How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace A wall fireplace can give your living space an attractive focal point that requires attention. There are a variety of models on the market but it is important to find one that meets your needs. Some of the most important features are the heat output as well as the appearance and controls. If you're not familiar with these features, it's best to seek out an expert to help you select the best model. Molded Squares A stale stone fireplace surround and bland walls created a living space that was in need of a drastic fireplace overhaul. With electric wall mounted fireplaces to the design, the new look is bright and attractive, making this hearth a central feature in the room. A whitewashed fireplace and contemporary artwork above modernize the fireplace facade and contrast with the shelves in gray below. The fireplace facade is enhanced by a few changes in color. Base cap molding and thin trim pieces join to create a simple, yet effective, way to frame your fireplace surround. To bring the design together, choose a trim style to contrast with or complement the other trim elements, such as thick casing around windows and doors. If you're looking for an elegant, luxurious style, think about using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of a real mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse-style. Creating an accent wall with wainscoting is an effective way to add character any room. The same technique can be employed to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled option like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard in place of plank boards to create a dramatic appearance. Brick is a different non-combustible option for the fireplace surround. It comes in different styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace with red is a classic option for cottage-style or Craft Revival style homes. Rustic-look brick is also an option that can fit in with more traditional country style. If you're planning to incorporate brick into the design of your fireplace ensure that your hearth measures 16 to 18 inches away from the opening of the fireplace and the surround is 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you choose is safe and complies with all local and national codes. Open shelving is a great option to store books and other items However, too many shelves could overwhelm the look of a fireplace. For this family room, the homeowners created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the appearance of the fireplace without overwhelming the open shelving. Rustic Wood Beam Rustic reclaimed wood beams make the ideal frame for a fireplace on the wall. They add a timeless beauty to any home. Reclaimed wood beams originate from old stables, barns and other buildings that were demolished. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used combination with wide plank ceiling panels for a completely rustic look or as an accent to modern kitchens. They have the typical barn wood markings, such as mortise and nail holes and a natural aging process which increases their durability. Search architectural salvage yards and flea markets for reclaimed wooden elements to repurpose into a mantel. For instance, the earthy shade of pine that accents this traditional living room mantel and surround creates a cozy rural retreat. The knotty imperfections of the wood emphasize the hand-crafted appearance and compliment the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that is a part of the fireplace's wall. A pair of nature-inspired sconces and a painting of a landscape above the mantel add to the rustic ambiance of this space. Repurposed wooden beams can make an eye-catching statement to any room in your home. They can be stained to match your existing design or carved to create an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a more modern look, or covered with faux finishes like marbling paint or rust. The wooden beams can serve as the focal element of any fireplace. They can be placed above a freestanding gas, ventless or electric fireplace, or incorporated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can be used to accent the mantel with no fire burning. No matter which method of installation you decide to use be sure that your steel or wood beams are properly protected from the possible effects of fire. Both types of material can become brittle and weaken in the presence of extreme heat, but both can be reinforced with a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant that is sprayed on I-beams made of steel. These products are available at a variety of home improvement stores. White Hexagon Tile Hexagon tile can make an impact when used as a fireplace surround. Its shape instantly enhances the space while complementing any decor style, from traditional to modern. The matte finish is perfect for a sleek and polished look while adding contrast to make the fireplace stand out. Hex tiles also work well with various textures for a more personalized look. Stone-look tile is a popular option that gives the room a classic, rustic feel while pairing beautifully with natural materials such as wood. Another classic option is marble-look tile that provides an elegant and luxurious appearance to the space. These tiles have a glossy and smooth finish that is a beautiful reflection of light and brightens the space. 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 adds the appearance of a hand-crafted space, while balancing the contemporary natural style fireplace with the overall style of the room. If you're not sure about taking a risk on a pattern in your home, a fireplace is the perfect place to test out a bold pattern that could be intimidating in other areas of your home. This geometric tile (here's another option) with its black grout lines gives the room a sophisticated but lively energy. The hexagonal shapes are shaped like cubes to create a stimulating layout. The deep brown color provides this space with an inviting and warm aesthetic that goes well with the industrial decor. Another way to make an impact with your fireplace is to use tile that resembles the appearance of brick or another familiar material. This texture tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance as brick however, it is much easier to maintain and clean. If you're hesitant to take on a complete remodel of your fireplace's surround, think about applying a peel-and-stick tile to update the look without costing you a fortune. These options are heat-resistant and therefore suitable for fireplaces as well as able to be bonded to existing surfaces. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a fantastic option to add style to any room. It also looks great with traditional furniture. Paint the Mantel A fresh coat of paint is the best way to hide the brick surround of an unwall-mounted fireplace. The mantel can be painted with a different hue to add warmth and personality. A new color of paint can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the scheme of color in the room or pick something striking. If the mantel is made of wood, inspect it first for gouges, cracks and scratches. Fill in the dents using wood putty, if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the amount of time recommended. Before painting you can sand the surface 100-grit sandpaper to roughen it up. To remove any debris or dirt, wipe down the surfaces you have sanded with a damp cloth. While white is a popular option for walls and fireplaces The right shade can make your mantel stand out. Check out the other trims, moldings, and bookcases in your home to get inspiration. 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 ensure it looks balanced. Before you start painting, protect the surrounding area with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove the mantel, taking out any showpieces or decorations that are hanging over it. If your fireplace is made of brick, take away any ornaments or pictures that are on or around it. Once the mantel is cleaned, use a damp cloth and wipe it clean to get rid of any soot or dust. Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel using a brush or roller. The semi-gloss paint is long-lasting and stain resistant, so your mantel will be able to stand up to the heat of the fireplace, as well as other items 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 color and weight. Paint the mantel in the light or neutral color to make it appear more vibrant and more inviting. If you choose to paint it the lighter hue, think about pairing it with a earthy-toned piece of art or a mirror that is large above it to balance the look.
electric wall mounted fireplaces
