How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace A wall fireplace can make your living space an attractive focal point. There are many different models on the market however, it is important to find one that is suitable for your needs. The most significant features include the heat output along with the appearance and controls. If you're unfamiliar with these features, it's recommended to hire an expert to help you select the right model. Molded Squares The living room in this house needed a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its outdated stone surround and bland walls. The new look is bright, eye-catching and makes the hearth the main focal point of the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel as well as contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the appearance of the façade while the shelves that are gray below contrast. The fireplace's facade is accentuated by a few changes in color. Base cap molding and thin trim pieces combine to create a simple yet effective, way to frame the fireplace surround. To tie the look together select a trim design to match or contrast with your other trim elements like thick casings around doors and windows. If you're looking for an elegant, high-end style, think about using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of an actual mantel. For a more rustic, farmhouse style, choose to use dentil trim instead. The idea of creating an accent wall using wainscoting is a popular 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 product like beadboard or tongue-andgroove cedar siding to create a dramatic look. Brick is a different non-combustible option for the fireplace surround. It comes in a variety of styles and colors. A classic red brick fireplace is perfect for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. Rustic-look brick is also an option that can fit in with more traditional country-style decor. When you incorporate brick into your fireplace design, you'll want to ensure that your hearth extends 16 to 18 inches from the opening for the fireplace and that your surround is 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Make sure your chosen material is compliant with all national and local construction codes for security. Open shelving is a great way of storing books and other things. However having too many shelves can ruin the look of the fireplace. The owners of this family room created a wall to ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the look without overwhelming open shelving. Rustic Wood Beam Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look are ideal for a fireplace wall. They bring a timeless appeal to any house. Reclaimed ethanol fireplaces originate from old barns, stables and other demolished buildings. Each beam has its own unique story. Reclaimed wood can be used in combination with wide plank ceiling panels for a fully rustic design or as an accent to modern kitchens. They have the typical barn wood markings, such as mortise and nail holes as well as a natural aging process that improves their longevity. Search architectural salvage yards and flea market for reclaimed wood elements to transform into a mantel. For instance the earthy color of pine that highlights this traditional living room mantel and surround evokes 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 inspired by nature wall sconces, as well as an image of a landscape above the mantel. Repurposed wooden beams can provide an eye-catching statement to any room in your home. They can be left in their natural state or stained to complement the decor of your home, or they can be cut and distressed to create an antique appearance. They can also be painted to give modern appearance, or they can be covered with faux finishes like rust or marbled paint. The wooden beams are able to serve as the focal feature of any fireplace. They can be used to highlight the mantel without any fire burning. They can be used to illuminate the mantel without burning fire. Whichever method you choose to install your beams, make sure that they are adequately protected from the effects of fire. Both types of materials can be brittle and weaken in the face of extreme heat, but both are able to be strengthened with a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant sprays on steel I-beams. These products are sold at most stores for home improvement. White Hexagon Tile Hexagon tile can create an impact when used as a fireplace surround. Its shape instantly brightens up the room and can be incorporated into any decor, traditional or modern. Choosing matte finishes for the tiles is a great way to keep that sleek and polished look, while adding some contrast that makes the fireplace sparkle. Hex tiles also work well with various textures to create a more individual look. Stone-look tile is a very popular choice that lends the space an old-fashioned, rustic feel while blending beautifully with natural materials like 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 space. The proper tile pattern can enhance 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 gives a handcrafted look to the space, and balances the modern organic style fireplace with the overall style of the room. If you are unsure of taking a risk with a pattern in your home the fireplace is the perfect place to test the bold style. It could be intimidating for other areas. The geometric tile with its black grout provides this area with an elegant, yet fun feel. The hexagonal shapes work like cubes for a stimulating layout, and the dark brown color provides an inviting and warm aesthetic that works with the industrial decor in this room. Another method of making a statement with your fireplace is to choose tiles that have the look of brick or another familiar material. This textured tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look to traditional brick, but is much simpler to maintain and clean. Consider using a peel-and-stick tile to update your fireplace surround without breaking the bank. A majority of these options are heat resistant and therefore safe for fireplaces and able to stick to the existing wall. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a great option for adding elegance to any room. It also looks great with traditional furniture. Paint the Mantel When a wall fireplace has a brick surround, the best method to minimize its appearance is by giving it a fresh coat of paint. Painting the mantel a different hue also adds warmth and personality to the room. A new color of paint could make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the overall color scheme of the room or pick something striking. If the mantel is made of wood be sure to check it for gouges, cracks, and nicks. Fill in the dents with wood putty if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the period recommended. Before painting paint, sand the surface using 100-grit sandpaper to rough it up. Wipe down the sanded surface using a damp cloth to remove any remaining dirt or debris. While white is a popular choice for walls and fireplaces The right shade can really make your fireplace stand out. Take a look at the wood trim, moldings and bookcases around your home for ideas. Does your mantel have the same shade as theirs or is it darker or lighter? If the latter, pick an appropriate color to keep the space looking well-balanced. Before you begin painting, cover the area around you with a drop cloth or sheets. Clean the mantel, removing any decorations or showpieces that may be hung above it. Remove any ornaments or photos placed around or on the brick fireplace. Once the mantel is cleaned, you can use a damp cloth and wipe it clean to get rid of any dust or soot. Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel using a brush or roller. The semi-gloss finish lasts and stain-resistant, so your mantel will hold up well to the heat of the fireplace, as well as other items placed on it. Let the primer completely dry, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, before you begin painting the main wall of the fireplace. The brick can be quite heavy in color and weight. Paint the mantel with a light or neutral color can make it look brighter and more welcoming to guests. If you decide to choose the lighter hue, think about pairing it with a earthy-toned piece of artwork or a large mirror over it to create a balanced look.
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