How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can make your living space an eye-catching focal area. There are numerous models on the market however, it is important to find one that meets your needs.

The heat output, controls, and the appearance are just a few of the important features. If you're not familiar with these features, it's best to seek out an expert to assist you in choosing the best model.

Molded Squares

The living room required a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its outdated stone surround and bland walls. The new look is bright, eye-catching and makes this hearth the main focal point of the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel as well as contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the exterior while the shelves that are gray below provide a stark contrast. A few minor changes in color will also make the fireplace stand apart from the wall, which enhances the charm of this fireplace design.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces combine to create a simple yet effective, way to frame the fireplace surround. Choose a trim style that contrasts with or complements your other trim elements such as the thick casing around windows and doors, to tie the look together. If you're looking to create an elegant, premium style, think about using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of a real estate fireplaces mantel. For a more rustic farmhouse look, you can use dentil trim instead.

Creating an accent wall with wainscoting is an effective way to add character to any room. The same method can be used to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards, you can try using a paneled material such as beadboard or tongue-andgroove cedar siding to create a dramatic look.

Another non-combustible material that you can build the fireplace surround is brick, which comes in many different styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace with red is a classic option for cottage-style or Craft-Revival-style homes. A rustic-look brick can also be used to add a rustic touch to a traditional decor.

When you incorporate brick in a fireplace design, you'll need to ensure that your hearth extends 16-18 inches from the opening for the fireplace and that the surround extends 8-12 inches in all directions. Make sure your chosen material conforms to all national and local building codes to ensure security.

Open shelving is a great way of storing books and other things. However, too many shelves can overwhelm the look of a fireplace. The homeowners of this family room created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding in order to improve the look of the room without overwhelming the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams that have a rustic style are ideal for a fireplace wall. They bring timeless elegance to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood are reclaimed from old barns, stalls and other buildings that were removed. Each beam has its own distinct story. Reclaimed wood can be used in conjunction with wide plank ceiling panels for a completely rustic look or as a decorative element to modern kitchens. They have the typical barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes as well as a natural aging process that improves their durability.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage as well as flea markets for reclaimed wooden elements to repurpose as a mantel or accent wall. For example the earthy color of pine that accentuates this traditional living room mantel and surround evokes an idyllic rural setting. The knotty imperfections in the wood accent the hand-crafted appearance and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that borders the fireplace wall. A pair of nature-inspired sconces and a landscape-themed painting over the mantel add to the rustic coziness of the space.

Repurposed wooden beams can provide an attractive accent to any room in your home. They can be stained to match your existing decor or carved to give an antique look. They can also be painted to give a more contemporary appearance, or they can be covered with faux finishes like rust or marbled paint.

The wooden beams are able to serve as the focal element of any fireplace. They can be set above a freestanding gas or electric or ventless fireplace or they can be incorporated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can be used to accent the mantel with no fire burning.

Whatever method you decide to use to mount your beams, be sure they are adequately protected from the effects of fire. Both types of material are susceptible to becoming brittle and weakening in the presence of extreme heat, however both can be reinforced with a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant that is sprayed on I-beams made of steel. These products can be found in a wide variety of home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a dramatic effect as surrounds for fireplaces. Its design instantly brightens the space and is a perfect match for any style, whether traditional or modern fireplaces. The choice of an elegant matte finish for the tiles is the best way to keep that sleek and polished look while adding some contrast to make the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles can be customized by a variety of textures to create a more personalized look. Stone-look tiles are a favorite that gives the space a rustic, classic feel. They also look great with natural materials like wood. Marble-look tile is a classic option that gives an elegant and luxurious look to the room. These tiles have an elegant and glossy surface that reflects light beautifully and brightens the space.

The proper tile pattern can improve the entire look of the 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 patterned tile adds the appearance of a hand-crafted space, and balances the modern organic style fireplace with the overall style of the room.

If you're not sure about taking a risk on a patterns in your home, a fireplace can be the perfect place to test out a bold pattern that could be a bit intimidating in other areas of your home. This geometric tile (here's a similar option) with its black grout lines give the room a sophisticated but playful energy. The hexagonal shapes resemble cubes, creating a lively layout. The dark brown color provides this space with an inviting and warm aesthetic that complements the industrial decor.

Another option to make an impact with your fireplace is to select tiles that look like the appearance of brick or a similar material. The textured tile, which is made by LA Designer Affair, has the same look as traditional brick but with the benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.

Consider using a peel-and stick tile to modernize your fireplace surround without costing you a dime. These options are heat-resistant, making them suitable for fireplaces and able be bonded to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and real estate fireplaces stick tile is an excellent option that will add a sense of elegance to any living space, and will look great with traditional furnishings.

Paint the Mantel

When a wall fireplace has an existing brick surround, the most effective way to downplay its appearance is with fresh coats of paint. The mantel can be painted a different colour to add warmth and character. Whether you choose to match it with the decor's color scheme or opt for something striking or bold, a new color makes your fireplace stand out as a stunning feature.

If your mantel is made of wood be sure to check it for cracks, gouges, and nicks. Fill in the dents with wood putty if they are small enough. Allow it to dry for the time recommended. Sand the surface with 100-grit paper to roughen it prior to painting. Clean the surface using a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or debris.

While white is a popular color for fireplaces and walls, the right shade can really make your fireplace stand out. For inspiration, examine the wood trim on your bookcases, moldings and walls. Does your mantel match in shade as theirs or is it lighter or darker? If you opt for the latter option, select one that blends well with the other shades in the room to keep it looking balanced.

Cover the area around you by using sheets or a dropcloth prior to when you begin painting. Clear off the mantel and remove any decorations or showpieces that are hanging over it. Remove any ornaments or photos that are around or on your brick fireplace. Once the mantel has been cleaned, you can use a damp cloth and wipe it clean to get rid of any dust or soot.

Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with the use of a roller or brush. The semi-gloss finish lasts and stain-resistant, so your mantel will stand up well to the heat from the fireplace as well as any other objects placed on it. Let the primer dry, in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer, before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.

While the brick is a beautiful feature of a fireplace's wall, it can be heavy and dark in shade. Paint the mantel in a light color or neutral to make it appear lighter and more inviting. If you decide to choose a light hue, think about pairing it with a earthy-toned piece of artwork or a mirror that is large above it to balance the appearance.