How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can give your living space a focal point that demands attention. There are a variety of models available and you must pick one that is suitable for your needs.

The heat output, controls and the appearance are among the most important features. If you're not familiar with these aspects, it is best to seek out a professional to help you choose the right model.

Molded Squares

The living room required a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its old-fashioned stone surround and dull walls. With a few design tweaks, the new look is fresh and striking, making this hearth a focal point in the room. A whitewashed mantel and contemporary artwork above the fireplace's facade modernize it while contrasted with the shelves in gray below. A few color changes will also make the fireplace stand out from the wall, enhancing the beauty of this Fireplace for sale design.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces combine to create a simple, yet effective, way to frame the fireplace surround. Select a trim style that is in contrast with or matches the other trim elements, for example, the thick casing around doors and windows, to tie the look together. If you're looking for a more elegant, high-end style, you can use fluted trim to give the illusion that there is a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse-style.

Making an accent wall using wainscoting is a common way to add character to any room. The same method can be used to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards however, try a paneled product like beadboard or tongue-and-groove cedar siding to create a dramatic look.

Another non-combustible material that you can create a fireplace surround 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-look brick is also an option that can fit in with more traditional country-style decor.

If you are planning to incorporate brick into the design of your fireplace ensure that your hearth is 16 to 18 inches away from the opening of the fireplace and the surround is between 8 and 12 inches wide in all directions. Make sure the material you choose complies with all national and local construction codes for safety.

Open shelving is a great way to store books and other items, but too many can make a mess of the fireplace. The owners of this family room designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding in order to improve the look of the room without overwhelming open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wood beams make the ideal frame for a fireplace usa on the wall. They bring a timeless appeal to any house. Reclaimed wood beams come from old barns, stables and other demolished buildings. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used combination with wide plank ceiling panels for a fully rustic design or as a decorative element to modern kitchens. They are characterized by the typical markings of barn wood, including mortise and nail holes and natural patina that increases their durability.

Look through salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea market for reclaimed wooden elements to make into a fireplace. The natural tone of pine used to create this traditional living room surround and mantel evokes an intimate country retreat. The knotty imperfections in the wood accent the hand-crafted appearance and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which surrounds the fireplace wall. The rustic warmth of this room is accentuated by a pair of natural-inspired wall sconces and an image of a landscape above the mantel.

Repurposed wooden beams can give a unique appearance to any room. They can be left as is or stained to match the decor of your home or cut and distressed to create an antique appearance. They can also be painted for modern appearance or covered with faux finishes, such as marbled or rust paint.

The wooden beams can be used as the focal element of any fireplace. They can be set above a freestanding gas or ventless or electric fireplace, or they can be incorporated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can be used to enhance the mantel without burning fire.

No matter which method of installation you decide to use ensure that your steel or wood beams are protected from the potential effects of fire. Both materials are susceptible to becoming hard and brittle when heated to extreme temperatures. However, they can be strengthened by a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products are available at a variety of stores for home improvement.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be utilized to create a dramatic effect as a surround for a fireplace. Its design instantly brightens the space and is a perfect match for any decor, traditional or modern. The matte finish is ideal for a sleek and polished look while adding contrast to make the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles can be customized with a variety textures for a more personalized look. Stone-look tile is a popular choice that gives the room an old-fashioned, rustic feel while pairing beautifully with natural materials like wood. Marble-look tiles are another timeless option that adds an elegant and luxurious appearance to the space. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting the sunlight and brightening the space.

The proper tile pattern can enhance a fireplace's design. 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 adds a unique an artistic look that balances the organic modern style of the fireplace, and the contemporary style of the room.

If you're unsure about taking a pattern risk in your home the fireplace is a great spot to play around with the bold style. It might be intimidating for other areas. This geometric tile (here's a similar option) with its black grout lines give this room a sophisticated and fun energy. The hexagonal shapes fit together like cubes to create a fascinating layout, while the deep brown color provides an inviting and warm look that works with the industrial decor in this room.

Tile that looks like brick or other common materials is another option to create an impact on your fireplace. This textured tile, from LA Designer Affair, has the same look as brick, but has the benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.

If you're hesitant to make a major overhaul of your fireplace's surround, think about applying a peel-and-stick tile to change the look without spending a fortune. These tiles are resistant to heat and therefore suitable for fireplaces and can be bonded to existing surfaces. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a fantastic option to add elegance to any room. It also works beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the ideal way to hide the brick surround on a wall-mounted fireplace. The mantel can be painted a different hue to add warmth and personality. A new color of paint could make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the color scheme of the room or pick something striking.

If your mantel is made of wood, inspect it first for cracks, gouges, and scratches. Fill in the dents with wood putty, if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the amount of time recommended. Before painting, sand the surface with 100-grit sandpaper to roughen it up. Clean the surface using a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or dust.

While white is a popular color for walls and fireplaces but the right color can really make your fireplace stand out. Look at the other wood trim, moldings and bookcases around your home for inspiration. Do they use the same hue as your mantel? Or is it a lighter or darker hue? If the latter, pick an appropriate color to keep the look well-balanced.

Protect the area around you by using sheets or a dropcloth prior to when you begin painting. Clean the mantel, taking out any showpieces or decorations that may be hung above it. If your fireplace is made of brick, take away any ornaments or pictures that are on or within the fireplace. Once the mantel is cleaned, take a damp cloth and wipe it clean to get rid of any dust or soot.

Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel using either a roller or brush. The semi-gloss paint lasts and stain-resistant, so your mantel will be able to be able to withstand the heat of your fireplace, and any other objects that are placed on it. Let the primer completely dry, as per the instructions provided by the manufacturer before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.

The brick may be heavy in color and weight. Painting the mantel an even or light color can make it look brighter and more inviting for guests. If you opt for a light color for your mantel, match it with a piece art in earthy tones or a large mirror to complement the overall look.