How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace will give your living room an attractive focal point. There are a variety of models available so you need to pick one that suits your needs.

The heat output, controls, and the appearance are among the most important features. If you're not aware of these aspects, it is recommended to consult an expert to help you select the best model.

Molded Squares

The living room in this house needed an impressive fireplace overhaul due to its outdated stone surround and bland walls. The new design is bright, eye-catching and makes this hearth the center of the room. A whitewashed fireplace and contemporary artwork above modernize the facade of the fireplace while contrasted with the shelves in gray below. A few minor changes in color will also make the fireplace stand apart from the wall, adding the beauty of this fireplace design.

Base cap moldings and trim pieces are combined to make a simple but effective way to frame the fireplace with a tile surround. To tie the look together, choose a trim style to contrast with or complement the other trim elements, like thick casings around windows and doors. If you're looking for an elegant, high-end look, consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse-style.

Wainscoting accent walls is an extremely popular way to add personality to rooms. The same method can be employed to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled option such as tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard in place of plank boards to create a dramatic appearance.

Another non-combustible material you can use to build an enclosure for your fireplace is brick, which comes in many different styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace with red is a popular choice for Craft Revival-style or cottage-style homes. The rustic-look brick is an option that can fit in with a more traditional, country decor.

If you want to incorporate brick into the design of your fireplace, make sure that your hearth is 16-18 inches from the opening of the firebox, and the surround is between 8 and 12 inches wide in all directions. Be sure that the material you select is safe and meets all national and local codes.

Open shelving is excellent for storing books and other objects. However, too many shelves can ruin the look of a fireplace. For this family room, the homeowners created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to elevate the look of the new fireplace, without obscuring the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wood beams make the ideal frame for a wall fireplace. They add a timeless beauty to any home. Reclaimed wood beams are sourced from old barns, stables and other demolished buildings. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used as a feature in modern kitchens, or with wide planks of paneling to create an authentic appearance. They have the typical marks of barn wood, including mortise and nail holes and natural patina that increases their durability.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets for reclaimed wood elements that can be used as a mantel or accent wall. The earthy tone of pine used to accent this traditional living room surround and mantel evokes the feeling of a cozy country getaway. The knotty imperfections of the wood give it a rustic feel and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting on the fireplace wall. A pair of sconces with a natural theme and a painting of a landscape over the mantel add to the rustic coziness of this space.

Repurposed wooden beams can bring a unique look to any room. They can be left in their natural state or stained to match your current decor or distressed and carved to give them an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a modern appearance or covered with faux finishes such as rust or marbling paint.

The wooden beams can serve as the central feature of any fireplace. They can be positioned over a freestanding gas, ventless or fireplaces electric fireplace (linked web-site), or be integrated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can also be used to highlight a mantel without a fire burning.

Whichever method you choose to put in your beams, ensure that they are protected adequately from the effects of fire. Both types of materials are susceptible to becoming brittle and weakening in the face of extreme heat, but both can be strengthened by a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial bioethanol fire-protectant sprays on I-beams made of steel. These products can be found at most stores for home improvement.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can make an impressive statement when used as a fireplace surround. Its shape instantly brightens up the space and is a perfect match for any style, whether contemporary or traditional. The choice of a matte finish for the tiles is ideal to keep that sleek and polished look, while adding some color to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can be customized by a variety of textures to create a more personalized appearance. Stone-look tiles are a favorite that gives the room a rustic, classic feel. They also pair beautifully with natural materials such as wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tile, which adds an elegant and luxurious look to the room. These tiles have an elegant and glossy surface that reflects light beautifully and enhances 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 gives a handcrafted look to the space, while balancing the contemporary natural style fireplace with the overall design of the room.

If you're unsure about putting your faith in a design in your home, a fireplace is an excellent place to try out a bold design that might be a bit intimidating in other areas of the house. The geometric tile with its black grout gives this space an elegant yet playful feel. The hexagonal shapes fit like cubes to create an exciting layout. The dark brown color gives this space an inviting, warm look that goes well with the industrial style.

Tile that looks like brick or other common materials is another way to make an impact with your fireplace. This textured tile, from LA Designer Affair, has the same look as traditional brick but with the benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.

Consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to update your fireplace surround without breaking the bank. Many of these options are heat-resistant which means they are safe for the fireplace and able to stick to the existing wall. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a great option for adding elegance to any room. It also coordinates beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

When a wall fireplace has a brick surround, the best way to downplay its appearance is to give it an update of the paint. The mantel can be painted a different colour to add warmth and character. Whether you choose to match it to the decor's color scheme or opt for something more striking or bold, a new color will make your fireplace stand out as a showpiece.

If your mantel is constructed of wood, you should first examine it for cracks, nicks, and gouges. If the dents aren't large enough to be able to handle Fill them in with wood putty, and let it set for the recommended amount of time. Before painting, sand the surface with 100-grit sandpaper to roughen it up. To remove any dirt or debris clean the sanded surfaces with a damp cloth.

While white is a popular option for walls and fireplaces shop but the right color can make your mantel stand out. For inspiration, look at the wood trims on your bookcases, mouldings, and walls. Do they have the same shade as your mantel? Or is it a darker or lighter shade? If you choose the latter option, pick one that blends well with the other shades in the room to ensure it looks balanced.

Before you start painting, cover the surrounding area with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove the mantel, taking out any showpieces or decorations that are hanging over it. If your fireplace is brick, remove any pictures or ornaments that are on or around it. When the mantel is clean and clean, wipe it with a the help of a damp cloth to wipe off any soot or dust that has accumulated.

Apply a basecoat with brushes or rollers to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish lasts and stain-resistant, ensuring that your mantel will hold up well to the heat generated by the fireplace and any other items placed on it. Let the primer completely dry, as per the instructions provided by the manufacturer before you begin painting the main wall of the fireplace.

While brick is an attractive feature of a fireplace's wall it can be quite heavy and dark in shade. Paint the mantel with in a neutral or light shade can make it look brighter and more inviting to guests. If you decide to go with the lighter hue, think about using it in conjunction with an earthy toned piece of art or a large mirror above it to balance the appearance.