How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can give your living space an attractive focal point that requires attention. There are many different designs available but it is crucial to choose one that will meet your requirements.

The heat output, the controls and the appearance are some of the most important features. If you're unfamiliar with these features, it's recommended to hire an expert to assist you in choosing the right model.

Molded Squares

The living room required an overhaul to the fireplace due to its old-fashioned stone surround and dull walls. With a few design tweaks the new look is vibrant and striking, making this hearth a central feature in the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel and contemporary art above the fireplace modernize the appearance of the façade and the shelves in gray below provide a stark contrast. The fireplace's facade is accentuated by a few color changes.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces are combined to create a simple, yet effective way to frame the fireplace surround. To tie the look together select a trim design to match or contrast with the other trim elements like thick casings around windows and doors. If you're looking for an elegant, luxurious style, think about using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of an actual mantel. For a more rustic, farmhouse look, choose to use dentil trim instead.

The idea of creating an accent wall using wainscoting is a popular way to add character any room. The same method can be used to frame a fireplace. Instead of using plank boards you can try a paneled product like beadboard or tongue-andgroove cedar siding to create a striking appearance.

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

If you are incorporating brick in a fireplace design, you'll want to ensure that your hearth extends 16 to 18 inches from the firebox opening and that the surround extends 8-12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you select is safe and complies with all national and local codes.

Open shelving is a great option to store books and other things However, too many shelves could make a mess of a fireplace. The owners of this family room designed a wall to ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the look without overwhelming the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look make a great fireplace wall. They add a timeless look to any home. Reclaimed wood beams originate from old stables, barns and other demolished buildings. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used combination with wide plank ceiling panels for a fully rustic design or as accents to modern kitchens. They feature the usual barn wood markings, such as mortise and nail holes plus a natural aging that improves their longevity.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets for reclaimed wooden elements to use for a mantel or an accent wall. The natural tone of pine used as a backdrop for the traditional living room surround and mantel evokes a cozy country retreat. The knotty imperfections in the wood accent a hand-hewn look and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which is a part of the fireplace's wall. The rustic warmth of the room is enhanced by a pair of natural-inspired wall sconces and an image of a landscape above the mantel.

Repurposed wooden fireplaces beams can make an attractive accent to any room in your home. They can be stained to match your current decor or carved to give an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a more contemporary look or covered with faux finishes such as marbling paint or rust.

Wooden beams can be used as a focal point in any type of fireplace. They can be used to highlight the mantel without the need for a fire. They can be used to highlight the mantel without 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 ethanol fire. Both materials can become hard and brittle when heated to extreme temperatures. However they can be strengthened with a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products are available at a variety of home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can create a dramatic statement when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its shape instantly enhances the space and is a perfect match for any style of decor, from traditional to modern. Selecting a matte finish for the tiles is ideal to maintain that clean and polished look, while also adding some color to make the fireplace sparkle.

Hex tiles can be customized with a variety of textures for an individualized appearance. Stone-look tiles are a very popular option that give the room an old-fashioned, rustic feel. They also go well with natural materials, such as wood. Marble-look tiles are another classic option that gives an elegant and luxurious appearance to the space. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting light and brightening the room.

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 gives a handcrafted look to the space, balancing the modern organic style fireplace with the overall style of the room.

If you're unsure about taking a pattern risk in your home, the fireplace is the perfect place to experiment with an imposing design. It can be intimidating for other areas. The geometric tile with its black grout provides this area with an elegant and playful look. The hexagonal shapes are shaped like cubes to create an exciting layout. The deep brown hue provides this space with an inviting and warm aesthetic that complements the industrial style.

Tiles that look like brick or other materials you are familiar with is another option to create an impact with your fireplace. This texture tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look to traditional brick, but is much easier to clean and maintain.

Consider using a peel-and-stick tile to upgrade your fireplace's surround without spending a fortune. A majority of these options are heat resistant, making them safe for cheap fireplaces and able to adhere to the existing stone. This peel and stick herringbone tile is an excellent option for adding the look of a room. It also works beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace on the wall has an existing brick surround, the most effective way to downplay its appearance is to give it a fresh coat of paint. The mantel can be painted in a different hue to add warmth and personality. A new color of paint can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the overall color scheme of the room or choose something striking.

If the mantel is made of wood be sure to check it for gouges, cracks and nicks. If the dents are small enough to be able to handle then fill them with wood putty and let it set for the recommended amount of time. Before painting you can sand the surface 100-grit sandpaper in order to rough it up. To get rid of any debris or dirt wipe the surfaces you have sanded with a damp cloth.

White is a popular color for walls and fireplaces. But the right shade can make your fireplace stand out. Take a look at the trims, moldings, and bookcases in your home to get inspiration. Does your mantel match in color as theirs, or is it lighter or darker? If the latter, pick a color that coordinates well to keep the room looking balanced.

Make sure you cover the area around you with a dropcloth or sheets before you begin painting. Remove the mantel, removing any decorative pieces or displays that may be hung above it. Take away any ornaments or pictures placed around or on your brick fireplace. Once the mantel has been cleaned, use a damp cloth and wipe it clean to remove any dust or soot.

Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with the use of a roller or brush. The semi-gloss paint lasts and stain resistant, so your mantel can stand up to the heat of the fireplace as well as any other items placed on it. Allow the primer to completely dry, according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace suites wall.

The brick may be heavy in both weight and color. Painting the mantel in a neutral or light shade can make it appear brighter and more welcoming to guests. If you decide to choose an unassuming color for your mantel, you can pair it with a work of art with earthy tones or a large mirror to balance out the look.