A fireplace in the wall can be your living room a focal point that demands attention. There are a variety of models on the market, however, so it is essential to choose one that is suitable for your needs.
Some of the most important features include the heat output as well as the appearance and controls. If you aren't familiar with these elements, it's best to seek out a professional to help you select the best model.
Molded Squares
A worn-out stone fireplace and dull walls created a living space that was in need of a drastic fireplace overhaul. With a few tweaks to the design the new look is bright and attractive making this hearth a centerpiece in the room. A whitewashed mantel for the fireplace and contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the appearance of the façade, while the gray shelves below provide a stark contrast. A few changes in color will also make the fireplace stand out from the wall, which enhances the beauty of this fireplace design.
Base cap moldings and trim pieces are paired to create a simple yet efficient way to frame the fireplace with a tile surround. To bring the design together select a trim design to contrast or match the other trim elements, like thick casings around windows and doors. If you're looking for a more elegant, luxurious look, you can consider using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of a real mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse-style.
Wainscoting accent walls is a popular method to add personality to the interior of a room. The same method can be used to frame the fireplace. Consider a paneled material like tongue-and groove cedar siding or beadboard instead of plank boards to create a dramatic look.
Brick is a different non-combustible option for the fireplace surround. It is available in various styles and colors. A traditional red brick fireplace is a classic option for cottage-style or Craft Revival style homes. A rustic-look brick can also be used to enhance a traditional country style.
If you are incorporating brick into your fireplace design, it is important to ensure that your hearth extends 16-18 inches from the opening for the fireplace and that your surround reaches 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you choose is safe and complies with all national and local codes.
Open shelving is a great way to store books and other things, but too many can take over the appearance of the fireplace. In this family room, the homeowners designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding that enhances the look of the new fireplace, without obscuring the open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic appearance are ideal for a fireplace wall. They bring a timeless appeal to any house. Reclaimed wood beams are sourced from barns, stables and other demolished buildings. Each beam has its own unique history. Reclaimed wood can be used as an accent in modern kitchens, or with wide planks of paneling to create an authentic appearance. They have the typical marks of barn wood, including mortise and nail holes, plus natural patina that increases their durability.Search architectural salvage yards and flea market for wood pieces that you can repurpose into a mantel. The rustic tone of pine used as a backdrop for the traditional living room surround and mantel evokes an intimate country retreat. The knotty imperfections of the wood give it a rustic feel, and they complement the simple lines in the beaded-board wainscoting on the wall of the fireplace. The rustic warmth of the room is enhanced by a pair of nature-inspired wall sconces and a landscape image above the mantel.
Repurposed wood beams can be an attractive feature to any room in your home. They can be left in their natural state or stained to complement your current decor, or they can be carved and distressed for an antique appearance. They can also be painted for an updated look or covered with faux finishes, such as rust or marbled paint.
The wooden beams can serve as the central element of any fireplace. They can be positioned above a freestanding gas or ventless or electric fireplace or be integrated into a stone or brick fireplace. They can be used to illuminate the mantel without a burning fire.
No matter which method of installation you choose be sure that your wood or steel beams are adequately protected from the effects of fire. Both materials can become fragile in extreme heat. However they can be strengthened with a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products are available in a wide variety of home improvement stores.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tile can create an impressive statement when used as a fireplace surround. Its design instantly brightens the room and complements any decor, traditional or modern. Selecting matte finishes for the tiles is a great way to keep that neat and polished look, while adding some contrast that makes the fireplace sparkle.
Hex tiles can also be used with different textures for a more customized appearance. Stone-look tiles are a very popular option that gives the space a rustic, classic feel. They also pair beautifully with natural materials like wood. Marble-look tiles are another timeless option that provides an elegant and luxurious appearance to the room. These tiles feature a smooth and glossy finish that reflect light beautifully and enhances the space.
The right tile pattern can elevate the design 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 a handcrafted appeal that balances the contemporary organic style of the fireplace with the overall contemporary design of the room.
If you're not sure about putting your faith in a design in your home, a fireplace is the perfect place to test out a bold style that might be intimidating in other parts of the house. The geometric tile with its black grout gives the room an elegant yet playful feel. The hexagonal shapes are shaped like cubes, creating a lively layout. The deep brown hue provides this space with a warm, inviting aesthetic that is perfect for industrial style.
Tiles that look like brick or other common materials is another way to create an impact on your fireplace. This pattern-based tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look to traditional brick, but is much easier to clean and maintain.
Consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to modernize your fireplace's surround without breaking the bank. These tiles are heat-resistant and therefore suitable for fireplaces and able adhere to existing surfaces. This peel and stick herringbone tile is an excellent option to add style to any room. It also coordinates beautifully with traditional furniture.
Paint the Mantel
A fresh coat of paint is the most effective method to cover the brick surround on a wall-mounted fireplace. Painting the mantel a different color also adds warmth and personality to the space. A new color of paint could make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the overall color scheme of the room or pick something striking.
If your mantel is made of wood take a look at it to find gouges, cracks, and scratches. Fill in the dents with wood putty if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the amount of time recommended. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it up before painting. Clean the surface with a damp cloth to take off any remaining dirt or dust.
White Fireplace is a favorite color for fireplaces and walls. But, the right shade will make your mantel really stand out. Take a look at the wood trim, moldings and bookcases around your home for inspiration. Does your mantel match in color as theirs, or is it lighter or darker? If you opt for the latter, choose one that blends well with the other shades in the room to keep it looking balanced.
Before you begin painting, cover the area around you with a drop cloth or sheets. Clear off the mantel and remove any decorative pieces or displays that may be hung above it. If your fireplace is brick, remove any pictures or ornaments that are located on or within the fireplace. When the mantel is clean and clean, wipe it with a an damp cloth to wash off any dust or soot that has accumulated.
Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel using the use of a roller or brush. The semi-gloss paint is durable and stain-resistant, which means your mantel will be able to withstand the heat of your fireplace, and any other items that are placed on it. Let the primer completely dry, as per the manufacturer’s instructions, before you begin painting the main wall of the fireplace.
The brick can be heavy in both weight and color. Painting the mantel an even or light color can make it appear brighter and more welcoming to guests. If you choose an unassuming color for your mantel, pair it with a work of art with earthy tones or a large wall mirror to balance out the look.
