Above a brick fireplace, you can hang a variety of items to dress up the look and feel of the room. Mirrors are a great option to reflect light and add a touch of sophistication. You can also hang artwork that celebrates your favorite memories, or adds some texture or color to the room.
If you prefer a more rustic feeling, consider hanging a wooden plaque or something similar. Wall sconces are a great way to add light and character to your brick fireplace area. If you have the space, you can even hang a large tapestry that matches the wall color.
You could also try hanging a wreath or garland to decorate the area and give it a festive feeling. Whatever you choose to hang, make sure it complements the brick and brings the room together.
What should I put on the wall above my fireplace?
The wall above your fireplace is a great opportunity to make a design statement in your living room or family room. Depending on your taste, you could hang a large statement piece of artwork, a series of smaller prints or photographs, a collection of mirrors, a large clock, or a shelf of decorative objects.
If you’d like to create a focal point, think about creating a gallery wall. Choose artwork, prints, mirrors, and other items in a variety of shapes, sizes, and textures. To streamline the look, use frames that share the same color or finish, and mount them at various heights and angles.
If you like modern décor, consider adding a large clock in an unexpected shape or a wall sculpture for 3D texture and interest. If you prefer a more vintage aesthetic, use shelving and frames to create an asymmetrical display of personal mementos and family photographs.
Consider adding mantel decorations such as candles, vases, and pottery to further your styling. The possibilities are endless!.
What is the thing above a fireplace called?
The thing above a fireplace is typically referred to as a “mantel”. A mantel is usually a shelf made from wood, brick, stone, or metal placed above a fireplace. In some cases, a mantel can include a set of shelves for decorative items or objects such as candles, clocks, photos, plants, or artwork.
In addition to providing an aesthetically pleasing addition to a fireplace, a mantel serves as a protective barrier between the heat of the fire, and anything placed above it. Mantels come in a range of styles, sizes, and materials, and can be custom-made to match any space or decor.
How can I make my brick fireplace look better?
Improving the look of a brick fireplace can be as simple or as involved as you like, depending on your budget and preferences.
For a budget-friendly, basic update, start by scrubbing the bricks with a stiff wire brush, making sure to remove any soot or dirt. Sand the fireplace mantel and trim pieces to remove any existing finish.
If necessary, use painter’s caulk to fill in any gaps or cracks and use wood filler to fill in any larger gaps or holes. Once the brick has been cleaned and prepped, you can paint the brick with a high-quality, high-heat paint to completely change the look of the fireplace.
If you have a bit more money to invest in the project, consider adding another layer of natural stone or tile to the front and sides of the fireplace. Choose tiles or stone that complement your home’s color scheme and matches the existing brick as closely as possible.
Additionally, a few coats of stain or varnish can give the mantel and trim pieces a new look and help them better stand out against the background.
Finally, don’t forget about the details. New fireplace tools, a cozy throw rug, and a set of andirons can add texture and color to the overall design of the fireplace. Mixing and matching accessories is a great way to bring all the elements of the fireplace together.
How do you make old brick look modern?
If you’re looking for a way to make old brick look more modern, there are several strategies you can use. First, you can use brick stain or brick paint to update the color of the brick without needing to replace it.
There are various colors and hues you can choose from. Neutral colors like grey or beige are often a popular choice for giving brick a more modern feel.
You can also give the brick a textured or patterned look to give it a unique, modern feel using a variety of techniques such as scoring or etching, tuck pointing, or even staining or painting the joints between bricks.
This can create a cohesive, contemporary look.
Adding newer architectural elements such as steel balconies, modern windows, and light fixtures can also help to update the look and feel of your old brick walls. Make sure to pay attention to other details, such as landscaping and furnishings, to keep the modern look consistent.
Are brick fireplaces coming back in style?
Yes, brick fireplaces are definitely coming back in style! Modern designs now pair clean lines, pops of color, and cool textures with timeless brick fireplaces to create an eclectic yet comfortable living space.
This style gives off a warm, cozy feel that is perfect for relaxing fireside. Brick fireplaces also offer a great texture to a room, and the variations available in brick add a lot of visual interest.
