Are The Advances In Technology Making Wall Fireplace Better Or Worse?

How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace in the wall can be your living room a focal point that demands attention. There are numerous designs available however, it is crucial to choose one that meets your needs.

The most significant features include the output of heat as well as the appearance and controls. If you aren't familiar with these features, it's best to seek out an expert to help select the best model.

Molded Squares

This living room needed a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its outdated stone surround and bland walls. With a few design tweaks the new look is vibrant and eye-catching and makes this hearth a focal point in the room. A whitewashed fireplace and contemporary artwork above the fireplace's facade modernize it while contrasting with the gray shelves below. The fireplace's exterior is enhanced by a few color variations.

Base cap moldings and trim pieces are paired to make a simple but effective way to frame a fireplace surround made of tile. Choose a trim style that contrasts with or matches your other trim elements such as the thick casing around doors and windows, to create a cohesive look. If you're looking for a more elegant, high-end look, you can consider using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse-style.

Making 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, you can try using a paneled material such as tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard to create a dramatic look.

Brick is another non-combustible option to use as a fireplace surround. It comes in different styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace in red is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. Rustic-look brick is also an option that can fit in with more traditional country-style decor.

If you are planning to incorporate brick into your fireplace design ensure that your hearth is 16 to 18 inches from the opening of the firebox and your surround is between 8 and 12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the material you choose is safe and complies with all codes of the local and national level.

Open shelves are a great way to store books and other things, but too many can make a mess of a fireplace. The homeowners of this family room designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding in order to enhance the look without overpowering open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wooden beams are the perfect frame for a wall fireplace. They add timeless beauty to any house. Reclaimed wood beams are sourced from barns, stables and other demolished structures. Each beam has its own unique story. Reclaimed wood can be used combination with wide plank ceiling paneling for a completely rustic look or as an accent to modern kitchens. They feature the usual barn wood markings like mortise and nail holes, and a natural aging process which increases their longevity.

Find salvage yards for architectural elements and flea markets for reclaimed wood elements to make into a fireplace. The earthy tone of pine used as a backdrop for the traditional living room surround and mantel creates a cozy country retreat. The knotty imperfections create a rustic appearance and are a perfect match for the simple lines in the beaded-board wainscoting on the wall of the fireplace. A pair of nature-inspired sconces and a landscape painting above the mantel enhance the rustic charm of the space.

Repurposed wood beams can be an attractive accent 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 for modern appearance, or they can be covered with faux finishes, such as marbled paint or rust.

Wooden fireplaces beams can be used as a focal point in any type of fireplace. They can be positioned over a freestanding gas, ventless or electric fireplace or they can be incorporated into a stone or brick fireplace. They can be used to enhance the mantel without burning fire.

Whatever method of installation you decide to use ensure that your wood or steel beams are adequately protected from the possible consequences of ethanol fire. Both types of material can become brittle and weaken in the presence 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 available in a wide variety of home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can make a dramatic statement when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its design instantly brightens the space and is a perfect match for any decor, whether traditional or modern. The choice of matte finishes for the tiles is ideal to maintain that clean and polished look while adding some contrast to make the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles can also be combined with different textures for a more personalized look. Stone-look tiles are a popular choice that gives the space an authentic, classic look. They also pair beautifully with natural materials like wood. Another timeless option is marble fireplaces-look tile that provides a luxurious and elegant aesthetic to the space. These tiles feature a smooth and glossy finish that is a beautiful reflection of light and brightens the space.

The right tile pattern can elevate the overall 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 patterned tile adds an artistic look to the space, balancing the modern natural style fireplace with the overall style of the room.

If you're unsure about putting your faith in a design in your home, a ethanol fireplace is the perfect place to test out a bold style which could be a bit intimidating in other areas of the house. This geometric tile with its black grout gives the room an elegant, yet fun feel. The hexagonal shapes are arranged as cubes to create an exciting layout, while the deep brown color provides a warm and inviting aesthetic that works with the industrial style of this space.

Another method of making an impact with your fireplace is to use tiles that have the look of brick or another popular material. This textured tile, made by LA Designer Affair, has a similar look to traditional brick but with the added benefit of being much easier to clean and maintain.

Consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to update your fireplace's surround without spending a fortune. These tiles are resistant to heat, making them suitable for fireplaces electric as well as able to stick to existing surfaces. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a great option to add style to any room. It also works beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace on the wall has an existing brick surround, the best way to downplay its appearance is by giving it a fresh coat of paint. The mantel can be painted in a different colour to give it a more cosy and spirited look. A new paint color can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the overall color scheme of the room or pick something bold.

If your mantel is made of wood take a look at it to find cracks, gouges, and scratches. 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 roughen it up. To remove any dirt or debris wipe the surfaces that have been sanded with a damp cloth.

While white is a popular option for ethanol fireplaces and walls, the right shade can really make your fireplace stand out. Look at the other trims, moldings, and bookcases in your home to get ideas. Do they have the same shade as your mantel? Or is it a lighter or a darker hue? If the latter, choose an appropriate color to keep the room looking balanced.

Before you start painting, protect the area around you with a drop cloth or sheets. Clean the mantel, removing any decorative pieces or displays that are hanging over it. Remove any ornaments or pictures placed around or on your brick fireplace. When the mantel is clean, wipe it down with a damp cloth to clean off any dust or soot that has accumulated.

Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with either a roller or brush. The semi-gloss paint lasts and stain resistant, so your mantel can stand up to the heat of the fireplace as well as any other objects that are placed on it. Let the primer completely dry, according to the instructions of the manufacturer, before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.

The brick may be heavy in weight and color. Paint the mantel in an unassuming color or neutral to make it appear lighter and more inviting. If you opt for a light color for your mantel, match it with a piece of art with earthy tones or a large mirror to complement the appearance.