How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall shop fireplace will make your living space an eye-catching focal point. There are many models available so you need to pick one that suits your needs.

The output of heat, the controls, and the design are some of the most important features. If you're unfamiliar with these features, it's best fireplace to hire an expert to assist you in choosing the right model.

Molded Squares

The living room in this house needed an overhaul to the fireplace due to its old-fashioned stone surround and dull walls. With a few tweaks to the design the new look is fresh and eye-catching, making the hearth a centerpiece in the room. A whitewashed mantel and contemporary artwork above modernize the facade of the fireplace while contrasted with the gray shelves below. The fireplace's exterior is enhanced by a few color changes.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces combine to form a simple, yet effective, way to frame the fireplace surround. To bring the design together select a trim design to match or contrast with the other trim elements like thick casings around doors and windows. If you're looking for a more elegant, high-end style, you can use fluted trim to give the illusion of a mantel. If you want a more rustic farmhouse look, choose to use dentil trim instead.

Accent walls with wainscoting are a common method of adding personality to the interior of a room. The same technique can be used to frame a fireplace Uk. Consider a paneled material like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard in place of plank boards to create a dramatic look.

Another non-combustible material that you can use to create a fireplace surround is brick, which comes in many different styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace in red is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. Rustic-style brick is another alternative that is able to blend with more traditional country-style decor.

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

Open shelving can be excellent for storing books and other objects. However, too many shelves can ruin the look of a fireplace. For this family room, the homeowners designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding that enhances the appearance of the fireplace, without obscuring the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wooden beams are the perfect frame for a fireplace on the wall. They bring timeless elegance to any home. Reclaimed wood beams originate from barns, stables and other buildings that were demolished. Each beam has its own distinct story. Reclaimed wood can be used as a feature in modern kitchens, or with wide plank paneling to create an authentic look. They are characterized by the typical marks of barn wood, like nail holes and mortise pockets and natural patina that increases their durability.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets to find reclaimed wood elements to use for a mantel or an accent wall. The rustic tone of pine used to create this traditional living room surround and mantel evokes an intimate country retreat. Its knotty imperfections create a rustic appearance and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that is on the wall of the fireplace. The rustic warmth of this room is enhanced by a pair of nature-inspired wall sconces, as well as a landscape image above the mantel.

Repurposed wooden beams can give a unique appearance to any space. They can be left in their natural state or stained to complement your existing decor or cut and distressed to create an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a modern appearance, or covered with faux finishes such as rust or marbling paint.

Wooden beams can serve as a focal point in any kind of fireplace. They can be used to highlight the mantel without a fire burning. They can be used to accent a mantel without a fire burning.

Whatever method of installation you choose ensure that your wood or steel beams are properly protected from the potential consequences of fire. Both types of materials can be brittle and weaken when exposed to extreme heat, however both are able to be strengthened with a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant that is sprayed on steel I-beams. These products are available at a variety of home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be utilized to create a dramatic effect as surrounds for fireplaces. Its shape instantly brightens the space while blending with any decor style from modern to traditional. Selecting an elegant matte finish for the tiles is a great way to keep that neat and polished look while adding some contrast to make the fireplace sparkle.

Hex tiles can also be used with various textures to create a more individual look. Stone-look tiles are a favorite that give the room a rustic, classic feel. They also look great with natural materials, such as wood. Another classic option is marble-look tile that provides an elegant and luxurious appearance to the room. These tiles feature an elegant and glossy surface that reflects light beautifully and brightens the space.

The proper tile pattern can improve 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 adds an artistic look to the space, and balances the modern organic style fireplace with the overall design of the room.

If you're unsure about making a design risk in your home the fireplace is a great place to experiment with the bold style. It might be a bit intimidating for other rooms. This geometric tile (here's an alternative) with its black grout lines give this space a sophisticated yet playful energy. The hexagonal shapes are shaped like cubes to create a stimulating layout. The deep brown color gives this space an inviting and warm aesthetic that is perfect for industrial style.

Another way to make a statement with your fireplace is to select tile that resembles the appearance of brick or another popular material. This pattern-based tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance as brick but is much easier to maintain and clean.

If you're not ready to commit to a full-scale remodel of your fireplace's surround, consider using a peel and stick tile to update the look without spending a fortune. These tiles are heat-resistant and therefore suitable for fireplaces and able adhere to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is an excellent option that will bring an elegant look to any living space, and will look great with traditional furnishings.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the ideal method to cover a brick surround on the wall of a fireplace. Paint the mantel in a different hue also adds warmth and character to the room. A new color of paint could make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the overall color scheme of the room or pick something bold.

If the mantel is made of wood take a look at it to find cracks, gouges, and scratches. If the dents aren't large enough to be able to handle, fill them with wood putty, and let it set for the appropriate amount of time. Before painting you can sand the surface 100-grit sandpaper to roughen it up. To remove any dirt or debris, wipe down the sanded surfaces with a damp cloth.

White is a favorite color for fireplaces and walls. But, the right shade will make your fireplace stand out. For inspiration, look at the wood trims on your bookcases, moldings and walls. Do they have the same shade as your mantel? Or is it a lighter or a darker shade? If you choose the latter option, select one that blends well with the other colors in the room to ensure it looks balanced.

Protect the area around you by using sheets or a dropcloth before you begin painting. Remove the mantel, removing any decorations or showpieces that might be hanging above it. Remove any ornaments or photos that are around or on your brick fireplace. After the mantel has been cleaned, you can use a damp cloth and wipe it down to remove any dust or soot.

Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with a brush or roller. The semi-gloss finish is durable and stain-resistant, ensuring that your mantel will stand up well to the heat from the fireplace and any other items placed on it. Let the primer completely dry, in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.

While the brick is a beautiful feature of a fireplace's wall it can be heavy and dark in hue. The mantel painted with in a neutral or light shade can make it appear brighter and more welcoming to guests. If you choose to paint it the lighter hue, think about using it in conjunction with an earthy toned artwork or a large mirror above it to balance the appearance.