How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace in the wall will provide your living space with an attractive focal feature. There are a variety of models available, however, so it is important to find one that is suitable for your needs.

The most significant features include the output of heat as well as the appearance and controls. If you're not familiar with these features, it's best to hire an expert to help you choose the right model.

Molded Squares

The living room in this house needed an impressive fireplace overhaul due to its old-fashioned stone surround and bland walls. The new style is vibrant, attractive and makes this hearth the main focal point of the room. A whitewashed fireplace and contemporary artwork above modernize the facade of the fireplace while contrasted with the shelves in gray below. The fireplace's facade is accentuated by a few color variations.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces combine to form a simple, yet effective, method to frame the fireplace surround. Choose a trim style that is in contrast with or matches your other trim elements, such as the thick casing around windows and doors, to make the look more cohesive. If you're looking for an elegant, high-end look, consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of an actual mantel. For a more rustic, farmhouse look, you can choose to use dentil trim instead.

Accent walls with wainscoting are an extremely popular way to add the look of a room. The same technique can also be used to frame the fireplace. Consider a paneled material such as tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard in place of plank boards to create a dramatic appearance.

Brick is a different non-combustible option for a fireplace surround. It is available in a variety of styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace in red is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. A rustic-look brick can also be used to enhance a traditional country style.

When incorporating brick into a fireplace design, it is important to be sure your hearth is 16 to 18 inches from the opening of the firebox and that the surround extends 8-12 inches in all directions. Make sure your chosen material is compliant with all national and local building codes to ensure safety.

Open shelving is a great option to store books and other things, but too many can make a mess of the fireplace. In 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

Reclaimed wood beams that have a rustic style make a great fireplace wall. They bring a timeless appeal to any house. Reclaimed beams of wood are made from old barns, stalls and other buildings that were demolished. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used combination with wide plank ceiling panels to create a rustic look or as a decorative element to modern kitchens. They feature the typical marks of barn wood, such as nail holes and mortise pockets as well as a natural patina that enhances their durability.

Search architectural salvage yards and flea market for wood pieces that you can transform into a mantel. For example the earthy hue of pine that highlights this traditional living room mantel and surround is reminiscent of an idyllic rural setting. The knotty imperfections of the wood emphasize the hand-crafted appearance and compliment the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that borders the fireplace wall. A pair of sconces with a natural theme and a painting of a landscape above the mantel enhance the rustic charm of the room.

Repurposed wooden beams will give a unique appearance to any room. They can be left as is or stained to complement your existing decor, or they can be cut and distressed to create 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 serve as a focal point in any kind of fireplace. They can be used to highlight the mantel without the need for a fire. They can be used to highlight the mantel without burning fire.

Whatever method of installation you choose, make sure that your steel or wood beams are protected from the effects of fire. Both types of material are susceptible to becoming brittle and weakening in the face of extreme heat, but both can be reinforced with a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant sprays on steel I-beams. These products are available 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 space and is a perfect match for any decor, whether modern or traditional. Selecting a matte finish for the tiles is the best way to maintain that clean and polished look while adding some contrast to make the fireplace sparkle.

Hex tiles can be customised with a variety textures for a more personalized look. Stone-look tiles are a very popular option that gives the space an authentic, classic look. They also pair beautifully with natural materials like wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tiles that adds an elegant and luxurious appearance to the room. These tiles have a glossy and smooth finish that reflects light beautifully and enhances 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 patterned tile gives an artistic look to the space, balancing the modern organic style fireplace with the overall design of the room.

If you are unsure of taking a risk with a pattern in your home The fireplace is a great place to experiment with a bold design. It can be a bit intimidating for other rooms. This geometric tile (here's an alternative) with its black grout lines gives the room a sophisticated but lively energy. The hexagonal shapes are shaped like cubes to create a stimulating layout. The dark brown color provides this space with an inviting, warm look that is perfect for industrial decor.

Tiles that resemble brick or other common materials is another option to create an impact with your fireplace. This textured tile, from LA Designer Affair, has an identical look to brick, but has the 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, think about using a peel and stick tile to update the appearance without breaking the bank. These tiles are resistant to heat and therefore suitable for fireplaces as well as able to be bonded to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is an excellent alternative that will add an elegant feel to any living space, while also blending beautifully with traditional furnishings.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace on the wall mounted electric fireplaces has a brick surround, the most effective way to downplay its appearance is to give it an update of the paint. The mantel can be painted with a different hue to give it a more cosy and spirited look. A new paint color can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the overall color Places scheme of the room or pick something bold.

If your mantel is made of wood be sure to check it for gouges, cracks and scratches. Fill in the dents with wood putty if they are small enough. Allow it to dry for the period recommended. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it prior to painting. Wipe the surface that has been sanded with a damp cloth in order to remove any remaining dirt or dust.

White is a popular color for walls and bio-ethanol fireplaces. But the right shade will make your mantel really stand out. For inspiration, take a look at the wood trims on your bookcases, moldings and walls. Does your mantel have the same color as theirs, or is it lighter or darker? If the latter, choose the color that is well-matched to keep the look well-balanced.

Make sure you cover the area around you by using sheets or a dropcloth prior to when you begin painting. Remove any ornaments or display pieces that may have been hung over the mantel. Take away any ornaments or pictures that are on or around the fireplace made of brick. 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 the use of a roller or brush. The semi-gloss paint is long-lasting and stain resistant, so your mantel will be able to be able to withstand the heat of your fireplace as well as any other objects that are placed on it. Let the primer dry, in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.

The brick can be quite heavy in weight and color. The mantel painted with a light or neutral color can make it appear brighter and more inviting to guests. If you choose to paint it a light hue, think about using it in conjunction with an earthy toned piece of artwork or a large mirror above it to balance the look.