10 Misconceptions Your Boss Shares Regarding Wall Fireplace

How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can provide your living space with an eye-catching focal point. There are many models available and you must pick one that meets your requirements.

The heat output, controls and the appearance are among the most important features. If you're not familiar with these features, it's recommended to consult a professional to help you select the best model.

Molded Squares

The living room required an overhaul to the fireplace due to its old-fashioned stone surround and bland walls. With a few design tweaks the new look is bright and striking making the hearth a central feature in the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel and contemporary art above the fireplace modernizes the appearance of the façade and the shelves in gray below provide a stark contrast. A few minor changes in color also help the facade stand apart from the wall, enhancing the beauty of this fireplace design.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces are combined to form a simple, yet effective, way to frame the fireplace surround. Choose a style of trim that is in contrast with or matches the other trim elements, like the thick casing around doors and windows, to create a cohesive look. If you want a more elegant, high-end style, you can use fluted trim to create the illusion that there is a mantel. If you want a more rustic farmhouse look, you can use dentil trim instead.

The idea of creating an accent wall using wainscoting is a popular way to add character any room. The same technique can be used to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards, however, try a paneled material like beadboard or tongue-andgroove cedar siding to create a striking look.

Brick is another non-combustible option to use as the fireplace surround. It is available in a variety of styles and colors. A classic red brick fireplace is perfect for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. A rustic-looking brick can be used to complement a traditional country decor.

When you incorporate brick into your fireplace design, you'll want to be sure your hearth is 16 to 18 inches from the firebox opening and that the surround extends 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the brick you select is safe and meets all local and national codes.

Open shelving is a great option to organize books and other items however, too many shelves can make a mess of a fireplace. The owners of this living room have created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding in order to elevate the design without overpowering open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams that have a rustic style are perfect for a fireplace wall. They add timeless beauty to any home. Reclaimed wood beams are sourced from old stables, barns and other demolished buildings. Each beam has its own unique history. Reclaimed wood can be used in conjunction with wide plank ceiling panels for a completely rustic look or as an accent to modern kitchens. They have the typical barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes plus a natural aging that improves their longevity.

Find salvage yards for architectural elements and flea markets for wood pieces that you can transform into a mantel. The rustic tone of pine used to accent this traditional living room surround and mantel evokes a cozy country retreat. Its knotty imperfections emphasize the hand-crafted appearance and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which surrounds the fireplace wall. The rustic warmth of this room is enhanced by a pair of natural-inspired wall sconces, and a landscape image above the mantel.

Repurposed wood beams can be an eye-catching statement to any room in your home. They can be left as is or stained to complement your current decor or distressed and carved to give them an antique look. They can be painted to give them a modern appearance or covered with faux finishes such as marbling paint or rust.

Wooden beams can be used as a focal point in any kind of fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel, even without a fire burning. They can be used to accent a mantel without a fire burning.

Whatever method of installation you decide to use be sure that your steel or wood beams are properly protected from the potential effects of fire. Both types of materials can become brittle and weaken in the presence of extreme heat, but both can be reinforced with a layer of ethanol fire-resistant drywall or commercial electric fire-protectant that is sprayed on I-beams made of steel. These products are available in most home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a striking effect as a surround for a fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens the space and is a perfect match for any decor, whether modern or traditional. The matte finish is ideal for a polished and clean appearance, while also adding a pop of contrast to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can also be combined with different textures to create a more individual look. Stone-look tiles are a popular choice that gives the room an authentic, classic look. They also go well with natural materials, such as wood. Marble-look tile is a classic option that gives an elegant and luxurious look to the space. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting sunlight and brightening the room.

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 pattern on the tile gives the entire room a an artistic look that balances the contemporary organic style of the fireplace with the contemporary style of the room.

If you're not sure about putting your faith in a pattern in your home, a fireplace can be an ideal place to test out a bold design that could be intimidating in other parts of the house. The geometric tile with its black grout gives this space an elegant, yet fun feel. The hexagonal shapes fit together as cubes to create an exciting layout, while the deep brown color creates a warm and inviting aesthetic that is a perfect match for the industrial décor in the room.

Tiles that look like brick or other common materials is another way to make an impact with your fireplace. The textured tile, which is made by LA Designer Affair, has the same look as traditional brick but with the added benefit of being much easier to clean and maintain.

If you're not ready commit to a full-scale remodel of your fireplace's surround, Fireplaces shop consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to change the appearance without breaking the bank. A majority of these options are heat-resistant and therefore safe for fireplaces and able to be affixed to the existing stone. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great alternative that will add a sense of elegance to any living space, while also blending beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the ideal method to cover the brick surround on an unwall-mounted fireplace. The mantel can be painted a different colour to add warmth and character. A new paint color can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the color scheme of the room or pick something striking.

If your mantel is made of wood, first inspect it for cracks, nicks and gouges. If the dents aren't large enough to be handled then fill them with wood putty and let it set for the appropriate amount of time. Before painting, sand the surface with 100-grit sandpaper to roughen it up. Wipe down the sanded surface with a damp cloth to remove any remaining dirt or debris.

While white fireplace is a popular choice for fireplaces wooden shop (Suggested Studying) and walls but the right color can make your mantel stand out. For ideas, take a take a look at the wood trim on your bookcases, mouldings and walls. Does your mantel match in color as theirs, or is it darker or lighter? If so, select the color that is well-matched to keep the room looking balanced.

Before you start painting, protect the surrounding area with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove any decorative items or showpieces that might have been placed over the mantel. If your fireplace is made of brick, take away any pictures or ornaments that are on or around it. Once the mantel has been cleared and clean, wipe it with a an damp cloth to wash 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 will stand up well to the heat of the fireplace and any other items placed on it. Allow the primer to 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 wall, it can be a bit heavy and dark in hue. Paint the mantel in a light color or neutral to make it appear lighter and more inviting. If you choose a light shade for your mantel, you can pair it with a work of art in earthy tones or a large wall mirror to complete the appearance.