How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

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

The output of heat, the controls, and the appearance are just a few of the important features. If you're not aware of these features, it's best to hire an expert to assist you in choosing the best model.

Molded Squares

The living room in this house needed a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its old-fashioned stone surround and dull walls. With a few design tweaks, the new look is vibrant and attractive, making the hearth a centerpiece in the room. A whitewashed fireplace and contemporary artwork above modernize the fireplace facade and contrast with the shelves in gray below. The fireplace's exterior is enhanced by a few color variations.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces join to create a simple, yet effective, way to frame the fireplace surround. To bring the design together pick a trim style to contrast with or complement your other trim elements like thick casing around doors and windows. If you prefer a more elegant, high-end style, choose a fluted trim to give the illusion of a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic farmhouse style.

Wainscoting accent walls is a popular method to add personality to a room. The same method can be employed to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled option like tongue-and groove cedar siding or beadboard instead plank boards to create a dramatic appearance.

Another non-combustible material you can use to create a fireplace surround is brick, which comes in many different styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace with red accents is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. A rustic-looking brick can be used to enhance a traditional country style.

If you are planning to incorporate brick into the design of your fireplace be sure that your hearth measures 16-18 inches from the opening of the firebox, and the surround is between 8 and 12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you choose conforms to all national and local building codes for security.

Open shelves are a great way to store books and other things, but too many can make a mess of a fireplace. In this family room, the homeowners designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding that enhances the design of the new fireplace without overpowering the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams that have a rustic style are perfect for a fireplace wall. They add a timeless beauty to any house. Reclaimed wood beams are sourced from old stables, barns and other buildings that were demolished. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used as a decorative element in modern fireplace kitchens, or with wide planks of paneling to create an authentic look. They are characterized by the typical markings of barn wood, including mortise and nail holes as well as natural patina that increases their durability.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage as well as flea markets for reclaimed wooden elements that can be used for a mantel or an accent wall. For example the earthy color of pine that highlights the traditional living room mantel and surround creates a cozy rural retreat. Its knotty imperfections emphasize the hand-crafted appearance and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that surrounds the fireplace's wall. The rustic warmth of this space is enhanced by a pair of natural-inspired wall sconces, as well as a landscape picture above the mantel.

Repurposed wooden beams can make an attractive feature to any room in your home. They can be left in their natural state or stained to complement your current decor or carved and distressed for an antique look. They can be painted to give them a more modern look or covered with faux finishes like rust or marbling paint.

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

No matter which method you decide to use to mount your beams, be sure they are adequately protected from the effects of fire. Both materials can be brittle in extreme heat. However, they can be strengthened by a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products can be found at most home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can create an impact when used as a fireplace surround. Its shape instantly brightens up the space while complementing any decor style from traditional to modern. Choosing matte finishes for the tiles is a great way to maintain that clean and polished look, while adding some contrast to make the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles can be customised with a variety of textures for a more personalized look. Stone-look tiles are a favorite that gives the space an authentic, classic look. They also look great with natural materials, such as wood. Marble-look tiles are another timeless option that adds an elegant and luxurious appearance to the space. These tiles have a smooth and glossy finish that reflect light beautifully and brightens the room.

The perfect tile pattern can enhance 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 pattern of the tile provides the appearance of a hand-crafted space, and balances the modern natural style tabletop fireplace with the overall design of the room.

If you are unsure of taking a risk with a pattern in your home The fireplace Stove, genebiotech.Co.kr, is a great place to play around with an imposing design. It can be intimidating for other areas. This geometric tile with its black grout gives this space an elegant yet playful feel. The hexagonal shapes fit together like cubes to create a fascinating layout, and the dark brown hue creates an inviting and warm aesthetic that complements the industrial décor in the room.

Another way to make an impact with your fireplace is to use tiles that look like the appearance of brick or another familiar material. This textured tile, from LA Designer Affair, has an identical look to brick, but has the added benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.

Consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to upgrade your fireplace surround without spending a fortune. These options are heat-resistant and therefore suitable for ethanol fireplaces and able be bonded to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great option that will add an elegant look to any living space while also blending beautifully with traditional furnishings.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the ideal method to hide a brick surround on a wall-mounted fireplace. The mantel can be painted a different hue to add warmth and personality. A new paint color can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the color scheme of the room or pick something striking.

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

While white is a popular option for walls and fireplaces, the right shade can make your mantel stand out. For ideas, take a take a look at the wood trims on your bookcases, mouldings and walls. Does your mantel have the same shade as theirs or is it lighter or darker? If you opt for the latter option, select the color that works well with the other shades in the room to keep it looking balanced.

Before you start painting, protect the area surrounding you with drop cloth or sheets. Remove any ornaments or display pieces that may have been hung over the mantel. If your fireplace is brick, get rid of any pictures or ornaments that are placed on or around the fireplace. Once the mantel has been cleaned, use a damp cloth and wipe it clean to remove any soot or dust.

Apply a basecoat with a roller or brush to your mantel. The semi-gloss paint lasts and stain-resistant, which means your mantel will be able to be able to withstand the heat of your fireplace as well as any other items that are placed on it. Let the primer dry, as per the manufacturer’s instructions, before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.

While the brick is an attractive feature of a fireplace's wall it can be quite heavy and dark in shade. Painting the mantel an even or light color will make it appear more lively and more inviting for guests. If you decide to choose a light color for your mantel, match it with a work of artwork in earthy tones, or a large mirror to complete the look.