How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace in the wall will make your living space an eye-catching focal feature. There are numerous models to choose from so you need to pick one that is suitable for your needs.

Some of the most important features include the output of heat along with the appearance and controls. If you aren't familiar with these elements, it's best to hire an expert to help pick the right model.

Molded Squares

A dull stone fireplace surround and dull walls left this living space in need of a dramatic fireplace revamp. The new style is vibrant, attractive and makes the hearth the center of the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel as well as contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the exterior, while the gray shelves below contrast. The fireplace facade is enhanced by a few color changes.

Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces are combined to create a simple, yet effective way to frame a tile fireplace surround. To bring the design together, choose a trim style to contrast with or complement your other trim elements such as thick casing around windows and doors. If you're looking for an elegant, high-end look, use fluted trim to create the illusion of a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse-style.

Accent walls with wainscoting are a popular method to add character to a room. The same technique can also be used to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards, instead, consider a paneled material like beadboard or tongue-andgroove cedar siding to create a dramatic look.

Brick is another 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 cottage-style or Craft-Revival-style homes. A rustic-look brick can also be used to add a rustic touch to a traditional decor.

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

Open shelving is a great option to organize books and other items, but too many can make a mess of a fireplace. In this family room, the homeowners created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the appearance of the fireplace, without obscuring the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look make a great fireplace wall. They add a timeless look to any house. Reclaimed wood beams are sourced from old barns, stables and other demolished buildings. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used as a decorative element in modern kitchens or with wide plank paneling to create an authentic appearance. They are characterized by barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes plus a natural aging which increases their durability.

Search architectural salvage yards and flea markets for wood pieces that you can make into a fireplace. The natural tone of pine used as a backdrop for the traditional living room surround and mantel evokes the feeling of a cozy country getaway. The knotty imperfections in the wood accent the hand-crafted look and compliment the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which borders the fireplace wall. A pair of nature-inspired sconces and a landscape painting over the mantel add to the rustic coziness of the room.

Repurposed wooden beams will give a unique appearance to any space. They can be stained to match your current design or carved to create an antique look. They can be painted to give them a modern look, or covered with faux finishes such as marbling paint or rust.

Wooden beams can be used as a focal point in any type of fireplace. They can be positioned above a freestanding gas or electric or ventless fireplace or incorporated into a stone or brick fireplace. They can also be used to highlight a mantel without a fire burning.

Whatever method of installation you choose, make sure that your steel or wood beams are protected from the possible consequences of fire. Both materials are susceptible to becoming hard and brittle when heated to extreme temperatures. However, they can be strengthened by a layer of fire-resistant drywall. These products are available at a variety of stores for home improvement.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can make a dramatic statement when used as a fireplace surround. Its design instantly brightens the space and is a perfect match for any style, whether contemporary or traditional. The matte finish is ideal for a sleek and polished look while adding contrast to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles also work well with different textures for a more customized appearance. Stone-look tiles are a popular choice that gives the room a rustic, classic feel. They also look great with natural materials like wood. Another classic option is marble-look tile that provides an elegant and luxurious appearance to the room. These tiles have an elegant and glossy surface that is a beautiful reflection of light and brightens the room.

The proper tile pattern can enhance the design 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 patterned tile gives an artistic look to the space, and balances the modern natural style fireplace with the overall design of the room.

If you're not sure about putting your faith in a pattern in your home, a fireplace can be an excellent place to try out a bold design that might be intimidating in other parts of your home. This geometric tile (here's a similar option) with its black grout lines give this room a sophisticated and fun energy. The hexagonal shapes fit together like cubes to create a fascinating layout, while the dark brown color creates a warm and inviting aesthetic that is a perfect match for the industrial décor in this room.

Another method of making a statement with your fireplace is to choose tiles that look like the appearance of brick or a similar material. This textured tile, made by LA Designer Affair, has the same look as brick, but has the benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.

Consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to modernize your fireplace's surround without spending a fortune. A majority of these options are heat resistant which means they are safe for Fireplaces Online and able to adhere to the existing surface. This herringbone peel and stick tile is an excellent option that will add a sense of elegance to any living space, while coordinating beautifully with traditional furnishings.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace on the wall has an existing brick surround, the best way to downplay its appearance is to give it an update of the paint. Paint the mantel in a different color also adds warmth and character to the space. A new color of paint can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the color scheme of the room or choose something striking.

If your mantel is made of wood, you should first examine it for cracks, nicks, and gouges. If the dents aren't enough to be handled Fill them in with wood putty and let it set for the recommended amount of time. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it prior to painting. Wipe down the sanded surface using a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or dust.

White is a popular color for walls and fireplaces store. But the right shade will make your fireplace stand out. Look at the other trims, moldings, and bookcases in your home for inspiration. Do they have the same shade as your mantel, or is it a lighter or a darker hue? If so, select a color that coordinates well to keep the look well-balanced.

Cover the area around you with sheets or a dropcloth prior to when you begin painting. Remove any decorations or showpieces that were hung above the mantel. Remove any ornaments or pictures that are on or around your brick fireplace. When the mantel is clean then wipe it clean with a a damp cloth to clean off any soot or dust that has built up.

Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel using a brush or roller. The semi-gloss paint is durable and stain-resistant, which means your mantel will be able to stand up to the heat of the fireplace as well as any other items that are placed on it. Allow the primer to dry in accordance with the guidelines of the manufacturer before moving onto the main part of your fireplace's wall.

The brick may be heavy in weight and color. The mantel painted with a light or neutral color can make it appear brighter and more inviting to guests. If you decide to go with a light color, consider using it in conjunction with an earthy toned artwork or a large mirror above it to create a balanced look.