How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace will provide your living space with an attractive focal feature. There are a variety of models available so you need to pick one that suits your needs.

Some of the most important features include the output of heat, the appearance and the controls. If you aren't familiar with these elements, it's best to seek out a professional to help you pick the right model.

Molded Squares

A stale stone fireplace and dull walls made this living space in need of a major fireplace overhaul. With a few tweaks to the design, the new look is bright and eye-catching and makes the hearth a centerpiece in the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel and contemporary art above the fireplace modernizes the facade and the shelves in gray below contrast. A few minor changes in color also help the facade stand apart from the wall, adding the charm of this fireplace design.

Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces are paired to create a simple, yet effective way to frame a tile fireplace surround. Choose a style of trim that contrasts with or matches 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, 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, you can use dentil trim instead.

Wainscoting accent walls is an extremely popular way to add personality to the interior of a room. The same technique can be used to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards, instead, consider a paneled product like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard to create a striking look.

Brick is another non-combustible option for a fireplace surround. It comes in different styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace in red is a traditional choice for cottage-style or Craft-Revival-style homes. A rustic-looking brick can be used to complement a traditional country decor.

When you incorporate brick into a fireplace design, you'll need to be sure your hearth is 16 to 18 inches from the opening of the firebox and that your surround is 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you choose complies with all national and local construction codes for safety.

Open shelving can be a great way of storing books and other objects. However having too many shelves can ruin the appearance of the fireplace. In this family room, the homeowners created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding that enhances the look of the new fireplace without overpowering the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic appearance are ideal for a fireplace wall. They bring timeless elegance to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood are made from barns, stalls and other buildings that have been destroyed. Each beam has its own distinct history. 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 are characterized by the typical markings of barn wood, including nail holes and mortise pockets and natural patinas that increase their durability.

Scour architectural salvage yards and flea markets for reclaimed wood elements to repurpose for a mantel or an accent wall. For example, the earthy shade of pine that accentuates the traditional living room mantel and surround evokes an idyllic rural setting. The knotty imperfections of the wood emphasize the hand-crafted appearance and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which surrounds the fireplace's wall. A pair of nature-inspired sconces and a landscape painting over the mantel add to the rustic charm of this space.

Repurposed wooden beams can give a unique appearance to any room. They can be left as is or stained to match your current decor Fireplaces Shop or carved and distressed for an antique appearance. They can also be painted to give modern appearance, or they can be covered with faux finishes like rust or marbled paint.

Wooden beams can serve as a focal point in any type of fireplace. They can be set above a freestanding gas, ventless or electric fireplace or they can be incorporated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can be used to accent a mantel without a ethonal fire burning.

Whatever method of installation you choose, make sure that your wood or steel beams are protected from the potential effects of ethonal fire. Both materials can be brittle in extreme heat. However, they can be strengthened with a layer of fire-resistant drywall. These products can be found at most home improvement shops.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a striking effect as surrounds for Fireplaces shop. Its shape instantly brightens the space and is a perfect match for any style of decor from modern to traditional. The matte finish is ideal to create a polished and sleek appearance while adding a splash of contrast to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can also be combined with various textures for a more customized appearance. Stone-look tiles are a popular choice that gives the space an old-fashioned, rustic feel. They also look great with natural materials such as wood. Another classic option is marble fireplace-look tile that provides a luxurious and elegant aesthetic to the room. These tiles have a glossy and smooth finish that reflects light beautifully and brightens the space.

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 patterned tile adds an artistic look to the space, while balancing the contemporary natural style fireplace with the overall style of the room.

If you're not sure about putting your faith in a pattern in your home, a fireplace is the perfect place to test out a bold pattern which could be a bit intimidating in other areas of the house. The geometric tile with its black grout gives the room an elegant, yet fun feel. The hexagonal shapes fit together like cubes to create a fascinating layout, and the dark brown hue creates an inviting and warm look that complements the industrial style of this room.

Another option to make a statement with your fireplace is to select tiles that have the look of brick or a similar material. This textured tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance to traditional brick, but is much easier to clean and maintain.

If you're hesitant to make a major overhaul of your fireplace's surround, think about applying a peel-and-stick tile to change the appearance without spending a fortune. A majority of these options are heat-resistant, making them suitable for use in the fireplace and able to stick to the existing stone. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a great option for adding elegance to any room. It also works beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

When a wall fireplace has a brick surround, the most effective way to disguise its appearance is with a fresh coat of paint. The mantel can be painted in a different hue to give it a more cosy and spirited look. If you decide to match it with the room's color scheme or opt for something more striking, a new paint color can make your fireplace stand out as a showstopper.

If your mantel is made of wood, inspect it first for gouges, cracks and scratches. Fill in the dents with wood putty if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the period recommended. Sand the surface with 100-grit paper to roughen it up prior to painting. To remove any dirt or debris wipe the surfaces that have been sanded with a damp cloth.

While white is a popular color for walls and fireplaces The right shade can really make your fireplace stand out. For inspiration, take a look at the trims of wood on your bookcases, moldings and walls. Do they use the same shade as your mantel, or is it a lighter or a darker hue? If the latter, pick an appropriate color to keep the look balanced.

Before you start painting, protect the area around you with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove any decorations or showpieces that may have been hung above the mantel. If your fireplace is brick, get rid of any pictures or ornaments that are placed on or around the fireplace. After the mantel has been cleaned, you can use a damp cloth and wipe it clean to get rid of any soot or dust.

Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel using either a roller or brush. The semi-gloss paint is durable and stain-resistant, which means your mantel will be able to be able to withstand the heat of your fireplace, as well as other items that are placed on it. Allow the primer to completely dry, in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer, before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.

While brick is an attractive feature of a fireplace's wall, it can be a bit heavy and dark in hue. The mantel painted with an even or light color can make it look brighter and more inviting for guests. If you decide to choose a light color, consider pairing it with a earthy-toned piece of art or a large mirror above it to create a balanced look.