A fireplace, designed in compliance with all basic rules and building codes, will provide its owners with warmth and decorate the interior of their home for many years. However, in order for the fireplace to be truly beautiful and fit well into the surrounding space, it is imperative to finish it.
The existing options for decorating private fireplaces are so diverse that you can choose a decor option that fits perfectly into the interior without any problems.
After finishing the fireplace masonry, the joints must be opened. In accordance with the technology, the solution is distributed between the masonry elements using a special shaped tool. The seams can be made depressed or convex at the owner’s choice.
The seams can also be filled with a solution containing pigments of the desired color. Finished design will look quite beautiful and original.
Begin processing by making horizontal seams. Clean the dried solution with a brush made of natural materials. It is better not to use tools with wire bristles for this processing - they are too rough.
Finally, coat the masonry with a special heat-resistant paint and varnish composition of your choice.
Painted brick fireplace
The easiest to implement and one of the most budget-friendly methods of finishing a fireplace, which is widely popular.
Plaster allows you to create a wide variety of decorative effects. For example, you can apply finishing plaster using a sponge or a special rubber spatula, which will create an attractive “wavy” effect. To enhance the result obtained, the solution can be slightly tinted with water-based or lime-based paint.
Allow the constructed brick fireplace to dry completely and begin plastering.
Add fiberglass, previously cut into small pieces, and salt to the plaster mixture. Such additives will help improve the quality of the coating.
Clean the surface of the fireplace and caulk the seams to a depth of about an inch. It's best to keep the fireplace a little warm, so you'll need to heat it up before you start plastering.
Lightly dampen the fireplace and begin applying the first coat of plaster using the "spray" method.
Venetian - fireplace decor
After the first layer of finishing has completely dried, begin applying the finishing plaster. To do this, use a trowel or brush. Level the applied coating using a trowel.
The thickness of the finishing layer of plaster should be no more than 0.5 cm. Level the coating in a circular motion. The surface can be lightly sprayed with water if necessary.
Decoration of the fireplace - modeling vine and decorative plaster
The material is attached traditionally to a pre-arranged frame. When attaching the vertical frame racks, make sure that in the future the joints of the sheets are as neat as possible.
The connection of slabs can be carried out exclusively on frame elements. It is prohibited to fasten sheets between profiles.
Apply marks to the mounting surfaces to secure the profiles. Make sure that the markings are made evenly and at the same level.
Secure the frame posts in accordance with the markings. Fix the profiles using screws.
Mount horizontal frame elements between vertical posts.
Proceed to covering the frame. Use self-tapping screws to attach drywall. Place fasteners every 150 mm.
Seal the joints using tape previously soaked in gypsum solution.
Ensure that the corners of the structure are secured using metal corners.
At the end, all you have to do is plaster the finished cladding. To do this, use the instructions above. You can also decorate drywall with other suitable material.
Do you want your fireplace to look truly elegant and chic? Then turn your attention to finishing with stone. Natural facing stone characterized by excellent performance characteristics and fits perfectly into any interior.
If you have access to specialized equipment, you can do the pre-processing and installation of marble or granite yourself. In the absence of the necessary equipment, give preference to shell rocks, limestone and rubble stone.
Artificial stone has no noticeable differences in appearance from natural stone. finishing material. It can also be safely used to decorate a fireplace.
You can make artificial stone with your own hands. To do this, mix cement, sifted sand and coloring pigments of the desired color and pour the resulting composition into silicone molds. Allow the solution in the molds to harden, remove the resulting products and use them to decorate the fireplace.
The cladding itself is carried out in the same way both in the case of natural stone and when using an artificial analogue. It is enough just to fix the elements on the surface of the fireplace using mastic or tile adhesive. You can first lay out the stones on the floor to see the future finish and choose the most suitable one. best option placing stones directly on the surface of the fireplace.
This cladding belongs to the category of the most popular options for finishing fireplaces. The following materials are best suited for finishing:
All mentioned materials are characterized by excellent wear resistance, resistance to elevated temperatures and mechanical damage.
When choosing a finishing material, be sure to pay attention to the size of the elements. Large tiles are much easier and faster to install, but they can be difficult to fit under shelves, ledges, and all sorts of niches. With small tiles such problems will not arise, but you will spend more time laying them.
It is also important to choose the right adhesive mixture for installing the tiles. Use only heat-resistant compounds made with elastic substances. Thanks to its elastic structure, the glue will not deform when the temperature rises.
Prepare the fireplace for tiling. To do this, clean and deepen the seams. If there is any old covering on the fireplace, remove it.
If desired, coatings such as paint and plaster can be left in place by stretching over it metal mesh with cell sizes up to 150x150 mm. Fasten the mesh using self-tapping screws or nails.
Level the base with glue. Allow the applied mixture to absorb well and dry.
Mark the surface to be finished and get to work. Start installing the tiles from the bottom row of the fireplace.
Sequence of work: using a notched trowel on reverse side Glue is applied to the tiles, the element is firmly applied to the base and gently tapped with a rubber hammer.
