So , You've Bought Wall Fireplace ... Now What?

How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace in the wall will make your living space an attractive focal point. There are a variety of models on the market however, it is essential to choose one that is suitable for your needs.

Some of the most important features include the heat output as well as the appearance and controls. If you aren't familiar with these features, it's best to hire an expert to help you pick the right model.

Molded Squares

A stale stone fireplace surround and dull walls made this living space in need of a major fireplace makeover. With a few design tweaks, the new look is bright and striking making this hearth a centerpiece in the room. A whitewashed mantel for the fireplace and contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the exterior, while the gray shelves below are a contrast. A few changes in color can also help the fireplace stand apart from the wall, enhancing the beauty of this fireplace design.

Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces are combined to create a simple yet effective method of framing the fireplace with a tile surround. To tie the look together, choose a trim style to contrast or match your other trim elements like thick casing around doors and windows. If you're looking for a more high-end, elegant style, choose a fluted trim to give the illusion of a mantel. For a more rustic, farmhouse look, you can opt for dentil trim instead.

Making an accent wall using wainscoting is an effective way to add character any room. The same method can be employed to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards, you can try a paneled material like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard to create a striking appearance.

Another non-combustible material you can build an enclosure for your fireplace is brick, which is available in many different styles and colors. A classic red brick fireplace is perfect for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. A rustic-looking brick could be used to add a rustic touch to a traditional decor.

If you want to incorporate brick into your fireplace design be sure that your hearth measures 16 to 18 inches from the opening of the firebox and your surround is 8-12 inches wide 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 an ideal way to store books and other items. However, too many shelves can overwhelm the appearance of the 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

Reclaimed wood beams that have a rustic style make a great fireplace wall. They are timeless and beautiful to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood are made from old barns, stalls, and other buildings that have been destroyed. Each beam has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used as an accent in modern kitchens or with wide plank paneling to create a rustic look. They are characterized by barn wood markings, such as mortise and nail holes, and a natural aging process which increases their durability.

Scour architectural salvage yards and flea markets to find reclaimed wood elements to use for a mantel or an accent wall. For instance the earthy color of pine that highlights the traditional mantel and surround creates a cozy rural retreat. Its knotty imperfections emphasize the hand-crafted appearance and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that borders the fireplace wall. The rustic warmth of this space is enhanced by a pair of natural-inspired wall sconces, as well as a landscape picture above the mantel.

Repurposed wooden beams can make an attractive feature to any room in your home. They can be stained to match your existing design or carved to create an antique appearance. They can also be painted for modern appearance, or they can be covered with faux finishes, such as marbled or rust paint.

Wooden beams can be used as a focal point in any kind of fireplace. They can be positioned above a freestanding gas or ventless or electric fireplace or incorporated into a stone or brick fireplace. They can be used to accent a mantel without a fire burning.

No matter which method you choose to install your beams, be sure they are adequately protected from the effects of fire. Both materials can be brittle in extreme heat. However, they can be strengthened with a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products are available in most home improvement stores.

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 complements any style, whether modern or traditional. The matte finish is ideal for a polished and clean appearance while adding a splash of contrast to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can be customized with a variety textures for an individualized appearance. Stone-look tile is a popular choice that gives the space an authentic, rustic look while pairing beautifully with natural materials such as wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tile that adds an elegant and luxurious look to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting light and brightening 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 adds a handcrafted look to the space, balancing the modern organic style fireplace with the overall design of the room.

If you're unsure about taking a risk with patterns in your home, a fireplace can be the perfect place to test out a bold design that might be intimidating in other parts of your home. This geometric tile (here's another option) with its black grout lines gives this space a sophisticated yet fun energy. The hexagonal shapes work like cubes for a stimulating layout, and the dark brown color provides an inviting and warm look that complements the industrial decor in the room.

Tile that looks like brick or other familiar materials is another way to create an impact on your fireplace. This pattern-based tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look to traditional brick, but is much easier to clean and maintain.

If you're hesitant to make a major overhaul of your fireplace surround, consider using a peel and stick tile to update the appearance without spending a fortune. These tiles are resistant to heat, making them suitable for metal fireplaces and can be bonded to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great alternative that will add an elegant look to any living space, while coordinating beautifully with traditional furnishings.

Paint the Mantel

When a wall fireplace has an existing brick surround, the best way to downplay its appearance is by giving it fresh coats of paint. The mantel can be painted a different color to give it a more cosy and spirited look. It doesn't matter if you choose to match it to the room's color scheme or opt for something more striking or bold, a new color makes your fireplace stand out as a stunning feature.

If your mantel is made of wood, you should first examine it for cracks, nicks and gouges. Fill in the dents using wood putty if they're 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 get rid of any dirt or debris, wipe down the surfaces you have sanded with a damp cloth.

White is a popular color for unique fireplaces - Wiese-stougaard.blogbright.net, and walls. However, the right shade will make your fireplace stand out. Look at the other wood trims, moldings, and bookcases in your home for ideas. Does your mantel have the same color as theirs, or is it darker or lighter? If so, select a color that coordinates well to keep the look balanced.

Protect the area around you by using sheets or a dropcloth prior to when you begin painting. Clean the mantel, removing any showpieces or decorations that are hanging over it. If your fireplace is made of brick, take away any pictures or ornaments that are on or within the fireplace. Once the mantel has been cleared, wipe it down with a damp cloth to clean off any soot or dust that has built up.

Apply a basecoat using brushes or rollers to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish is long-lasting and stain-resistant, which means that your mantel is able to stand up well to the heat from the fireplace as well as any other objects placed on it. Let the primer dry, in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer, before you begin painting the main wall of the fireplace.

While brick is a beautiful feature of a fireplace's wall it can be quite heavy and dark in shade. Paint the mantel in the light or neutral color to make it appear lighter and more inviting. If you decide to go with a light color, consider pairing it with an earthy-toned piece of artwork or a mirror that is large above it to balance the look.