How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace in the wall will give your living room an attractive focal area. There are many models available so you need to pick one that suits your needs.

Some of the most important features are the heat output along with the appearance and controls. If you're not aware of these features, it's best to hire an expert to help you choose the right model.

Molded Squares

A dull stone fireplace and dull walls left this living space in need of a dramatic fireplace makeover. With a few tweaks to the design the new look is vibrant and attractive, making this hearth a centerpiece in the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel as well as contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the exterior, while the gray shelves below are a contrast. A few minor changes in color also help the facade stand out from the wall, adding the beauty of this fireplace design.

Base cap moldings and trim pieces are combined to create a simple, yet effective method of framing a fireplace surround made of tile. Choose a trim style that contrasts with or complements your other trim elements, such as the thick casing around windows and doors to create a cohesive look. If you're looking for an elegant, high-end look, consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse-style.

Wainscoting accent walls is an extremely popular way to add personality to a room. The same technique can be used to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards you can try a paneled material like beadboard or tongue-and-groove cedar siding to create a striking appearance.

Brick is another non-combustible option for the fireplace surround. It is available in various styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace in red is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. Rustic-look brick is also an alternative that is able to blend with more traditional country style.

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

Open shelving is a great way of storing books and other items. However, too many shelves can overwhelm the look of the fireplace. The homeowners of this living room have created the wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding in order to improve the look of the room without overwhelming open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams that have a rustic style are perfect for a fireplace wall. They bring timeless elegance to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood are reclaimed from old barns, stalls and other buildings that have been removed. Each beam has its own distinct story. Reclaimed wood can be used in conjunction with wide plank ceiling paneling for a completely rustic look or as accents to modern kitchens. They feature the usual barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes as well as a natural aging process that increases their durability.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage as well as flea markets for reclaimed wooden elements that can be used as a mantel or accent wall. The rustic tone of pine used as a backdrop for this traditional living room's surround and mantel creates a cozy country retreat. The knotty imperfections of the wood give it a rustic look, and they complement the simple lines in the beaded-board wainscoting on the fireplace wall. The rustic warmth of the space is enhanced by a pair of nature-inspired wall sconces and a landscape image above the mantel.

Repurposed wood beams can be an attractive feature to any room in your home. They can be left as is or stained to complement your current decor, or they can be cut and distressed to create an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a more modern appearance, or covered with faux finishes like marbling paint or rust.

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

Regardless of which method of installation you decide to use be sure that your steel or wood beams are protected from the possible effects of fire. Both materials can be hard and brittle when heated to extreme temperatures. However they can be strengthened by a layer of fire-resistant drywall. These products can be found in most home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be utilized to create a dramatic effect as surrounds for fireplaces cost. Its shape instantly enhances the space while blending with any decor choice from modern to traditional. The matte finish is ideal for a polished and clean look while adding contrast to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can be customized with a variety of textures for an individual look. Stone-look tile is a popular choice that lends the space an old-fashioned, rustic feel and is a great match with natural materials such as wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tiles that adds an elegant and luxurious look to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles sparkles beautifully, reflecting sunlight and brightening the room.

The right tile pattern can elevate the overall design of the cheapest 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 provides an artistic look to the space, balancing the modern natural style fireplace with the overall design of the room.

If you're not sure about making a design risk in your home the fireplace is a great place to play around with the bold style. It could be intimidating for other areas. This geometric tile (here's a similar option) with its black grout lines give this space a sophisticated yet lively energy. The hexagonal shapes fit like cubes to create an exciting layout. The dark brown color gives this space an inviting and warm aesthetic that goes well with the industrial style.

Another option to make an impact with your fireplace is to select tiles that look like the appearance of brick or another popular material. This textured tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look to brick, however, it is much easier to maintain and clean.

If you're not ready to commit to a full-scale remodel of your fireplace's surround, think about using a peel and stick tile to refresh the look without costing you a fortune. A majority of these options are heat-resistant which means they are safe for the fireplace and able to be affixed to the existing surface. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a fantastic option to add style to any room. It also looks great with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

When a wall fireplace has a brick surround, the most effective method to minimize its appearance is with an update of the paint. Paint the mantel in a different hue also adds warmth and personality to the room. A new color of paint can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the scheme of color in the room or choose something striking.

If your mantel is wood be sure to check it for gouges, cracks, and scratches. If the dents aren't large enough to handle, fill them with wood putty, and let it set for the appropriate amount of time. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it prior to painting. To remove any debris or dirt, wipe down the surfaces you have sanded with a damp cloth.

White is a popular color for walls and shop fireplaces. But the right shade can make your mantel really stand out. Look at the other trims, moldings, and bookcases in your home to get ideas. Do they use the same hue as your mantel? Or is it a lighter or darker hue? If so, select a color that coordinates well to keep the room looking well-balanced.

Make sure you cover the area around you with a dropcloth or sheets before you begin painting. 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 brick fireplace. Once the mantel is cleaned, you can use a damp cloth and wipe it down to get rid of any soot or dust.

Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with the use of a roller or brush. The semi-gloss paint lasts and stain-resistant, so your mantel will stand up to the heat of the fireplace as well as any other items placed on it. Let the primer dry according to the recommendations of the manufacturer prior to moving onto the main part of your fireplace's wall.

While brick is an attractive feature of a fireplace's wall it can be quite heavy and dark in hue. Paint the mantel with a light color or neutral to make it appear brighter and more inviting. If you decide to go with the lighter hue, think about pairing it with an earthy-toned piece of artwork or a large mirror above it to create a balanced look.