To ensure that the seams between the tiles are the same size, use special plastic crosses, installing 2 pieces at a time. on each horizontal and vertical side of the facing element.
Immediately after completing the finishing work, remove any remaining glue, as It is extremely difficult to scrape it off once it dries.
Leave the finish to dry for about a day and then sand the seams. For this treatment, use paste-like mineral grout. This product is based on cement. Fill the joints with grout and smooth them carefully using a damp sponge.
Leave the grout to dry for about a day. Finally, all you have to do is treat the filled seams with a special dirt-repellent agent.
A fireplace with such cladding has a very original, beautiful and unusual appearance. For finishing, you can use glossy and matte tiles, with a relief surface or some kind of pattern.
The main difference between a tile and an ordinary tile is the presence of a special box-shaped protrusion, known as a rumpa.
This element allows you to attach tiles to the surface of the structure. In addition, the pumps accumulate heat during the combustion process of the fireplace, which contributes to some improvement in the heat transfer of the unit.
Prepare finishing material. Carefully inspect the tiles. Even samples from the same batch may have slightly different shades. Arrange the tiles so that finished finishing looked as uniform and harmonious as possible.
Adjust the cladding parts to the same size. To do this, use a grinder.
Proceed to attaching the tiles. The elements are fixed using wire.
Fill the tile tumbler with a mixture of brick fragments and clay to 50% of the volume. Insert a piece of metal wire into the tiller. Traditionally, a rod with a diameter of 0.5 cm is used. In this case, the segment must be placed with some bend upward.
Tie a soft wire to the middle of the installed rod. Fill the pump to its full capacity with the previously mentioned mixture.
Lay the tile, press it tightly to the surface and hide the soft wire in the masonry joint.
To connect the tiles to each other, use U-clamps.
For finishing Natural wood is perfect for a fireplace. The breed can be any, because... Special modern impregnations make it possible to give wood the appearance of even the most valuable species, but it is better to use high-quality, durable and strong material.
Wood is used to decorate the fireplace portal. Shelves are also made from this material.
The wood must first be impregnated with a fire retardant to increase its fire-resistant properties. Finally, the structure can be painted and varnished.
Good luck!
A fireplace is not just a source of heat, but also important element room design. The shape and decoration of the portal largely determine general style premises, so the design of the hearth is given Special attention. You can make your fireplace look attractive different ways using a variety of natural and artificial finishing materials.
One of the most popular ways to decorate a fireplace is tiling. For finishing, a material with high thermal conductivity is used, for example, porcelain stoneware or clinker tiles.
Decorating the hearth with decorative tiles has the following advantages:
Important! To lay the tiles, you must use a special heat-resistant adhesive. It is better to cover the fireplace with smaller tiles - the likelihood of cracking of the finished coating will be significantly reduced
The sequence of decorating the hearth with ceramic tiles:
Technology for finishing a stove with tiles: video
Fireplace tiling: photo
Beautiful and neat brickwork may not be hidden under additional finishing. It is enough to make the color of the material more expressive and unstitch the seams:
To add brightness to the masonry, the surface of the fireplace can be treated with hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid solution.
The work of finishing a portal with brick requires highly qualified craftsmen. Not every experienced stove maker is ready to take on such cladding. The choice of design for a brick hearth is quite limited - it can be a rustic interior design or an antique style.
Decorative stone has become widespread in the design of exterior and interior walls. This material is also suitable for finishing stoves and fireplaces.
Options for finishing a fireplace with stone: photo
Compared to other facing materials, stone has some advantages:
The disadvantages of the stone include its heavy weight and higher cost.
The technology for laying natural and artificial stone is the same as tiling a fireplace. The only difference is the design of the stone joints.
The following natural materials are most often used to decorate the hearth:
Decorating a fireplace with artificial stone: photos of interiors
Plastering is an inexpensive and quick way to finish a stove or fireplace. This option for facing the hearth has the following advantages:
It is important to choose the right plaster with which the work will be done. Conventional material for finishing facades and walls is not suitable. The heat resistance of plaster is provided by the following components: clay, lime, asbestos, hemp and straw. The addition of fibers gives the working mixture reinforcing properties. Finishing with such plaster is considered the most competent.
You can make a plastered surface more decorative by painting. Suitable paints (organosilicon) are resistant to significant temperature changes - from strong stove heat to complete cooling of the fireplace.
Do-it-yourself finishing of fireplaces using the plastering method is carried out in the following sequence:
Advice. As a solution, you can use a mixture of sand and fatty clay in a 1:1 ratio. The solution should not spread, and after its application no cracks should form on the base. Clay plaster takes longer to dry - at least seven days
Decorating the fireplace: photo ideas for using plastering and painting
Tiles are clay or ceramic decorative tiles special box-shaped, intended for finishing fireplaces, stoves, walls and facades of buildings.
