How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace will give your living room an attractive focal feature. There are many different designs available but it is crucial to choose one that will meet your requirements.

The heat output, controls, and the design are among the most important features. If you're not aware of these aspects, it is best to hire an expert to help choose the right model.

Molded Squares

A dull stone fireplace and dull walls left this living space in need of a dramatic fireplace overhaul. With a few tweaks to the design the new look is fresh and striking and makes the hearth a focal point in the room. A whitewashed fireplace and contemporary artwork above modernize the fireplace facade while contrasted with the gray shelves below. A few minor changes in color can also help the fireplace stand apart from the wall, adding the charm of this fireplace design.

Base cap moldings and trim pieces are combined to make a simple but effective way to frame a tile fireplace surround. Choose a style of trim that contrasts with or matches your other trim elements such as the thick casing around doors and windows, to tie the look together. If you're looking for a more elegant, high-end look, you can consider using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of an actual mantel. For a more rustic, farmhouse look, opt for dentil trim instead.

Wainscoting accent walls is an extremely popular way to add character to a room. The same technique can be employed to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards however, try a paneled product like beadboard or tongue-andgroove cedar siding to create a striking appearance.

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

If you are incorporating brick into your fireplace design, you'll want to be sure your hearth is 16 to 18 inches from the opening for the fireplace and that the surround extends 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Make sure your chosen material conforms to all building codes to ensure security.

Open shelving is an ideal way to store books and other items. However having too many shelves can ruin the look of a fireplace. In this family room, homeowners built a wall-to ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the design of the new fireplace without overwhelming the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wood beams are the ideal frame for a wall fireplace. They add a timeless beauty to any house. Reclaimed wood beams are reclaimed from barns, stalls, and other structures that were destroyed. Each beam carries with it its own unique history. Reclaimed wood can be used in combination with wide plank ceiling paneling to create a rustic look or as accents to modern kitchens. They have the typical barn wood markings, such as mortise and nail holes as well as a natural aging process which increases their durability.

Search architectural salvage yards and flea market for reclaimed wooden elements to make into a fireplace. For instance the earthy hue of pine that accents the traditional living room mantel and surround is reminiscent of the feeling of a rustic, cozy retreat. The knotty imperfections of the wood create a rustic appearance, and they complement the simple lines in the beaded-board wainscoting that is on the fireplace wall. The rustic warmth of this room is accentuated by a pair of nature-inspired wall sconces, as well as an image of a landscape above the mantel.

Repurposed wood beams can be an attractive accent to any room in your home. They can be left as-is or stained to complement your current decor, or they can be carved and distressed for an antique look. They can be painted to give them a more contemporary look or covered with faux finishes such as marbling paint or rust.

Wooden beams can serve as a focal point for any type of fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel without any fire burning. They can be used to enhance the mantel, without burning fire.

Whatever method you decide to use to mount your beams, be sure they are protected adequately from the effects of fire. Both materials can become brittle and weaken in the face of extreme heat, but both can be strengthened by a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant that is sprayed on I-beams made of steel. These products are available in a wide variety of home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can create an impressive statement when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens up the space while blending with any decor style, from traditional to modern. The matte finish is perfect for a sleek and polished appearance while adding a splash of contrast to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can be customised by a variety of textures to create a more personalized look. Stone-look tile is a very popular choice that gives the space an authentic, rustic look while pairing beautifully with natural materials such as wood. Marble-look tile is another classic option that gives an elegant and luxurious aesthetic to the space. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting the light and brightening the room.

The right tile pattern can elevate 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 of the tile gives the entire room a the look of a hand-crafted piece that balances the modern organic style of the fireplace with the overall contemporary design of the room.

If you're not sure about taking a risk on a patterns in your home, a fireplace is an ideal place to test out a bold style that might be intimidating in other areas of your home. This geometric tile (here's a similar option) with its black grout lines give the room a sophisticated but playful energy. The hexagonal shapes fit together as cubes to create an exciting layout, while the deep brown color provides an inviting and warm look that complements the industrial décor in this room.

Tile that looks like brick or other common materials is another way to make an impact on your fireplace. This textured tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look as brick however, it is much easier to clean and maintain.

Consider using a peel-and stick tile to update your fireplace's surround without costing you a dime. These tiles are heat-resistant which makes them suitable for Construction fireplaces and can be bonded to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great alternative that will add an elegant feel to any living space and will look great with traditional furnishings.

Paint the Mantel

When a wall fireplace has a brick surround, the best way to disguise its appearance is with a fresh coat of paint. The mantel can be painted with a different color to give it a more cosy and spirited look. It doesn't matter if you choose to match it to the color scheme of your room or opt for something more striking, a new paint color can make your fireplace stand out as a stunning feature.

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 Fill them in with wood putty and allow it to set for the recommended amount of time. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it before painting. To get rid of any dirt or debris clean the surfaces you have sanded with a damp cloth.

While white is a popular option for holiday fireplaces and walls The right shade can really help your mantel stand out. To get ideas, take a look at the trims of wood on your bookcases, moldings, and walls. Does your mantel match in color as theirs or is it lighter or darker? If so, select a color that coordinates well to keep the room looking well-balanced.

Before you begin painting, protect the area surrounding you with drop cloth or sheets. Remove the mantel, taking out any decorative pieces or displays that may be hung above it. Remove any ornaments or photos that are on or around your brick fireplace. Once the mantel has been cleaned, you can use a damp cloth and wipe it down to remove any soot or dust.

Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with a brush or roller. The semi-gloss paint is long-lasting and stain resistant, so your mantel can be able to withstand the heat of your fireplace, and any other items placed on it. Let the primer dry, according to the instructions of the manufacturer, before you begin painting the main wall of the fireplace.

While the brick is an attractive feature of a fireplace's wall, it can be quite heavy and dark in shade. Paint the mantel with in a neutral or light shade can make it appear brighter and more inviting for guests. If you decide to choose a light hue, think about pairing it with a earthy-toned piece of artwork or a mirror that is large above it to balance the look.