consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of an actual mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse-style.

Creating an accent wall with wainscoting is an effective way to add character to any 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 plank boards to create a dramatic look.

Another non-combustible option you can create a fireplace surround is brick, which comes in many different styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace in red 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.

If you're planning to incorporate brick into your fireplace design, make sure that your hearth is 16 to 18 inches away from the opening of the fireplace and your surround is 8 to 12 inches wide in all directions. Make sure the material you choose conforms to all building codes for safety.

Open shelving is a great option to store books and other items However, too many shelves could make a mess of the fireplace. The homeowners of this living room have created a wall to ceiling limestone cladding to elevate the design without overwhelming the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wooden beams are the ideal frame for a wall fireplace. They add timeless beauty to any house. Reclaimed wood beams come from barns, stables and other demolished buildings. Each beam carries with it its own story. Reclaimed wood can also be used as a feature in modern kitchens or wide plank paneling to create a rustic look. They are characterized by the typical markings of barn wood, like nail holes and mortise pockets as well as natural patinas that increase their durability.

Scour architectural salvage yards and flea markets for reclaimed wood elements to repurpose as a mantel or accent wall. The earthy tone of pine used to create this traditional living room's surround and mantel creates an intimate country retreat. Its knotty imperfections emphasize the hand-crafted appearance and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which surrounds the fireplace wall. The rustic warmth of the room is enhanced by a pair of nature-inspired wall sconces and an image of a landscape above the mantel.

Repurposed wooden beams will bring a unique look to any room. They can be stained to match your existing decor or carved for an antique appearance. They can also be painted to give an updated look, or they can be covered with faux finishes like rust or marbled paint.

Wooden beams can serve as a focal point for any type of fireplace. They can be set above a freestanding gas, electric or ventless fireplace or they can be incorporated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can be used to illuminate the mantel without a burning fire.

Whichever method you choose to put in your beams, make sure that they are protected adequately 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 drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant sprayed on I-beams made of steel. These products are available at a variety of home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can create a dramatic statement when used as a fireplace surround. Its shape instantly brightens the space and is a perfect match for any style of decor, from traditional to modern. The matte finish is ideal for a polished and clean appearance while adding a splash of contrast to make the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles can also be combined with various textures for a more personalized look. Stone-look tiles are a favorite that gives the space an old-fashioned, rustic feel. They also go well with natural materials, such as wood. Marble-look tiles are another classic option that gives an elegant and luxurious look to the space. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles sparkles beautifully, reflecting light and brightening up the room.

The right tile pattern can elevate a fireplace's design. 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 the look of a hand-crafted piece that balances the organic modern style of the fireplace, and the overall contemporary design of the room.

If you're unsure about taking a risk on a design in your home, a fireplace is an ideal place to test out a bold pattern that could be intimidating in other parts of the house. The 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, and the dark brown color provides an inviting and warm look that complements the industrial decor in this space.

Tile that looks like brick or other common materials is another way to create an impact on your fireplace. This texture tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance to brick, but is much simpler to maintain and clean.

If you're hesitant to take on a complete remodel of your fireplace surround, consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to refresh the appearance without spending a fortune. A majority of these options are resistant to heat, making them suitable for use in the fireplace and able to stick to the existing wall. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a great option to add elegance to any room. It also coordinates beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the most effective way to hide a brick surround on an unwall-mounted fireplace. Painting the mantel a different color also adds warmth and character to the room. It doesn't matter if you choose to match it with the decor's color scheme or opt for something more striking and striking, a fresh paint color will make your fireplace stand out as a showpiece.

If your mantel is wood take a look at it to find cracks, gouges, and Usa Fireplaces scratches. Fill in the dents with wood putty if they are small enough. Allow it to dry for the amount of time recommended. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it up before painting. To get rid of any dirt or debris wipe the sanded surfaces with a damp cloth.

While white is a popular color for walls and Uk fireplaces but the right color can really help your mantel stand out. For inspiration, take a look at the wood trims on your bookcases, mouldings, and walls. Does your mantel have the same color as theirs, or is it lighter or darker? If the latter, pick the color that is well-matched to keep the space looking balanced.

Protect the area around you by using sheets or a dropcloth before you begin painting. Clear off 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 located on or around the fireplace. Once the mantel has been cleaned, you can use a damp cloth and wipe it clean to remove any dust or soot.

Apply a basecoat using a roller or brush to your mantel. The semi-gloss paint is durable and stain resistant, so your mantel will withstand the heat of the fireplace, as well as other objects that are placed on it. Let the primer completely dry, according to the instructions of the manufacturer, before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.

While the brick is an attractive feature of a fireplace wall, it can be quite heavy and dark in hue. Paint the mantel with a light color or neutral to make it appear brighter and more inviting. If you decide to choose the lighter hue, think about using it in conjunction with an earthy toned artwork or a large mirror over it to balance the look.