How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace will give your living room an attractive focal area. There are numerous models on the market however, it is important to find one that will meet your requirements.

Some of the most important features include the output of heat along with the appearance and controls. If you're not aware of these features, it's best to seek out an expert to assist you in choosing the right model.

Molded Squares

A stale stone fireplace and dull walls created a living space that was in need of a dramatic fireplace makeover. The new style is bright, appealing and makes the hearth the center of the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel as well as contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the appearance of the façade and the shelves in gray below are a contrast. A few minor changes in color also help the facade stand out from the wall, which enhances the beauty of this fireplace design.

Base cap moldings and trim pieces are combined to make a simple but effective way to frame the fireplace with a tile surround. To tie the look together, choose a trim style to contrast or match the other trim elements, such as thick casing around windows and doors. If you're looking for a more elegant, high-end look, you can consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of a real mantel. If you want a more rustic farmhouse style, use dentil trim instead.

The idea of creating an accent wall using wainscoting is an effective method to add character to any room. The same technique can be used to frame the fireplace. Consider a paneled material such as tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard instead of plank boards to create a dramatic appearance.

Another non-combustible material you can create a fireplace surround is brick, which comes in a variety of styles and colors. A classic red brick fireplace is perfect for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. A rustic-looking brick could be used to complement a traditional country decor.

If you want to incorporate brick into your fireplace design, make sure that your hearth is 16 to 18 inches away from the opening of the firebox and the surround is 8 to 12 inches wide in all directions. Make sure the material you choose is safe and complies with all local and national codes.

Open shelving can be a great way of storing books and other objects. However having too many shelves can ruin the appearance of a fireplace. For this family room, the homeowners designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to elevate the look of the new fireplace, without obscuring the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look are perfect for a fireplace wall. They bring timeless elegance to any house. Reclaimed beams of wood are made from barns, stalls, and other buildings that have been demolished. Each beam is unique and has its own unique history. 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 and a natural aging process which increases their durability.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets for reclaimed wood elements to repurpose as a mantel or accent wall. For example the earthy color of pine that accentuates this traditional living room mantel and surround creates the feeling of a rustic, cozy retreat. The knotty imperfections of the wood emphasize the hand-crafted appearance and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which borders the freestanding fireplace wall. A pair of nature-inspired sconces and a landscape-themed painting above the mantel enhance the rustic ambiance of the space.

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

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

No matter which method of installation you decide to use ensure that your wood or steel beams are properly protected from the potential effects of fire. Both materials are susceptible to becoming brittle and weakening in the face of extreme heat, however both are able to be strengthened with a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant sprayed on steel I-beams. These products are available in a wide variety of home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can create a dramatic statement when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens up the room and can be incorporated into any decor, traditional or modern. Selecting matte finishes for the tiles is the best way to keep that sleek and polished look, while also adding some color to make the fireplace sparkle.

Hex tiles can be customised with a variety of textures for an individualized look. Stone-look tile is a very popular choice that gives the room an old-fashioned, rustic feel and is a great match with natural materials such as wood. Another classic option is marble-look tile that provides an elegant and luxurious appearance to the room. These tiles feature a smooth and glossy finish that reflects light beautifully and enhances the space.

The perfect tile pattern can enhance 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 pattern of the tile gives the whole space an artistic look that balances the organic modern style of the fireplace with 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 design that could be a bit intimidating in other areas of the house. This geometric tile (here's a similar option) with its black grout lines give this room a sophisticated and fun energy. The hexagonal shapes are arranged as cubes to create an exciting layout, while the deep brown color provides a warm and inviting aesthetic that is a perfect match for the industrial décor in this space.

Tiles that resemble brick or other familiar materials is another way to make an impact with your fireplace. This texture tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance to brick, but is much easier to clean and maintain.

Consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to upgrade your fireplace surround without costing you a dime. These tiles are resistant to heat, making them suitable for Cheap Fireplaces as well as able to stick to existing surfaces. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a fantastic option to add elegance to any room. It also looks great with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the best method to hide the brick surround of a wall-mounted tabletop fireplace. The mantel can be painted in a different color to give it a more cosy and spirited look. A new paint color can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the color scheme of the room or choose something striking.

If your mantel is made of wood, inspect it first for cracks, gouges, and nicks. Fill in the dents with wood putty if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the amount of time recommended. Sand the surface with 100-grit paper to roughen it up prior to painting. To remove any debris or dirt wipe the surfaces that have been sanded with a damp cloth.

While white is a popular option for fireplaces wooden and walls, the right shade can make your mantel stand out. Take a look at the wood trims, moldings, and ethanol Fires bookcases in your home for inspiration. Do they have the same shade as your mantel, or is it a lighter or darker shade? If you decide to go with the latter option, select one that blends well with the other colors in the room to ensure it looks balanced.

Before you begin painting, cover the area around you with a drop cloth or sheets. Clean the mantel, removing any showpieces or decorations that may be hung above it. Take away any ornaments or pictures that are on or around the fireplace made of brick. Once the mantel has been cleaned, take a damp cloth and wipe it clean to remove any soot or dust.

Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel using the use of a roller or brush. The semi-gloss finish lasts and stain-resistant, which means that your mantel will hold up well to the heat of the fireplace as well as any other objects placed on it. Allow the primer to dry according to the manufacturer's recommendations before moving onto the main part of your fireplace's wall.

While brick is a striking feature of a fireplace's wall, it can be a bit heavy and dark in color. Paint the mantel with a light color or neutral to make it appear lighter and more inviting. If you decide to choose a light shade for your mantel, match it with a piece of artwork in earthy tones, or a large wall mirror to balance out the overall look.