The use of tiles for facing the hearth has a number of advantages over other finishing materials:
Tile cladding also has some disadvantages:
The fireplace cladding kit includes the following elements:
In addition, additional decorative elements can be used: shelf, finishing molding, crown, etc.
Let's look at the step-by-step progress of the work on tiling the fireplace:
Important! Ideally, finishing with tiles should be without seams. The maximum permissible gap for horizontal seams is no more than 3 mm, for vertical seams - 1 mm
Advice. When decorating a fireplace that will be heated solid fuel It is advisable to add 10% shmatochny powder to the solution
Fireplace decoration: photo of using tiles
The fireplace lining can be made of fire-resistant plasterboard boards. The main advantage of this method is the ability to create a portal of an unusual configuration. The entire process of covering a fireplace can be divided into two stages: assembling a metal frame and covering it with sheets of plasterboard.
When lining a fireplace with gypsum plasterboard, you should adhere to the following rules:
The use of wood as a finishing material for a fireplace seems impossible to many. However, if a number of requirements are met, the portal can be given a noble and strict appearance by using wood for cladding.
Decorating a fireplace is a creative process that can be implemented in many ways. It is worth noting that some cladding options (plastering, tiling) are quite simple and can be done independently. Decorating a fireplace with tiles and wood is best left to professionals. Experienced craftsmen will be able to create truly artistic masterpiece without violating the finishing technology and fulfilling all safety requirements.
A fireplace in a house or country house is a place of attraction for the whole family. It’s clear that you want it to be beautiful, but practicality also doesn’t hurt - soot and soot, dirt or tar from firewood, all this often ends up on the walls of the portal. For this reason, the surface must be easy to clean. In addition, the finish of the fireplace must be heat-resistant - although the sides of the fireplace do not heat up to the same temperatures as the stove, this requirement should not be neglected. Not many materials meet these requirements. This is heat-resistant plaster, special types of ceramic tiles and stone - natural or decorative.
Plaster is one of the simple and practical options for decorating a brick fireplace. A few years ago, plastered surfaces were whitewashed or painted. Today it is possible to apply a decorative layer with different textures on top of ordinary plaster.
Finishing a fireplace with plaster is popular for the reason that any design can be developed. The second plus is that if everything is done correctly, you can achieve a smooth surface, the finish is beautiful and durable. For plastering fireplaces, the same compositions are used as for brick stoves. Although the heating temperatures of the surfaces differ, plaster mixtures they make the same ones. There are two options: make the plaster composition yourself or buy a ready-made one. If you don’t have experience working with clay and determining its fat content, it’s better to buy one. Store-bought plasters for fireplaces and stoves contain additives and additives that make the surface more durable and cracks are less likely to appear in it.
As a rule, each manufacturer has two formulations with different properties. The first is basic, for rough finishing. It can be applied in a fairly thick layer - up to 10 mm. After drying, the second layer is laid - the finishing layer. It contains more finely ground substances, is applied in a thin layer - usually up to 3 mm, and the surface is smooth. Such a surface can already be painted if it has been plastered smoothly) or decorative plaster can be applied.
If you want to finish the fireplace at a minimal cost, you can make plaster compositions from clay, sand and lime yourself. But, we repeat once again, without experience working with clay, it is possible to achieve homemade plaster It didn’t crack, it’s difficult. Compositions for plastering a fireplace for making them yourself are different, here are a few proven ones:
To make the fireplace plaster solution more durable, reinforcing fibers are added to it. Previously, it was finely chopped straw, later - asbestos fibers, and today glass or fiber fiber is mainly added. The fractional part of this additive is small - 0.1-0.2 parts. It is added to the dry components (cement and sand), and everything is mixed. The dry mixture is added to the clay and/or lime dough, mixed thoroughly again, and water is added if necessary.
It is better to take lime already slaked, in the form of lime paste. If you extinguish it at home, unreacted particles always remain, which are then extinguished during the operation of the fireplace, destroying the plastered surface. Regarding sand, its quantity is precisely selected depending on the fat content of the clay. The solution must be sufficiently plastic. The fat content of the solution is checked using a piece of wood. Dip it into the solution and remove it. If an even layer 2-3 mm thick remains on the surface, the solution is normal. If the layer is thick and lumpy, you need to add sand; if the stick is almost clean, add clay.
The clay is pre-soaked (2 days or until all the lumps are limp), then rubbed through a metal sieve with a mesh of 2 cm. The ground clay dough is once again pressed through the mesh, but with a fine mesh of 0.5-0.7 mm.
You need quarry sand, it must be clean and dry. It is also sifted before use.
For those who don't want to deal with homemade compositions Here are several companies that produce plaster for fireplaces and stoves. The following compositions performed normally:
The list includes how domestic producers, and European. It can't be said that Russian compositions worse, but working with imported ones is easier.
