How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can give your living room an eye-catching focal area. There are many models available, so you should choose one that is suitable for your needs.

The most significant features include the heat output along with the appearance and controls. If you're unfamiliar with these features, it's recommended to seek out an expert to help you choose the right model.

Molded Squares

The living room in this house needed an impressive fireplace overhaul due to its old-fashioned stone surround and bland walls. The new design is bright, appealing and makes this hearth the center of the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel as well as contemporary art above the fireplace modernize the appearance of the façade, while the gray shelves below are a contrast. The fireplace's facade is accentuated by a few color changes.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces are combined to create a simple, yet effective, method to frame the tile fireplace surround. Choose a trim style that contrasts with or complements your other trim elements such as the thick casing around windows and doors, to make the look more cohesive. If you prefer a more high-end, elegant look, use fluted trim to give the illusion of a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse style.

Accent walls with wainscoting are a common method of adding the look of a room. The same method can be used to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards however, try a paneled product like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard to create a striking appearance.

Another non-combustible material that you can use to create an enclosure for your fireplace is brick, which is available in a variety of styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace in red is a popular choice for cottage-style or Craft Revival style homes. A rustic-looking brick could be used to add a rustic touch to a traditional decor.

When you incorporate brick in a fireplace design, you'll need to be sure your hearth extends 16-18 inches from the opening for the fireplace and that the surround extends 8-12 inches in all directions. Make sure your chosen material is compliant with all building codes for security.

Open shelving is a great way of storing books and other items. However having too many shelves can overwhelm the look of the fireplace. The homeowners of this family room created the wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding in order to improve the look of the room without overpowering open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wooden beams are the ideal frame for a fireplace on the wall. They bring timeless elegance to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood fireplaces are made from old barns, stalls, and other buildings that were demolished. Each beam carries with it its own unique history. Reclaimed wood can also be used as a decorative element in modern kitchens or wide planks to give an authentic appearance. They feature the typical marks of barn wood, like mortise and nail holes, plus natural patina that increases their durability.

Search architectural salvage yards and flea markets for reclaimed wooden elements to transform into a mantel. The natural tone of pine used as a backdrop for this traditional living room's mantel and surround evokes the feeling of a cozy country getaway. The knotty imperfections of the wood emphasize the hand-crafted look and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which borders the fireplace suite wall. The rustic warmth of this room is accentuated by a pair of natural-inspired wall sconces, and an image of a landscape above the mantel.

Repurposed wooden beams can give a unique appearance to any room. They can be stained to match your existing decor or carved to give an antique look. They can be painted to give them a more modern look or covered with faux finishes such as marbling paint or rust.

Wooden beams can be used as a focal point for any type of fireplace. They can be placed over a freestanding gas, ventless or electric firesuite; similar webpage, fireplace, or incorporated into a stone or brick fireplace. They can be used to highlight the mantel, without burning fire.

Whichever method you decide to use to mount your beams, be sure they are adequately protected against the effects of fire. Both materials can become brittle and weaken in the presence of extreme heat, however both can be strengthened by a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant sprays on steel I-beams. These products can be found at a variety of home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can make a dramatic statement when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its design instantly brightens the room and complements any style, whether modern or traditional. The matte finish is ideal for a polished and clean look while adding contrast to make the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles also work well with various textures for a more customized appearance. Stone-look tile is a popular choice that gives the space a classic, rustic feel while pairing beautifully with natural materials like wood. Marble-look tile is a classic option that gives an elegant and luxurious look to the room. These tiles feature a glossy and smooth finish that reflects light beautifully and enhances the space.

The right tile pattern can elevate the design 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 patterned tile gives a handcrafted look to the space, balancing the modern organic style fireplace with the overall design of the room.

If you're unsure about putting your faith in a pattern in your home, a fireplace can be the perfect place to test out a bold design that might be intimidating in other areas of the house. This geometric tile with its black grout gives the room an elegant yet playful feel. The hexagonal shapes are arranged as cubes to create an exciting layout, while the dark brown hue creates an inviting and warm look that complements the industrial decor in this room.

Tile that looks like brick or other common materials is another way to create an impact on your fireplace. The textured tile, which is made by LA Designer Affair, has an identical look to brick, but has the added benefit of being much easier to clean and maintain.

If you're hesitant to make a major overhaul 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 heat-resistant which makes them suitable for cheap fireplaces and can stick to existing surfaces. This peel and stick herringbone tile is an excellent option to add elegance to any room. It also coordinates beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace on the wall has an existing brick surround, the most effective way to disguise its appearance is by giving it fresh coats of paint. The mantel can be painted a different color to add warmth and character. It doesn't matter if you choose to match it with the room's color scheme or opt for something more striking or bold, a new color will make your fireplace stand out as a showstopper.

If your mantel is constructed from wood, first check it for cracks, nicks and gouges. Fill in the dents using wood putty if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the period recommended. Sand the surface with 100-grit paper to roughen it up before painting. To get rid of any debris or dirt clean the surfaces that have been sanded with a damp cloth.

While white is a popular choice for fireplaces and walls The right shade can really make your fireplace stand out. To get ideas, look at the wood trim on your bookcases, moldings and walls. Do they use the same color as your mantel, or is it a lighter or darker hue? If you choose the latter, choose one that blends well with the other colors in the room to keep it looking balanced.

Protect the area around you with sheets or a dropcloth before you begin painting. Clear off the mantel, removing any showpieces or decorations that are hanging over it. If your fireplace is brick, get rid of any ornaments or pictures that are on or around it. Once the mantel has been cleared and clean, wipe it with a a damp cloth to clean off any dust or soot that has built up.

Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel using a brush or roller. The semi-gloss finish is long-lasting and stain-resistant, ensuring that your mantel will stand up well to the heat from the fireplace as well as any other objects placed on it. Allow the primer to completely dry, as per the instructions of the manufacturer, before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.

The brick can be quite heavy in both weight and color. Paint the mantel with a light color or neutral to make it appear lighter and more inviting. If you decide to go with a light hue, think about pairing it with a earthy-toned piece of art or a large mirror above it to balance the appearance.