How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace in the wall will give your living room an attractive focal point. There are many models available and you must pick one that meets your requirements.

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

Molded Squares

The living room in this house needed a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its old-fashioned stone surround and boring walls. The new style is bright, appealing and makes the hearth the main focal point of the room. A whitewashed mantel and modern 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 are paired to create a simple yet efficient way to frame the fireplace with a tile surround. Choose a style of trim that contrasts with or matches your other trim elements, for example, the thick casing around windows and doors to create a cohesive look. If you're looking to create an elegant, premium look, consider 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.

Accent walls with wainscoting are a popular method to add character to the interior of a room. The same technique can be used to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled product like tongue-and groove cedar siding or beadboard in place of plank boards to create a dramatic effect.

Brick is another non-combustible option to use as the fireplace surround. It is available in different styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace with red is a traditional choice for cottage-style or Craft Revival style homes. Rustic-style brick is another alternative that is able to blend with more traditional country style.

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

Open shelving can be excellent for storing books and other things. However having too many shelves can ruin the appearance of a fireplace. For this family room the homeowners designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to elevate the look of the new fireplace, fireplace makeover without obscuring the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wood beams are the ideal frame for a fireplace on the wall. They add timeless beauty to any house. Reclaimed wood beams are sourced from old stables, barns and other buildings that were demolished. Each beam has its own distinct story. Reclaimed wood can be used as a decorative element in modern kitchens or with wide plank paneling to create a rustic look. They have the typical barn wood markings, such as mortise and nail holes as well as a natural aging process that improves their durability.

Search architectural salvage yards and flea market for reclaimed wood elements to repurpose into a mantel. The natural tone of pine used to accent this traditional living room's mantel and surround evokes the feeling of a cozy country getaway. 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 that is on the wall of the fireplace. The rustic warmth of the space is enhanced by a pair of natural-inspired wall sconces, as well as an image of a landscape above the mantel.

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

Wooden beams can serve as a focal point for any kind of fireplace. They can be set over a freestanding gas, ventless or electric fireplace or be integrated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can also be used to highlight the mantel without a flame burning.

Regardless of which method of installation you decide to use, make sure that your wood or steel beams are properly protected from the potential effects of fire. Both types of materials can become brittle and weaken in the presence of extreme heat, however both are able to be strengthened with a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant sprayed on steel I-beams. These products are sold at most stores for home improvement.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be utilized to create a dramatic effect as surrounds for fireplaces. Its shape instantly brightens the room and can be incorporated into any decor, whether traditional or modern. Selecting matte finishes for the tiles is the best way to maintain that clean and polished look, while also adding some contrast to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can also be used with different textures to create a more individual look. Stone-look tile is a very popular choice that lends the space an old-fashioned, rustic feel while blending beautifully with natural materials like wood. marble fireplaces-look tiles are another timeless option that provides an elegant and luxurious appearance to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles sparkles beautifully, reflecting sunlight and brightening the room.

The right tile pattern can elevate 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 patterned tile gives an artistic look to the space, while balancing the contemporary organic style fireplace with the overall style of the room.

If you're unsure 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 areas of the house. This geometric tile (here's another option) with its black grout lines give this room a sophisticated and fun energy. The hexagonal shapes fit like cubes to create a stimulating layout. The deep brown hue creates an inviting, warm look that complements the industrial style.

Another method of making an impact with your fireplace is to use tiles that have the look of brick or another popular material. This texture tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance as brick but is much easier to clean and maintain.

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

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace on the wall has a brick surround, the best way to downplay its appearance is with an update of the paint. The mantel can be painted a different hue to give it a more cosy and spirited look. A new color of paint could make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the color scheme of the room or pick something striking.

If the mantel is made of wood, inspect it first for gouges, cracks and scratches. Fill in the dents with wood putty if they are small enough. Allow it to dry for the time recommended. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it prior to painting. Clean the surface with a damp cloth in order to remove any remaining dirt or debris.

White is a popular color for walls and fireplaces. However, the right shade will make your fireplace stand out. For ideas, take a look at the trims of wood on your bookcases, mouldings and walls. Do they have the same color as your mantel, or is it a lighter or darker shade? If the latter, choose the color that is well-matched to keep the look well-balanced.

Before you begin painting, cover the surrounding area with a drop cloth or sheets. Clean the mantel, taking out any decorative pieces or displays that may be hung above it. Remove any ornaments or photos that are around or on your brick fireplace. Once the mantel is cleaned, take a damp cloth and wipe it down to get rid of any soot or dust.

Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with either a roller or brush. The semi-gloss paint lasts and stain resistant, so your mantel will withstand the heat of the fireplace, and any other objects that are placed on it. Allow the primer to completely dry, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.

While the brick is a beautiful feature of a fireplace's wall it can be quite heavy and dark in color. Paint the mantel with a light or neutral color will make it appear more lively and more inviting to guests. If you choose an unassuming color for your mantel, you can pair it with a piece of artwork in earthy tones, or a large mirror to complete the look.