How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace in the wall will give your living room an attractive focal feature. There are many models available, so you should choose one that meets your requirements.

The output of heat, the controls, and the design are just a few of the important features. If you're not aware of these features, it's recommended to seek out an expert to help you choose the best model.

Molded Squares

The living room in this house needed an impressive fireplace overhaul due to its stale stone surround and dull walls. The new style is vibrant, attractive and makes this hearth the main focal point of the room. A whitewashed fireplace and contemporary artwork above modernize the facade of the fireplace while contrasted with the shelves in gray below. A few changes in color will also make the fireplace stand out from the wall, enhancing the beauty of this fireplace design.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces are combined to create a simple, yet effective, method to frame your fireplace surround. Choose a style of trim that contrasts with or matches your other trim elements such as the thick casing around doors and windows to tie the look together. If you're looking to create an elegant, luxurious look, you can consider using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic farmhouse look.

The idea of creating an accent wall using wainscoting is an effective way to add character any room. The same technique can be used to frame a fireplace. Consider a paneled material like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard instead plank boards to create a dramatic effect.

Another non-combustible option you can use to create a fireplace surround is brick, which is available in many different styles and colors. A classic red brick fireplace is perfect for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. A rustic-look brick can also be used to add a rustic touch to a traditional decor.

When you incorporate brick in a fireplace design, it is important to be sure your hearth extends 16-18 inches from the opening for the fireplace and that your surround is 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the material you select is safe and conforms to all local and national codes.

Open shelving can be excellent for storing books and other items. However, too many shelves can ruin the appearance of a fireplace. For this family room the homeowners designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the appearance of the fireplace without overwhelming the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams that have a rustic style make a great fireplace wall. They add a timeless beauty to any house. Reclaimed wood beams are reclaimed from barns, stalls, and other structures that were destroyed. Each beam is unique and traditional fireplaces has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used combination with wide plank ceiling panels for a fully rustic design or as a decorative element to modern kitchens. They have the typical markings of barn wood, like nail holes and mortise pockets and natural patina that increases their durability.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage as well as flea markets to find reclaimed wood elements to repurpose as a mantel or accent wall. For instance the earthy hue of pine that highlights this traditional living room mantel and surround evokes the feeling of a rustic, cozy retreat. The knotty imperfections in the wood accent the hand-crafted appearance and compliment the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that is a part of the fireplace wall. The rustic warmth of this room is enhanced by a pair of nature-inspired wall sconces and a landscape image above the mantel.

Repurposed wooden beams can bring a unique look to any space. They can be left in their natural state or stained to complement your current decor, or they can be cut and distressed to create an antique look. They can also be painted for a more contemporary appearance, or they can be covered with faux finishes, such as rust or marbled paint.

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

No matter which method you decide to use to mount your beams, be sure they are adequately protected from the effects of fire. Both materials are susceptible to becoming brittle and weakening in the face of extreme heat, however both are able to be strengthened with a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant sprays on steel I-beams. These products can be found at a variety of stores for home improvement.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a striking effect as an accent for inset Fireplaces. Its shape instantly enhances the space while complementing any style of decor from modern fireplaces to traditional. Selecting a matte finish for the tiles is ideal to maintain that clean and polished look while adding some contrast that makes the fireplace sparkle.

Hex tiles also work well with different textures to create a more individual look. Stone-look tile is a very popular choice that gives the space an authentic, rustic look while pairing beautifully with natural materials such as wood. Marble-look tiles are another timeless option that provides an elegant and luxurious look to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting the light and brightening up the room.

The proper tile pattern can improve 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 pattern of the tile gives the whole space a handcrafted appeal that balances the modern organic style of the fireplace and the overall contemporary design of the room.

If you are unsure of taking a risk with a pattern in your home The fireplace is a great spot to test a bold design. It can be intimidating for other areas. The geometric tile with its black grout gives the room an elegant, yet fun feel. The hexagonal shapes are shaped like cubes, creating a lively layout. The dark brown color provides this space with an inviting and warm aesthetic that complements the industrial style.

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

If you're hesitant to commit to a full-scale remodel of your fireplace surround, consider applying a peel and stick tile to refresh the look without breaking the bank. A lot of these options are resistant to heat which means they are suitable for use in the fireplace and able to be affixed to the existing surface. 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 best way to hide the brick surround of an unwall-mounted fireplace. The mantel can be painted with a different hue to give it a more cosy and spirited look. A new paint color can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the scheme of color in the room or choose something striking.

If your mantel is wood be sure to check it for gouges, cracks, and nicks. 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 before painting. Wipe the surface that has been sanded using a damp cloth to remove any remaining dirt or debris.

White is a popular color for walls and vintage fireplaces. But the right shade will make your fireplace stand out. For ideas, take a take a look at the trims of wood on your bookcases, moldings, and walls. Does your mantel match in color as theirs or is it lighter or darker? If the latter, pick an appropriate color to keep the look balanced.

Make sure you cover the area around you with a dropcloth or sheets before you begin painting. Remove any ornaments or display pieces that may have been hung over the mantel. If your fireplace is brick, remove any pictures or ornaments that are placed on or within the fireplace. After the mantel has been cleaned, take a damp cloth and wipe it clean to get rid of any dust or soot.

Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with the use of a roller or brush. The semi-gloss finish is durable and stain-resistant, which means that your mantel is able to stand up well to the heat generated by the fireplace and any other items that are placed on it. Let the primer dry, according to the instructions of the manufacturer, before you begin painting the main wall of the fireplace.

While the brick is a striking feature of a fireplace wall, it can be a bit heavy and dark in shade. Painting the mantel in a neutral or light shade can make it look brighter and more welcoming to guests. If you decide to choose an unassuming color for your mantel, you can pair it with a work of art with earthy tones or a large mirror to balance out the overall look.