How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace in the wall will make your living space an eye-catching focal point. There are a variety of designs available, however, so 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 unfamiliar with these features, it's best fireplaces to consult a professional to help you select the right model.

Molded Squares

The living room in this house needed a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its stale stone surround and bland walls. The new style is bright, eye-catching and makes the hearth the main focal point of the room. A whitewashed mantel and modern artwork above the fireplace's facade modernize it and contrast with the shelves in gray below. The fireplace's facade is accentuated by a few color variations.

Base cap moldings and trim pieces are combined to create a simple, yet effective method of framing a fireplace surround made of tile. To connect the look, choose a trim style to match or contrast with your other trim elements such as thick casing around doors and windows. If you want an elegant, high-end look, use fluted trim to give the illusion of a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic farmhouse look.

Accent walls with wainscoting are a popular method to add character to the interior of a room. The same technique can be employed to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled option like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard instead plank boards to create a dramatic effect.

Brick is another non-combustible option to use as the fireplace surround. It comes in various styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace with red is a traditional choice 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.

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

Open shelving is an ideal way to store books and other things. However having too many shelves can obstruct the appearance of the fireplace. The owners of this family room created the wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the look without overwhelming the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wooden beams are the perfect frame for a wall fireplace. They are timeless and beautiful to any home. Reclaimed wood beams originate from old barns, stables and other demolished structures. Each beam has its own distinct story. Reclaimed wood can also be used as a feature in modern kitchens or wide planks of paneling to create an authentic appearance. They are characterized by barn wood markings, such as mortise and nail holes, and a natural aging process that improves their durability.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage as well as flea markets to find reclaimed wood elements that can be used as a mantel or accent wall. For example, the earthy shade of pine that highlights the traditional living room mantel and surround creates the feeling of a rustic, cozy retreat. The knotty imperfections of the wood emphasize a hand-hewn look and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that is a part of the fireplace's wall. The rustic warmth of the space is enhanced by a pair inspired by nature wall sconces and a landscape image above the mantel.

Repurposed wooden beams can add a unique touch to any space. They can be stained to match your existing decor or carved for an antique look. They can also be painted for an updated look or covered with faux finishes such as marbled paint or rust.

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

Regardless of 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 types of materials can be brittle and weaken when exposed to extreme heat, however both are able to be strengthened with a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant that is sprayed on steel I-beams. These products are sold at a variety of home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a striking effect as a surround for a fireplace. Its design instantly brightens the room and complements any decor, traditional or modern. Selecting a matte finish for the tiles is a great way to keep that neat and polished look while adding some color to make the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles also work well with a variety of texture choices to create a more individual look. Stone-look tile is a very popular choice that gives the space an old-fashioned, rustic feel while pairing beautifully with natural materials like wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tile, which adds an elegant and luxurious look to the space. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting the light and brightening up the room.

The proper tile pattern can enhance 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 patterned tile adds a handcrafted look to the space, and balances the modern organic style fireplace online store with the overall style of the room.

If you are unsure of taking a pattern risk in your home the fireplace is a great place to experiment with a bold design. It can be intimidating for other areas. This geometric tile (here's a similar option) with its black grout lines gives this space a sophisticated yet playful energy. The hexagonal shapes fit together as cubes to create an exciting layout, while the dark brown color provides an inviting and warm look that is a perfect match for the industrial decor in the room.

Tile that looks like brick or other common materials is another way to make an impact with your fireplace. This textured tile, made by LA Designer Affair, has the same look as brick, but has the added benefit of being much easier to clean and maintain.

Consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to upgrade your fireplace surround without spending a fortune. A lot of these options are heat resistant which means they are safe for the fireplace and able to adhere to the existing wall. This herringbone peel and stick tile is an excellent option that will add an elegant look to any living space while also blending beautifully with traditional furnishings.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the most effective way to hide the brick surround on the wall of a fireplace. The mantel's paint hue also adds warmth and personality to the room. It doesn't matter if you choose to match it with the color scheme of your room or opt for something more striking and striking, a fresh paint color can make your fireplace stand out as a stunning feature.

If your mantel is wood take a look at it to find gouges, cracks, and scratches. Fill in the dents using wood putty if they are 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 dirt or debris clean the sanded surfaces with a damp cloth.

White is a favorite color for walls and fireplaces online. However the right shade can make your mantel really stand out. For ideas, take a look at the trims of wood on your bookcases, moldings, and walls. Do they have the same hue as your mantel, or is it a lighter or a darker shade? If the latter, pick an appropriate color to keep the room looking well-balanced.

Protect the area around you with sheets or a dropcloth prior to when you begin painting. Remove any decorations or showpieces that may have been hung above the mantel. If your fireplace is brick, remove any pictures or ornaments that are placed on or within the fireplace. After the mantel has been cleaned, use a damp cloth and wipe it down to remove any soot or dust.

Apply a basecoat using the brush or roller to your mantel. The semi-gloss paint is durable and stain-resistant, which means your mantel can stand up to the heat of the fireplace, and any other items placed on it. Let the primer completely dry, in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer, before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.

While the brick is a striking feature of a fireplace wall, it can be quite heavy and dark in hue. The mantel painted with an even or light color will make it appear more lively and more inviting for guests. If you choose a light shade for your mantel, pair it with a work of art in earthy tones or a large wall mirror to complement the look.