What Freud Can Teach Us About Wall Fireplace

How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace on the wall can create your living space an attractive focal point that requires attention. There are many different designs available but it is essential to choose one that will meet your requirements.

The most significant features include the output of heat as well as the appearance and controls. If you're not familiar with these elements, it's best to seek out a professional to help you pick the right model.

Molded Squares

A stale stone fireplace surround and dull walls left this living space in need of a major fireplace revamp. With a few tweaks to the design, the new look is bright and attractive and white Fireplace makes the hearth a focal point in the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel and contemporary art above the fireplace modernizes the exterior, while the gray shelves below contrast. The fireplace's facade is accentuated by a few changes in color.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces combine to form a simple, yet effective way to frame your fireplace surround. To tie the look together, choose a trim style to match or contrast with the other trim elements, like thick casing around windows and doors. If you're looking for an elegant, high-end style, think about using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic farmhouse-style.

Wainscoting accent walls is a popular method to add personality to a room. The same technique can be employed to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards instead, consider a paneled product like beadboard or tongue-and-groove cedar siding to create a dramatic look.

Brick is another non-combustible option for the fireplace surround. It comes in a variety of styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace in red is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. The rustic-look brick is an option that could be a good fit with more traditional country style.

If you want to incorporate brick into the design of your fireplace be sure that your hearth measures 16-18 inches from the opening of the firebox, and your surround is 8-12 inches wide in all directions. Make sure your chosen material conforms to all building codes for security.

Open shelving is a great way to store books and other items, but too many can overwhelm the look of the fireplace. For this family room, the homeowners created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the appearance of the fireplace without overwhelming the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wood beams make the ideal frame for a wall fireplace. They bring a timeless appeal to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood are made from barns, stalls and other structures that were demolished. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can also be used as an accent in modern kitchens or with wide planks of paneling to create an authentic look. They feature the usual barn wood markings like mortise and nail holes and a natural aging process that increases their durability.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets for reclaimed wooden elements that can be used for a mantel or an accent wall. The natural tone of pine used to accent the traditional living room surround and mantel creates a cozy country retreat. The knotty imperfections create a rustic appearance and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that is on the fireplace wall. The rustic warmth of the room is enhanced by a pair inspired by nature wall sconces, as well as a landscape picture above the mantel.

Repurposed wooden beams will add a unique touch to any room. They can be left as-is or stained to complement the decor of your home or carved and distressed for an antique look. They can also be painted for modern appearance or covered with faux finishes such as marbled paint or rust.

The wooden beams are able to serve as the central element of any fireplace. They can be positioned over a freestanding gas, ventless or electric fire fireplace, or be integrated into a brick or stone fireplaces fireplace. They can also be used to highlight the mantel with no fire burning.

Regardless of which method of installation you choose be sure that your wood or steel beams are protected from the possible effects of fire. Both materials are susceptible to becoming fragile in extreme heat. However, they can be strengthened with a layer of bioethanol fire-resistant drywall. These products are available at most home improvement shops.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be utilized to create a dramatic effect as an accent for fireplaces. Its design instantly brightens the room and can be incorporated into any decor, traditional or modern. The choice of an elegant matte finish for the tiles is ideal to keep that sleek and polished look while adding some contrast to make the electric fireplace sparkle.

Hex tiles can be customised by a variety of textures to create an individualized appearance. Stone-look tiles are a favorite that give the room an authentic, classic look. They also go well with natural materials like wood. Another classic option is marble-look tile, which adds a luxurious and elegant aesthetic to the space. These tiles have a glossy and smooth finish that reflects light beautifully and enhances the space.

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 gives a handcrafted look to the space, balancing the modern natural style fireplace with the overall style of the room.

If you're not sure about taking a risk with pattern in your home, a fireplace can be the perfect place to test out a bold design that could be intimidating in other areas of the house. This geometric tile (here's an alternative) with its black grout lines give the room a sophisticated but lively energy. The hexagonal shapes resemble cubes to create a stimulating layout. The dark brown color creates an inviting and warm aesthetic that is perfect for industrial style.

Tiles that resemble brick or other common materials is another option to create an impact on your fireplace. The textured tile, which is made by LA Designer Affair, has a similar look to brick, but has the added benefit of being much easier to clean and maintain.

If you're not ready to commit to a full-scale remodel of your fireplace surround, consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to update the look without costing you a fortune. These tiles are resistant to heat, making them suitable for fireplaces and able be bonded to existing surfaces. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a fantastic option to add style to any room. It also works beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace on the wall has a brick surround, the best method to minimize its appearance is to give it an update of the paint. Paint the mantel in a different hue also adds warmth and personality to the room. It doesn't matter if you choose to match it with the decor's color scheme or go for something bold, a new paint color makes your fireplace stand out as a showpiece.

If your mantel is made from wood, first check it for cracks, nicks and gouges. Fill in the dents with wood putty if they are small enough. Allow it to dry for the amount of time recommended. Before painting, sand the surface with 100-grit sandpaper in order to rough it up. To remove any debris or dirt wipe the sanded surfaces with a damp cloth.

While white fireplace is a popular choice for walls and fireplaces but the right color can make your mantel stand out. For inspiration, take a look at the wood trim on your bookcases, mouldings, and walls. Does your mantel match in color as theirs, or is it lighter or darker? If the latter, pick the color that is well-matched to keep the look balanced.

Before you start painting, cover the surrounding area with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove the mantel and remove any showpieces or decorations that may be hung above it. If your fireplace is made of brick, take away 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 down to get rid of any dust or soot.

Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel using a brush or roller. The semi-gloss paint lasts and stain resistant, so your mantel will be able to withstand the heat of your fireplace as well as any other objects that are placed on it. Let the primer completely dry, as per the manufacturer’s instructions, before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.

While the brick is a beautiful feature of a fireplace's wall it can be quite heavy and dark in shade. Paint the mantel with an even or light color can make it look brighter and more inviting to guests. If you choose to paint it a light color, consider pairing it with a earthy-toned piece of art or a large mirror over it to balance the look.