Popular brick fireplace design ideas are layering different types of brick, layering brick with stone or tile, and providing interesting shapes around the fireplace. Plus, brick has become a lot more affordable, allowing it to be used in many different types of home décor.
Can you put faux stone over brick?
Yes, it is possible to put faux stone over brick. This is a popular home design technique that is used to create a stunning and unique aesthetic in many homes. It involves putting a thin layer of faux stone over the brick wall or surface to give it a realistic look.
Faux stone both looks and feels very much like real stone, but it is made of a lightweight and durable material like foam or fiberglass. The material is then cut into pieces and applied over the brick to create a customized stone veneer.
This is an easy and affordable project that can instantly transform an existing wall or surface. However, it is important to ensure that the faux stone is securely attached to the wall using the correct materials and that the wall is prepped and primed for adhesion prior to installation.
How can I decorate my fireplace without a mantel?
Decorating your fireplace without a mantel can be very simple and creative! There are a variety of ways to make your fireplace creative without the need for a mantel, such as:
1. Shelving: You could create custom shelving along the length of the fireplace, giving you room to display items such as books, photos, or other small decor pieces.
2. Paint or wallpaper: A great way to make your fireplace stand out is to add a splash of color. You can paint the walls around the fireplace or even wallpaper to give the space a unique touch.
3. Accessories: Accessories are the key to bringing life to a fireplace, regardless of a mantel or not. You can hang stockings, art, or put plants or logs in the fireplace for a cozy atmosphere.
4. Pops of Color: Small objects like candles, vases, and even flowers can add a pop of color and brighten up the space.
5. Mirrors: Create a pleasant illusion of reflection and make the room feel bigger with a mirror above the fireplace.
To sum up, with the above suggestions, you can easily create a cozy, inviting atmosphere without the need for a mantel. This can be achieved by painting the walls, adding accessories, and displaying mirrors or other pieces of art.
With a few simple touches, you can spruce up your fireplace and create a personalized and attractive space.
Do I have to have a mantle?
No, you don’t have to have a mantle. A mantle is a decorative feature that is often seen over a fireplace, but it is not a requirement for a functional fireplace. Whether or not you choose to have a mantle, a fireplace can still provide heat and visual interest to a room without one.
Ultimately, the decision to have a mantle or not is up to you. If you do decide to have a mantle, consider what material and style might work best with the overall design of the room.
Is it OK to hang a mirror over a fireplace?
Hanging a mirror over a fireplace generally is not recommended due to the heat of the fireplace passing through. Depending on the location, the environment, and the materials used in creation of the mirror, this could pose a safety risk.
Additionally, the reflections of the flames and lights could glare back at a viewer which would not be pleasant.
When it comes to decorating a living room with a fireplace, it is best to incorporate a mirror in a different location, preferably away from direct heat sources. Utilizing wall sconces on either side of the fireplace or wallhangings on the mantle can be great design options.
Alternatively, you can look for a specially designed mirror that is heat resistant if you are set on having a mirror above the fireplace.
How big should a picture be above a fireplace?
When it comes to art above a fireplace, there is no one-size-fits-all rule. The size of the artwork should depend on the proportions of the room and the size of the fireplace. Here are some general guidelines to help determine the ideal size.
First, measure the width and height of the fireplace to get a sense of the proportions. The artwork should be large enough to be seen from across the room, but not too large so that it overwhelms the fireplace.
Generally, a large landscape painting or a grouping of paintings wider than the fireplace will be ideal. If the painting is a focal point, it should be the same width as the fireplace even if it is not a single painting.
In addition to size, the artwork should also be in proportion to the room. In a narrow room, a vertical painting or several narrow landscapes will look more appropriate above the fireplace. Alternatively, in a wide room, a larger horizontal painting such as a seascape would be more fitting.
When possible, it is also important to consider the colors of the artwork and how they will coordinate with the colors of the room. If the room is neutral or already has plenty of colors, then muted colors in the artwork will create balance.
On the other hand, if the walls and furniture are quite neutral, then some brighter colors in the artwork will add warmth.
Ultimately, the art should fill the space above the fireplace and also make it look inviting and interesting. With the right colors and scale, the artwork will be the perfect size to draw attention and enhance the beauty of the fireplace.
