How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace will make your living space an eye-catching focal point. There are many models available so you need to pick one that suits your needs.

The heat output, the controls and the appearance are just a few of the important features. If you aren't familiar with these elements, it's best to seek out an expert to help pick the right model.

Molded Squares

A worn-out stone fireplace and dull walls made this living space in need of a drastic fireplace makeover. The new style is vibrant, attractive and makes this hearth the focal point of the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel and contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the facade while the shelves that are gray below provide a stark contrast. A few minor changes in color will also make the fireplace stand apart from the wall, enhancing the beauty of this fireplace design.

Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces are paired to create a simple yet efficient way to frame the fireplace with a tile surround. To bring the design together, choose a trim style to contrast or match your other trim elements like thick casing around windows and doors. If you're looking for an elegant, high-end look, you can consider using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic farmhouse style.

Accent walls with wainscoting are an extremely popular way to add character to a room. The same method can be used to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards, however, try a paneled material like beadboard or tongue-and-groove cedar siding to create a dramatic look.

Another non-combustible material that you can create the fireplace surround 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. A rustic-looking brick can be used to add a rustic touch to a traditional decor.

If you are planning to incorporate brick into the design of your fireplace ensure that your hearth measures 16 to 18 inches from the opening of the firebox, and your surround is 8 to 12 inches wide in all directions. Be sure that the material you select is safe and conforms to all codes of the local and national level.

Open shelving can be an ideal way to store books and other things. However having too many shelves can obstruct the look of a fireplace. The homeowners of this living room have created a wall to ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the look without overwhelming open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wood beams make the ideal frame for a fireplace on the wall. They bring a timeless appeal to any home. Reclaimed wood fireplaces beams originate from barns, stables and other demolished structures. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used conjunction with wide plank ceiling panels for a completely rustic look or as a decorative element to modern kitchens. They are characterized by barn wood markings like mortise and nail holes, plus a natural aging that increases their durability.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets to find reclaimed wood elements to repurpose for a mantel or an accent wall. The rustic tone of pine used to create the traditional living room surround and mantel creates a cozy country retreat. The knotty imperfections of the wood emphasize the hand-crafted appearance and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which surrounds the fireplace wall. A pair of nature-inspired sconces and a landscape painting above the mantel add to the rustic ambiance of the room.

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

Wooden Fireplaces beams can be used as a focal point in any kind of fireplace. They can be used to highlight the mantel without the need for a electric fire. They can be used to illuminate the mantel without a burning fire.

No matter which method you choose to install your beams, make sure that they are adequately protected from the effects of fire. Both materials can be brittle and weaken when exposed to extreme heat, but both are able to be strengthened with a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant sprayed on I-beams made of steel. These products are available at most home improvement shops.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can create an impact when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens the space and is a perfect match for any decor choice from modern to traditional. The choice of matte finishes for the tiles is the best way to maintain that clean and polished look, while adding some contrast that makes the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles can also be used with a variety of texture choices to create a more individual look. Stone-look tiles are a favorite that gives the room a rustic, classic feel. They also pair beautifully with natural materials such as wood. Marble-look tile is a timeless option that provides an elegant and luxurious aesthetic to the space. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting the sunlight and brightening the space.

The right tile pattern can elevate 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 gives the entire room a an artistic look that balances the modern organic style of the fireplace and the overall contemporary design of the room.

If you're not sure about taking a risk on a pattern in your home, a fireplace is an excellent place to try out a bold style that could be intimidating in other parts of the house. This geometric tile (here's an alternative) with its black grout lines give this room a sophisticated and playful energy. The hexagonal shapes fit like cubes, creating a lively layout. The deep brown hue creates an inviting, warm look that complements the industrial decor.

Tiles that resemble brick or other familiar materials is another option to create an impact on your fireplace. This texture tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance to brick, however, it is much easier to clean and maintain.

Consider using a peel-and-stick tile to modernize your fireplace's surround without costing you a dime. These tiles are heat-resistant, making them suitable for fireplaces as well as able to stick to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is an excellent option that will bring an elegant feel to any living space, while also blending beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the most effective method to cover the brick surround of an unwall-mounted fireplace. The mantel can be painted a different hue to add warmth and personality. A new color of paint could make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the overall color fireplaces wood, fireplacesstovesuk30109.targetblogs.com, scheme of the room or pick something striking.

If your mantel is made of wood, you should first examine it for cracks, nicks and gouges. If the dents aren't large 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 before painting. Clean the surface with a damp cloth in order to take off any remaining dirt or dust.

White is a popular shade for fireplaces and walls. However the right shade will make your mantel really stand out. To get ideas, take a look at the wood trim on your bookcases, mouldings and walls. Does your mantel match in color as theirs or is it darker or lighter? If the latter, choose the color that is well-matched to keep the space looking well-balanced.

Cover the area around you with sheets or a dropcloth prior to when you begin painting. Remove any ornaments or display pieces that were hung over the mantel. Remove any ornaments or pictures that are around or on the fireplace made of brick. Once the mantel has been cleaned, use a damp cloth and wipe it clean to get rid of any dust or soot.

Apply a basecoat with brushes or rollers to your mantel. The semi-gloss paint is long-lasting and stain resistant, so your mantel can withstand the heat of the fireplace, and any other items placed on it. Let the primer dry according to the manufacturer's recommendations before moving on to the main part of your fireplace wall.

The brick can be heavy in color and weight. Painting the mantel in a neutral or light shade will make it appear more lively and more inviting to guests. If you opt for an unassuming color for your mantel, you can pair it with a work of artwork in earthy tones, or a large mirror to balance out the look.