How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can make your living space an eye-catching focal point. There are a variety of models available and you must pick one that is suitable for your needs.

The most significant features include the output of heat along with the appearance and controls. If you aren't familiar with these features, it's best to hire a professional to help you choose the right model.

Molded Squares

A stale stone fireplace surround and dull walls left this living space in need of a major fireplace revamp. With a few tweaks to the design, the new look is vibrant and eye-catching and makes the hearth an important focal point in the room. A whitewashed mantel for the fireplace and contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the appearance of the façade while the shelves that are gray below provide a stark contrast. A few minor changes in color will also make the fireplace stand apart from the wall, enhancing the appeal of this fireplace design.

Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces are combined to create a simple yet efficient way to frame a tile fireplace surround. Select 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 fireplaces for sale an elegant, high-end look, consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of a mantel. For a more rustic farmhouse look, use dentil trim instead.

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

Another non-combustible material you can use to build an enclosure for your fireplace is brick, which is available in a variety of styles and colors. A classic red brick fireplace is perfect for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. A rustic-look brick can also be used to complement a traditional country decor.

If you're planning to incorporate brick into the design of your fireplace be sure that your hearth measures 16 to 18 inches from the opening of the fireplace and the surround is 8-12 inches wide in all directions. Make sure the material you choose is compliant with all national and local building codes to ensure security.

Open shelving can be a great way of storing books and other things. However the presence of too many shelves can overwhelm the appearance of a fireplace. For this family room the homeowners created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to elevate the design of the new fireplace without overpowering the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look make a great fireplace wall. They bring a timeless appeal to any home. Reclaimed wood beams originate from barns, stables and other buildings that were demolished. Each beam is unique and has its own 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 the typical markings of barn wood, like mortise and nail holes as well as natural patinas that increase their durability.

Scour architectural salvage yards and flea markets for reclaimed wood elements that can be used for a mantel or an accent wall. The natural tone of pine used as a backdrop for the traditional living room surround and mantel evokes a cozy country retreat. The knotty imperfections in the wood accent a hand-hewn look and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that borders the fireplace's wall. The rustic warmth of this room is enhanced by a pair of natural-inspired wall sconces, and a landscape picture above the mantel.

Repurposed wood beams will add a unique touch to any room. They can be stained to match your current design or carved to create an antique look. They can be painted to give them a modern appearance, or covered with faux finishes such as rust or marbling paint.

Wooden beams can be used as a focal point fireplaces for sale any kind of fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel, even without a fire burning. They can be used to accent the mantel with no fire burning.

Whichever method you choose to install your beams, make sure that they are protected adequately from the effects of fire. Both types of materials can be brittle and weaken in the face of extreme heat, however both can be strengthened by a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant that is sprayed on I-beams made of steel. These products are available in most home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be utilized to create a dramatic effect as a surround for a fireplace. Its shape instantly enhances the space while blending with any decor choice, from traditional to modern. The matte finish is ideal for a polished and clean appearance while adding a splash of contrast to make the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles can also be combined with a variety of texture choices for a more customized appearance. Stone-look tiles are a very popular option that give the room a rustic, classic feel. They also go well with natural materials such as wood. Marble-look tiles are another timeless option that adds an elegant and luxurious appearance to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles sparkles beautifully, reflecting light and brightening the room.

The proper tile pattern can improve the entire look 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 on the tile gives the entire room a a handcrafted appeal that balances the organic modern style of the fireplace with the overall contemporary design of the room.

If you're not sure about taking a pattern risk in your home, the fireplace is a great spot to experiment with an imposing design. It can be a bit intimidating for other rooms. The geometric tile with its black grout gives this space an elegant, yet fun feel. The hexagonal shapes resemble cubes to create an exciting layout. The dark brown color gives this space an inviting, warm look that goes well with the industrial decor.

Tiles that look like brick or other materials you are familiar with is another option to create an impact with your fireplace. This textured tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance as brick however, it is much easier to maintain and clean.

Consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to upgrade your fireplace surround without breaking the bank. A majority of these options are heat resistant which means they are suitable for use in the fireplace and able to be affixed to the existing stone. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a fantastic option to add the look of a room. It also works beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

When a wall fireplace has a brick surround, the best method to minimize its appearance is by giving it fresh coats of paint. Painting the mantel a different color also adds warmth and character to the space. Whether you choose to match it to the color scheme of your room or go for something bold or bold, a new color can make your fireplace stand out as a stunning feature.

If the mantel is made of wood take a look at it to find gouges, cracks, and nicks. If the dents aren't large enough to handle then fill them with wood putty and allow it to set for the appropriate amount of time. Sand the surface with 100-grit paper to roughen it up before painting. Clean the surface with a damp cloth in order to remove any remaining dirt or dust.

While white is a popular option for Fireplaces near me and walls, the right shade can make your mantel stand out. Look at the other wood trims, moldings, and bookcases around your home for inspiration. Do they have the same hue as your mantel? Or is it a darker or lighter hue? If the latter, pick the color that is well-matched to keep the room looking well-balanced.

Before you begin painting, protect the surrounding area with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove the mantel and remove any showpieces or decorations that are hanging over it. Remove any ornaments or photos placed around or on the fireplace made of brick. Once the mantel is cleaned, use a damp cloth and wipe it clean to get rid of any dust or soot.

Apply a base coat 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, which means your mantel will be able to be able to withstand the heat of your fireplace, as well as other objects that are placed on it. Allow the primer to dry according to the recommendations of the manufacturer prior to moving on to the main body of your fireplace wall.

The brick may be heavy in both weight and color. Paint the mantel with an even or light color can make it look brighter and more inviting for guests. If you choose an unassuming color for your mantel, you can pair it with a piece art in earthy tones or a large wall mirror to complete the look.