15 Reasons Why You Shouldn t Ignore Wall Fireplace

How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace in the wall can be your living room a focal point that demands attention. There are a variety of models available, so you should choose one that meets your requirements.

Some of the most important features are the heat output along with the appearance and controls. If you're not familiar with these elements, it's best to hire an expert to help pick the right model.

Molded Squares

A dull stone fireplace and dull walls made this living space in need of a drastic fireplace revamp. With a few design tweaks the new look is vibrant and attractive making this hearth a centerpiece in the room. A whitewashed mantel for the fireplace and contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the facade and the shelves in gray below provide a stark contrast. A few color changes also help the facade stand out from the wall, which enhances the appeal of this fireplace design.

Base cap moldings and trim pieces are paired to make a simple but effective method of framing a fireplace surround made of tile. To tie the look together, choose a trim style to contrast or fireplaces match your other trim elements like thick casing around windows and doors. If you're looking for a more high-end, elegant style, choose a fluted trim to give the illusion of a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, ethanol fireplace farmhouse look.

Accent walls with wainscoting are a common method of adding the look of the interior of a room. The same method can be used to frame a fireplace. Try a paneled product like tongue-and groove cedar siding or beadboard in place of plank boards to create a dramatic look.

Brick is another non-combustible option to use as a fireplace surround. It is available in different styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace suites in red is a popular choice for cottage-style or Craft Revival style homes. A rustic-look brick can also be used to complement a traditional country decor.

When you incorporate brick in a fireplace design, you'll need to ensure that your hearth extends 16 to 18 inches from the opening of the firebox and that your surround reaches 8-12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the material you choose is safe and meets all codes of the local and national level.

Open shelving can be an ideal way to store books and other items. However the presence of too many shelves can obstruct the appearance of the fireplace. For this family room, the homeowners designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the design of the new fireplace without overwhelming the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look are perfect for a fireplace wall. They add a timeless beauty to any home. Reclaimed wood beams come from barns, stables and other demolished buildings. Each beam has its own unique story. Reclaimed wood can be used conjunction with wide plank ceiling panels for a fully rustic design or as accents to modern kitchens. They feature the usual barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes plus a natural aging that increases their durability.

Find salvage yards for architectural elements and flea market for reclaimed wood elements to make into a fireplace. For instance, the earthy shade of pine that accents the traditional living room mantel and surround evokes the feeling of a rustic, cozy retreat. Its knotty imperfections emphasize the hand-crafted look and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that surrounds the fireplace wall. A pair of nature-inspired sconces and a landscape painting above the mantel add to the rustic ambiance of the room.

Repurposed wooden beams can give a unique appearance to any space. They can be left as is or stained to match your existing decor, or they can be distressed and carved to give them an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a more contemporary appearance or covered with faux finishes such as marbling paint or rust.

The wooden beams can be used as the focal point of any fireplace. They can be set over a freestanding gas, electric or ventless fireplace or incorporated into a stone or brick fireplace. They can be used to highlight the mantel, without burning fire.

Whatever method you choose to install your beams, ensure that they are adequately protected from the effects of fire. Both types of materials are susceptible to becoming brittle and weakening in the face of extreme heat, however both can be reinforced with a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant that is sprayed on steel I-beams. These products are available at most stores for home improvement.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a dramatic effect as an accent for fireplaces. Its shape instantly enhances the space and is a perfect match for any decor choice from modern to traditional. The choice of an elegant matte finish for the tiles is the best way to keep that neat and polished look, while also adding some color to make the fireplace sparkle.

Hex tiles also work well with a variety of texture choices for a more customized appearance. Stone-look tiles are a favorite that gives the room an old-fashioned, rustic feel. They also look great with natural materials like wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tiles that provides an elegant and luxurious look to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting light and brightening up the room.

The appropriate tile pattern can improve 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 the entire room a the look of a hand-crafted piece that balances the contemporary organic style of the fireplace and the overall contemporary design of the room.

If you're unsure about putting your faith in a design in your home, a fireplace can be an ideal place to test out a bold pattern which could be intimidating in other areas of the house. This geometric tile with its black grout gives this space an elegant and playful look. The hexagonal shapes fit together like cubes for a stimulating layout, while the deep brown hue creates a warm and inviting aesthetic that works with the industrial decor in this room.

Another way to make an impact with your fireplace is to select tile that resembles the appearance of brick or another familiar material. This pattern-based tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance to traditional brick, fireplaces but is much simpler to maintain and clean.

Consider using a peel-and-stick tile to upgrade your fireplace surround without spending a fortune. A majority of these options are resistant to heat which means they are safe for fireplaces and able to stick to the existing wall. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great option that will bring an elegant look to any living space, while also blending beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

When a wall fireplace has an existing brick surround, the most effective way to disguise its appearance is with fresh coats of paint. The mantel can be painted a different hue to give it a more cosy and spirited look. Whether you choose to match it to the room's color scheme or opt for something more striking and striking, a fresh paint color will make your fireplace stand out as a showstopper.

If your mantel is wood, inspect it first for cracks, gouges, and scratches. Fill in the dents using wood putty if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the period recommended. Sand the surface with 100-grit paper to roughen it up prior to painting. Wipe down the sanded surface with a damp cloth in order to get rid of any dirt or debris.

While white fireplace is a popular option for walls and fireplaces electric but the right color can make your mantel stand out. For inspiration, take a look at the wood trims on your bookcases, moldings, and walls. Does your mantel match in color as theirs, or is it lighter or darker? If you opt for the latter option, select the color that works well with the other colors in the room to ensure it looks balanced.

Before you start painting, electric Firesuite cover the area around you with a drop cloth or sheets. Clean the mantel, taking out any decorative pieces or displays that might be hanging above it. If your fireplace is brick, remove any ornaments or pictures that are placed on or around the fireplace. Once the mantel has been cleared then wipe it clean with a a damp cloth to clean off any soot or dust that has built up.

Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with a brush or roller. The semi-gloss finish lasts and stain-resistant, ensuring that your mantel will stand up well to the heat generated by the fireplace as well as any other items placed on it. Let the primer dry, according to the manufacturer’s instructions, 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 look brighter and more inviting for guests. If you decide to choose an unassuming color for your mantel, match it with a work of art in earthy tones or a large mirror to balance out the overall look.