How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can provide your living space with an eye-catching focal area. There are numerous designs available but it is crucial to choose one that will meet your requirements.

The most significant features include the heat output, the appearance and the controls. If you're not familiar with these features, it's best to seek out an expert to assist you in choosing the best model.

Molded Squares

This living room needed an impressive fireplace overhaul due to its outdated stone surround and boring walls. With a few design tweaks the new look is fresh and eye-catching, making this hearth a central feature in the room. A whitewashed mantel and contemporary artwork above modernize the fireplace facade while contrasting with the gray shelves below. The fireplace's facade is accentuated by a few color variations.

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

Wainscoting accent walls is an extremely popular way to add character to rooms. The same method can be employed to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled product like tongue-and groove cedar siding or beadboard instead plank boards to create a dramatic look.

Brick is another non-combustible option to use as the fireplace surround. It comes in a variety of styles and colors. A traditional red brick fireplace is a classic option for cottage-style or Craft-Revival-style homes. A rustic-looking brick could be used to enhance a traditional country style.

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

Open shelving is a great way of storing books and other things. However the presence of too many shelves can ruin the appearance of the fireplace. The owners of this family room created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the look without overpowering open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wood beams make the perfect frame for Cozy fireplace ambiance a fireplace on the wall. They add a timeless look to any stylish home fireplaces. Reclaimed wood beams are sourced from old barns, stables and other demolished structures. Each beam carries with it its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used in conjunction with wide plank ceiling paneling for a completely rustic look or as accents to modern kitchens. They feature the usual barn wood markings, such as mortise and nail holes as well as a natural aging process which increases their durability.

Look through salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea market for reclaimed wooden elements to make into a fireplace. The natural tone of pine used to accent the traditional living room surround and mantel creates a cozy country retreat. The knotty imperfections of the wood give it a rustic feel and complement the simple lines in the beaded-board wainscoting that is on the fireplace wall. A pair of sconces with a natural theme and a painting of a landscape above the mantel add to the rustic charm of this space.

Repurposed wooden beams can give a unique appearance to any room. They can be left as is or stained to match your existing decor or distressed and carved to give them an antique look. They can also be painted for modern appearance, or they can be covered with faux finishes such as marbled paint or rust.

The wooden beams can be used as the central point of any fireplace. They can be placed over a freestanding gas, ventless or electric fireplace, or they can be incorporated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can be used to enhance the mantel without burning fire.

Whatever method you decide to use to mount your beams, ensure that they are adequately protected from the effects of fire. Both materials can become hard and brittle when heated to extreme temperatures. However they can be strengthened with a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products are sold 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 space while complementing any decor choice from modern to traditional. The matte finish is ideal to create a polished and sleek appearance while adding a splash of contrast to make the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles also work well with a variety of texture choices to create a more individual look. Stone-look tiles are a very popular option that give the room an old-fashioned, rustic feel. They also go well with natural materials, such as wood. Marble-look tiles are another timeless option that provides an elegant and luxurious appearance to the room. These tiles have a glossy and smooth finish that reflect light beautifully and brightens the room.

The perfect tile pattern can enhance the overall 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 entire room a a handcrafted appeal that balances the modern organic style of the fireplace and the contemporary style of the room.

If you're unsure about taking a risk on a patterns in your home, a fireplace is the perfect place to test out a bold design that might be a bit intimidating in other areas of your home. This geometric tile (here's an alternative) with its black grout lines give this space a sophisticated yet fun energy. The hexagonal shapes are shaped like cubes to create an exciting layout. The deep brown hue provides this space with a warm, inviting aesthetic that complements the industrial style.

Tile that looks like brick or other materials you are familiar with is another option to create an impact on your fireplace. The textured tile, which is made by LA Designer Affair, has the same look as brick, but with the added benefit of being much easier to clean and maintain.

If you're not ready to commit to a full-scale remodel of your fireplace surround, consider using a peel and stick tile to change the look without costing you a fortune. A majority of these options are heat resistant and therefore safe for the fireplace and able to stick to the existing stone. This herringbone peel and stick tile is an excellent option that will add a sense of elegance to any living space, and will look great with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace on the wall has an existing brick surround, the most effective method to minimize its appearance is with fresh coats of paint. The mantel can be painted with a different colour to add warmth and personality. It doesn't matter if you choose to match it with the decor's color scheme or opt for something more striking, a new paint color can make your fireplace stand out as a showpiece.

If the mantel is made of wood be sure to check it for gouges, cracks and nicks. If the dents aren't large enough to be able to handle Fill them in with wood putty and allow it to set for the recommended amount of time. Sand the surface with 100-grit paper to roughen it up prior to painting. Wipe down the sanded surface with a damp cloth to take off any remaining dirt or dust.

White is a popular color for walls and relaxing fireplaces. But the right shade can make your mantel really stand out. For inspiration, examine the wood trims on your bookcases, mouldings, and walls. Do they use the same hue as your mantel? Or is it a lighter or darker hue? If so, select a color that coordinates well to keep the room looking balanced.

Before you begin painting, cover the surrounding area with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove the mantel and remove any decorative pieces or displays that may be hung above it. If your fireplace is brick, remove any pictures or ornaments that are on or around the fireplace. Once the mantel has been cleared and clean, wipe it with a the help of a damp cloth to wipe off any dust or soot that has accumulated.

Apply a basecoat with brushes or rollers to your mantel. The semi-gloss paint lasts and stain-resistant, so your mantel will 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 according to the recommendations of the manufacturer prior to moving on to the main part of your fireplace wall.

The brick may be heavy in color and weight. Paint the mantel in an unassuming color or neutral to make it appear lighter and more inviting. If you opt for a light shade for your mantel, you can pair it with a piece artwork in earthy tones, or a large wall mirror to complement the look.