Five Killer Quora Answers On Wall Fireplace

How to Decorate Around a wall fireplace (information from Technetbloggers)

A wall fireplace can give your living room an element of interest that demands attention. There are a variety of models on the market, however, so it is important to find one that is suitable for your needs.

The most significant features include the output of heat along with the appearance and controls. If you aren't familiar with these elements, it's best to hire an expert to help you choose the right model.

Molded Squares

A stale stone fireplace surround and bland walls made this living space in need of a major fireplace makeover. With a few design tweaks, the new look is vibrant and eye-catching and makes the hearth a centerpiece in the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel and contemporary artwork above the ethanol fireplace update the exterior and the shelves in gray below contrast. The fireplace's facade is accentuated by a few color variations.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces join to create a simple, yet effective, method to frame the fireplace surround. Select a trim style that contrasts with or matches the other trim elements, for example, the thick casing around windows and doors, to make the look more cohesive. If you're looking for an elegant, high-end style, you can use fluted trim to give the illusion that there is a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic farmhouse style.

Accent walls with wainscoting are an extremely popular way to add character to a room. The same method can be used to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards instead, consider a paneled product like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard to create a striking appearance.

Brick is another non-combustible option to use as a fireplace surround. It comes in a variety of 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 add a rustic touch to a traditional decor.

When incorporating brick into a fireplace design, you'll need to ensure that your hearth is 16 to 18 inches from the firebox opening 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 a great way to store books and other things, but too many can overwhelm the look of the fireplace. The homeowners of this living room have created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to improve the look of the room without overwhelming open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look are perfect for a fireplace wall. They add a timeless beauty to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood are reclaimed from old barns, stalls and other buildings that were destroyed. Each beam is unique and has its own distinct history. Reclaimed wood can be used combination with wide plank ceiling paneling for a fully rustic design or as a decorative element to modern kitchens. They have the typical markings of barn wood, like mortise and nail holes and natural patinas that increase their durability.

Look through salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea market for wall fireplace reclaimed wood elements to transform into a mantel. For instance the earthy color of pine that accentuates this traditional living room mantel and surround evokes a cozy rural retreat. The knotty imperfections create a rustic appearance and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that is on the wall of the fireplace. The rustic warmth of this room is accentuated by a pair inspired by nature wall sconces, and a landscape picture above the mantel.

Repurposed wooden beams will give a unique appearance to any space. 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 look. They can also be painted for a more contemporary appearance, or they can be covered with faux finishes, such as marbled paint or rust.

The wooden beams can be used as the central feature of any fireplace. They can be placed above a freestanding gas, electric firesuite or ventless fireplace or be integrated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can be used to accent the mantel without a flame burning.

Whatever method of installation you choose, make sure that your wood or steel beams are adequately protected from the effects of fire. Both types of materials can be brittle and weaken in the presence of extreme heat, however both can be reinforced with a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant sprayed on steel I-beams. These products are available in most home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can make an impact when used as a fireplace surround. Its shape instantly brightens up the space and is a perfect match for any decor, traditional or modern fireplace. Choosing a matte finish for the tiles is a great way to keep that sleek and polished look, while adding some color to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can be customised with a variety of textures for an individualized appearance. Stone-look tile is a very popular choice that gives the space an authentic, rustic look while pairing beautifully with natural materials like wood. Another classic option is marble-look tile that provides an elegant and luxurious look to the space. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles sparkles beautifully, reflecting sunlight and brightening the space.

The right tile pattern can elevate the entire look 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 pattern of the tile gives the whole space an artistic look that balances the contemporary organic style of the fireplace with the overall contemporary design of the room.

If you're unsure about taking a risk with a pattern in your home The fireplace is a great spot to play around with an imposing design. It might be intimidating for other areas. This geometric tile (here's an alternative) with its black grout lines gives the room a sophisticated but playful energy. The hexagonal shapes are shaped like cubes to create a stimulating layout. The deep brown color gives this space an inviting, warm look that is perfect for industrial style.

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

If you're hesitant to take on a complete remodel of your fireplace's surround, think about applying a peel-and-stick tile to refresh the look without spending a fortune. A majority of these options are resistant to heat, making them safe for fireplaces wood and able to be affixed to the existing surface. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a fantastic option for adding elegance to any room. It also coordinates beautifully 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 fresh coats of paint. Painting the mantel a different color also adds warmth and personality to the room. If you decide 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 showstopper.

If your mantel is constructed from wood, first check it for cracks, nicks and gouges. Fill in the dents with wood putty if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the amount of time recommended. Before painting paint, sand the surface using 100-grit sandpaper to rough it up. To get rid of any debris or dirt wipe the sanded surfaces with a damp cloth.

White is a favorite color for fireplaces and walls. However the right shade will make your mantel really stand out. Check out the other trims, moldings, and bookcases in your home for inspiration. Do they have the same shade as your mantel, or is it a lighter or a darker hue? If you choose the latter, choose a color that will work well with the other shades in the room to keep it looking balanced.

Before you begin painting, cover the area surrounding you with drop cloth or sheets. Remove any decorations or showpieces that were hung above the mantel. Remove any ornaments or photos that are around or on the fireplace made of brick. Once the mantel has been cleaned, use a damp cloth and wipe it down to get rid of any dust or soot.

Apply a basecoat with a roller or brush to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish is long-lasting and stain-resistant, so your mantel will hold up well to the heat from the fireplace and any other objects placed on it. Allow the primer to dry according to the manufacturer's recommendations before moving onto the main part of your fireplace wall.

The brick can be quite heavy in color and weight. Paint the mantel with in a neutral or light shade will make it appear more lively and more inviting for guests. If you choose to paint it a light color, consider pairing it with an earthy-toned artwork or a mirror that is large above it to balance the look.