How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace will provide your living space with an attractive focal point. There are many models available so you need to pick one that meets your requirements.

Some of the most important features include the heat output as well as the appearance and controls. If you're unfamiliar with these features, it's recommended to hire an expert to help you select the right model.

Molded Squares

The living room in this house needed a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its stale stone surround and boring walls. With a few tweaks to the design the new look is fresh and striking making the hearth an important focal point in the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel and contemporary art above the fireplace modernizes the exterior, while the gray shelves below are a contrast. The fireplace facade is enhanced by a few color changes.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces join to create a simple yet effective, way to frame the tile fireplace surround. Choose a trim style that is in contrast with or matches your other trim elements such as the thick casing around windows and doors, to tie the look together. If you're looking for an elegant, luxurious style, think about using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of a real mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic farmhouse look.

Making 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 tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard to create a dramatic look.

Brick is another non-combustible option for a fireplace surround. It is available in different styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace with red accents is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. Rustic-look brick is also an option that could be a good fit with a more traditional, country-style decor.

If you're planning to incorporate brick into the design of your fireplace be sure that your hearth is 16 to 18 inches away from the opening of the firebox and the surround is 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Make sure the brick you select is safe and complies with all local and national codes.

Open shelving is a great option to organize books and other items, but too many can overwhelm the look of a fireplace. The homeowners of this family room designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding in order to improve the look of the room without overwhelming open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams that have a rustic style are ideal for a fireplace wall. They add a timeless look to any home. Reclaimed wood beams are sourced from old stables, barns and other buildings that were demolished. 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 have the typical markings of barn wood, including nail holes and mortise pockets and a natural patina that enhances their durability.

Scour architectural salvage yards and flea markets to find reclaimed wood elements that can be used for a mantel or an accent wall. For example, the earthy shade of pine that accents the traditional mantel and surround is reminiscent of a cozy rural retreat. The knotty imperfections of the wood give it a rustic look and are a perfect match for the simple lines in the beaded-board wainscoting on the fireplace's wall. A pair of sconces inspired by nature and a painting of a landscape over the mantel add to the rustic ambiance of the room.

Repurposed wooden beams can give a unique appearance to any space. They can be stained to match your existing decor or carved to give an antique look. They can be painted to give them a more modern appearance or covered with faux finishes like rust or marbling paint.

The wooden beams can serve as the central feature of any fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel, even without the need for a fire. They can be used to accent the mantel without a flame burning.

Regardless of which method of installation you choose ensure that your wood or steel beams are properly protected from the consequences of fire. Both materials can be hard and brittle when heated to extreme temperatures. However, they can be strengthened by a layer of fire-resistant drywall. These products are available in most home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can make a dramatic statement when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens the space and is a perfect match for any style, whether modern or traditional. The matte finish is ideal for a polished and clean appearance, while also adding a pop of contrast to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can be customised by a variety of textures to create a more personalized appearance. Stone-look tiles are a very popular option that gives the room a rustic, classic feel. They also go well with natural materials like wood. Marble-look tile is a timeless option that provides an elegant and luxurious look to the room. These tiles have a glossy and smooth finish that reflects light beautifully and enhances the space.

The proper tile pattern can enhance the look 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 the appearance of a hand-crafted space, while balancing the contemporary natural style fireplace with the overall style of the room.

If you're unsure about taking a risk on a design in your home, a fireplace can be an ideal place to test out a bold pattern that could be intimidating in other parts of your home. This geometric tile (here's an alternative) with its black grout lines gives this space a sophisticated yet fun energy. The hexagonal shapes are shaped like cubes to create an exciting layout. The dark brown color provides this space with an inviting and warm aesthetic that goes well with the industrial style.

Another way to make an impact with your fireplace is to use tile that resembles the appearance of brick or another familiar material. This textured tile, made by LA Designer Affair, has an identical look to brick, but with the added benefit of being much easier to clean and maintain.

If you're not ready to make a major overhaul of your fireplace's surround, think about applying a peel-and-stick tile to change the appearance without breaking the bank. A lot of these options are heat resistant, making them suitable for use in the fireplace and able to stick to the existing stone. This herringbone peel and stick tile is an excellent option that will bring an elegant feel to any living space while also blending beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the ideal method to hide the brick surround on a wall-mounted fireplace. The mantel can be painted with a different color to add warmth and character. It doesn't matter if you choose to match it to the decor's color scheme or opt for something striking, a new paint color makes your fireplace stand out as a showstopper.

If your mantel is made of wood, first inspect it for cracks, nicks, and gouges. If the dents are small enough to be handled, fill them with wood putty, and let it set for the appropriate amount of time. Sand the surface with 100-grit paper to roughen it up prior to painting. To get rid of any dirt or debris clean the surfaces you have sanded with a damp cloth.

White is a popular shade for walls and Best Fireplaces. But the right shade can make your fireplace stand out. To get ideas, examine the trims of wood on your bookcases, moldings and walls. Do they have the same color as your mantel or fireplaces for sale is it a lighter or a darker shade? If you decide to go with the latter, choose a color that will work well with the other hues in the room to keep it looking balanced.

Protect the area around you with sheets or a dropcloth before you begin painting. Clear off the mantel, taking out any showpieces or decorations that might be hanging above it. If your fireplace is made of brick, take away any pictures or ornaments that are located on or around the fireplace. Once the mantel has been cleared and clean, wipe it with a a damp cloth to clean off any soot or dust that has built up.

Apply a basecoat with a roller or brush to your mantel. The semi-gloss paint is long-lasting and stain resistant, so your mantel will stand up to the heat of the fireplace, and any other items placed on it. Allow the primer to completely dry, in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer before you begin painting the main wall of the fireplace.

The brick can be quite heavy in weight and color. Paint the mantel with an even or light color will make it appear more lively and more inviting to guests. If you choose a light shade for your mantel, match it with a piece art in earthy tones or a large mirror to complete the overall look.