How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can make your living space an eye-catching focal feature. There are a variety of models available, so you should choose one that suits your needs.

The output of heat, the controls, and the appearance are among the most important features. If you're unfamiliar with these features, it's best to consult a professional to assist you in choosing the best model.

Molded Squares

This living room needed an impressive fireplace overhaul due to its old-fashioned stone surround and bland walls. With a few design tweaks, the new look is fresh and striking and makes this hearth a centerpiece in the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel as well as contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the appearance of the façade, while the gray shelves below provide a stark contrast. A few minor changes in color will also make the fireplace stand out from the wall, adding the beauty of this fireplace design.

Base cap moldings and trim pieces are paired to make a simple but effective way to frame a tile fireplace surround. To bring the design together select a trim design to contrast or match your other trim elements like thick casing around doors and windows. If you're looking for a more elegant, luxurious look, consider using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of an actual mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic farmhouse style.

Wainscoting accent walls is a popular method to add the look of a room. The same technique can be used to frame a fireplace. Try a paneled option like tongue-and groove cedar siding or beadboard instead of plank boards to create a dramatic appearance.

Brick is another non-combustible option for the fireplace surround. It comes in various 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 could be used to add a rustic touch to a traditional decor.

If you are incorporating brick in a fireplace design, you'll need to be sure your hearth is 16 to 18 inches from the opening for the fireplace and that your surround is 8-12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the material you choose complies with all local and national building codes for safety.

Open shelving can be an ideal way to store books and other items. However having too many shelves can overwhelm the look of the fireplace. The homeowners of this family room designed the wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to elevate the design without overwhelming open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wood beams make the ideal frame for a fireplace on the wall. They add a timeless beauty to any house. Reclaimed beams of wood are made from barns, stalls and other buildings that have been removed. Each beam has its own distinct history. Reclaimed wood can also be used as an accent in modern kitchens or with wide planks to give a rustic look. They feature the typical marks of barn wood, like mortise and nail holes, plus natural patinas that increase their durability.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets for reclaimed wood elements to use for a mantel or an accent wall. For instance the earthy hue of pine that accentuates the traditional mantel and surround is reminiscent of an idyllic rural setting. The knotty imperfections of the wood create a rustic appearance and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that is on the wall of the fireplace. The rustic warmth of this space is enhanced by a pair of natural-inspired wall sconces and a landscape picture above the mantel.

Repurposed wooden beams will add a unique touch to any space. They can be left as is or stained to match your current decor or carved and distressed for an antique look. They can be painted to give them a more modern appearance, or covered with faux finishes such as marbling paint or rust.

The wooden beams can serve as the central element of any fireplace. They can be set over a freestanding gas, ventless or electric fireplace mantels fireplace or incorporated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can be used to accent the mantel with no fire burning.

Whatever method you decide to use to mount your beams, make sure that they are adequately protected from the effects of fire. Both types of material are susceptible to becoming brittle and weakening when exposed to extreme heat, however both can be strengthened by a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant that is sprayed on steel I-beams. These products can be found in a wide variety of home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be utilized to create a dramatic effect as an accent for fireplaces. Its shape instantly brightens the space while complementing any decor choice from traditional to modern. The choice of a matte finish for the tiles is ideal to keep that sleek and polished look, while also adding some contrast that makes the fireplace sparkle.

Hex tiles can be customised by a variety of textures to create a more personalized look. Stone-look tile is a popular option that gives the room an old-fashioned, rustic feel while blending beautifully with natural materials such as wood. Another classic option is marble-look tile that provides an elegant and luxurious look to the space. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting sunlight and brightening the space.

The right tile pattern can elevate a fireplace's design. 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 contemporary organic style of the fireplace with the contemporary style of the room.

If you are unsure of taking a pattern risk in your home The fireplace is a great spot to experiment with an imposing design. It could be a bit intimidating for other rooms. This geometric tile (here's another option) with its black grout lines give this room a sophisticated and fun energy. The hexagonal shapes fit like cubes to create an exciting layout. The dark brown color creates a warm, inviting aesthetic that is perfect for industrial style.

Tile that looks like brick or other familiar materials is another option to create an impact on your fireplace. The textured tile, which is made by LA Designer Affair, has an identical look to traditional brick but with the benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.

If you're not ready take on a complete remodel of your fireplace's surround, consider using a peel and stick tile to refresh the appearance without spending a fortune. A lot of these options are resistant to heat, making them safe for the fireplace and able to be affixed to the existing wall. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great option that will add an elegant look to any living space and will look great with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace in a wall has a brick surround, the best method to minimize its appearance is to give it fresh coats of paint. The mantel can be painted a different hue to add warmth and character. A new color of paint can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the color scheme of the room or pick something striking.

If your mantel is made of wood be sure to check it for gouges, cracks and nicks. Fill in the dents using 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 prior to painting. To get rid of any dirt or debris, wipe down the sanded surfaces with a damp cloth.

White is a popular color for walls and bio ethanol fireplaces. But the right shade can make your mantel really stand out. To get ideas, examine 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 you choose the latter, choose one that blends well with the other hues in the room to keep it looking balanced.

Make sure you cover the area around you by using a dropcloth or sheets before you begin painting. Clean the mantel, taking out any decorations or showpieces that are hanging over it. Remove any ornaments or pictures placed around or on the brick fireplace. Once the mantel is empty and clean, wipe it with a a damp cloth to clean off any dust or soot that has accumulated.

Apply a basecoat using brushes or rollers to your mantel. The semi-gloss paint is long-lasting and stain-resistant, which means your mantel will be able to be able to withstand the heat of your fireplace, and any other items that are placed on it. Allow the primer to completely dry, as per the manufacturer’s instructions, before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.

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