How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace in the wall can be your living room an attractive focal point that requires attention. There are a variety of models available, so you should choose one that meets your requirements.

The output of heat, the controls, and the design are among the most important features. If you're not familiar with these elements, it's best to seek out a professional to help you select the best model.

Molded Squares

The living room in this house needed an impressive fireplace overhaul due to its outdated stone surround and dull walls. The new style is bright, eye-catching and makes this hearth the center of the room. A whitewashed mantel for the fireplace and contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the facade while the shelves that are gray below contrast. A few minor changes in color also help the facade stand apart from the wall, adding the appeal of this fireplace design.

Base cap moldings and trim pieces are combined to make a simple but efficient way to frame a tile fireplace surround. To tie the look together select a trim design to contrast or match the other trim elements, like thick casing around windows and doors. If you're looking to create an elegant, luxurious look, consider using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of a real mantel. If you want a more rustic farmhouse style, opt for dentil trim instead.

Making an accent wall using wainscoting is a common way to add character 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-and-groove cedar siding to create a striking look.

Another non-combustible material you can create a fireplace surround is brick, which is available in many different styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace in red is a classic option for cottage-style or Craft-Revival-style homes. A rustic-looking brick can be used to complement a traditional country decor.

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

Open shelves are a great way to organize books and other items however, too many shelves can take over the appearance of the fireplace. In this family room, homeowners built a wall-to ceiling limestone cladding to elevate the appearance of the fireplace, without obscuring the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

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

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage as well as flea markets for reclaimed wood elements to repurpose for a mantel or an accent wall. The rustic tone of pine used to accent this traditional living room mantel and surround evokes the feeling of a cozy country getaway. Its knotty imperfections emphasize the hand-crafted appearance and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which surrounds the fireplace wall. A pair of nature-inspired sconces and a landscape-themed painting above the mantel add to the rustic charm of the space.

Repurposed wooden beams can give a unique appearance to any space. They can be left as-is or stained to match your existing decor, or they can be carved and distressed for an antique look. They can be painted to give them a more modern look, or covered with faux finishes such as rust or marbling paint.

Wooden beams can be used as a focal point for any kind of Shop Fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel without any fire burning. They can be used to accent a mantel without a fire burning.

No matter which method you choose to install your beams, be sure they are adequately protected from the 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 used to create a striking effect as an accent for fireplaces shop. Its shape instantly brightens up the space while complementing any decor choice from modern to traditional. Choosing a matte finish for the tiles is a great way to maintain that clean and polished look while adding some contrast that makes the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can be customized with a variety of textures for a more personalized appearance. Stone-look tile is a popular choice that lends the space a classic, rustic feel while blending beautifully with natural materials like wood. Another classic option is marble-look tile that provides an elegant and luxurious appearance to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting light and brightening the room.

The appropriate tile pattern can improve the design 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 of the tile provides a handcrafted look to the space, balancing the modern organic style fireplace with the overall style of the room.

If you're unsure about taking a risk with patterns in your home, a fireplace can be an ideal place to test out a bold design which could be a bit intimidating in other areas of the house. This geometric tile (here's another option) with its black grout lines give the room a sophisticated but playful energy. The hexagonal shapes fit together like cubes to create a fascinating layout, and the dark brown color provides an inviting and warm aesthetic that is a perfect match for the industrial decor in this space.

Tile that looks like brick or other familiar materials is another way to create an impact on your fireplace. This pattern-based tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look as brick but is much simpler to clean and maintain.

Consider using a peel-and stick tile to upgrade your fireplace surround without costing you a dime. A lot of these options are heat-resistant, making them suitable for use in the fireplace and able to stick to the existing stone. This peel and stick herringbone tile is an excellent 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 method to cover a brick surround on a wall-mounted fireplace. The mantel's paint color can also add warmth and character to the space. If you decide to match it to the color scheme of your room or opt for something more striking and striking, a fresh paint color will make your fireplace stand out as a showstopper.

If your mantel is constructed from wood, first check it for cracks, nicks and gouges. If the dents are small enough to handle, fill them with wood putty and allow it to set for the recommended amount of time. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it before painting. To get rid of any dirt or debris, wipe down the surfaces that have been sanded with a damp cloth.

While white is a popular option for walls and shop fireplaces, the right shade can make your mantel stand out. Look at the other trims, moldings, and bookcases in your home for inspiration. Does your mantel match in color as theirs, or is it lighter or darker? If the latter, pick a color that coordinates well to keep the look balanced.

Before you start painting, protect the area surrounding you with drop cloth or sheets. Remove the mantel and remove any decorations or showpieces that are hanging over it. Take away any ornaments or pictures that are around or on the fireplace made of brick. Once the mantel is empty then wipe it clean with a a damp cloth to clean off any dust or soot that has built up.

Apply a basecoat with brushes or rollers to your mantel. The semi-gloss paint is long-lasting and stain resistant, so your mantel will be able to stand up to the heat of the fireplace, as well as other objects that are placed on it. Allow the primer to dry in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations before moving on to the main body of your fireplace wall.

The brick can be quite heavy in weight and color. The mantel painted with a light or neutral color can make it look brighter and more inviting for guests. If you opt for an unassuming color for your mantel, you can pair it with a work of art in earthy tones or a large wall mirror to complement the appearance.