How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace will give your living room an eye-catching focal point. There are a variety of designs available, however, so it is important to find one that meets your needs.

The most significant features are the heat output, the appearance and the controls. If you aren't familiar with these aspects, it is best to hire a professional to help you pick the right model.

Molded Squares

A stale stone fireplace surround and bland walls created a living space that was in need of a drastic fireplace revamp. With a few tweaks to the design, the new look is bright and striking and makes the hearth an important focal point in the room. A whitewashed fireplace store (ksbellows_en.acus.kr) mantel as well as contemporary art above the fireplace modernizes the appearance of the façade, while the gray shelves below are a contrast. The fireplace's facade is accentuated by a few changes in color.

Base cap moldings and trim pieces are combined to create a simple, yet effective method of framing a tile fireplace surround. To connect the look pick a trim style to match or contrast with the other trim elements like thick casing around doors and windows. If you're looking to create an elegant, premium look, consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of an actual mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic farmhouse style.

Accent walls with wainscoting are an extremely popular way to add the look of a room. The same technique can be used to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled product such as tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard in place of plank boards to create a dramatic look.

Another non-combustible material you can use to build the fireplace surround is brick, which comes in many different styles and colors. A classic red brick fireplace is perfect for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. The rustic-look brick is an option that could be a good fit with more traditional country-style decor.

If you want to incorporate brick into the design of your fireplace ensure that your hearth is 16 to 18 inches from the opening of the firebox and the surround is between 8 and 12 inches wide in all directions. Make sure the material you choose complies with all construction codes for security.

Open shelving is excellent for storing books and other objects. However the presence of too many shelves can ruin the look of a fireplace. The homeowners of this family room created a wall to ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the look without overwhelming open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wood beams are the ideal frame for a wall fireplace. They bring timeless elegance to any house. Reclaimed wood beams are sourced from old stables, barns and other demolished buildings. Each beam is unique and has its own unique history. Reclaimed wood can be used conjunction with wide plank ceiling paneling for a completely rustic look or as accents to modern kitchens. They feature the usual barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes, plus a natural aging that increases their longevity.

Look through salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets for reclaimed wood elements to make into a fireplace. For example the earthy hue of pine that accents the traditional living room mantel and surround evokes the feeling of a rustic, cozy retreat. The knotty imperfections of the wood emphasize the hand-crafted appearance and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which is a part of the fireplace wall. The rustic warmth of this room is accentuated by a pair of nature-inspired wall sconces and a landscape picture above the mantel.

Repurposed wood beams can be an eye-catching statement to any room in your home. They can be left as-is or stained to match the decor of your home or carved and distressed for an antique look. They can be painted to give them a modern appearance or covered with faux finishes like marbling paint or rust.

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

Whatever method of installation you choose be sure that your wood or steel beams are properly protected from the possible consequences of fire. Both types of materials are susceptible to becoming brittle and weakening when exposed to extreme heat, but both are able to be strengthened with a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant that is sprayed on I-beams made of steel. These products are available at most home improvement shops.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be utilized to create a dramatic effect as an accent for fireplaces. Its shape instantly brightens up the room and complements any style, whether contemporary or traditional. The matte finish is perfect for a polished and clean look while adding contrast to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles also work well with various textures for a more customized appearance. Stone-look tiles are a very popular option that gives the space a rustic, classic feel. They also go well with natural materials like wood. Marble-look tile is another timeless option that provides an elegant and luxurious aesthetic to the room. These tiles feature a glossy and smooth finish that reflects light beautifully and brightens the room.

The right tile pattern can elevate a fireplace's design. 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 whole space an artistic look that balances the modern organic style of the fireplace with the overall modern 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 design that could be intimidating in other parts of the house. This geometric tile (here's an alternative) with its black grout lines give the room a sophisticated but fun energy. The hexagonal shapes are arranged like cubes to create a fascinating layout, while the dark brown color provides an inviting and warm aesthetic that is a perfect match for the industrial decor in this room.

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

If you're hesitant to commit to a full-scale remodel of your fireplace's surround, think about applying a peel-and-stick tile to refresh the appearance without costing you a fortune. These tiles are resistant to heat which makes them suitable for fireplaces and can be bonded to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great option that will bring an elegant look to any living space, and will look great with traditional furnishings.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace in a wall has an existing brick surround, the best way to disguise its appearance is to give it a fresh coat of paint. Paint the mantel in a different hue also adds warmth and personality to the room. Whether you choose to match it to the color scheme of your room or opt for something more striking or bold, a new color will make your fireplace stand out as a showpiece.

If your mantel is constructed of wood, first inspect it for cracks, nicks and gouges. If the dents are small enough to be handled, fill them 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. Clean the surface with a damp cloth to remove any remaining dirt or debris.

While white is a popular choice for walls and fireplaces online, the right shade can make your mantel stand out. To get ideas, look at the wood trim on your bookcases, mouldings and walls. Do they have the same hue as your mantel, or is it a darker or lighter shade? If you opt for the latter option, select one that blends well with the other shades in the room to keep it looking balanced.

Before you start painting, cover the surrounding area with a drop cloth or sheets. Clear off the mantel and remove any decorations or showpieces that may be hung above it. Remove any ornaments or pictures that are around or on your brick fireplace. When the mantel is clean then wipe it clean with a the help of a damp cloth to wipe off any soot or dust that has accumulated.

Apply a basecoat using a roller or brush to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish is durable and stain-resistant, ensuring that your mantel will hold up well to the heat of the fireplace as well as any other objects placed on it. Let the primer dry, in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.

While brick is a beautiful feature of a fireplace wall, it can be a bit heavy and dark in shade. Paint the mantel in an unassuming color or neutral to make it appear lighter and more inviting. If you decide to choose a light shade for your mantel, pair it with a piece of art in earthy tones or a large mirror to complement the overall look.