How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can provide your living space with an eye-catching focal area. There are many models available, so you should choose one that meets your requirements.

The most significant features are the heat output as well as the appearance and controls. If you're not familiar with these elements, it's best to seek out a professional to help you select the best model.

Molded Squares

The living room required an overhaul to the fireplace due to its stale stone surround and dull walls. The new style is bright, eye-catching and makes the hearth the focal point of the room. A whitewashed mantel for the fireplace and contemporary art above the fireplace modernize the exterior, while the gray shelves below are a contrast. A few changes in color can also help the fireplace stand out from the wall, enhancing the appeal of this fireplace design.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces join to create a simple, yet effective, way to frame the tile fireplace surround. Choose a trim style that is in contrast with or matches your other trim elements such as the thick casing around windows and doors, to create a cohesive look. 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 look.

Wainscoting accent walls is a common method of adding character to rooms. The same technique can be employed 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 create an enclosure for your fireplace is brick, which is available in many different styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace with red accents 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.

If you are incorporating brick in a fireplace design, you'll want to be sure your hearth extends 16-18 inches from the opening for the fireplace and that your surround is 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Make sure your chosen material conforms to all construction codes for safety.

Open shelving is a great way to store books and other things However, too many shelves could take over the appearance of the fireplace. The homeowners of this living room have created the wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to elevate the design without overpowering open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look make a great fireplace wall. They bring a timeless appeal to any house. Reclaimed wood beams are sourced from old stables, barns and other demolished structures. Each beam has its own unique story. Reclaimed wood can also be used as a decorative element in modern kitchens, or with wide planks to give an authentic look. They have the typical marks of barn wood, such as nail holes and mortise pockets as well as a natural patina that enhances their durability.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage as well as flea markets for reclaimed wood elements to use for a mantel or an accent wall. The rustic tone of pine used to accent this traditional living room surround and mantel creates the feeling of a cozy country getaway. The knotty imperfections of the wood give it a rustic feel and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting on the fireplace's wall. The rustic warmth of the room is enhanced by a pair inspired by nature wall sconces, as well as a landscape picture above the mantel.

Repurposed wooden beams will give a unique appearance to any space. They can be stained to match your current design or carved to create an antique look. They can also be painted to give modern appearance, or they can be covered with faux finishes, such as marbled or rust paint.

Wooden beams can serve as a focal point for any kind of fireplace stove. They can be used to highlight a mantel without any fire burning. They can be used to illuminate the mantel, without burning ethonal fire.

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 and weaken in the presence of extreme heat, however both can be reinforced with a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant that is sprayed on I-beams made of steel. These products are available in a wide variety of home improvement stores.

white fireplace Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a striking effect as a surround for a fireplace. Its design instantly brightens the space and is a perfect match for any decor, traditional or modern. Choosing matte finishes for the tiles is the best way to maintain that clean and polished look, while also adding some contrast that makes the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles also work well with different textures for a more customized appearance. Stone-look tile is a very popular choice that gives the room an authentic, rustic look while pairing beautifully with natural materials like wood. Another classic option is marble-look tile that adds a luxurious and elegant aesthetic to the space. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles sparkles beautifully, reflecting sunlight and brightening the space.

The proper tile pattern can enhance the look 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 adds a unique an artistic look that balances the organic modern style of the fireplace with the overall contemporary design of the room.

If you're unsure about putting your faith in a patterns in your home, a fireplace is an ideal place to test out a bold design that could be a bit intimidating in other areas of the house. The geometric tile with its black grout provides this area with an elegant yet playful feel. The hexagonal shapes work like cubes to create a fascinating layout, while the deep brown hue creates a warm and inviting aesthetic that works with the industrial style of the room.

Another method of making a statement with your fireplace is to choose tile that resembles the appearance of brick or a similar material. This texture tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance as brick but is much simpler to maintain and clean.

Consider using a peel-and stick tile to update your fireplace's surround without costing you a dime. These tiles are heat-resistant 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 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 best way to hide a brick surround on a wall-mounted fireplace. The mantel can be painted with a different color to give it a more cosy and spirited look. A new color of paint can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the color scheme of the room or pick something striking.

If the mantel is made of wood take a look at it to find cracks, gouges, and nicks. If the dents aren't large enough to be able to handle then fill them with wood putty, and let it set for the appropriate amount of time. Before painting paint, sand the surface using 100-grit sandpaper to roughen it up. Wipe the surface that has been sanded using a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or dust.

While white fireplace is a popular choice for walls and fireplaces but the right color can really help your mantel stand out. For ideas, take a look at the trims of wood on your bookcases, moldings, and walls. Does your mantel have the same color as theirs, or is it lighter or darker? If you choose the latter option, pick a color that will work well with the other shades in the room to ensure it looks balanced.

Protect the area around you with sheets or a dropcloth before you begin painting. Clear off the mantel, taking out any decorative pieces or displays that may be hung above it. If your fireplace is made of brick, take away any pictures or ornaments that are located on or around it. Once the mantel is empty and clean, wipe it with a an damp cloth to wash off any dust or soot that has built up.

Apply a basecoat with brushes or rollers to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish is long-lasting and stain-resistant, ensuring that your mantel will stand up well to the heat of the fireplace and any other items placed on it. Let the primer completely dry, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.

The brick can be quite heavy in color and weight. Paint the mantel with an unassuming color or neutral to make it appear brighter and more inviting. If you choose to paint it a light color, consider using it in conjunction with an earthy toned artwork or a mirror that is large above it to balance the look.