How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace in the wall can be your living room a focal point that demands attention. There are a variety of models on the market, however, so it is essential to choose one that meets your needs.

Some of the most important features include the output of heat along with the appearance and controls. If you're unfamiliar with these features, it's recommended to seek out an expert to help you select the best model.

Molded Squares

The living room required an impressive fireplace overhaul due to its stale stone surround and dull walls. With a few design tweaks the new look is bright and attractive, making the hearth a central feature in the room. A whitewashed mantel and modern artwork above modernize the facade of the fireplace and contrast with the gray shelves below. A few minor changes in color also help the facade stand out from the wall, enhancing the appeal of this fireplace design.

Base cap moldings and trim pieces are combined to create a simple yet efficient way to frame the fireplace with a tile surround. Choose a trim style that contrasts with or complements your other trim elements, for example, the thick casing around windows and doors to make the look more cohesive. If you're looking to create an elegant, high-end look, consider using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of a real mantel. If you want a more rustic farmhouse look, choose to use dentil trim instead.

Wainscoting accent walls is a popular method to add character to rooms. The same method can be used to frame the fireplace. Consider a paneled material like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard instead plank boards to create a dramatic appearance.

Brick is a different non-combustible option for the fireplace surround. It is available in a variety of styles and colors. A classic red brick fireplace is perfect for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. A rustic-looking brick can be used to enhance a traditional country style.

When incorporating brick into your fireplace design, you'll need to be sure your hearth is 16 to 18 inches from the opening of the firebox and that the surround extends 8-12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you choose is safe and meets all national and local codes.

Open shelving is a great way to store books and other things, but too many can overwhelm the look of the fireplace. The owners of this family room created the wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the look without overwhelming the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wooden beams are the perfect frame for a fireplace on the wall. They bring a timeless appeal to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood are reclaimed from old barns, stalls, and other buildings that were removed. Each beam has its own distinct story. Reclaimed wood can be used as a feature in modern kitchens or with wide planks of paneling to create a rustic look. They are characterized by barn wood markings like mortise and nail holes, plus a natural aging that increases their longevity.

Find salvage yards for architectural elements and flea market for wood pieces that you can repurpose into a mantel. The natural tone of pine used as a backdrop for this traditional living room's surround and mantel evokes a cozy country retreat. Its knotty imperfections emphasize the hand-crafted appearance and compliment the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which borders the fireplace's wall. A pair of nature-inspired sconces and a landscape-themed painting over the mantel add to the rustic charm of the room.

Repurposed wooden beams can provide an attractive accent to any room in your home. They can be stained to match your existing design or carved to create an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a more contemporary look or covered with faux finishes like marbling paint or rust.

The wooden beams can serve as the central point of any fireplace. They can be placed over a freestanding gas, ventless or electric fireplace or incorporated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can be used to illuminate the mantel without a burning fire.

Regardless of which method of installation you choose ensure that your steel or wood beams are protected from the potential consequences of fire. Both materials can become brittle in extreme heat. However they can be strengthened with a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products can be found in most home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can create a dramatic statement when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens the space while complementing any decor choice, from traditional to modern. Selecting a matte finish for the tiles is a great way to maintain that clean and polished look, while adding some color to make the fireplace sparkle.

Hex tiles can be customised by a variety of textures to create an individual look. Stone-look tiles are a very popular option that gives the space an authentic, classic look. They also look great with natural materials, such as wood. Marble-look tile is a classic option that gives an elegant and luxurious aesthetic to the space. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting light and brightening the room.

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 pattern of the tile provides the appearance of a hand-crafted space, while balancing the contemporary natural style fireplace with the overall style of the room.

If you're not sure about taking a pattern risk in your home, the fireplace is the perfect place to experiment with the bold style. It might be intimidating for other areas. The geometric tile with its black grout gives the room an elegant and playful look. The hexagonal shapes fit together as cubes to create an exciting layout, and the dark brown color creates an inviting and warm aesthetic that complements the industrial style of the room.

Tiles that look like brick or other materials you are familiar with is another option to create an impact with your fireplace. This pattern-based tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance to traditional brick, but is much easier to maintain and clean.

If you're not ready to take on a complete remodel of your fireplace's surround, think about using a peel and stick tile to change the look without spending a fortune. These options are heat-resistant, making them suitable for fireplaces and can stick to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great alternative that will add an elegant look to any living space, Holiday Fireplaces and will look great with traditional furnishings.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace on the wall has a brick surround, the best way to disguise its appearance is with fresh coats of paint. Painting the mantel a different hue also adds warmth and personality to the room. A new paint color can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the color scheme of the room or choose something bold.

If your mantel is made of wood, first inspect it for cracks, nicks and gouges. If the dents aren't enough to handle then fill them with wood putty and allow it to set for the recommended amount of time. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it before painting. Wipe down the sanded surface using a damp cloth to remove any remaining dirt or debris.

White is a favorite color for Holiday fireplaces and walls. But the right shade can make your mantel really stand out. Check out the other wood trims, moldings, and bookcases in your home for ideas. Do they use the same hue as your mantel, or is it a lighter or a darker hue? If so, select the color that is well-matched to keep the room looking balanced.

Protect the area around you with sheets or a dropcloth prior to when you begin painting. Remove any decorations or showpieces that were hung over the mantel. If your fireplace is brick, get rid of any ornaments or pictures that are located on or within it. After the mantel has been cleaned, you can use a damp cloth and wipe it down to get rid of any dust or soot.

Apply a basecoat using the brush or roller to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish is long-lasting and stain-resistant, ensuring that your mantel is able to stand up well to the heat from the fireplace and any other items placed on it. Let the primer completely dry, in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.

While brick is a striking 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 lighter and more inviting. If you choose an unassuming color for your mantel, pair it with a piece art in earthy tones or Holiday Fireplaces a large fireplaces mirror to complement the overall look.