How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace in the wall will give your living room an attractive focal point. There are many different designs available however, it is important to find one that will meet your requirements.

The output of heat, the controls and the appearance are among the most important features. If you're not aware of these features, it's recommended to consult a professional to help you select the best model.

Molded Squares

This living room needed a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its old-fashioned stone surround and dull walls. With a few design tweaks, the new look is vibrant and striking, making the hearth a focal point in the room. A whitewashed fireplace and contemporary artwork above the fireplace's facade modernize it and contrast with the shelves in gray below. The fireplace's facade is accentuated by a few color variations.

Base cap moldings and trim pieces make a simple but effective way to frame the fireplace with a tile surround. Select a trim style that contrasts with or complements your other trim elements, for example, the thick casing around doors and windows to tie the look together. If you prefer a more elegant, high-end style, choose a fluted trim to create the illusion that there is a mantel. For a more rustic, farmhouse style, opt for dentil trim instead.

Wainscoting accent walls is an extremely popular way to add personality to the interior of a room. The same method can be employed to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards, instead, consider a paneled material like beadboard or tongue-andgroove cedar siding to create a dramatic look.

Brick is another non-combustible option to use as the fireplace surround. It is available in various styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace decor in red is a popular choice for cottage-style or Craft Revival style homes. A rustic-look brick can also be used to add a rustic touch to a traditional decor.

If you're planning to incorporate brick into your fireplace design, make sure that your hearth is 16-18 inches from the opening of the fireplace and your surround is 8-12 inches wide in all directions. Make sure the material you choose complies with all national and local building codes to ensure safety.

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

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wood beams are the perfect frame for a fireplace on the wall. They are timeless and beautiful to any house. Reclaimed wood beams are sourced from old stables, barns and other demolished buildings. Each beam has its own story. Reclaimed wood can also be used as an accent in modern kitchens or with wide plank paneling to create a rustic look. They feature the typical marks of barn wood, such as nail holes and mortise pockets and natural patinas that increase their durability.

Search architectural salvage yards and flea markets for reclaimed wooden elements to repurpose into a mantel. For instance the earthy color of pine that accents the traditional living room mantel and surround evokes an idyllic rural setting. Its knotty imperfections create a rustic appearance and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting on the fireplace wall. The rustic warmth of this room is accentuated by a pair of natural-inspired wall sconces and an image of a landscape above the mantel.

Repurposed wooden beams can provide an attractive feature to any room in your home. They can be stained to match your existing decor or carved to give an antique appearance. They can also be painted for modern appearance or covered with faux finishes such as rust or marbled paint.

The wooden beams are able to serve as the central element of any fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel, even without the need for a fire. They can be used to illuminate the mantel without a burning fire.

Whatever method of installation you choose, make sure that your steel or wood beams are properly protected from the potential effects of fire. Both materials are susceptible to becoming fragile in extreme heat. However they can be strengthened with a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products are available at most stores for home improvement.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can create a dramatic statement when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens up the room and complements any decor, contemporary or traditional. The matte finish is ideal to create a polished and sleek look while adding contrast to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can also be used with a variety of texture choices for a more customized appearance. Stone-look tile is a popular option that gives the room a classic, rustic feel while blending beautifully with natural materials like wood. Another classic option is marble-look tile that adds a luxurious and elegant aesthetic to the space. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting light and brightening the room.

The right tile pattern can elevate 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 patterned tile adds a unique fireplaces an artistic look that balances the contemporary organic style of the fireplace, and the overall contemporary design of the room.

If you're unsure about taking a risk with pattern in your home, a fireplace is an ideal place to test out a bold design that might be intimidating in other areas of the house. This geometric tile (here's a similar option) with its black grout lines gives this room a sophisticated and fun energy. The hexagonal shapes resemble cubes, creating a lively layout. The deep brown color provides this space with an inviting and warm aesthetic that complements the industrial style.

Tile that looks like brick or other familiar materials is another way to create an impact on your fireplace. This texture tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance as brick but is much easier to maintain and clean.

Consider using a peel-and stick tile to modernize your fireplace surround without breaking the bank. These tiles are heat-resistant and therefore suitable for fireplaces and fireplace makeover can adhere to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great option that will bring an elegant feel to any living space and will look great with traditional furnishings.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace in a wall has a brick surround, the most effective method to minimize its appearance is with a fresh coat of paint. 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 go for something bold or bold, a new color can make your fireplace stand out as a showstopper.

If your mantel is constructed of wood, you should first examine it for cracks, nicks, and gouges. Fill in the dents using wood putty if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the amount of time recommended. Before painting you can sand fireplace makeover the surface 100-grit sandpaper in order to rough it up. Wipe down the sanded surface with a damp cloth to take off any remaining dirt or debris.

While white is a popular option for fireplaces and walls, the right shade can really make your fireplace stand out. For inspiration, look at the trims of wood on your bookcases, moldings, and walls. Does your mantel have the same color as theirs, or is it lighter or darker? If you decide to go with the latter option, pick a color that will work well with the other shades in the room to ensure it looks balanced.

Make sure you cover the area around you by using sheets or a dropcloth prior to when you begin painting. Remove any ornaments or display pieces that were hung over the mantel. Take away any ornaments or pictures that are around or on the brick fireplace. When the mantel is clean then wipe it clean with a an damp cloth to wash off any dust or soot that has accumulated.

Apply a basecoat with the brush or roller to your mantel. The semi-gloss paint lasts and stain-resistant, which means your mantel can stand up to the heat of the fireplace as well as any other items placed on it. Allow the primer to dry in accordance with the guidelines of the manufacturer before moving onto the main body of your fireplace wall.

The brick can be quite heavy in weight and color. Paint the mantel in an unassuming color or neutral to make it appear lighter and more inviting. If you decide to choose the lighter hue, think about using it in conjunction with an earthy toned artwork or a large mirror over it to balance the look.