How To Save Money On Wall Fireplace
How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A wall fireplace will provide your living space with an attractive focal feature. There are a variety of models available but it is essential to choose one that is suitable for your needs.
The most significant features include the output of heat, the appearance and the controls. If you're not aware of these features, it's recommended to hire an expert to help you choose the best model.
Molded Squares
The living room in this house needed an overhaul to the fireplace due to its stale stone surround and bland walls. With a few design tweaks, the new look is fresh and attractive making this hearth a focal point in the room. A whitewashed mantel and contemporary artwork above modernize the fireplace facade while contrasting with the gray shelves below. The fireplace facade is enhanced by a few color variations.
Base cap molding and thin trim pieces combine to form a simple, yet effective, way to frame your fireplace surround. To connect the look select a trim design to contrast or match the other trim elements, like thick casings around windows and doors. If you're looking for an elegant, high-end style, choose a fluted trim to create the illusion of a mantel. For a more rustic, farmhouse look, you can opt for dentil trim instead.
Wainscoting accent walls is a common method of adding the look of a room. The same method can be used to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled product like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard in place of plank boards to create a dramatic appearance.
Another non-combustible option you can create an enclosure for your fireplace stove (tuneinn.co.uk) is brick, which comes in a variety of styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace with red is a classic option for cottage-style or Craft Revival style homes. Rustic-look brick is also an alternative that is able to blend with more traditional country-style decor.
If you are incorporating brick into a fireplace design, you'll need to ensure that your hearth extends 16 to 18 inches from the opening for the fireplace suite and that your surround is 8-12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the material you select is safe and conforms to all codes of the local and national level.
Open shelving can be a great way of storing books and other items. However having too many shelves can ruin the appearance of the fireplace. For this family room, the homeowners designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding that enhances the design of the new fireplace without overpowering the open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Rustic reclaimed wooden beams are the perfect frame for a wall fireplace. They bring timeless elegance to any home. Reclaimed wood beams originate from barns, stables and other demolished structures. Each beam is unique and has its own unique history. Reclaimed wood can be used conjunction with wide plank ceiling paneling for a completely rustic look or as accents to modern kitchens. They feature the typical marks of barn wood, including mortise and nail holes, plus a natural patina that enhances their durability.
Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets for reclaimed wooden elements to repurpose as a mantel or accent wall. For example, the earthy shade of pine that highlights the traditional living room mantel and surround evokes an idyllic rural setting. The knotty imperfections create a rustic appearance and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that is on the fireplace wall. The rustic warmth of this room is enhanced by a pair of natural-inspired wall sconces, as well as an image of a landscape above the mantel.
Repurposed wood beams will give a unique appearance to any room. They can be left as-is or stained to complement your current decor or carved and distressed for an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a modern look or covered with faux finishes like marbling paint or rust.
Wooden beams can serve as a focal point for any type of fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel, even without any fire burning. They can be used to highlight the mantel without burning fire.
Whatever method you choose to install your beams, be sure they are adequately protected from the effects of fire. Both types of material can be brittle and weaken in the face of extreme heat, however both are able to be strengthened with a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant sprayed on steel I-beams. These products are available at most home improvement stores.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tiles can be used to create a striking effect as an accent for fireplaces. Its shape instantly brightens the space while complementing any decor choice from modern to traditional. The matte finish is perfect for a sleek and polished appearance, while also adding a pop of contrast to make the fireplace stand out.
Hex tiles can be customized by a variety of textures to create an individualized look. Stone-look tiles are a favorite that give the room an old-fashioned, rustic feel. They also go well with natural materials like wood. Marble-look tile is a timeless option that provides an elegant and luxurious aesthetic to the space. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting the sunlight and brightening the room.
The perfect tile pattern can enhance the overall 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 an artistic look to the space, balancing the modern organic style fireplace with the overall style of the room.
If you are unsure of taking a pattern risk in your home, the fireplace is a great spot to test a bold design. It might be intimidating for other areas. This geometric tile (here's another option) with its black grout lines give this room a sophisticated and lively energy. The hexagonal shapes are arranged like cubes to create a fascinating layout, and the dark brown hue creates an inviting and warm aesthetic that works with the industrial décor in this room.
Another method of making a statement with your fireplace is to choose tile that resembles the appearance of brick or another familiar material. This texture tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look as brick however, it is much easier to clean and maintain.
Consider using a peel-and-stick tile to modernize your fireplace surround without breaking the bank. A majority of these options are heat resistant which means they are safe for fireplaces and able to adhere to the existing surface. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great option that will add a sense of elegance to any living space and will look great with traditional furniture.
Paint the Mantel
If a fireplace in a wall has a brick surround, the most effective way to downplay its appearance is to give it a fresh coat of paint. Painting the mantel a different color can also add warmth and character to the space. A new paint color can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the overall color scheme of the room or choose something striking.
If your mantel is made from wood, first check it for cracks, nicks and gouges. If the dents aren't enough to be able to handle, fill them with wood putty and allow it to set for the appropriate amount of time. Before painting paint, sand the surface using 100-grit sandpaper to roughen it up. Wipe down the sanded surface using a damp cloth to remove any remaining dirt or debris.
While white is a popular color for fireplaces shop and walls but the right color can make your mantel stand out. For ideas, take a examine the wood trims on your bookcases, moldings, fireplaces electric and walls. Do they use the same hue as your mantel or is it a darker or lighter shade? If so, select a color that coordinates well to keep the space looking balanced.
Cover the area around you by using a dropcloth or sheets before you begin painting. Remove the mantel, taking out any showpieces or decorations that may be hung above it. If your fireplace is brick, remove any pictures or ornaments that are placed on or within it. Once the mantel is cleaned, you can use a damp cloth and wipe it clean to get rid of any soot or dust.
Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel using either a roller or brush. The semi-gloss finish lasts and stain-resistant, so your mantel will hold up well to the heat of the 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 wall of the fireplace.
The brick can be quite heavy in color and weight. The mantel painted with a light or neutral color can make it appear brighter and more welcoming to guests. If you choose to paint it a light hue, think about pairing it with an earthy-toned piece of artwork or a large mirror over it to balance the appearance.