The technique of applying the solution itself is no different: a certain layer is applied (sprayed) with a spatula or a special ladle, then leveled (possibly using beacons). The main points are to prepare the fireplace surface for plastering:
Before you start plastering the fireplace, carefully read the instructions on the package. It usually describes under what conditions and how the plaster should be applied. But experts advise lighting the fireplace, heating the walls to 60°C, then moistening the surface and starting to plaster. The walls are heated so that the brick takes on its “working” dimensions. In this case, there is less chance that the plaster will tear when heated. Wetting with water is necessary to ensure that the solution is not too dry: brick is hygroscopic. If it is dry, it quickly draws water out of the plaster mortar and it becomes too dry and does not harden to its normal state. The result is cracks on the surface.
A few more points regarding drying. When plastering a fireplace, at least two layers are applied. The second can be applied only after the first has dried completely. To speed up drying, you can create a draft, but you cannot light the fireplace. The same applies to the second - finishing - layer.
For the technology of plastering stoves and fireplaces, see the following video.
The fireplace is finished with tiles or porcelain stoneware using a special heat-resistant adhesive. Not all tiles are suitable for such work. It should withstand heat well, be durable, dense (with small pores), plus, it should be easy to care for.
Decorating a fireplace with ordinary ceramic tiles is a lottery. If you're lucky, it will stand normally; if not, after a while the layer of glaze will be covered with a network of tiny cracks. The appearance will be “not very good” and it will be difficult to wash. If possible, it is better to use special materials:
Terracotta - tiles for finishing fireplaces and stoves
Majolica - colorful and beautiful
Finishing the fireplace with porcelain stoneware - you can design it in any style
Special tiles for facing fireplaces and stoves are made in small or medium formats, and the same porcelain tiles are available in large slabs. Seamless installation is certainly attractive, but there is no guarantee that such a finish will not fall off. The coefficient of thermal expansion is quite different, which is why incidents are possible.
All of the listed types of tiles, except tiles, are installed on fireplaces using the same technology. Finishing a fireplace with tiles begins with the preparatory stage, and it coincides exactly with the one described above: clean the surface, unstitch the seams, heat to 60°C, moisten and you can start finishing the fireplace with tiles.
If there are large irregularities, the fireplace must be plastered. Mortars - any containing clay and cement, but not containing lime. Preparation is standard, as is the plastering process. The difference is that the second leveling layer does not need to be applied.
The tiles should be laid on the walls of the fireplace after they have completely dried. The laying technology is standard, the difference is in the thickness of the seams. For a fireplace it is better to make them larger (to compensate different sizes thermal expansion), therefore, instead of crosses, pieces of plasterboard 9.5 mm thick are used.
The adhesive is applied to the wall or tile and leveled with a notched trowel. The tile is pressed against the surface, rocking it from side to side to set it in the desired position. Set the distance between the fragments using plasterboard spacers. Remove from 3-4 hours after installation.
The tiles on the fireplace are left to dry. The exact time depends on the glue used and the weather, and is usually indicated on the glue packaging. The last stage is filling the seams. The grout used for the joints is also special; it is better to buy it together with glue from the same company, so that there are no compatibility problems. The process is also standard - the composition is diluted with water according to the instructions, the seams are filled with a rubber spatula or from a construction syringe. The freshly applied solution is leveled, forming a beautiful seam. Excess is wiped off with a soft cloth.
Here are some tips from the experts:
The main thing during this work is to ensure that no air cavities form under the finishing. Air has a high coefficient of expansion and, when heated, it will eventually tear the tiles away from the wall.
No matter how much you read about how to do it, it’s much more useful to look - you can grasp more details.
Finishing a fireplace with stone is technologically not much different from laying tiles. The difference is in working with the material itself, but there are almost no technical features. The only thing is that when using natural flagstone, be sure to cover the fireplace with mesh. Without it it will fall off.
Finishing the fireplace with stone is one of the options
This type of decorative stone is inexpensive and lightweight; it can be used to decorate fireplaces, especially without overloading the ceilings. There are only some nuances without which good result you won't achieve it.
The technology for producing gypsum stone is such that each element has some irregularities, sagging, and protrusions. We grind them off with a knife, fortunately the plaster is cut without problems. We grind each cladding element so that at the back, around the perimeter, a frame is formed with an angle of 45° (or so).
Moreover, often the corner elements of the gypsum decorative stone are several millimeters higher than the ordinary ones from the same collection. In order for the cladding to look monolithic, this difference also has to be removed - grinded down. When all the cladding elements are adjusted, they can be glued into place. Heat-resistant glue is used for cladding fireplaces, although with the correct design it almost does not heat up.
Most often, fireplaces are faced with natural stone, sawn into plates. It is also called flagstone or stone tiles. The shape of all the fragments is different, you have to adjust it to make everything look beautiful. In this case, it is definitely better to first lay out the entire picture on some plane, select and process the elements. Only after the mosaic is complete can it be glued. The entire technology for installing a fireplace on the walls is described above and is practically no different. The whole process can be seen in the video.
All the methods described above can be combined to create a finish in different styles. Sometimes it turns out very beautiful. We post some already implemented ideas below.
