Balancing the sides of a fireplace can be a tricky process, but the basic steps are relatively straightforward. First, take a look at the fireplace, noting any areas where the firebox seems closed off or exposed.
If there are any areas that need to be filled in, use fireproof cement or mortar to even out these areas.
Next, secure a sturdy mantle or shelf above the fireplace. This will help balance the sides and give the fireplace a more finished look. If the shelf is too wide, use a molding or trim to frame the brickwork on either end.
Once the frame is in place, begin looking for any potential hazards. Make sure that the firebox chamber is sealed off by screening off any openings and that the chimney is clear of debris and well ventilated.
Check for gas leaks, too.
Once everything is properly sealed and safe, add a finishing touch by adding a protective door. This will help prevent sparks from flying too far from the fire and ensure that the fire stays contained and in control.
Finally, arrange some accents like plants, knick-knacks, and candles around your mantel or shelf. This will not only create a beautiful focal point within the space, but also give it a sense of visual balance.
Do built ins around fireplace need to be symmetrical?
No, built-ins around a fireplace do not need to be symmetrical. While traditional built-ins tend to be symmetrical, the asymmetric look is becoming increasingly popular. When designing a built-in around a fireplace, the focus should be on creating a look that complements the existing décor, rather than whether the built-ins are symmetrical or not.
When it comes to built-ins around a fireplace, the key is to create a balance that looks visually pleasing, rather than solely focusing on symmetry. This can be done with both symmetrical and asymmetrical designs; for example, you could use the fireplace as the main focal point and create an asymmetrical built-in around it, or use two symmetrical built-ins on either side.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and how the built-ins will work with the existing room décor.
How do I make my fireplace look cozy?
Making your fireplace look cozy is a great way to create a warm and cozy feel in your home. There are several things you can do to make your fireplace look cozy and inviting.
First, you can add a hearth rug to the front of your fireplace. A hearth rug will help protect the flooring and add a pop of color that will make your fireplace look more cozy.
Second, display items around the fireplace that reflect the season and your style. Consider adding a few throws or decorative pillows for a comfy look, and you could also hang a wall hanging above the mantel.
Third, add a few candles and lanterns to give the area a cozy glow. Candles can also add a pleasant aroma that will make your fireplace inviting. String some fairy lights around the mantel for a magical feel.
Finally, add a few comfortable chairs or a sofa to your fireplace area so you can curl up and relax with your family.
By taking the time to add these few touches to your fireplace, you will have an inviting and cozy area that will become a favorite spot in your home.
What can I put on my nook next to the fireplace?
You can put a number of things on your nook next to the fireplace. If you’re looking for something to be aesthetically pleasing, then candles or decorative objects such as statues, vases, or artwork would look great.
If you’re looking to make the nook more functional, then you could store firewood, logs, and kindling in a nice basket or box. You could also add a few pillows and blankets to make the spot more inviting for guests.
Whatever you choose, make sure it fits the style of your living room and creates a comfortable atmosphere.
What is a fireplace nook?
A fireplace nook is typically a cozy corner of a living space station by a fireplace. Fireplace nooks are primarily used as seating areas where you can relax, read, or entertain guests. Fireplace nooks are often built around the fire and constructed with materials such as natural stone, brick or tile.
The space is usually divided into two sections—a seating area built around the fire and a storage space for firewood, tools and other necessary items. Fireplace nooks offer a warm, inviting atmosphere for entertaining family and friends or simply unwinding after a long day.
Other elements, such as a hearth rug, decorative accessories and sconces, can be used to create a complete look.
How do you style an empty fireplace?
Creating an attractive look for an empty fireplace is both a functional and decorative challenge. Here are some tips to help you give your fireplace an interesting, inviting design:
1. Get creative: Pick a few of your favorite decorations that you can display along the mantle and in the hearth to bring out the best in your fireplace and to draw more attention to the area. Consider using antique pieces, quirky items, and different shapes and textures to add interest.
2. Install lighting: Install directly-mounted lighting, such as wall sconces or recessed lights, to give your fireplace a cozy, comfortable feel during the night hours.
3. Fill it up: Try placing artwork on the mantel and shelves to give a visual spark to the fireplace. You can also use accent pillows and a throw blanket to give it a warm and inviting touch.
4. Add color: Choose a bold color for the interior of the fireplace. Whether you opt for a paint or a tile material, make sure the color is able to bring out the best in the space.
5. Prioritize the hearth: Place all items of interest, such as candles on the hearth and mantel area. This will instantly make the fireplace the centerpiece of the room.
By following these tips, you can create a stylish, eye-catching look within your empty fireplace. With some creative design, it can easily become the main focal point of your living space.
