15 Surprising Stats About Wall Fireplace
How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A wall fireplace will provide your living space with an attractive focal feature. There are many different models on the market, however, so it is crucial to choose one that will meet your requirements.
The heat output, the controls and the appearance are among the most important features. If you're unfamiliar with these features, it's best to hire an expert to help you select the best model.
Molded Squares
A dull stone fireplace surround and dull walls left this living space in need of a drastic fireplace revamp. The new design is bright, eye-catching and makes this hearth the main focal point of the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel as well as contemporary art above the fireplace modernize the exterior, while the gray shelves below contrast. A few color changes will also make the fireplace stand apart from the wall, which enhances the charm of this fireplace design.
Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces are paired to create a simple yet effective way to frame a fireplace surround made of tile. To bring the design together, choose a trim style to contrast or match your other trim elements such as thick casing around windows and doors. If you're looking for a more elegant, high-end look, you can consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of an actual mantel. If you want a more rustic farmhouse look, choose to use dentil trim instead.
Wainscoting accent walls is an extremely popular way to add the look of rooms. The same method can be used to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards, instead, Modern fireplace consider a paneled material like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard to create a dramatic look.
Another non-combustible option you can build the fireplace surround is brick, which comes in a variety of styles and colors. A classic red brick fireplace is perfect for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. A rustic-looking brick can be used to complement a traditional country decor.
When incorporating brick into your fireplace design, it is important to be sure your hearth is 16 to 18 inches from the firebox opening and that your surround reaches 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you select is safe and complies with all national and local codes.
Open shelves are a great way to store books and other items, but too many can make a mess of a fireplace. For this family room, homeowners built a wall-to ceiling limestone cladding to elevate the design of the new fireplace without overwhelming the open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Rustic reclaimed wood beams are the perfect frame for a wall fireplace. They bring a timeless appeal to any house. Reclaimed wood beams originate from old stables, barns and other demolished buildings. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used as a decorative element in modern kitchens, or with wide planks to give an authentic appearance. They have the typical marks of barn wood, such as nail holes and mortise pockets, plus natural patina that increases their durability.
Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets for reclaimed wood elements to use as a mantel or accent wall. The rustic tone of pine used as a backdrop for this traditional living room surround and mantel creates an intimate country retreat. The knotty imperfections in the wood accent a hand-hewn look and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which borders the fireplace wall. A pair of nature-inspired sconces and a painting of a landscape over the mantel add to the rustic coziness of this space.
Repurposed wooden beams can make an eye-catching statement to any room in your home. They can be left in their natural state or stained to complement the decor of your home or distressed and carved to give them an antique appearance. They can also be painted for modern fireplace appearance, or they can be covered with faux finishes like marbled or rust paint.
Wooden beams can serve as a focal point in any kind of fireplace. They can be positioned above a freestanding gas, ventless or electric fireplace, or 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 ensure that your steel or wood beams are properly protected from the effects of fire. Both types of material can be brittle and weaken in the face of extreme heat, however both can be strengthened by a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant sprays on I-beams made of steel. These products are available at most home improvement shops.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tiles can be used to create a striking effect as a surround for a fireplace. Its design instantly brightens the space and is a perfect match for any style, whether contemporary or traditional. Choosing matte finishes for the tiles is ideal to maintain that clean and polished look, while also adding some contrast that makes the fireplace pop.
Hex tiles can be customized with a variety of textures for an individualized appearance. Stone-look tiles are a very popular option that gives the room an old-fashioned, rustic feel. They also pair beautifully with natural materials like wood fireplace. Another timeless option is marble-look tiles that provides an elegant and luxurious appearance to the space. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting the light and brightening up the space.
The appropriate tile pattern can improve 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 of the tile adds a unique an artistic look that balances the contemporary organic style of the Tabletop Fireplace, and the contemporary style of the room.
If you are unsure of taking a risk with a pattern in your home the fireplace is a great place to experiment with a bold design. It could be a bit intimidating for other rooms. This geometric tile with its black grout gives the room an elegant, yet fun feel. The hexagonal shapes fit together as cubes to create an exciting layout, while the deep brown color provides an inviting and warm aesthetic that works with the industrial décor in the room.
Tiles that resemble brick or other familiar materials is another way to create an impact with your fireplace. This textured tile, from LA Designer Affair, has a similar look to traditional brick but with the added benefit of being much easier to clean and maintain.
If you're not ready commit to a full-scale remodel of your fireplace surround, consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to update the look without spending a fortune. A lot of these options are heat-resistant which means they are safe for the fireplace and able to adhere to the existing surface. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great option that will add an elegant feel to any living space and will look great with traditional furnishings.
Paint the Mantel
A fresh coat of paint is the most effective method to hide the brick surround on the wall of a fireplace. Paint the mantel in a different color also adds warmth and character to the space. It doesn't matter if you choose to match it to the decor's color scheme or opt for something more striking and striking, a fresh paint color makes your fireplace stand out as a showstopper.
If your mantel is constructed from wood, first check it for cracks, nicks, and gouges. If the dents are small enough to be able to handle, fill them with wood putty and let it set for the appropriate amount of time. Before painting, sand the surface with 100-grit sandpaper to roughen it up. To remove any debris or dirt wipe the surfaces you have sanded with a damp cloth.
White is a popular color for fireplaces electric and walls. However the right shade will make your mantel really stand out. Look at the other wood trims, moldings, and bookcases around your home for inspiration. Do they use the same color as your mantel? Or is it a lighter or a darker hue? If you opt for the latter option, select one that blends well with the other shades in the room to ensure it looks balanced.
Before you begin painting, protect the surrounding area with a drop cloth or sheets. Clean the mantel and remove any decorative pieces or displays that are hanging over it. Remove any ornaments or pictures placed around or on your brick fireplace. Once the mantel has been cleaned, take 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 can be able to withstand the heat of your fireplace as well as any other items placed on it. Let the primer dry, according to the instructions of the manufacturer, before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.
The brick may be heavy in weight and color. Paint the mantel with a light color or neutral to make it appear more vibrant and more inviting. If you opt for a light color for your mantel, match it with a piece of art in earthy tones or a large mirror to balance out the appearance.