There are two options to achieve this effect - paint the existing brick fireplace or veneer it with clinker tiles
This is polished porcelain stoneware
This is unpolished porcelain tile, small format. As you can see, it fits well into round shapes. Horizontal surfaces and columns are also porcelain tiles of a similar texture, but in the form of slabs
Smooth clinker tiles - strictly and functional
Tile inserts - beauty
Almost every resident country house dreams of a cozy and beautiful house. To create a harmonious interior, you cannot do without a fireplace. This element can be purely decorative, or it can be quite capable and heat the room in cool weather. It should be part of the overall space, complement it and reveal it, and for this a beautiful cladding is often necessary.
Fireplaces can be installed in various rooms, they can be functional or purely decorative, which determines the types of these devices. The main fireplaces in village houses are wood-burning, which are designed with a large chimney, and heating occurs using wood.
The firebox of such a device can be made of materials such as refractory bricks and ceramic blocks. They can look like a completely finished cast iron structure, or they can be made using heat-resistant steel. Portals are the outer part of the hearth, with the help of which the appearance and decor of the product is created. To decorate such a fireplace, you can use marble, granite, brick or other materials.
Another type of fireplace is gas installations, which differ from wood-burning fireboxes. In this case, the chimney is important, but its operation is carried out thanks to the gas line. This option works quietly and heats the room very quickly. This device is more fireproof than a wood-burning one.
Electric fireplaces are the most modern and they use only electricity to operate. Although it is not a real fireplace, the flame inside, which is very similar to a real one, is not fire and does not produce heat. These can be floor-standing devices or suspended ones, which are mounted into walls without having large dimensions.
One more interesting view fireplace is an eco-fireplace. To maintain operating condition, the device requires components that do not emit carbon dioxide. This option cannot heat a large room on its own, but in tandem with other heating devices it can help quickly make the room temperature comfortable.
There are structures that are open on three sides at once. The use of three-sided fireplaces will serve not only to heat the air in the room, but also to perform a decorative function.
There are fireplaces that are manufactured ready-made and can be used immediately. The cast iron apparatus can be installed independently, which will require all the knowledge specified in the instructions. Such a fireplace cannot be installed everywhere, because it is very heavy and the house must have a good solid foundation. This unit can be used as heating device instead of large ovens in a private house.
Cladding a fireplace is one of the most important activities in order to make not just a heating device, but also add color to the room, decorate it in accordance with a certain style or idea. Finishing can be done using a variety of materials, the main thing is to decide on the options that are suitable for a particular case.
The best way to determine the facing material is the type of fireplace design and some of its features, among which are:
The fireplace can be either active and permanent, or artificial, made of plasterboard.
A false fireplace can be decorated using the following materials:
photos
The most popular design solution would be to surround the fireplace using wood. This material will help create a cozy, warm and soft atmosphere in the room. In order to use wood in fireplace decor, it is necessary to initially treat it with fire retardant impregnations.
Drywall is perfectly framed using MDF, which will decorate the device and allow it to function for a long time and fully. The use of tiles and marble will also fit well into the interior of the room. And the use of tiles, which are very similar to tiles, will add elegance to the design, lightness and color.
For those cases where the fireplace is real and built of brick, plaster is used as finishing. It's simple but reliable option, which will give a sophisticated look to even the simplest fireplace. The use gives special beauty decorative plaster, which is applied immediately after the base material layer.
To restore old fireplace with help of this material, you need to remove the old coating completely and prepare the device for repair work. The next step is to open the seams, which go deeper by more than a centimeter. This type of work helps the new layer hold on better and stronger. If there are any cracks on the fireplace, they need to be sealed, for which now you can use a sealant that is resistant to heat of 800 degrees. Only after this, using a long-hair brush, all surfaces are cleaned and the main work begins.
For smooth walls fireplace, you can immediately apply plaster to the surface, and in the case of a strong drop, reinforcement is used using a metal mesh. By securing it in the seams with plaster, which should be laid on top of the mesh, you can level the walls. Before carrying out work, it is important to read the instructions on the plaster packaging, because many manufacturers recommend heating the fireplace walls to sixty degrees, and then using the facing material.
If this finishing option is not to your liking, you can cover the fireplace with tiles. Not every option is suitable for lining a heating device. The list of its characteristics should include resistance to high temperatures, a high degree of strength and ease of maintenance. One of the options for such a material is terracotta ceramic tiles - its surface has an unglazed appearance, it is similar to brick in terms of the coefficient of thermal expansion and has a terracotta color.
Majolica is almost the same as terracotta, but front side there is a layer of glaze. Such tiles have a certain pattern, so it is important to calculate it so that you do not have to cut the tile, disturbing it. You can use only part of such material, combining it with others.
The most popular is clinker tiles, as they have good heat resistance. The use of fireclay gives it high strength with a small thickness. Fireclay tiles can have a variety of colors and shades - from white to brown.
