How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace on the wall can create your living room an attractive focal point that requires attention. There are numerous models on the market but it is important to find one that meets your needs.

The most significant features include the output of heat along with the appearance and controls. If you're not aware of these features, it's best to seek out an expert to help you choose the best model.

Molded Squares

A worn-out stone fireplace and dull walls left this living space in need of a major fireplace makeover. With a few tweaks to the design, the new look is vibrant and double-Sided fireplaces (deprezyon.com) striking, making the hearth an important focal point in the room. A whitewashed mantel and modern artwork above modernize the facade of the fireplace while contrasting with the gray shelves below. A few changes in color can also help the fireplace stand out from the wall, adding the beauty of this fireplace design.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces join to create a simple, yet effective, method to frame the tile fireplace surround. To bring the design together pick a trim style to contrast or match the other trim elements like thick casing around doors and windows. If you're looking for a more elegant, high-end look, use fluted trim to create the illusion that there is a mantel. For a more rustic, farmhouse look, opt for dentil trim instead.

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

Another non-combustible option you can build the fireplace surround is brick, which comes in a variety of styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace in red is a traditional choice for Craft Revival-style or cottage-style homes. The rustic-look brick is an option that can fit in with more traditional country decor.

When you incorporate brick into your fireplace design, you'll want to be sure your hearth is 16 to 18 inches from the opening of the firebox and that your surround reaches 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the material you choose is safe and complies with all codes of the local and national level.

Open shelving is a great option to store books and other things, but too many can make a mess of a fireplace. The homeowners of this family room designed a wall to ceiling limestone cladding to elevate the design without overwhelming open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wooden beams are the perfect frame for a fireplace on the wall. They are timeless and beautiful to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood are made from barns, stalls, and other buildings that were removed. Each beam has its own distinct story. Reclaimed wood can be used as a decorative element in modern kitchens or with wide planks of paneling to create an authentic appearance. They are characterized by barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes, as well as a natural aging process that increases their durability.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets for reclaimed wooden elements that can be used for a mantel or an accent wall. For example, the earthy shade of pine that highlights the traditional living room mantel and surround evokes an idyllic rural setting. The knotty imperfections in the wood accent the hand-crafted look and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that borders the fireplace wall. A pair of nature-inspired sconces and a landscape painting above the mantel enhance the rustic ambiance of the room.

Repurposed wooden beams can make an attractive feature to any room in your home. They can be left as-is or stained to match your existing decor or carved and distressed for an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a more modern appearance or covered with faux finishes like marbling paint or rust.

Wooden beams can be used as a focal point for any kind of fireplace. They can be placed above a freestanding fireplaces gas, ventless or electric fireplace, or they can be incorporated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can be used to highlight the mantel without burning fire.

Whatever method of installation you decide to use be sure that your steel or wood beams are adequately protected from the potential effects of fire. Both types of materials can be brittle and weaken in the presence of extreme heat, but both can be reinforced with a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant sprays on I-beams made of steel. These products can be found at most home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a dramatic effect as a surround for a fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens the space and is a perfect match for any style, whether contemporary or traditional. Choosing an elegant matte finish for the tiles is a great way to maintain that clean and polished look, while adding some contrast to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can be customised by a variety of textures to create an individualized appearance. Stone-look tiles are a very popular option that gives the room a rustic, classic feel. They also look great with natural materials, such as wood. Marble-look tile is another classic option that gives an elegant and luxurious aesthetic to the room. These tiles have an elegant and glossy surface that reflect light beautifully and enhances the space.

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

If you're not sure about taking a risk with pattern in your home, a fireplace can be the perfect place to test out a bold style which could be intimidating in other parts of your home. This geometric tile with its black grout provides this area with an elegant yet playful feel. The hexagonal shapes fit together like cubes for a stimulating layout, while the deep brown hue creates a warm and inviting aesthetic that complements the industrial decor Custom Fireplaces in the room.

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

Consider using a peel-and stick tile to modernize your fireplace's surround without spending a fortune. A majority of these options are resistant to heat, making them suitable for use in the fireplace and able to be affixed to the existing stone. This herringbone peel and stick tile is an excellent alternative that will add a sense of elegance to any living space while coordinating beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

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

If your mantel is constructed of wood, you should first examine it for cracks, nicks, and gouges. If the dents are small enough to handle then fill them with wood putty, and let it set for the appropriate amount of time. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it up prior to painting. Wipe the surface that has been sanded with a damp cloth in order to remove any remaining dirt or debris.

While white is a popular option for custom Fireplaces and walls, the right shade can really make your fireplace stand out. To get ideas, take a look at the wood trims on your bookcases, mouldings, 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, select one that blends well with the other hues in the room to ensure it looks balanced.

Before you begin painting, cover the surrounding area with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove any decorative items or showpieces that might have been placed over the mantel. Take away any ornaments or pictures placed around or on your brick fireplace. Once the mantel has been cleared, wipe it down with a damp cloth to clean off any dust or soot that has built up.

Apply a basecoat with brushes or rollers to your mantel. The semi-gloss paint is durable and stain-resistant, which means your mantel will be able to be able to withstand the heat of your fireplace as well as any other items that are placed on it. Allow the primer to dry in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer prior to moving on to the main body of your fireplace wall.

While brick is a beautiful feature of a fireplace wall, it can be a bit heavy and dark in color. Paint the mantel in a light color or neutral to make it appear more vibrant and more inviting. If you opt for a light shade for your mantel, pair it with a work of artwork in earthy tones, or a large mirror to complement the overall look.