How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace will provide your living space with an eye-catching focal point. There are a variety of models available so you need to pick one that meets your requirements.

Some of the most important features include the output of heat as well as the appearance and controls. If you're not familiar with these features, it's recommended to hire an expert to help you select the best model.

Molded Squares

This living room needed a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its stale stone surround and dull walls. The new style is vibrant, attractive and makes this hearth the focal point of the room. A whitewashed mantel and modern artwork above modernize the facade of the fireplace and contrast with the shelves in gray below. A few color changes also help the facade stand out from the wall, which enhances the appeal of this fireplace design.

Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces create a simple yet efficient way to frame the fireplace with a tile surround. To bring the design together pick a trim style to contrast or match your other trim elements such as thick casing around doors and windows. If you want a more high-end, elegant style, you can use fluted trim to create the illusion that there is a mantel. For a more rustic farmhouse look, choose to use dentil trim instead.

The idea of creating an accent wall using wainscoting is a popular method to add character to any room. The same method can be used to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled option like tongue-and groove cedar siding or beadboard instead plank boards to create a dramatic look.

Brick is another non-combustible option to use as a fireplace surround. It comes in various styles and colors. A traditional red brick fireplace is a traditional choice for cottage-style or Craft Revival style homes. A rustic-look brick can also be used to enhance a traditional country style.

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

Open shelving is a great option to organize books and other items However, too many shelves could make a mess of a fireplace. The owners of this family room created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to elevate the design without overwhelming open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wood beams make the ideal frame for a wall fireplace. They bring a timeless appeal to any house. Reclaimed wood beams come from old stables, barns and other demolished buildings. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used conjunction with wide plank ceiling paneling to create a rustic look or as an accent to modern kitchens. They feature the usual barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes, and a natural aging process that increases their durability.

Search architectural salvage yards and flea markets for wood pieces that you can repurpose into a mantel. The earthy 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 give it a rustic feel and are a perfect match for the simple lines in the beaded-board wainscoting that is on the fireplace's wall. A pair of sconces with a natural theme and a landscape painting above the mantel enhance the rustic coziness of the room.

Repurposed wooden beams will add a unique touch to any space. They can be left as-is or stained to match your current decor or distressed and carved to give them an antique appearance. They can also be painted for modern appearance or covered with faux finishes, such as rust or marbled paint.

The wooden beams can serve as the central point of any fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel without the need for a fire. They can be used to accent a mantel without a fire burning.

Whatever method you decide to use to mount your beams, ensure that they are protected adequately 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 are available at most home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a striking effect as surrounds for fireplaces. Its shape instantly brightens up the space and is a perfect match for any decor choice from traditional to modern. The matte finish is ideal to create a polished and sleek appearance while adding a splash of contrast to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can be customized with a variety textures for a more personalized appearance. Stone-look tile is a popular option that lends the space a classic, rustic feel while pairing beautifully with natural materials like wood. Marble-look tiles are another classic option that gives an elegant and luxurious aesthetic to the space. These tiles have a smooth and glossy finish that reflects light beautifully and enhances the space.

The right tile pattern can elevate 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 pattern on the tile gives the whole space an artistic look that balances the modern organic style of the fireplace and the overall modern design of the room.

If you are unsure of taking a risk with a pattern in your home, the fireplace is a great place to play around with the bold style. It could be a bit intimidating for other rooms. This geometric tile (here's a similar option) with its black grout lines gives this space a sophisticated yet playful energy. The hexagonal shapes work as cubes to create an exciting layout, while the dark brown color creates an inviting and warm aesthetic that is a perfect match for the industrial style of the room.

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

Consider using a peel-and stick tile to modernize your fireplace surround without costing you a dime. These tiles are resistant to heat, making them suitable for fireplaces and can be bonded to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is an excellent alternative that will add an elegant feel to any living space while coordinating beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace on the wall has a brick surround, the best way to disguise its appearance is with a fresh coat of paint. Painting the mantel a different color can also add warmth and character to the room. A new color of paint can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the scheme of color in the room or pick something bold.

If your mantel is made of wood, inspect it first for cracks, gouges, and nicks. If the dents aren't large enough to be handled then fill them with wood putty, and let it set for the recommended amount of time. Before painting paint, sand the surface using 100-grit sandpaper in order to rough it up. To remove any debris or dirt wipe the surfaces that have been sanded with a damp cloth.

White is a favorite color for fireplaces and walls. However the right shade can make your mantel really stand out. For inspiration, look at the wood trims on your bookcases, mouldings and walls. Do they have the same shade as your mantel or is it a lighter or darker hue? If the latter, choose a color that coordinates well to keep the room looking balanced.

Protect the area around you by using sheets or a dropcloth prior to when you begin painting. Clean the mantel, removing any decorative pieces or displays that might be hanging above it. If your usa fireplace is brick, remove any ornaments or pictures that are located on or around the fireplace. Once the mantel has been cleaned, take a damp cloth and wipe it down to remove any soot or dust.

Apply a basecoat with a roller or brush to your mantel. The semi-gloss paint is durable and stain-resistant, which means your mantel will be able to withstand the heat of your fireplace, and any other objects that are placed on it. Allow the primer to dry in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer prior to moving onto the main part of your fireplace price usa's wall.

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