You can also cover the fireplace with porcelain tiles, which are very similar to clinker tiles and have similar components, but they also add quartz sand, granite or marble chips, various dyes, metal salts and other substances. The result is a material with a low-porosity structure that tolerates high and low temperatures well. The resulting tiles are similar to marble, but are not. They will not exert much pressure on the structure, because tiles of small thickness are used for the work.
To give a special appearance, the fireplace is covered with tiles. This material is almost identical to the previous two options, but differs only in its shape and how it is mounted on the surface. Such elements are installed while laying the fireplace or stove, installing a special wire for this. Tiles with tiles are made small. It has the characteristics of thermal expansion, so the material must be used carefully and in accordance with all the rules.
Another material used to decorate fireplaces is stone. When covering with natural stone and marble, you must definitely use a mesh to which the covering will be attached, otherwise everything will start to fall off. It is more convenient to use artificial gypsum stone, which looks good in appearance, but is much lighter in weight. Gypsum stones can have different heights, so before installing them on the fireplace, you need to align all the elements so that they have the same dimensions. To attach these elements to the surface, heat-resistant glue is needed.
In order to make a fireplace under a natural stone, you can use special plates coated underneath it. The shape of each stone is different, and it takes time to grind them down. Such materials are usually used to form a pattern or a whole mosaic, which is initially worked on the floor and then transferred to the fireplace using suitable glue. Decorating fireplaces with mosaics is very impressive when the hearth itself has a rounded shape.
The size of the tiles can be very different, it all depends on the preferences of the owners.
One of the most popular is finishing the fireplace with wood. This is relevant in country houses and withered away, but in any other room, by choosing the appropriate wood species, texture and color, you can create a very nice option room design. With the help of decorative elements you can not only make the fireplace beautiful, but also create a unique art object.
You can line the fireplace with soapstone. This material is a natural stone created by nature itself. Its color is gray and its texture is smooth. If you use a variety of impurities, you can achieve yellow, green and even red shades. Soapstone itself has a matte sheen.
Sandstone finishing allows you to get beautiful product with exceptional thermal conductivity characteristics. In this case, you don’t have to worry about cracking from exposure to heat and water. Using the fireplace even daily, its appearance will remain impeccable. The ability to easily and quickly wash the surface will also be appreciated.
By covering a fireplace with slate, you can increase its service life several times due to the stone’s resistance to high temperatures. Whatever material is chosen, the main thing is that everything is maintained according to quality standards and installed based on technology. The overall design of the room and the fireplace should be a single whole, create an ensemble and emphasize each other’s strengths.
If we're talking about about the classics, then everything should be good and natural; imitation of anything is unacceptable for this style. Use of marble, granite, tiles, Venetian plaster, natural wood- all this will help you achieve what you want. If there is a desire to make a hall or living room in Rococo, Baroque, Empire styles, then the entire environment should resemble a palace, where furniture, wallpaper, flooring and textiles are subordinated to a single stylistic decision. Stucco and large decorations are used as decorative elements in the room.
If we are talking about a room in the minimalist style, then choose small fireplaces. In this case, the author’s design with a light coating is welcome. If you need to make a room in modern style, then using a biofireplace will be the optimal solution. You can place decorative stones in the firebox, replacing firewood with them.
The ultra-modern high-tech style suggests something technological, which is why wall-mounted and electric fireplaces are used. On a special display there will be an imitation of a flame, which is no different from a real fire, but is completely safe. You can use room heating or turn on the fireplace solely for decorative purposes.
Country style involves the use of both natural and artificial stone, brick or aged wood. The firebox is lined with fireclay bricks. In case of imitation of the device, it is necessary to supplement it with real firewood to create the illusion of a real fireplace in the room.
In a modern style, it would be optimal to use suspended structures made of metal with a glass door in which an artificial flame is visible. When organizing an area near the fireplace, it is important not to use a large number of details that can direct all attention to themselves, while making the fireplace area invisible.
To ensure that the center of the room is highlighted correctly, you can use a variety of vases and figurines or even photo frames that will match and complement the style of the fireplace. Watches, especially antique ones, handmade crafts, items from some collection or cute souvenirs will look beautiful.
If the room is made in a classical style, then the objects are arranged in pairs and placed symmetrically. You need to carefully fit the mirror into the space near the fireplace. In some cases it will be appropriate, but in some cases it will ruin the whole idea. For the fireplace to be the basis of the room, it is important to position it correctly.
If the device is modern and can be placed on any wall, there should be no problems with choosing a place. When the fireplace was built as a permanent structure, it was necessary to equip the room based on this feature. It is important to remove all unnecessary items. There shouldn't be a TV or working area, but you need to put a sofa or armchair and spend quiet and cozy evenings in this unique atmosphere.
It is important to build or purchase a large fireplace so that it can be seen from every corner of the room. The area around it should be central, which means you shouldn’t use small structures, they simply won’t be noticeable. If the room is small, then it is very convenient to install a heating device in the corner.
