10 Myths Your Boss Is Spreading About Wall Fireplace
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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 however, it is crucial to choose one that meets your needs.
The heat output, the controls, and the design are among the most important features. If you're not familiar with these aspects, it is best to seek out a professional to help you choose the right model.
Molded Squares
The living room in this house needed a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its outdated stone surround and dull walls. The new look is vibrant, attractive and makes this hearth the focal point of the room. A whitewashed mantel for the fireplace and contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the facade while the shelves that are gray below provide a stark contrast. A few color changes can also help the fireplace stand out from the wall, which enhances the appeal of this fireplace design.
Base cap molding and thin trim pieces combine to form a simple, yet effective, method to frame the tile fireplace surround. Choose a style of trim that contrasts with or complements your other trim elements, for example, the thick casing around windows and doors, to create a cohesive look. If you're looking to create an elegant, premium look, you can consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of a real mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse-style.
Wainscoting accent walls is a common method of adding the look of rooms. The same technique can also 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 the fireplace surround. It comes in various styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace in red is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. A rustic-looking brick can be used to enhance a traditional country style.
When incorporating brick into your fireplace design, it is important to be sure your hearth extends 16-18 inches from the opening for the fireplace and that your surround reaches 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the material you choose is compliant with all national and local construction codes for safety.
Open shelves are a great way to organize books and other items however, too many shelves can take over the appearance of a fireplace. The owners of this living room have created a wall to ceiling limestone cladding in order to elevate the design without overwhelming open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Rustic reclaimed wood beams are the ideal frame for a wall fireplace. They add a timeless beauty to any house. Reclaimed beams of wood are reclaimed from old barns, stalls, and other buildings that were removed. Each beam carries with it its own unique history. Reclaimed wood can be used conjunction with wide plank ceiling panels for a fully rustic design or as a decorative element to modern kitchens. They feature the usual barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes, as well as a natural aging process which increases their durability.
Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets to find reclaimed wood elements to repurpose as a mantel or accent wall. For instance the earthy color of pine that accents the traditional living room mantel and surround evokes a cozy rural retreat. The knotty imperfections in the wood accent the hand-crafted appearance and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that is a part of the fireplace's wall. A pair of nature-inspired sconces and a landscape painting above the mantel enhance the rustic charm of this space.
Repurposed wood beams will add a unique touch to any room. They can be stained to match your current design or carved to create an antique look. They can be painted to give them a modern appearance or covered with faux finishes such as marbling paint or rust.
The wooden beams are able to serve as the focal element of any fireplace. They can be used to highlight the mantel without the need for a fire. They can be used to accent a mantel without a fire burning.
Whichever method you decide to use to mount your beams, make sure that they are adequately protected against the effects of fire. Both materials are susceptible to becoming brittle in extreme heat. However, they can be strengthened with a layer of fire-resistant drywall. These products can be found in a wide variety of stores for home improvement.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tile can create an impact when used as a fireplace surround. Its shape instantly brightens the space while complementing any decor style from traditional to modern. The matte finish is ideal for a sleek and polished appearance while adding a splash of contrast to make the fireplace pop.
Hex tiles also work well with different textures for a more customized appearance. Stone-look tile is a popular option that gives the space a classic, rustic feel and is a great match with natural materials such as wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tiles that adds an elegant and luxurious appearance to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles sparkles beautifully, reflecting sunlight and brightening the room.
The appropriate tile pattern can improve the look of a 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 adds the appearance of a hand-crafted space, and balances the modern organic style fireplace with the overall style of the room.
If you're unsure about taking a risk with design in your home, a fireplace can be the perfect place to test out a bold pattern that might be a bit intimidating in other areas of the house. This geometric tile (here's an alternative) with its black grout lines gives this room a sophisticated and fun energy. The hexagonal shapes are shaped like cubes to create an exciting layout. The deep brown hue creates a warm, inviting aesthetic that complements the industrial decor.
Another way to make an impact with your fireplace is to use tile that resembles the appearance of brick or a similar material. This textured tile, made by LA Designer Affair, has an identical look to brick, but with the added benefit of being much easier to clean and maintain.
If you're not ready make a major overhaul check here of your fireplace's surround, consider applying a peel and stick tile to update the appearance without breaking the bank. These options are heat-resistant and therefore suitable for fireplaces as well as able to be bonded to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is an excellent option that will add an elegant look to any living space and will look great with traditional furnishings.
Paint the Mantel
If a fireplace in a wall has a brick surround, the best way to downplay its appearance is with an update of the paint. The mantel can be painted with a different colour to add warmth and personality. Whether you choose to match it to the decor's color scheme or go for something bold, a new paint color can make your fireplace stand out as a stunning feature.
If your mantel is constructed of wood, you should first examine it for cracks, nicks, and gouges. If the dents aren't large enough to handle then 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 rough it up. Wipe the surface that has been sanded with a damp cloth in order to remove any remaining dirt or debris.
While white is a popular color for fireplaces and walls The right shade can make your mantel stand out. For ideas, take a look at the wood trims on your bookcases, mouldings, and walls. Do they use the same color as your mantel, or is it a lighter or darker shade? If the latter, pick a color that coordinates well to keep the look balanced.
Before you start painting, cover the surrounding area with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove any ornaments or display pieces that may have been hung over the mantel. If your fireplace is brick, remove any ornaments or pictures that are located on or around the fireplace. After the mantel has been 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 with the use of a roller or brush. The semi-gloss finish lasts and stain-resistant, which means that your mantel will stand up well to the heat generated by the fireplace, as well as other objects placed on it. Allow the primer to dry in accordance with the guidelines of the manufacturer before moving on to the main part of your fireplace's wall.
While brick is an attractive feature of a fireplace's wall, it can be a bit heavy and dark in color. Paint the mantel with in a neutral or light shade can make it appear brighter and more inviting to guests. If you decide to choose the lighter hue, think about using it in conjunction with an earthy toned artwork or a mirror that is large above it to balance the appearance.