How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can give your living space a focal point that demands attention. There are a variety of models available and you must pick one that meets your requirements.

The output of heat, the controls, and the appearance are some of the most important features. If you aren't familiar with these elements, it's best to seek out an expert to help choose the right model.

Molded Squares

The living room in this house needed a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its old-fashioned stone surround and dull walls. The new design is bright, eye-catching and makes this hearth the main focal point of the room. A whitewashed fireplace and contemporary artwork above the fireplace's facade modernize it while contrasting with the gray shelves below. A few color changes will also make the fireplace stand out from the wall, enhancing the charm of this fireplace design.

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

Accent walls with wainscoting are a popular method to add the look of rooms. The same technique can be employed to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled product like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard instead of plank boards to create a dramatic look.

Another non-combustible material you can create an enclosure for your fireplace is brick, which comes in a variety of styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace in red is a classic option for cottage-style or Craft-Revival-style homes. Rustic-look brick is also an option that can fit in with a more traditional, country-style decor.

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

Open shelves are a great way to organize books and other items However, too many shelves could overwhelm the look of a fireplace. For this family room, the homeowners created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the look of the new fireplace without overpowering the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wood beams are the perfect frame for a wall fireplace. They bring timeless elegance to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood are reclaimed from old barns, stalls, and other buildings that have been removed. Each beam has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used in combination with wide plank ceiling paneling to create a rustic look or as an accent to modern kitchens. They feature the usual barn wood markings like mortise and nail holes, as well as a natural aging process that improves their durability.

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

Repurposed wooden beams can provide an eye-catching statement to any room in your home. They can be left as-is or stained to match your current decor, or they can be distressed and carved to give them an antique appearance. They can also be painted for a more contemporary appearance or covered with faux finishes like marbled paint or rust.

The wooden beams are able to serve as the focal element of any fireplace. They can be set above a freestanding gas or ventless or electric fireplace or incorporated into a stone or brick fireplace. They can be used to highlight the mantel without burning bioethanol fire.

Whatever method you choose to install your beams, make sure that they are adequately protected from the effects of fire. Both materials can be brittle and weaken when exposed to extreme heat, however both are able to be strengthened with a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant sprayed on steel I-beams. These products can be found in most home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a striking effect as a surround for a fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens the space while blending with any style of decor from traditional to modern. Selecting matte finishes for the tiles is the best way to keep that sleek and polished look, while adding some contrast that makes the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can be customised by a variety of textures to create a more personalized appearance. Stone-look tile is a popular option that gives the space an old-fashioned, rustic feel while pairing beautifully with natural materials such as wood. Marble-look tile is a timeless option that adds an elegant and luxurious appearance to the space. These tiles have a smooth and glossy finish that reflects light beautifully and enhances the space.

The perfect tile pattern can enhance the entire design 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 a unique a handcrafted appeal that balances the modern organic style of the fireplace with the contemporary style of the room.

If you are unsure of making a design risk in your home The fireplace is a great place to test the bold style. It could be a bit intimidating for other rooms. This geometric tile (here's an alternative) with its black grout lines gives the room a sophisticated but fun energy. The hexagonal shapes work as cubes to create an exciting layout, while the deep brown color creates an inviting and fireplaces electric warm look that complements the industrial decor in the room.

Tile that looks like brick or other familiar materials is another way to create an impact on your fireplace. This textured tile, from LA Designer Affair, has an identical look to brick, but has the added benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.

Consider using a peel-and stick tile to update your fireplace surround without costing you a dime. A majority of these options are heat-resistant, making them safe for fireplaces and able to adhere to the existing wall. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a great option for adding the look of a room. It also coordinates beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace in a wall has an existing brick surround, the most effective way to disguise its appearance is with an update of the paint. Paint the mantel in a different color also adds warmth and character to the room. 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 bold.

If your mantel is constructed of wood, you should first examine it for cracks, nicks and gouges. Fill in the dents with wood putty if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the time recommended. Before painting you can sand the surface 100-grit sandpaper to roughen it up. Wipe the surface that has been sanded using a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or dust.

White is a popular shade for walls and cheap fireplaces. But, the right shade will make your fireplace stand out. Check out the other wood trim, moldings and bookcases in your home for inspiration. Does your mantel match in color as theirs or is it lighter or darker? If you opt for the latter option, pick one that blends well with the other hues in the room to keep it looking balanced.

Before you begin painting, protect the area surrounding you with drop cloth or sheets. Remove any decorations or showpieces that might have been placed above the mantel. Remove any ornaments or pictures that are on or around the fireplace made of brick. After the mantel has been cleaned, you can use a damp cloth and wipe it down to get rid of any soot or dust.

Apply a basecoat using the brush or roller to your mantel. The semi-gloss paint is durable and stain resistant, so your mantel will be able to withstand the heat of the fireplace, and any other items placed on it. Allow the primer to dry in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations before moving on to the main body of your fireplace's wall.

While the brick is an attractive feature of a fireplace wall, it can be a bit heavy and dark in shade. Paint the mantel in the light or neutral color to make it appear more vibrant and more inviting. If you decide to choose an unassuming color for your mantel, match it with a piece of art with earthy tones or a large wall mirror to complement the overall look.