How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace on the wall can create your living space an attractive focal point that requires attention. There are numerous designs available but it is essential to choose one that will meet your requirements.

The most significant features include the heat output as well as the appearance and controls. If you aren't familiar with these features, it's recommended to consult an expert to help you pick the right model.

Molded Squares

The living room required an impressive fireplace overhaul due to its outdated stone surround and dull walls. The new look is bright, eye-catching and makes the hearth the main focal point of the room. A whitewashed fireplace accessories mantel as well as contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the facade while the shelves that are gray below are a contrast. A few color changes can also help the fireplace stand apart from the wall, which enhances the beauty of this fireplace design.

Base cap moldings and trim pieces make a simple but effective 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 create a cohesive look. If you're looking for a more elegant, Low maintenance fireplaces high-end look, consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of a real mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic farmhouse-style.

Creating an accent wall with wainscoting is an effective method to add character to any room. The same method can be used to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards however, try a paneled material like beadboard or tongue-andgroove cedar siding to create a striking look.

Brick is a different non-combustible option for a fireplace surround. It comes in various styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace with red is a classic option for Craft Revival-style or cottage-style homes. Rustic-style brick is another option that can fit in with more traditional country-style decor.

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

Open shelving is a great way to organize books and other items, but too many can make a mess of a fireplace. The owners of this living room have created the wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to improve the look of the room without overwhelming the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams that have a rustic style are ideal for a fireplace wall. They bring a timeless appeal to any home. Reclaimed wood beams come from old stables, barns and other demolished buildings. Each beam carries with it its own distinct history. Reclaimed wood can also be used as a feature in modern kitchens, or with wide planks of paneling to create an authentic appearance. They have the typical barn wood markings like mortise and nail holes and a natural aging process that improves their durability.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets to find reclaimed wood elements to use for a mantel or an accent wall. For example the earthy hue of pine that highlights this traditional living room mantel and surround creates an idyllic rural setting. The knotty imperfections create a rustic appearance and are a perfect match for the simple lines in the beaded-board wainscoting on the fireplace's wall. The rustic warmth of the room is enhanced by a pair inspired by nature wall sconces, as well as a landscape picture above the mantel.

Repurposed wood beams will give a unique appearance to any room. They can be stained to match your current decor or carved to give an antique look. They can also be painted to give an updated look or covered with faux finishes, such as marbled or rust paint.

Wooden beams can be used as a focal point for any kind of fireplace. They can be set above a freestanding gas or ventless or electric fireplace or incorporated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can be used to accent a mantel without a fire burning.

Whichever method you decide to use to mount your beams, make sure that they are adequately protected from the effects of fire. Both materials can become fragile in extreme heat. However they can be strengthened with a layer of fire-resistant drywall. These products can be found at most stores for home improvement.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a dramatic effect as a surround for a fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens up the room and can be incorporated into any decor, modern or traditional. Selecting matte finishes for the tiles is ideal to keep that neat and polished look, while also adding some contrast to make the fireplace sparkle.

Hex tiles can also be used with various textures to create a more individual look. Stone-look tile is a popular option that gives the room a classic, rustic feel while blending beautifully with natural materials like wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tile, which adds an elegant and luxurious look to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting light and brightening up the room.

The proper tile pattern can improve the entire look 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 the look of a hand-crafted piece that balances the contemporary organic style of the fireplace, and the contemporary style of the room.

If you're not sure about putting your faith in a patterns in your home, a fireplace is an excellent place to try out a bold pattern which could be intimidating in other parts of the house. This geometric tile with its black grout gives the room an elegant, yet fun feel. The hexagonal shapes resemble cubes, creating a lively layout. The deep brown hue creates a warm, inviting aesthetic that complements the industrial decor.

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 has the benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.

Consider using a peel-and stick tile to upgrade your fireplace surround without costing you a dime. Many of these options are resistant to heat, making them safe for fireplaces and able to adhere to the existing surface. This peel and stick herringbone tile is an excellent option to add elegance to any room. It also works beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace on the wall has a brick surround, the most effective way to downplay its appearance is with a fresh coat of paint. The mantel can be painted a different colour 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 pick something striking.

If your mantel is made of wood take a look at it to find cracks, gouges, and scratches. Fill in the dents using wood putty if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the period recommended. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it prior to painting. To remove any debris or dirt wipe the surfaces that have been sanded with a damp cloth.

White is a popular shade for Low maintenance fireplaces and walls. However the right shade will make your mantel really stand out. Take a look at the trims, moldings, and bookcases around your home for inspiration. Does your mantel have the same shade as theirs or is it lighter or darker? If you opt for the latter, choose the color that works well with the other shades in the room to keep it looking balanced.

Make sure you cover the area around you with sheets or a dropcloth before you begin painting. Clear off the mantel and remove any decorations or showpieces that might be hanging above it. If your fireplace is made of brick, take away any ornaments or pictures that are on or within it. Once the mantel is empty and clean, wipe it with a an damp cloth to wash off any soot or dust that has accumulated.

Apply a basecoat with a roller or brush to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish is durable and stain-resistant, so your mantel is able to stand up well to the heat of the fireplace as well as any other objects placed on it. Let the primer dry according to the manufacturer's recommendations before moving on to the main body of your fireplace's wall.

The brick can be quite heavy in both weight and color. Painting the mantel an even or light color can make it look brighter and more welcoming to guests. If you choose a light color for your mantel, pair it with a work of artwork in earthy tones, or a large wall mirror to complete the overall look.