FAUX FIREPLACE
There was a time when a faux finish fireplace was considered gaudy. It
was meant for those who were too lazy or too ill-refined to construct
a regular wood-burning fireplace. But those days are no longer. Whether
you have a faux rock fireplace, a faux electric fireplace, or a faux fireplace
mantel, you would now be considered right in style.
Making the Right Choices
Building an effective faux fireplace is all about making the right choices.
For instance, to begin with, you have to figure out what element you want
the fireplace to be made of. This often depends on how formal your room
is, and the style of fireplace you would like to have. Some possible options
include faux bricks, wood molding, tiles, and plywood.
After you’ve decided on the actual style of your fireplace,
you have to determine how much effort you want to put into its construction.
For instance, if you’re short on time, you might opt for a flat
front tromp loeil style. Or, if you’ve got plenty of time and
are particularly handy, you might consider constructing a wooden firebox
and mantle.
The Faux Stone Fireplace Option
Let’s say you decide on the faux stone fireplace option.
First of all, you should mask off the area of the fireplace and paint
it a background color. Then, mask off the firebox area and paint it matte
black. After that, you can take a sponge and tear it into pieces to simulate
stone. Then, dip the sponge into paint, and “stamp” stones
onto your fireplace. In this way, you can create a natural masonry appearance.
If you have an informal, rural-looking space, consider adding some candles
for a warm glow.
Is a Faux Fireplace Right for You?
Still, you might be wondering whether a faux fireplace is truly
appropriate in your particular case. If you are fascinated with the spontaneity
of a crackling fire…you don’t mind cleaning up ashes…and
you’re enchanted with the smell of burning wood, you should probably
stick to the traditional kind of fireplace.
If, on the other hand, you really don’t want to have to deal with
the work involved in maintaining a conventional fireplace, a faux fireplace
may be just what you need. It can definitely add some spark to your surroundings,
from a décor standpoint.
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