How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace will give your living room an attractive focal feature. There are a variety of models on the market but it is crucial to choose one that will meet your requirements.

The most significant features include the output of heat, the appearance and the controls. If you're not aware of these features, it's best to consult a professional to assist you in choosing the right model.

Molded Squares

A dull stone fireplace and dull walls made this living space in need of a dramatic fireplace overhaul. With a few design tweaks, the new look is fresh and eye-catching making the hearth a central feature in the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel as well as contemporary art above the fireplace modernize the facade and the shelves in gray below provide a stark contrast. The fireplace's exterior is enhanced by a few color variations.

Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces create a simple, yet effective method of framing a tile fireplace surround. To tie the look together pick a trim style to match or contrast with the other trim elements, like thick casing around windows and doors. If you're looking for 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 style.

Wainscoting accent walls is an extremely popular way to add personality to the interior of a room. The same technique can be used to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards, however, try a paneled material like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard to create a striking look.

Brick is a different non-combustible option for a fireplace surround. It is available in different styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace with red is a classic option for cottage-style or Craft-Revival-style homes. The rustic-look brick is an option that can fit in with more traditional country-style 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 fireplace and your surround is 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Make sure your chosen material conforms to all national and local construction codes for safety.

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

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look are ideal for a fireplace wall. They add timeless beauty to any home. Reclaimed wood beams come from barns, stables and other buildings that were demolished. Each beam carries with it its own unique history. Reclaimed wood can also be used as an accent in modern kitchens or with wide planks of paneling to create an authentic look. They have the typical barn wood markings, such as mortise and nail holes, fromdust.art plus a natural aging that increases their longevity.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets to find reclaimed wood elements to use for a mantel or an accent wall. The earthy tone of pine used as a backdrop for this traditional living room's surround and mantel evokes an intimate country retreat. Its knotty imperfections emphasize a hand-hewn look and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which is a part of the fireplace wall. The rustic warmth of this space is enhanced by a pair inspired by nature wall sconces, and a landscape image above the mantel.

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

Wooden beams can serve as a focal point in any kind of fireplace. They can be used to highlight the mantel without a fire burning. They can also be used to highlight a mantel without a fire burning.

Whichever method you choose to install your beams, ensure that they are adequately protected against the effects of fire. Both types of material can become brittle and weaken when exposed to extreme heat, but both can be strengthened by a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant sprayed on I-beams made of steel. These products are available at most 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 and is a perfect match for any decor style from traditional to modern. The matte finish is ideal to create a polished and sleek look while adding contrast to make the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles also work well with various textures for a more customized appearance. Stone-look tiles are a popular choice that gives the room a rustic, classic feel. They also go well with natural materials, such as wood. Marble-look tile is a timeless option that adds an elegant and luxurious look to the space. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles sparkles beautifully, reflecting light and brightening the space.

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 pattern on the tile gives the entire room a a handcrafted appeal that balances the contemporary organic style of the fireplace, and the contemporary style of the room.

If you're not sure about making a design risk in your home the fireplace is a great place to experiment with an imposing design. It might be intimidating for other areas. This geometric tile (here's another option) with its black grout lines give this room a sophisticated and playful energy. The hexagonal shapes are shaped like cubes to create a stimulating layout. The deep brown hue gives this space an inviting, warm look that goes well with the industrial style.

Another option to make an impact with your fireplace is to use tile that resembles the appearance of brick or a similar material. This textured tile, made by LA Designer Affair, has a similar look to brick, but has the added benefit of being much easier to clean and maintain.

If you're hesitant to commit to a full-scale remodel of your fireplace surround, consider using a peel and stick tile to refresh the look without spending a fortune. These tiles are resistant to heat, making them suitable for free standing electric fireplaces and able be bonded to existing surfaces. 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

A fresh coat of paint is the most effective way to hide the brick surround on an unwall-mounted fireplace. The mantel can be painted a different hue to add warmth and character. A new paint color can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the overall color scheme of the room or choose something striking.

If your mantel is wood, inspect it first for cracks, gouges, and scratches. If the dents aren't enough to be able to handle then fill them with wood putty and let it set for the recommended amount of time. Before painting, sand the surface with 100-grit sandpaper in order to rough it up. To get rid of any dirt or debris, wipe down the surfaces that have been sanded with a damp cloth.

While white is a popular choice for fireplaces and walls The right shade can really make your fireplace stand out. Check out the other wood trim, moldings and bookcases in your home for inspiration. Does your mantel have the same color as theirs, or is it lighter or darker? If the latter, pick an appropriate color to keep the room looking balanced.

Before you start painting, protect the surrounding area with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove any ornaments or display pieces that were hung over the mantel. If your fireplace is brick, remove any pictures or ornaments that are placed on or around the fireplace. When the mantel is clean and clean, wipe it with a the help of a damp cloth to wipe off any soot or dust that has built up.

Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with a brush or roller. The semi-gloss paint is durable and stain-resistant, which means your mantel can be able to withstand the heat of your fireplace as well as any other items placed on it. Let the primer completely dry, according to the manufacturer’s instructions, before you begin painting the main wall of the fireplace.

The brick can be quite heavy in weight and color. Paint the mantel with an unassuming color or neutral to make it appear brighter and more inviting. If you choose to paint it a light hue, think about pairing it with an earthy-toned piece of art or a mirror that is large above it to balance the look.