10 Myths Your Boss Is Spreading Regarding Wall Fireplace

How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can give your living space an attractive focal point that requires attention. There are numerous models on the market however, it is important to find one that will meet your requirements.

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 seek out an expert to help you select the best model.

Molded Squares

The living room in this house needed a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its old-fashioned stone surround and dull walls. The new look is bright, appealing and makes the hearth the focal point of the room. A whitewashed mantel and modern artwork above the fireplace's facade modernize it while contrasted with the shelves in gray below. The fireplace's facade is accentuated by a few color variations.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces combine to create a simple, yet effective, method to frame your fireplace surround. To connect the look, choose a trim style to contrast with or complement the other trim elements, like thick casing around doors and windows. If you're looking to create an elegant, luxurious style, think about using fluted trim around the sides of the tabletop fireplace to create the illusion of an actual mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic farmhouse-style.

Making an accent wall using wainscoting is a common way to add character to any room. The same technique can be used to frame the fireplace suites. Try a paneled option like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard instead plank boards to create a dramatic appearance.

Another non-combustible material you can use to create a fireplace surround is brick, which is available in a variety of styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace in red is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. Rustic-style brick is another option that could be a good fit with more traditional country decor.

When you incorporate brick into a fireplace design, it is important to ensure that your hearth is 16 to 18 inches from the opening for the fireplace and that your surround is 8-12 inches in all directions. Make sure your chosen material complies with all national and local building codes to ensure safety.

Open shelving is a great option to store books and other things, but too many can take over the appearance of the fireplace. For this family room, the homeowners designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the appearance of the fireplace, without obscuring the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wood beams are the ideal frame for a wall fireplace. They add a timeless beauty to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood are reclaimed from old barns, stalls and other buildings that were destroyed. Each beam has its own distinct story. Reclaimed wood can be used as an accent in modern kitchens or with wide plank paneling to create an authentic look. They feature the usual barn wood markings, such as mortise and nail holes plus a natural aging that increases their durability.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets to find reclaimed wood elements to use for a mantel or an accent wall. For example the earthy hue of pine that accentuates the traditional living room mantel and surround is reminiscent of a cozy rural retreat. Its knotty imperfections emphasize a hand-hewn look and compliment the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which borders the fireplace's wall. The rustic warmth of this space is enhanced by a pair of nature-inspired wall sconces and a landscape image above the mantel.

Repurposed wooden beams can make an attractive feature to any room in your home. They can be left in their natural state or stained to complement your current decor, or they can be cut and distressed to create an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a modern appearance or covered with faux finishes like marbling paint or rust.

The wooden beams can be used as the focal point of any fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel, even without any fire burning. They can be used to accent the mantel with no fire burning.

Regardless of which method of installation you choose ensure that your steel or wood beams are protected from the consequences of fire. Both types of material are susceptible to becoming brittle and weakening when exposed to extreme heat, but both can be reinforced with a layer of ethonal fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant that is sprayed on I-beams made of steel. These products are available in a wide variety of stores for home improvement.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can create an impressive statement when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens the room and complements any style, whether modern or traditional. The choice of matte finishes for the tiles is the best way to maintain that clean and polished look while adding some contrast that makes the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can be customised with a variety textures for an individualized look. Stone-look tiles are a popular choice that gives the space an authentic, classic look. They also look great with natural materials like wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tile that provides an elegant and luxurious look to the room. These tiles feature an elegant and glossy surface that reflects light beautifully and enhances the space.

The perfect tile pattern can enhance 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 gives the whole space the look of a hand-crafted piece that balances the contemporary organic style of the fireplace, and the overall modern design of the room.

If you're not sure about taking a risk with a pattern in your home The fireplace is a great place to test a bold design. It can be intimidating for other areas. This geometric tile (here's another option) with its black grout lines gives this space a sophisticated yet lively energy. The hexagonal shapes resemble cubes to create a stimulating layout. The dark brown color gives this space a warm, inviting aesthetic that goes well with the industrial decor.

Tile that looks like brick or other materials you are familiar with is another way to make an impact with 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.

If you're hesitant to commit to a full-scale remodel of your fireplace surround, consider using a peel and stick tile to update the look without breaking the bank. These options are heat-resistant, making them suitable for Cheap fireplaces and can be bonded to existing surfaces. This peel and stick herringbone tile is an excellent option to add style to any room. It also works beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the most effective method to hide a brick surround on an unwall-mounted fireplace. The mantel can be painted in a different color to give it a more cosy and spirited look. It doesn't matter if you choose to match it with the room's color scheme or opt for something striking or bold, a new color makes your fireplace stand out as a stunning feature.

If your mantel is made of wood take a look at it to find gouges, cracks and scratches. Fill in the dents using 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 remove any dirt or fireplace inserts debris wipe the surfaces that have been sanded with a damp cloth.

White is a popular color for fireplaces and walls. But the right shade will make your mantel really stand out. To get ideas, examine the trims of wood 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 opt for the latter option, select the color that works well with the other shades in the room to keep it looking balanced.

Cover the area around you with a dropcloth or sheets before you begin painting. Remove any decorative items or showpieces that were hung above the mantel. Take away any ornaments or pictures that are on or around the brick fireplace. Once the mantel has been cleared and clean, wipe it with a the help of a damp cloth to wipe off any soot or dust that has accumulated.

Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel using a brush or roller. The semi-gloss finish lasts and stain-resistant, so your mantel will stand up well to the heat generated by the fireplace, as well as other items placed on it. Allow the primer to dry according to the recommendations of the manufacturer prior to moving onto the main part of your fireplace's wall.

While brick is a striking feature of a fireplace wall, it can be quite heavy and dark in shade. The mantel painted with in a neutral or light shade will make it appear more lively and more inviting to guests. If you decide to choose a light color for your mantel, you can pair it with a work of art with earthy tones or a large mirror to complement the look.