What should I sit in front of my fireplace?
When you are looking for something to sit in front of your fireplace, there are many comfortable, stylish options to fit your needs. You can look for a classic armchair or chaise lounge upholstered in luxurious fabrics.
A wingback style chair or ottoman adds a touch of sophistication to any room. Other seating options include loveseats, swivel chairs, and rockers, each of which provide cozy spot to curl up in comfort.
If you need additional seating, a sectional sofa is the perfect option. You can also find specialized fire chairs, stools, and benches, perfect for gathering around the fire. When selecting your seating, consider items that are durable, easy to maintain and suitable for the environment.
Wool, leather, and microfiber fabrics stand up best to the heat from the fire, so keep this in mind when making your selection. For an added touch of luxury, you can also add heat resistant rugs and colorful pillows.
Where should I put my bookshelves?
When you consider where to put your bookshelves, there are several factors to keep in mind. Depending on the space you have available, and how much storage you need, you can determine the best location for your bookshelves.
The first factor is your available space. If you have a large room with plenty of wall space, then bookshelves can be placed against any of the walls, although frequently bookshelves are placed against the longest wall.
This will provide the most display and storage of your books and other items.
You can also consider a corner location if you have a smaller room. This will take up less wall space and be more efficient in its use of your room space. If you have an alcove, this can also be a good spot to place bookshelves.
However, you may also need to consider the placement of furniture in the room. Be sure you have enough room to move around the room easily and comfortably, and be sure to measure the space to make sure your bookshelves will fit in the spot you have chosen.
You may want to line the shelves along the perimeter of the room so that the shelves don’t obstruct the movement of people in the room.
Additionally, you can vary the height of your bookshelves to create visual interest and to keep from obstructing window and doorways. This will also help make the room look larger, allowing for a more efficient use of space.
Finally, consider using bookshelves sparingly and only in appropriate spots around the room. Too many bookshelves in a small room can make the room feel cramped, so be sure to take space into consideration.
By considering these factors, you can easily find the best spot to put your bookshelves and make the most efficient use of your room space.
Should books be at the front or back of a bookshelf?
The answer to this question will largely depend on personal preference. Some people prefer to place their books at the front of the shelf and work backward. This way, they have easy access to books they are currently reading or plan to read in the near future.
Others prefer to put their books at the back of the shelf, with the more decorative items at the front. Some bookshelves even have a section specifically for decorative items, providing an opportunity to show off personal trinkets, mementos, and photos.
Additionally, there are decorative shelving units available that enable you to group books with other items, such as souvenirs and ornaments. Ultimately, the placement of books on a bookshelf is a matter of personal preference.
Can I put bookcases in hallway?
Yes, you can put bookcases in a hallway if you have enough space to accommodate them. However, there are some considerations you should make before doing so. First, if you plan to place a bookcase along a main route in the hallway, make sure it doesn’t encroach on floorspace too much and will not be a tripping hazard.
You should also ensure that the bookcase is secure and fastened properly, so it won’t topple over. Additionally, you should consider adding a lightweight piece of furniture nearby, like a bench or small table, to give guests a spot to set down items or pause and rest before continuing down the hall.
Finally, ensure that the bookcase is high enough that anybody can reach the books on the highest shelf. Taking these tips into account will help you create a safe and aesthetically pleasing hallway featuring bookcases.
Can I put a bookcase in front of a window?
Yes, you can put a bookcase in front of a window, provided that you take into consideration a few factors to ensure the space looks good and functions correctly. Firstly, you’ll want to consider the size of your bookcase in relation to the size of the window so that the bookcase doesn’t completely obstruct the window or appear too small compared to the window.
Secondly, you’ll want to ensure the bookcase isn’t in direct sunlight as this could damage the furniture and the books. If you don’t want the bookcase to obstruct too much of the natural light coming in, you could consider a tall and/or skinny bookcase or one that has shelves that can be set at different heights.
If you want to make sure it doesn’t completely obscure the view, you could also make sure the bookcase has some spacing between the shelves to stop the bottom shelves from covering the window. Finally, bear in mind the styling options you have with your bookcase.
Depending on the window style, you could try to select a bookcase that matches the window frames or create a contrast with different colors and materials.
Can furniture cover a window?
Yes, furniture can be used to cover a window depending on what type of furniture you’re using. In some cases, curtains, blinds and even shelves can be used to cover the window. Furniture items such as sofas and armchairs can also be used to block out light and create privacy.
In order to use furniture to cover a window, it is important to ensure that the furniture you are using won’t move easily and will stay in place, as any movement may open up gaps that could let in light.