Cladding a fireplace with your own hands is quite simple if you know all the subtleties and nuances of this work. The technology comes down to the fact that it is necessary to select the material with which the selected type of coating will be attached. Most often, clay is chosen for these purposes. If it is not bought, but mined by hand, then it needs to be checked for suitability for this process. For this test you need a clean container of water and clay.
After placing it in water, you need to stir the contents with an iron shovel. If the clay sticks to it, it is not suitable for cladding because it is too greasy. It is important that the material for work is elastic, withstands high temperatures and holds the cladding material well. To make oily clay suitable for work, just add a little sand to it.
Step-by-step instructions for facing a fireplace will consist of several stages.
Changes in a surprising way home furnishings, if the languid power of fireplace fire appears in it. Everyone bows under this power of calm and eternity, sitting comfortably in a chair, covering themselves with a blanket and enjoying tea that burns their lips.
A fireplace today can be located in almost any house or apartment, because numerous finishing options fit organically into different interiors.
The fireplace consists of a portal and a hearth. A hearth is a place for burning or simulating it. The portal also performs a decorative function and is richly decorated with various materials. Each detail requires a certain finishing.
According to many, a three-sided fireplace best displays the beauty of fire and looks great in a home or apartment. It is a fireplace with a combustion area closed on three sides by a glass-ceramic window.
In most cases for exterior finishing A three-sided fireplace uses a false wall. Less common to see similar model located in the center of the room. Fireplace shapes are different. It can be a cube, pyramid, cylinder and other original options.
For those whose dreams constantly lead to thoughts about a fireplace, but the possibility of placing it in the apartment does not exist, false fireplaces were invented. They do not have a hearth or fire, so they are the safest.
Why do you need a false fireplace? All for the same comfort. For example, such a design can cover the unaesthetic appearance of radiators, place a heater for additional warmth, use it as a stylish shelf, place candles, or complement a cozy interior.
Drywall is most often used for the base of the fireplace; it is decorated with wood, artificial stone, decorative brick or ceramic tiles.
In most apartments, installing a fireplace with a real fire is problematic and, as it turns out in practice, unrealistic. Indeed, it is much safer and easier to save the soft light of a real fire for a country house. For an apartment, the optimal solution would be an artificial fireplace.
The same materials are used for its finishing as for a false fireplace, because it does not pose a threat or any danger when operating from an outlet. Drywall, brick, tiles - these are the finishing options for artificial models.
Marble is one of the most noble finishing materials various types fireplace. This is probably why it is especially popular today.
It is worth saying that marble can be used to build the entire structure of the fireplace, or you can complement the finished fireplace in the form of cladding. For the first case, rubble stone is used, for the second - plates. The thickness of the facing plate is no more than 1 cm.
Advantages of marble finishing:
Marble can be artificial or natural. As experts note, this is the case when a substitute is superior to a natural competitor. So, artificial marble It is light and flexible, it can be easily fixed on any surface, be it brick or drywall. The large weight of natural material requires professionalism and fundamentality of the fireplace base.
Much has been said about the beauty of marble. Indeed, thin veins of contrasting colors cannot be confused with any other stone. The color palette here is multifaceted. Pink and black, gray and white, black and yellow tones will appeal to the most picky aesthetes.
The wood finish fireplace looks very warm and cozy. However, this material has its advantages and disadvantages, which are important to familiarize yourself with to obtain the best result.
So, wood in decoration is used only for false fireplaces, as well as with artificial flames, because it is no secret that wood is a highly flammable material. In addition, wood should be used in residential buildings and apartments with constant heating. A country wooden house with a chic wood fireplace is a dream that cannot come true. The wood accumulates moisture, and later cracks appear on it.
And even if wooden fireplace is in your permanent place of residence, it is important to take care of it, and not just wipe it from dust with a damp cloth. Certain wood treatment products and periodic surface renewal are the key to a beautiful fireplace for many years. Unfortunately, without proper care, wood quickly darkens and loses its luster and presentable appearance.
Wood weighs a little, so finishing the fireplace can be done with your own hands. In addition, you can decorate the model with stucco molding, give various shades natural material. The cost of cladding varies and varies depending on the type of wood.
Decorating a fireplace with natural stone is not cheap, so often, in order to save money, buyers choose artificial material. Porcelain stoneware is rightfully considered the best of them. The material has high strength and long-lasting color, because the colors mineral pigments, are added directly to the cooking mixture. Using porcelain stoneware, you can create the effect of natural marble, granite, serpentine and other valuable types of stones.
Can be used for real and artificial fireplace various materials, so, one of the most durable is brick. Surprisingly, this familiar material can easily compete with natural stone in terms of aesthetic characteristics. Ceramic bricks are used for finishing.
Bricks of various colors, glossy and matte, can be laid directly during the laying of the fireplace itself, or after construction. Brick is not sensitive to temperatures, and also does not tend to crack, which is especially important for country houses.
A fireplace with tile trim is an interesting, but quite rare solution. It’s all about the special preparation of the surface for cladding, because small mosaics can replicate any unevenness.
