What's Holding Back This Wall Fireplace Industry?

How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

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

The heat output, controls, and the appearance are some of the most important features. If you're not aware of these features, it's recommended to hire an expert to help you choose the right model.

Molded Squares

This living room needed an impressive fireplace overhaul due to its old-fashioned stone surround and dull walls. With a few tweaks to the design the new look is vibrant and eye-catching and makes the hearth an important focal point in the room. A whitewashed mantel for the fireplace and contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the appearance of the façade and the shelves in gray below provide a stark contrast. The fireplace facade is enhanced by a few changes in color.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces combine to create a simple, yet effective, method to frame the tile fireplace surround. Select a trim style that contrasts with or complements the other trim elements, such as the thick casing around doors and windows, to make the look more cohesive. If you want an elegant, high-end style, choose a fluted trim to create the illusion that there is a mantel. If you want a more rustic farmhouse look, use dentil trim instead.

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

Another non-combustible option you can use to create the fireplace surround is brick, which is available in a variety of styles and colors. A classic red brick fireplace is perfect for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. The rustic-look brick is an alternative that is able to blend with a more traditional, country-style decor.

If you are incorporating brick in a fireplace design, white fireplace (joydil.com) you'll need to ensure that your hearth extends 16-18 inches from the opening of the firebox and that the surround extends 8-12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you choose is safe and meets all local and national codes.

Open shelving is an ideal way to store books and other things. However having too many shelves can ruin the appearance of the fireplace. The owners of this family room designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding in order to improve the look of the room without overpowering open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wood beams make the ideal frame for a fireplace on the wall. They bring a timeless appeal to any home. Reclaimed wood beams are reclaimed from barns, stalls, and other structures that were destroyed. Each beam has its own unique history. Reclaimed wood can be used as a feature in modern kitchens or with wide plank paneling to create a rustic look. They are characterized by barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes and a natural aging process that increases their longevity.

Scour architectural salvage yards and flea markets for reclaimed wooden elements to repurpose for a mantel or an accent wall. For instance, the earthy shade of pine that accentuates this traditional living room mantel and surround creates a cozy rural retreat. The knotty imperfections in the wood accent the hand-crafted appearance and compliment the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which borders the fireplace wall. A pair of nature-inspired sconces and a painting of a landscape above the mantel add to the rustic ambiance of the space.

Repurposed wooden beams can bring a unique look to any room. They can be left as-is or stained to match your current decor or carved and distressed for an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a more contemporary look or covered with faux finishes like rust or marbling paint.

The wooden beams can be used as the central element of any fireplace. They can be set over a freestanding gas, ventless or electric fireplace or incorporated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can be used to highlight the mantel without a burning fire.

Whatever method of installation you decide to use ensure that your wood or steel beams are protected from the possible consequences of fire. Both types of materials can be brittle and weaken in the face of extreme heat, but both can be strengthened by a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant sprayed on steel I-beams. These products are sold at most home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be utilized to create a dramatic effect as surrounds for fireplaces. Its shape instantly brightens the room and can be incorporated into any decor, traditional or modern. The choice of a matte finish for the tiles is ideal to maintain that clean and polished look, while adding some contrast to make the fireplace sparkle.

Hex tiles can also be used with various textures to create a more individual look. Stone-look tile is a popular choice that gives the room an authentic, rustic look while pairing beautifully with natural materials like wood. Marble-look tiles are another timeless option that adds an elegant and luxurious aesthetic to the room. 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 pattern on the tile gives the whole space an artistic look that balances the organic modern style of the fireplace suite with the contemporary style of the room.

If you're not sure about taking a risk on a patterns in your home, a fireplace can be an excellent place to try out a bold style that could be intimidating in other areas of the house. This geometric tile (here's an alternative) with its black grout lines give this space a sophisticated yet lively energy. The hexagonal shapes are arranged as cubes to create an exciting layout, while the dark brown hue creates an inviting and warm aesthetic that complements the industrial style of the room.

Another way to make an impact with your fireplace is to use tiles that have the look of brick or another familiar material. This textured tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance to brick, however, it is much easier to maintain and clean.

Consider using a peel-and stick tile to update your fireplace surround without costing you a dime. These tiles are heat-resistant, making them suitable for fireplaces and can adhere to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is an excellent option that will add a sense of elegance to any living space, while also blending beautifully with traditional furnishings.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace in a wall has a brick surround, the best way to downplay its appearance is by giving it a fresh coat of paint. Painting the mantel a different hue also adds warmth and personality to the space. A new color of paint can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the color scheme of the room or pick something striking.

If your mantel is made of wood, inspect it first for gouges, cracks and nicks. If the dents are small enough to be able to handle then fill them with wood putty and allow it to set for the recommended amount of time. Before painting, sand the surface with 100-grit sandpaper to roughen it up. Clean the surface with a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or dust.

White is a favorite color for Fireplaces Wooden and walls. However the right shade will make your fireplace stand out. Check out the other wood trims, moldings, and bookcases in your home to get ideas. Does your mantel match in shade as theirs or is it lighter or darker? If you opt for the latter option, pick one that blends well with the other hues in the room to keep it looking balanced.

Cover the area around you with a dropcloth or sheets before you begin painting. Remove any decorations or showpieces that may have been hung over the mantel. Remove any ornaments or pictures that are on or around the brick fireplace. Once the mantel is cleaned, take a damp cloth and wipe it down to get rid of any soot or dust.

Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with either a roller or brush. The semi-gloss paint is long-lasting and stain resistant, so your mantel will withstand the heat of the fireplace as well as any other items that are placed on it. Allow the primer to dry in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations before moving onto the main part of your fireplace's wall.

While the brick is an attractive feature of a fireplace's wall it can be quite heavy and dark in hue. The mantel painted with in a neutral or light shade can make it appear brighter and more welcoming to guests. If you opt for an unassuming color for your mantel, you can pair it with a piece artwork in earthy tones, or a large wall mirror to complement the look.