How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace will make your living space an eye-catching focal area. There are a variety of models available but it is crucial to choose one that will meet your requirements.

The most significant features include the output of heat, the appearance and the controls. If you're not familiar with these elements, it's best to seek out a professional to help you choose the right model.

Molded Squares

This living room needed a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its outdated stone surround and bland walls. The new design is bright, appealing and makes the hearth the main focal point of the room. A whitewashed mantel for the fireplace and contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the facade and the shelves in gray below contrast. A few minor changes in color will also make the fireplace stand apart from the wall, which enhances the appeal of this fireplace design.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces are combined to create a simple yet effective, way to frame the Shop Fireplace surround. To tie the look together select a trim design to match or contrast with the other trim elements such as thick casing around doors and windows. If you're looking to create an elegant, high-end style, think about using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of a real mantel. For a more rustic farmhouse look, you can 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 a fireplace. Instead of using plank boards, you can try using a paneled material such as beadboard or tongue-andgroove cedar siding to create a striking look.

Another non-combustible material you can create an enclosure for your fireplace is brick, which comes in many different styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace with red accents is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. Rustic-style brick is another option that can fit in with more traditional country decor.

If you are incorporating brick into your fireplace design, you'll want to ensure that your hearth extends 16-18 inches from the firebox opening and that the surround extends 8-12 inches in all directions. Make sure your chosen material conforms to all national and local building codes to ensure safety.

Open shelving is excellent for storing books and other objects. However having too many shelves can overwhelm the look of a fireplace. The homeowners of this family room created the wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding in order to elevate the design without overwhelming the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wood beams make the perfect frame for a wall fireplace. They bring a timeless appeal to any home. Reclaimed wood beams come from old stables, barns and other demolished buildings. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can also be used as a feature in modern kitchens or with wide planks of paneling to create an authentic appearance. They have the typical barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes as well as a natural aging process which increases their durability.

Search architectural salvage yards and flea market for wood pieces that you can repurpose into a mantel. The rustic tone of pine used to accent this traditional living room's surround and mantel creates the feeling of a cozy country getaway. The knotty imperfections of the wood emphasize a hand-hewn look and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which surrounds the fireplace's wall. A pair of sconces inspired by nature and a landscape painting over the mantel add to the rustic charm of the space.

Repurposed wooden beams will bring a unique look to any room. They can be left in their natural state or stained to complement your current decor, or they can be distressed and carved to give them an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a more modern appearance or covered with faux finishes such as rust or marbling paint.

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

Whichever method you decide to use to mount your beams, ensure that they are protected adequately from the effects of fire. Both materials can become hard and brittle when heated to extreme temperatures. However, they can be strengthened with a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products can be found in a wide variety of home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be utilized to create a dramatic effect as surrounds for uk fireplaces. Its shape instantly brightens the space while complementing any decor style from modern to traditional. The matte finish is perfect for a polished and clean appearance while adding a splash of contrast to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can also be combined with a variety of texture choices for a more personalized look. Stone-look tile is a very popular choice that lends the space an authentic, rustic look while blending beautifully with natural materials like wood. Another classic option is marble-look tile that provides an elegant and luxurious look to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting the light and brightening 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 a handcrafted appeal that balances the modern organic style of the fireplace and the overall modern design of the room.

If you're not sure about putting your faith in a pattern in your home, a fireplace can be the perfect place to test out a bold pattern that could be a bit intimidating in other areas of the house. This geometric tile (here's an alternative) with its black grout lines give this space a sophisticated yet lively energy. The hexagonal shapes are shaped like cubes to create a stimulating layout. The dark brown color provides this space with a warm, inviting aesthetic that is perfect for industrial style.

Tile that looks like brick or other materials you are familiar with is another option to create an impact on your fireplace. This textured tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance to traditional brick, but is much easier to clean and maintain.

If you're not ready make a major overhaul of your fireplace's surround, consider using a peel and stick tile to change 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 stone. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a great option to add elegance to any room. It also coordinates beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the most effective method to hide the brick surround on the wall of a fireplace. The mantel's paint color also adds warmth and personality to the room. If you decide to match it to the color scheme of your room or opt for something striking or bold, a new color will make your fireplace stand out as a showpiece.

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

White is a popular shade for walls and fireplaces. However, the right shade will make your fireplace stand out. Look at the other wood trim, moldings and bookcases in your home for ideas. Does your mantel match in shade as theirs or is it darker or lighter? If the latter, choose an appropriate color to keep the space looking balanced.

Protect the area around you by using a dropcloth or sheets before you begin painting. Remove any ornaments or display pieces that may have been hung over the mantel. Take away any ornaments or pictures placed around or on your brick fireplace. Once the mantel has been 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 using either a roller or brush. The semi-gloss finish is long-lasting and stain-resistant, which means that your mantel is able to stand up well to the heat from the fireplace as well as any other items placed on it. Let the primer dry according to the manufacturer's recommendations before moving onto the main part of your fireplace's wall.

The brick can be heavy in both weight and color. Painting the mantel in a neutral or light shade can make it look brighter and more welcoming to guests. 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 look.