How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can provide your living space with an attractive focal area. There are many models available so you need to pick one that meets your requirements.

The output of heat, the controls, and the appearance are some of the most important features. If you're not aware of these elements, it's best to seek out an expert to help you pick the right model.

Molded Squares

A stale stone fireplace and dull walls created a living space that was in need of a major fireplace makeover. With a few design tweaks, the new look is vibrant and striking and makes the hearth an important central feature in the room. A whitewashed mantel and contemporary artwork above modernize the fireplace facade while contrasted with the gray shelves below. A few changes in color can also help the fireplace stand out from the wall, which enhances the charm of this fireplace design.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces join to create a simple yet effective, way to frame your fireplace surround. Choose a trim style that contrasts with or matches your other trim elements such as the thick casing around windows and doors to create a cohesive look. If you're looking for a more 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.

Creating an accent wall with wainscoting is a popular method to add character to any room. The same technique can also be used to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled option like tongue-and groove cedar siding or beadboard in place of plank boards to create a dramatic effect.

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

If you're planning to incorporate brick into your fireplace design be sure that your hearth measures 16-18 inches from the opening of the firebox and the surround is 8-12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the brick you select is safe and meets all codes of the local and national level.

Open shelving can be a great way of storing books and other items. However having too many shelves can overwhelm the look of the fireplace. For this family room, homeowners built a wall-to ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the appearance of the fireplace, without obscuring the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams that have a rustic style are ideal for a fireplace wall. They add a timeless beauty to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood are made from old barns, stalls and other buildings that have been demolished. Each beam carries with it its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used in combination with wide plank ceiling paneling to create a rustic look or as a decorative element to modern kitchens. They have the typical markings of barn wood, such as mortise and nail holes as well as natural patinas that increase their durability.

Scour architectural salvage yards and flea markets to find reclaimed wood elements that can be used as a mantel or accent wall. For instance the earthy color of pine that highlights the traditional living room mantel and surround is reminiscent of the feeling of a rustic, cozy retreat. The knotty imperfections give it a rustic feel and are a perfect match for the simple lines in the beaded-board wainscoting on the fireplace's wall. A pair of sconces inspired by nature and a painting of a landscape above the mantel add to the rustic coziness of the room.

Repurposed wooden beams can provide an eye-catching statement to any room in your home. They can be stained to match your existing decor or carved for an antique appearance. They can also be painted to give modern appearance, or they can be covered with faux finishes like rust or marbled paint.

Wooden beams can be used as a focal point in any kind of fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel without any fire burning. They can also be used to highlight the mantel with no fire burning.

Whatever method you choose to install your beams, ensure that they are protected adequately from the effects of fire. Both materials are susceptible to becoming fragile in extreme heat. However, they can be strengthened with a layer of fire-resistant drywall. These products are available in most home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can make an impressive statement when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens the room and can be incorporated into any decor, whether modern or traditional. Choosing matte finishes for the tiles is ideal to keep that sleek and polished look, while also adding some contrast to make the fireplace sparkle.

Hex tiles can be customised by a variety of textures to create an individual appearance. Stone-look tile is a popular option that gives the space a classic, rustic feel and is a great match with natural materials such as wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tiles, which adds a luxurious and elegant aesthetic to the space. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting light and brightening the space.

The proper tile pattern can improve 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 adds the appearance of a hand-crafted space, while balancing the contemporary organic style fireplace with the overall style of the room.

If you're not sure about making a design risk in your home, the fireplace is a great spot to play around with an imposing design. It can be a bit intimidating for other rooms. This geometric tile (here's an alternative) with its black grout lines gives the room a sophisticated but lively energy. The hexagonal shapes work like cubes for a stimulating layout, while the deep brown hue creates an inviting and warm aesthetic that complements the industrial style of the room.

Tiles that look like brick or other common materials is another way to create an impact with your fireplace. This textured tile, from LA Designer Affair, has an identical look to brick, but has the added benefit of being much easier to clean and maintain.

Consider using a peel-and-stick tile to upgrade your fireplace's surround without spending a fortune. A majority of these options are heat-resistant which means they are safe for Fireplaces in My Area and able to stick to the existing stone. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a great option to add style to any room. It also looks great with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the best way to hide a brick surround on an unwall-mounted fireplace. The mantel can be painted in a different colour to give it a more cosy and spirited look. It doesn't matter if you choose to match it with the room's color scheme or opt for something striking or bold, a new color can make your fireplace stand out as a showstopper.

If your mantel is made of wood be sure to check it for gouges, cracks, and scratches. If the dents aren't enough to handle, fill them with wood putty, and let it set for the recommended amount of time. Before painting you can sand the surface 100-grit sandpaper in order to rough it up. Wipe the surface that has been sanded with a damp cloth in order to take off any remaining dirt or dust.

White is a favorite color for walls and fireplaces price. But, the right shade will make your mantel really stand out. To get ideas, look at the wood trim on your bookcases, Fireplace Cost moldings, and walls. Do they have the same shade as your mantel, or is it a lighter or a darker shade? If the latter, pick a color that coordinates well to keep the look balanced.

Before you begin painting, protect the area around you with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove any ornaments or display pieces that might have been placed over the mantel. Remove any ornaments or pictures that are around or on the fireplace made of brick. When the mantel is clean then wipe it clean with a a damp cloth to clean off any soot or dust that has accumulated.

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

While brick is a beautiful feature of a fireplace wall, it can be heavy and dark in color. Paint the mantel with the light or neutral color to make it appear brighter and more inviting. If you decide to choose the lighter hue, think about using it in conjunction with an earthy toned piece of art or a mirror that is large above it to balance the look.