Additionally, it is important to ensure that the furniture doesn’t impede the opening and closing of the window, if needed. Although furniture can be a creative way of covering a window, it is important to remember that it may not provide the same level of light blocking and noise reduction as curtains or blinds.
Can you put a shelf under a window?
Yes, you can put a shelf under a window. This can be a great way to add extra storage to your space, especially if the window is in an area of the room that would otherwise go unused. Depending on the size of your window and your shelving needs, you can either choose to mount the shelf directly to the wall or you can use brackets to hang the shelf below the window.
When you’re measuring for the shelf, make sure to leave enough space so that the shelf won’t interfere with the window sliders or casement. If you’re not sure of the measurements, be sure to get a few sizes and return the ones that don’t fit.
Installing the shelf will depend on the type of shelf you choose and the wall material, so it’s best to follow the specific instructions that come with your product, as well as any applicable safety protocols.
Should bookshelves be evenly spaced?
Yes, bookshelves should generally be evenly spaced. This will ensure that your space looks balanced and organized, as well as helping to prevent your bookshelves from looking cluttered and overwhelming.
Even spacing will also create a consistent pattern and symmetry throughout the room, which can make the space appear larger and more cohesive. If you have particularly tall or wide shelves, you may want to consider staggering them, but even in that case keeping an even gap between each one will help maintain the overall balance of the space.
Additionally, if your bookshelves are too close together, it can make the space appear cramped and difficult to navigate. Overall, even spacing of your bookshelves is the best aesthetic choice for any room.
How do you fix an uneven bookcase?
If your bookcase looks uneven, it likely means it needs to be adjusted or tightened. Here’s what to do:
1. Check to see if any of the pieces have come loose or are broken, like nails or screws. If you find any broken pieces, repair or replace them.
2. Use a level to check if the bookcase is level by measuring it in multiple places to get an even measurement.
3. Once you know where it needs adjusting, take a screwdriver or wrench and tighten all screws that are loose.
4. After strengthening the existing screws, tap the shelves with a rubber mallet to make sure they are all even.
5. Secure the top shelf with a board screwed into two of the back supports if it is still wobbling.
6. Put all the items back on the shelves, and check the level again to make sure the shelves are all even.
7. Enjoy your perfectly even bookcase!
Why do designers put books on bookshelves backwards?
Designers often choose to put books on bookshelves backwards for a few reasons. First, it allows the spines of the books to create a colorful presentation on the shelf. By flipping the books horizontally, you can create an eye-catching visual display that stands out to viewers.
It also allows for the titles and authors of the books to be seen more easily.
Additionally, it can be practical for a designer to showcase different books with their spines on display. This is often done in places like libraries and art galleries, where many different books are available and need to be sorted by type.
It also helps draw viewers’ attention to the books and make them easier to spot. Lastly, it can also save space on bookshelves, since more books can be stacked together in horizontal rows.
Are built in bookcases outdated?
No, built in bookcases are not outdated. They are still a popular choice for home owners and interior designers. Built in bookcases are a great way to store books and other items, as well as display home decor objects.
They can be customized with different finishes and materials to create a unique look that suits your home’s style. Additionally, unlike other storage solutions, built in bookcases can be modified to fit any size space and budget.
They are an attractive and practical storage solution that will look great in any room.
How tall should my bookcases be?
The answer to this question is largely dependent on the purpose and desired use of the bookcases. For instance, if the bookcases are to be used in a library or classroom context, then appropriate height would likely be around 6 feet in order to allow adults to comfortably reach the top shelves.
If the bookcases are meant to be used in a home, then a height of around 5 feet might be most appropriate, in order to allow children and shorter adults to be able to reach the top shelves. Consideration should also be given to the size of the books and other media which will be stored in the bookcase, as this may inform the optimal height for the bookcase.
Additionally, different types of bookcases may have varying heights as well, depending on the design. As such, it is important to take into account the particular bookcase you are considering, as this may necessitate specific height requirements to be accurate and maximize the benefit of utilizing the bookcase.
What is the standard height between bookshelves?
The standard height between bookshelves is 8 feet. The height of the shelves should be relative to the size and average height of the person who will be accessing the shelves. For children, the standard ranges from 20-48 inches and for adults, the standard height is 3-4 feet.
To ensure ease of access, the top shelf should be at least 3 feet off the floor, with the remaining shelves in increments of 6-12 inches. It is also recommended that the middle shelf should be adjustable to accommodate a variety of shelf heights.
Additionally, when positioning the shelves, take into account the effect of shadows, shadows caused by nearby objects, and furniture as well as the reflections of light in order to reduce glare.