Features of mosaic finishing:
When deciding to choose mosaic as a finish, it is important to ask the supplier about its composition, because some options are created exclusively for artificial and false fireplaces.
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Himalayan salt is a unique natural material native to the Himalayas that has a pink tint. Today this material is actively used in apartments, for example, as salt lamps, wall decoration or fireplaces. What did he do to deserve such popularity?
Benefits of Himalayan salt:
The effect of Himalayan salt is great, it is not for nothing that salt caves and visiting them with the whole family are gaining increasing popularity. According to the owners of this unique material, colds and illnesses are common at home, which means you can think about buying it. In an aesthetic sense, crystals have a stylish shine, which is perfectly emphasized by flames, as well as additional lighting placed by the fireplace.
Truly luxurious fireplaces are obtained by finishing with tiles. And this is not surprising, because in the Middle Ages temples and palaces were richly decorated with this material. The composition of the tiles is simple, most often representing terracotta clay. The tiles are suitable for any type of fireplace, however, for real models, cast iron fireboxes are required.
Another advantage of this material is its versatility. Thus, glazed tiles are filled with a glossy shine and resemble glass, while unglazed tiles are similar to pottery.
Tiles delight in classic, modern and vintage styles. Rich painting makes each tile unique, and the fireplace acquires unique look, becoming the main accent in the interior of the house.
Another beautiful natural stone used to decorate a fireplace is onyx. It is impossible not to recognize it, because smooth transitions, stripes and spots, and besides, transparency belong only to it - a stone worthy of admiration. It is the transparency of onyx that has become a fashionable trend in fireplace decoration. The use of lighting of various colors helps to fully reveal the beauty of the material; however, even without it, onyx looks incomparable.
Continuing the theme of the advantages of onyx, one cannot fail to note its durability and strength. This choice will certainly please its owner for a long period of time. And onyx is limited natural resource, which means that covering a fireplace with it will not only be a stylish addition to the interior, but also a useful investment of money.
Granite is one of the most durable materials for finishing a fireplace. His color palette will conquer picky critics, because it starts from white, goes into red and purple, and ends completely in black.
Granite is a confirmation of the status of the owner of such a fireplace. Due to labor-intensive extraction, its prices are high, so the choice often falls on artificial stones. Nevertheless, granite remains a popular material for finishing real and artificial fireplaces.
Finishing with foam concrete blocks is ideal for false fireplaces, as well as artificial models. Real fire is contraindicated for foam blocks.
This material will delight you with the simplicity of the work, because it is cut to shape using an ordinary hacksaw. Putty is applied as a decoration, so when applied with a sponge, a unique rough surface appears. Acrylic paint is also used to achieve a presentable look.
Fiber cement panels are a cement-fiber material used in finishing houses, fireplaces, stoves and steam rooms.
Advantages:
The designers were even able to integrate metal organically into the decoration of the fireplaces. First of all, this material perfectly withstands proximity to hot surfaces, which cannot but please the owners of a real fireplace.
Types of metal for cladding:
Metal plates can be positioned asymmetrically with respect to the floor, and can also be transformed into intricate shapes.
The tiles are plates of baked clay. Any tile is suitable for finishing an artificial and false fireplace; for a real one, it is important to take into account some conditions. So, the tile should be dense and have small pores, because large ones will quickly darken from fire and lose their presentable appearance.
Suitable species tiles for real fireplaces:
A natural material called “slate” is relevant for finishing real and artificial fireplaces. Its appearance is comparable in beauty to marble, because the composition of this stone is unique. Quartz and mica included in the material fill it with an amazing radiance, which is revealed by the play of flames.
Sawed stone and “wild” stone are equally relevant. In the first case, the owner of the fireplace receives a glossy, smooth surface, in the second - a convex and very embossed surface.
Slate combines well with other materials. For example, marble in combination with slate is ideal for classic models; the “modern” style will decorate a fireplace with slate and sandstone trim.
Liquid wallpaper is often called “silk plaster”, because its composition can indeed include silk, cotton, and cellulose. What distinguishes the material from plaster is the absence of sand in its composition.
Artificial fireplaces often decorated with liquid wallpaper, because their design and decoration can be thought out to the smallest detail and updated at any time, in addition, all the finishing can be done independently. And also with the help liquid wallpaper You can create almost any surface that imitates natural stone.
If you want to create a truly unique fireplace decoration, pay attention to the decoration with bas-relief. The voluminous surface with a pattern is the exclusive work of the designers, because all finishing is done by hand, which means that no two fireplaces are exactly alike.
The bas-relief can be made with plaster. This is what beginners prefer, because making a bas-relief by a master is an expensive job.
To add brightness to the bas-relief, paints and a play of halftones are used. However, according to experts, with the right lighting, the appearance of the bas-relief without painting looks no less luxurious.
Decorative decoration of a fireplace with glass is a rare, but very attractive solution. For real fireplaces, only special burnt thermo-material can be used. It is not afraid of even direct fire, so it is often used as an element for closing the firebox.
