How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace for sale (my review here) can make your living space an attractive focal feature. There are numerous models to choose from and you must pick one that is suitable for your needs.

The most significant features include the heat output as well as the appearance and controls. If you're not aware of these aspects, it is best to hire an expert to help you select the best model.

Molded Squares

The living room in this house needed a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its old-fashioned stone surround and dull walls. With a few design tweaks, the new look is vibrant and eye-catching making this hearth a focal point in the room. A whitewashed fireplace and contemporary artwork above modernize the fireplace facade while contrasting with the gray shelves below. The fireplace's facade is accentuated by a few color changes.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces are combined to create a simple, yet effective, method to frame the tile fireplace surround. To tie the look together, choose a trim style to contrast or match the other trim elements, like thick casings around doors and windows. If you're looking to create an elegant, premium look, you can consider using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of an actual mantel. If you want a more rustic farmhouse look, you can opt for dentil trim instead.

Creating an accent wall with wainscoting is a popular way to add character to any room. The same method can be used to frame a fireplace. Try a paneled option like tongue-and groove cedar siding or beadboard instead plank boards to create a dramatic appearance.

Another non-combustible option you can use to create an enclosure for your fireplace is brick, which comes in a variety of styles and colors. A traditional red brick fireplace is a traditional choice for Craft Revival-style or cottage-style homes. Rustic-style brick is another alternative that is able to blend with more traditional country decor.

If you're planning to incorporate brick into your fireplace design ensure that your hearth is 16-18 inches from the opening of the firebox, and the surround is between 8 and 12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the material you choose is compliant with all construction codes for security.

Open shelving can be an ideal way to store books and other items. However, too many shelves can overwhelm the appearance of a fireplace. For this family room, the homeowners designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to elevate the look of the new fireplace without overwhelming the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wooden beams are the perfect frame for a fireplace on the wall. They bring a timeless appeal to any house. Reclaimed wood beams are reclaimed from barns, stalls, and other buildings that have been demolished. Each beam has its own unique story. Reclaimed wood can be used in combination with wide plank ceiling paneling for a completely rustic look or as an accent to modern kitchens. They feature the usual barn wood markings like mortise and nail holes plus a natural aging which increases their durability.

Find salvage yards for architectural elements and flea market for wood pieces that you can transform into a mantel. The natural tone of pine used as a backdrop for this traditional living room surround and mantel creates a cozy country retreat. The knotty imperfections give it a rustic look and are a perfect match for the simple lines in the beaded-board wainscoting on the fireplace's wall. The rustic warmth of this space is enhanced by a pair of natural-inspired wall sconces and an image of a landscape above the mantel.

Repurposed wooden beams can provide an attractive feature to any room in your home. They can be stained to match your existing decor or carved for an antique look. They can also be painted for a more contemporary appearance or covered with faux finishes like marbled paint or rust.

Wooden beams can be used as a focal point for any type of fireplace. They can be placed above a freestanding gas, electric or ventless fireplace or be integrated into a brick or stone uk fireplace. They can be used to illuminate the mantel without a burning fire.

Whatever method you choose to install your beams, be sure they are protected adequately from the effects of fire. Both types of material can become brittle and weaken when exposed to extreme heat, however both can be reinforced with a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant sprayed on steel I-beams. These products can be found in a wide variety of home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can create a dramatic statement when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its shape instantly enhances the space while blending with any decor style from traditional to modern. Selecting a matte finish for the tiles is a great way to keep that neat and polished look while adding some contrast that makes the fireplace sparkle.

Hex tiles can be customised by a variety of textures to create a more personalized appearance. Stone-look tile is a popular choice that gives the space a classic, rustic feel and is a great match with natural materials such as wood. Marble-look tile is another classic option that gives an elegant and luxurious appearance to the room. These tiles feature a glossy and smooth finish that reflect light beautifully and enhances the space.

The perfect tile pattern can enhance the entire design of the 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 natural style fireplace with the overall design of the room.

If you're unsure about taking a risk with a pattern in your home, the fireplace is a great spot to play around with an imposing design. It could be a bit intimidating for other rooms. This geometric tile (here's a similar option) with its black grout lines gives this space a sophisticated yet lively energy. The hexagonal shapes fit together as cubes to create an exciting layout, while the dark brown color creates an inviting and warm aesthetic that is a perfect match for the industrial style of this space.

Another method of making an impact with your fireplace is to use tiles that have the look of brick or a similar material. This textured tile, from LA Designer Affair, has the same look as traditional brick but with the added benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.

If you're not ready to commit to a full-scale remodel of your fireplace's surround, consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to update the appearance without costing you a fortune. These options are heat-resistant, making them suitable for fireplaces and able stick to existing surfaces. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a great option for adding elegance to any room. It also works beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace in a wall has an existing brick surround, the most effective way to downplay its appearance is by giving it an update of the paint. The mantel can be painted a different hue to give it a more cosy and spirited look. Whether you choose to match it with the color scheme of your room or opt for something striking or bold, a new color will make your fireplace stand out as a showstopper.

If the mantel is made of wood be sure to check it for gouges, cracks and nicks. If the dents are small enough to handle Fill them in with wood putty and let it set for the recommended amount of time. Before painting paint, sand the surface using 100-grit sandpaper in order to rough it up. Clean the surface with a damp cloth to remove any remaining dirt or dust.

While white is a popular color for walls and fireplaces shop, the right shade can make your mantel stand out. For inspiration, look at the wood trims on your bookcases, mouldings, and walls. Do they have the same shade as your mantel, or is it a darker or lighter hue? If you opt for the latter option, select the color that works well with the other hues in the room to ensure it looks balanced.

Protect the area around you by using sheets or a dropcloth before you begin painting. Remove any decorations or showpieces that were hung above the mantel. If your fireplace is made of brick, take away any ornaments or pictures that are on or within it. Once the mantel is empty and clean, wipe it with a the help of a damp cloth to wipe off any soot or dust that has accumulated.

Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel using a brush or roller. The semi-gloss finish is durable and stain-resistant, ensuring that your mantel is able to stand up well to the heat generated by the fireplace as well as any other items that are placed on it. Let the primer dry in accordance with the guidelines of the manufacturer before moving onto the main part of your fireplace's wall.

The brick can be heavy in color and weight. Paint the mantel with an even or light color can make it appear brighter and more inviting for guests. If you choose to paint it a light color, consider pairing it with an earthy-toned piece of artwork or a large mirror above it to balance the look.