10 Myths Your Boss Has Concerning Wall Fireplace

How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can give your living room an attractive focal feature. There are a variety of models available, so you should choose one that meets your requirements.

The most significant features include the heat output as well as the appearance and controls. If you aren't familiar with these aspects, it is best to hire an expert to help you choose the right model.

Molded Squares

A stale stone fireplace surround and bland walls left this living space in need of a drastic fireplace makeover. The new style is vibrant, attractive and makes the hearth the center of the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel and contemporary art above the fireplace modernize the appearance of the façade, while the gray shelves below provide a stark contrast. A few changes in color can also help the fireplace stand apart from the wall, which enhances the beauty of this fireplace design.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces combine to form a simple, yet effective, method to frame the fireplace surround. Choose a trim style that contrasts with or matches the other trim elements, like the thick casing around doors and windows, to tie the look together. 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 mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse style.

Accent walls with wainscoting are a popular method to add personality to the interior of a room. The same method can be used to frame a fireplace. Instead of using plank boards you can try a paneled material like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard to create a striking look.

Another non-combustible material you can create the fireplace surround is brick, which comes in a variety of styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace in red is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. Rustic-style brick is another alternative that is able to blend with more traditional country decor.

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 fireplace and the surround is 8-12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you choose conforms to all building codes to ensure security.

Open shelving is an ideal way to store books and other items. However, too many shelves can ruin the appearance of a fireplace. In this family room, the homeowners designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding that enhances the design of the new fireplace, without obscuring the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look are perfect for a fireplace wall. They add timeless beauty to any house. Reclaimed wood beams originate from old barns, stables and other buildings that were demolished. Each beam has its own distinct history. Reclaimed wood can also be used as a decorative element in modern kitchens, or with wide planks to give an authentic look. They feature the typical marks of barn wood, like mortise and nail holes, plus natural patinas that increase their durability.

Search architectural salvage yards and flea market for wood pieces that you can make into a fireplace. For example, the earthy shade of pine that highlights the traditional living room mantel and surround creates a cozy rural retreat. The knotty imperfections give it a rustic feel and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that is on the fireplace's wall. The rustic warmth of this room is accentuated by a pair of natural-inspired wall sconces and a landscape image above the mantel.

Repurposed wooden beams can provide an attractive accent to any room in your home. 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 also be painted for a more contemporary appearance or covered with faux finishes like rust or marbled paint.

The wooden beams can serve as the central point of any fireplace. They can be placed over a freestanding gas, ventless or electric fireplaces fireplace, or be integrated into a stone or brick fireplace. They can be used to enhance the mantel without a burning fire.

Whatever method you decide to use to mount your beams, make sure that they are adequately protected against the effects of fire. Both types of material can be brittle and weaken in the presence of extreme heat, however both are able to be strengthened with a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant sprayed on I-beams made of steel. These products are sold at most stores for home improvement.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can create a dramatic statement 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 polished and clean look while adding contrast to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can also be combined with a variety of texture choices for a more personalized look. Stone-look tiles are a popular choice that give the room an old-fashioned, rustic feel. They also pair beautifully with natural materials, such as wood. Another timeless option is marble fireplaces-look tile, which adds an elegant and luxurious appearance to the room. These tiles feature a smooth and glossy finish that reflect light beautifully and brightens the room.

The proper tile pattern can enhance 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 pattern of the tile adds a unique an artistic look that balances the contemporary organic style of the fireplace, and the overall modern design of the room.

If you're not sure about taking a risk on a patterns in your home, a fireplace is an ideal place to test out a bold pattern which could be intimidating in other parts of the house. This geometric tile (here's a similar option) with its black grout lines give this space a sophisticated yet fun energy. The hexagonal shapes are arranged as cubes to create an exciting layout, and the dark brown color creates an inviting and warm look that works with the industrial decor in this space.

Another option to make an impact with your fireplace is to select tile that resembles the appearance of brick or another familiar material. This textured tile, from LA Designer Affair, has an identical look to traditional brick but with the added benefit of being much easier to clean and maintain.

If you're not ready make a major overhaul of your fireplace's surround, think about applying a peel and stick tile to refresh the look without costing you a fortune. A lot of these options are heat-resistant and therefore safe for fireplaces and able to adhere to the existing surface. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great option that will bring an elegant look to any living space, biofireplace and will look great with traditional furnishings.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the ideal method to cover the brick surround on a wall-mounted fireplace. Painting the mantel a different hue also adds warmth and personality to the room. A new color of paint could make your fireplace inserts stand out. You can match it to the scheme of color in the room or pick something striking.

If your mantel is wood fireplaces be sure to check it for gouges, cracks, and scratches. Fill in the dents with wood putty if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the time recommended. 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 to get rid of any dirt or debris.

While white is a popular option for fireplaces and walls but the right color can really make your fireplace stand out. Look at the other wood trim, moldings and bookcases around your home for ideas. Does your mantel have the same color as theirs, or is it lighter or darker? If you choose the latter, choose a color that will work well with the other hues in the room to ensure it looks balanced.

Before you start painting, cover the area surrounding you with drop cloth or sheets. Clean the mantel and remove any decorative pieces or displays that might be hanging above it. Remove any ornaments or photos placed around or on your brick fireplace. After the mantel has been cleaned, take a damp cloth and wipe it down to get rid of any soot or dust.

Apply a basecoat using a roller or brush to your mantel. The semi-gloss paint lasts and stain-resistant, so your mantel will withstand the heat of the fireplace, and any other items placed on it. Let the primer dry in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations before moving on to the main part of your fireplace's wall.

While brick is a striking feature of a fireplace's wall, it can be heavy and dark in color. Paint the mantel with in a neutral or light shade can make it look brighter and more welcoming to guests. If you choose a light shade for your mantel, pair it with a work of artwork in earthy tones, or a large wall mirror to complement the overall look.