How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can give your living room a focal point that demands attention. There are a variety of models on the market but it is crucial to choose one that will meet your requirements.

The heat output, the controls, and the appearance are among the most important features. If you aren't familiar with these aspects, it is best to seek out an expert to help you pick the right model.

Molded Squares

A dull stone fireplace and dull walls left this living space in need of a drastic fireplace overhaul. The new style is vibrant, attractive and makes the hearth the main focal point of the room. A whitewashed mantel and modern artwork above modernize the fireplace facade while contrasting with the shelves in gray below. The fireplace's facade is accentuated by a few color variations.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces are combined to create a simple, yet effective, way to frame the tile fireplace surround. Choose a trim style that contrasts with or complements your other trim elements like the thick casing around doors and windows to make the look more cohesive. If you're looking for a more elegant, high-end look, use fluted trim to create the illusion of a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic farmhouse look.

Accent walls with wainscoting are a common method of adding personality to rooms. The same method can be employed to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards however, try using a paneled material such as tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard to create a dramatic look.

Another non-combustible material you can create a fireplace surround is brick, which is available in many different styles and colors. A classic red brick fireplace is perfect for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. A rustic-looking brick can be used to add a rustic touch to a traditional decor.

If you are incorporating brick into a fireplace design, you'll want to be sure your hearth is 16 to 18 inches from the firebox opening and that your surround is 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Make sure your chosen material complies with all construction codes for safety.

Open shelving is an ideal way to store books and other objects. However, too many shelves can overwhelm the look of a fireplace. The owners of this living room have created the wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the look without overwhelming the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic appearance are perfect for a fireplace wall. They add a timeless look to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood are made from barns, stalls, and other buildings that have been demolished. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used in combination with wide plank ceiling panels to create a rustic look or as an accent to modern kitchens. They have the typical markings of barn wood, like nail holes and mortise pockets and natural patina that increases their durability.

Find salvage yards for architectural elements and flea market for wood pieces that you can transform into a mantel. For example the earthy hue of pine that accentuates the traditional mantel and surround is reminiscent of the feeling of a rustic, cozy retreat. The knotty imperfections of the wood create a rustic appearance and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that is on the wall of the fireplace. A pair of sconces inspired by nature and a landscape-themed painting above the mantel add to the rustic ambiance of the room.

Repurposed wood beams will give a unique appearance to any room. They can be stained to match your existing decor or carved for an antique look. They can be painted to give them a modern look, or covered with faux finishes such as rust or marbling paint.

Wooden beams can be used as a focal point for any type of fireplace. They can be positioned over a freestanding fireplace gas, electric or ventless fireplace or be integrated into a brick or stone fireplaces fireplace. They can be used to illuminate the mantel without a burning fire.

No matter which method of installation you decide to use ensure that your steel or wood beams are adequately protected from the effects of fire. Both materials are susceptible to becoming hard and brittle when heated to extreme temperatures. However, they can be strengthened by a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products are available in a wide variety of stores for home improvement.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a dramatic effect as an accent for fireplaces. Its design instantly brightens the room and complements any decor, contemporary or traditional. The matte finish is ideal for a polished and clean appearance, while also adding a pop of contrast to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can be customized with a variety of textures for an individual look. Stone-look tiles are a favorite that give the room a rustic, classic feel. They also go well with natural materials such as wood fireplace. Marble-look tiles are another timeless option that adds an elegant and luxurious aesthetic to the space. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles sparkles beautifully, reflecting sunlight and brightening the room.

The appropriate tile pattern can improve the design of a 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 pattern on the tile gives the whole space the look of a hand-crafted piece that balances the contemporary organic style of the fireplace with the overall modern design of the room.

If you're not sure about taking a risk with patterns in your home, a fireplace can be an ideal place to test out a bold pattern that might be intimidating in other areas of your home. This geometric tile (here's a similar option) with its black grout lines give this room a sophisticated and fun energy. The hexagonal shapes are shaped like cubes, creating a lively layout. The deep brown hue creates an inviting and warm aesthetic that goes well with the industrial decor.

Another way to make a statement with your fireplace is to choose tile that resembles the appearance of brick or a similar material. This textured tile, from LA Designer Affair, has a similar look to brick, but with the benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.

Consider using a peel-and-stick tile to modernize your fireplace's surround without breaking the bank. A majority of these options are resistant to heat and therefore suitable for use in the fireplace and able to be affixed to the existing wall. This herringbone peel and stick tile is an excellent option that will bring a sense of elegance to any living space while also blending beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace on the wall has a brick surround, the most effective method to minimize its appearance is to give it fresh coats of paint. Paint the mantel in a different color can also add warmth and personality to the room. A new color of paint can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the scheme of color in the room or choose something striking.

If your mantel is made of wood fireplace, inspect it first for gouges, cracks and scratches. If the dents aren't enough to be able to handle then fill them with wood putty, and let it set for the appropriate amount of time. Sand the surface with 100-grit paper to roughen it before painting. Wipe the surface that has been sanded with a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or dust.

While white is a popular choice for fireplaces and walls but the right color can really make your fireplace stand out. Check out the other wood trim, moldings and bookcases around your home for ideas. Do they have the same shade as your mantel, or is it a darker or lighter shade? If you choose the latter option, pick the color that works well with the other hues in the room to keep it looking balanced.

Cover the area around you with a dropcloth or sheets before you begin painting. Remove any ornaments or display pieces that were hung over the mantel. If your fireplace is brick, remove any ornaments or pictures that are on or within the fireplace. Once the mantel has been cleaned, take a damp cloth and wipe it down to remove any soot or dust.

Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with either a roller or brush. The semi-gloss paint is durable and stain-resistant, so your mantel will be able to withstand the heat of the fireplace, as well as other items that are placed on it. Allow the primer to dry according to the manufacturer's recommendations before moving on to the main body of your fireplace Wall Fires.

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