How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace in the wall will make your living space an attractive focal point. There are a variety of designs available however, it is essential to choose one that meets your needs.

The output of heat, the controls, and the design are some of the most important features. If you're not familiar with these aspects, it is recommended to consult an expert to help you pick the right model.

Molded Squares

A stale stone fireplace surround and bland walls created a living space that was in need of a drastic fireplace revamp. With a few design tweaks the new look is vibrant and attractive and makes the hearth an important focal point in the room. A whitewashed mantel and modern artwork above modernize the facade of the fireplace while contrasting with the shelves in gray below. The fireplace's exterior is enhanced by a few color variations.

Base cap moldings and trim pieces are combined to make a simple but effective way to frame a fireplace surround made of tile. To tie the look together select a trim design to contrast with or complement your other trim elements like thick casing around windows and doors. If you're looking to create an elegant, premium look, consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of an actual mantel. For a more rustic farmhouse look, you can choose to use dentil trim instead.

Accent walls with wainscoting are an extremely popular way to add character to rooms. The same technique can be used to frame a fireplace. Consider a paneled material like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard in place of plank boards to create a dramatic look.

Brick is another non-combustible option for a fireplace surround. It comes in different styles and colors. A traditional red brick fireplace is a classic option for cottage-style or Craft-Revival-style homes. A rustic-look brick can also be used to add a rustic touch to a traditional decor.

If you want 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 to 12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you select is safe and meets all local and national codes.

Open shelving is a great way to store books and other things However, too many shelves could overwhelm the look of a fireplace. The homeowners of this living room have created the wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the look without overwhelming the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wood beams make the perfect frame for a fireplace on the wall. They add timeless beauty to any house. Reclaimed beams of wood are reclaimed from old barns, stalls, and other buildings that have been destroyed. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used in conjunction with wide plank ceiling panels to create a rustic look or as an accent to modern kitchens. They have the typical barn wood markings, such as mortise and nail holes and a natural aging process that improves their longevity.

Search architectural salvage yards and flea market for wood pieces that you can make into a fireplace. For instance, the earthy shade of pine that highlights the traditional mantel and surround creates an idyllic rural setting. The knotty imperfections in the wood accent a hand-hewn look and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which surrounds the fireplace's wall. A pair of nature-inspired sconces and a landscape-themed painting above the mantel add to the rustic ambiance of the room.

Repurposed wood beams can be an attractive feature to any room in your home. They can be left as-is or stained to match your current decor or carved and distressed for an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a more contemporary appearance or covered with faux finishes like marbling paint or rust.

Wooden beams can be used as a focal point in any type of fireplace. They can be positioned above a freestanding gas, ventless or electric fires fireplace, or be integrated into a stone or brick fireplace. They can be used to accent the mantel with no fire burning.

Whatever method of installation you decide to use, make sure that your wood or steel beams are adequately protected from the potential effects of fire. Both types of materials are susceptible to becoming brittle and weakening when exposed to extreme heat, but both can be strengthened by a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant that is sprayed on steel I-beams. These products are available at most home improvement shops.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be utilized to create a dramatic effect as an accent for fireplaces. Its design instantly brightens the room and complements any decor, traditional or modern. The matte finish is perfect for a polished and clean look while adding contrast to make the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles can also be used with different 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 such as wood. Another classic option is marble-look tile, which adds an elegant and luxurious appearance to the space. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting sunlight and brightening the room.

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 pattern on the tile adds a unique the look of a hand-crafted piece that balances the organic modern style of the fireplace and the overall contemporary design of the room.

If you're not sure about taking a risk on a patterns in your home, a fireplace can be an excellent place to try out a bold style that could be a bit intimidating in other areas of the house. The geometric tile with its black grout gives the room an elegant yet playful feel. The hexagonal shapes work as cubes to create an exciting layout, while the dark brown color provides a warm and inviting aesthetic that complements the industrial décor in this space.

Another option to make an impact with your fireplace is to select tiles that have the look of brick or another popular material. This textured tile, from LA Designer Affair, has the same look as brick, but has the added benefit of being much easier to clean and maintain.

Consider using a peel-and stick tile to modernize your fireplace's surround without costing you a dime. A majority of these options are heat-resistant, making them suitable for use in the Fireplace stove and able to stick to the existing stone. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a great option to add elegance to any room. It also works beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the best way to hide the brick surround on a wall-mounted fireplace. Paint the mantel in a different hue also adds warmth and personality to the space. A new paint color 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 wood, inspect it first for gouges, cracks and nicks. Fill in the dents using wood putty, if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the amount of time recommended. Before painting paint, sand the surface using 100-grit sandpaper to rough it up. To remove any debris or dirt wipe the sanded surfaces with a damp cloth.

white fireplace is a popular color for walls and fireplaces wood. But the right shade can make your fireplace stand out. For ideas, take a look at the wood trims on your bookcases, moldings and walls. Do they have the same hue as your mantel? Or is it a lighter or a darker hue? If the latter, choose the color that is well-matched to keep the space looking balanced.

Cover the area around you with sheets or a dropcloth prior to when you begin painting. Remove any decorative items or showpieces that may have been hung above the mantel. If your fireplace is brick, remove any ornaments or pictures that are placed on or within the fireplace. Once the mantel has been cleared then wipe it clean with a an damp cloth to wash off any soot or dust that has built up.

Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with a brush or roller. The semi-gloss paint is durable and stain-resistant, which means your mantel will be able to stand up to the heat of the fireplace, as well as other items placed on it. Let the primer dry according to the recommendations of the manufacturer prior to moving on to the main part of your fireplace wall.

The brick can be heavy in both weight and color. Paint the mantel with a light color or neutral to make it appear more vibrant and more inviting. If you decide to choose a light shade for your mantel, pair it with a piece art in earthy tones or a large mirror to complement the appearance.