What's Holding Back This Wall Fireplace Industry?

How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can give your living room an eye-catching focal point. There are numerous models to choose from and you must pick one that meets your requirements.

The heat output, controls and the appearance are just a few of the important features. If you aren't familiar with these features, it's best to hire a professional to help you pick the right model.

Molded Squares

A stale stone fireplace surround and bland walls made this living space in need of a major fireplace makeover. The new look is vibrant, attractive and makes the hearth the center of the room.  electric fireplace  whitewashed mantel for the fireplace and contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the exterior while the shelves that are gray below are a contrast. A few changes in color can also help the fireplace stand out from the wall, which enhances the appeal of this fireplace design.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces are combined to form a simple, yet effective, method to frame your fireplace surround. Choose a trim style that is in contrast with or matches the other trim elements, such as the thick casing around doors and windows, to make the look more cohesive. If you're looking for a more elegant, luxurious style, think about using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of an actual mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse style.

Creating an accent wall with wainscoting is an effective method to add character to any room. The same technique can also be used to frame a fireplace. Try a paneled product like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard in place of plank boards to create a dramatic effect.

Another non-combustible material that you can use to build a fireplace surround is brick, which comes in many different styles and colors. A classic red brick fireplace is perfect for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. A rustic-looking brick could be used to add a rustic touch to a traditional decor.

If you're planning to incorporate brick into your fireplace design be sure that your hearth is 16 to 18 inches away from the opening of the firebox, and the surround is 8-12 inches wide in all directions. Be sure that the material you select is safe and conforms to all national and local codes.

Open shelving is excellent for storing books and other things. However, too many shelves can obstruct the look of a fireplace. For this family room the homeowners created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to elevate the design of the new fireplace without overpowering the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams that have a rustic style make a great fireplace wall. They add a timeless look to any house. Reclaimed beams of wood are made from old barns, stalls, and other structures that were removed. Each beam has its own distinct history. Reclaimed wood can be used in conjunction with wide plank ceiling paneling for a fully rustic design or as accents to modern kitchens. They feature the usual barn wood markings, such as mortise and nail holes, as well as a natural aging process that improves their durability.

Look through salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets for wood pieces that you can make into a fireplace. The natural tone of pine used as a backdrop for this traditional living room's mantel and surround evokes an intimate country retreat. The knotty imperfections in the wood accent the hand-crafted appearance and compliment the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that surrounds the fireplace wall. A pair of nature-inspired sconces and a painting of a landscape over the mantel add to the rustic coziness of the room.

Repurposed wooden beams can provide an attractive feature to any room in your home. They can be left in their natural state or stained to match your existing decor or carved and distressed for an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a more modern appearance or covered with faux finishes such as rust or marbling paint.

Wooden beams can be used as a focal point for any kind of fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel without the need for a fire. They can be used to enhance the mantel without a burning fire.

No matter which method of installation you decide to use, make sure that your steel or wood beams are protected from the possible consequences of fire. Both materials can become brittle in extreme heat. However they can be strengthened with a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products can be found in most home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a striking effect as an accent for fireplaces. Its shape instantly brightens the space and is a perfect match for any decor, traditional or modern. The matte finish is ideal for a polished and clean appearance while adding a splash of contrast to make the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles can be customized with a variety of textures for an individualized appearance. Stone-look tile is a popular choice that gives the space an old-fashioned, rustic feel while pairing beautifully with natural materials like wood. Marble-look tile is another timeless option that adds an elegant and luxurious look to the room. These tiles feature a smooth and glossy finish that is a beautiful reflection of light 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 patterned tile gives the appearance of a hand-crafted space, balancing the modern organic style fireplace with the overall design of the room.

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

Another method of making a statement with your fireplace is to choose tile that resembles the appearance of brick or another familiar material. This textured tile, made by LA Designer Affair, has a similar look to brick, but has the added benefit of being much easier to clean and maintain.

If you're hesitant to make a major overhaul of your fireplace surround, consider applying a peel and stick tile to refresh the appearance without costing you a fortune. These tiles are heat-resistant and therefore suitable for fireplaces as well as able to stick to existing surfaces. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a fantastic option to add the look of a room. It also coordinates beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the ideal method to cover the brick surround of a wall-mounted fireplace. The mantel can be painted a different color to add warmth and personality. A new color of paint can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the overall color scheme of the room or pick something striking.

If your mantel is made 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 time recommended. Sand the surface with 100-grit paper to roughen it up before painting. Wipe down the sanded surface with a damp cloth in order to get rid of any dirt or debris.

White is a favorite color for fireplaces and walls. However the right shade can make your fireplace stand out. For inspiration, examine the trims of wood on your bookcases, mouldings, and walls. Does your mantel have the same color as theirs, or is it lighter or darker? If you decide to go with the latter option, pick the color that works well with the other hues in the room to ensure it looks balanced.

Protect the area around you by using a dropcloth or sheets before you begin painting. Clear off the mantel, removing any decorative pieces or displays that may be hung above it. If your fireplace is brick, get rid of any pictures or ornaments that are placed on or within the 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 with a roller or brush to your mantel. The semi-gloss paint is durable and stain resistant, so your mantel will withstand the heat of the fireplace as well as any other items placed on it. Allow the primer to dry in accordance with the guidelines of the manufacturer before moving onto the main part of your fireplace wall.

The brick can be quite heavy in both weight and color. Painting the mantel in a neutral or light shade can make it look brighter and more inviting to guests. If you opt for a light color for your mantel, you can pair it with a piece of art in earthy tones or a large wall mirror to balance out the look.