How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace on the wall can create your living room a focal point that demands attention. There are numerous designs available but it is crucial to choose one that meets your needs.

Some of the most important features are the heat output as well as the appearance and controls. If you're not familiar with these features, it's best to hire an expert to assist you in choosing the best model.

Molded Squares

A dull stone fireplace surround and bland walls created a living space that was in need of a drastic fireplace overhaul. With a few design tweaks, the new look is bright and attractive making the hearth an important focal point in the room. A whitewashed mantel for the fireplace and contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the appearance of the façade and the shelves in gray below contrast. A few changes in color can also help the fireplace stand out from the wall, which enhances the beauty of this fireplace design.

Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces are paired to make a simple but effective way to frame a fireplace surround made of tile. Choose a trim style that contrasts with or complements the other trim elements, like the thick casing around windows and doors, to make the look more cohesive. If you want a more high-end, elegant style, you can use fluted trim to give the illusion that there is a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse style.

Making an accent wall using wainscoting is a common method 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 instead plank boards to create a dramatic effect.

Another non-combustible material that you can use to build an enclosure for your fireplace is brick, which comes in many different styles and colors. A classic red brick fireplace is perfect for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. Rustic-look brick is also an option that can fit in with more traditional country decor.

If you want to incorporate brick into the design of your fireplace ensure that your hearth measures 16 to 18 inches away from the opening of the firebox, and the surround is 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you choose is safe and complies with all local and national codes.

Open shelving can be an ideal way to store books and other objects. However having too many shelves can obstruct the appearance of a fireplace. The homeowners of this family room created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the look without overpowering open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic appearance are perfect for a fireplace wall. They bring a timeless appeal to any house. Reclaimed wood beams originate from old barns, stables and other demolished structures. Each beam is unique and has its own distinct history. Reclaimed wood can be used as an accent in modern kitchens, or with wide plank paneling to create an authentic look. They have the typical barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes and a natural aging process which increases their durability.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage as well as flea markets to find reclaimed wood elements to use as a mantel or accent wall. The earthy tone of pine used as a backdrop for the traditional living room surround and mantel creates the feeling of a cozy country getaway. Its knotty imperfections emphasize the hand-crafted look and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that is a part of the fireplace wall. A pair of nature-inspired sconces and a landscape-themed painting above the mantel add to the rustic ambiance of the space.

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

The wooden beams can be used as the central feature of any fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel without a fire burning. They can be used to enhance the mantel without a burning fire.

No matter which method of installation you decide to use, make sure that your wood or steel beams are adequately protected from the effects of fire. Both materials can be hard and brittle when heated to extreme temperatures. However, they can be strengthened by a layer of fire-resistant drywall. These products can be found at most home improvement shops.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a dramatic effect as an accent for construction fireplaces. Its shape instantly brightens up the room and complements any decor, contemporary or traditional. The choice of an elegant matte finish for the tiles is ideal to keep that sleek and polished look, while also adding some contrast to make the fireplace sparkle.

Hex tiles can be customised by a variety of textures to create an individualized look. Stone-look tiles are a very popular option that give the room a rustic, classic feel. They also pair beautifully with natural materials, such as wood. Another classic option is marble-look tile, which adds an elegant and luxurious appearance to the space. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting the light and brightening the space.

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 gives the appearance of a hand-crafted space, Fireplace Upgrade ideas and balances the modern organic style fireplace with the overall design of the room.

If you're unsure about taking a risk on a patterns in your home, a fireplace can be an excellent place to try out a bold design that might be a bit intimidating in other areas of the house. This geometric tile (here's a similar option) with its black grout lines gives this space a sophisticated yet fun energy. The hexagonal shapes work as cubes to create an exciting layout, and the dark brown color creates an inviting and warm aesthetic that works with the industrial décor in the room.

Another option to make a statement with your fireplace is to use tiles that have the look of brick or a similar material. This texture tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look to brick, however, it is much easier to clean and maintain.

Consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to update your fireplace's surround without costing you a dime. These options are heat-resistant which makes them suitable for fireplaces as well as able to be bonded to existing surfaces. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a great option for adding style to any room. It also coordinates beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the best method to cover the brick surround on a wall-mounted fireplace. Painting the mantel a different color also adds warmth and character to the space. A new color of paint could make your Fireplace Upgrade Ideas stand out. You can match it to the scheme of color in the room or pick something bold.

If the mantel is made of wood take a look at it to find gouges, cracks and nicks. If the dents aren't large enough to handle Fill them in with wood putty, and let it set for the appropriate amount of time. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it before painting. Wipe the surface that has been sanded using a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or dust.

White is a popular shade for fireplaces and walls. However the right shade can make your fireplace stand out. Look at the other wood trims, moldings, and bookcases in your home for inspiration. Do they have the same color as your mantel, or is it a darker or lighter shade? If the latter, pick the color that is well-matched to keep the space looking well-balanced.

Before you begin painting, cover the area around you with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove any decorations or showpieces that were hung over the mantel. If your fireplace is made of brick, take away any ornaments or pictures that are on or around it. Once the mantel is cleaned, use a damp cloth and wipe it clean to remove any dust or soot.

Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel using a brush or roller. The semi-gloss finish is durable and stain-resistant, which means that your mantel will hold up well to the heat of the fireplace and any other items placed on it. Allow the primer to completely dry, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, before you begin painting the main wall of the fireplace.

While the brick is a striking feature of a fireplace's wall, it can be heavy and dark in shade. Painting the mantel in a neutral or light shade can make it appear brighter and more inviting to guests. If you opt for an unassuming color for your mantel, you can pair it with a work of art in earthy tones or a large wall mirror to complete the appearance.