How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can give your living room an attractive focal point that requires attention. There are numerous models to choose from and you must pick one that is suitable for your needs.

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

Molded Squares

This living room needed an impressive fireplace overhaul due to its stale stone surround and bland walls. The new style is bright, eye-catching and makes the hearth the focal point of the room. A whitewashed mantel and contemporary artwork above modernize the facade of the fireplace while contrasted with the shelves in gray below. A few color changes also help the facade stand out from the wall, enhancing the appeal of this fireplace design.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces join to create a simple yet effective, way to frame your fireplace surround. Choose a trim style that contrasts with or complements the other trim elements, such as the thick casing around doors and windows to make the look more cohesive. If you're looking for an elegant, premium look, consider using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of an actual mantel. For a more rustic farmhouse look, choose to use dentil trim instead.

Accent walls with wainscoting are an extremely popular way to add the look of the interior of a room. The same technique can be employed to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards, instead, consider a paneled product like beadboard or tongue-and-groove cedar siding to create a striking appearance.

Brick is a different non-combustible option for the fireplace surround. It is available in a variety of 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 could be a good fit with a more traditional, country decor.

When you incorporate brick into a fireplace design, it is important to ensure that your hearth extends 16 to 18 inches from the opening for the fireplace and that your surround is 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the material you choose complies with all building codes to ensure safety.

Open shelving is a great way of storing books and other objects. However having too many shelves can obstruct the look of a fireplace. For this family room, homeowners built a wall-to ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the appearance of the fireplace without overwhelming the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic appearance are ideal for a fireplace wall. They add timeless beauty to any home. Reclaimed wood beams are sourced from old stables, barns and other demolished buildings. Each beam carries with it its own unique history. Reclaimed wood can be used as a feature in modern kitchens or wide plank paneling to create a rustic look. They feature the usual barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes, and a natural aging process that increases their longevity.

Find salvage yards for architectural elements and flea market for wood pieces that you can make into a fireplace. For example the earthy color of pine that highlights the traditional living room mantel and surround is reminiscent of the feeling of a rustic, cozy retreat. The knotty imperfections create a rustic appearance, and they complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that is on the wall of the fireplace. The rustic warmth of this room is enhanced by a pair of natural-inspired wall sconces, as well as an image of a landscape above the mantel.

Repurposed wood beams will bring a unique look to any room. They can be left in their natural state or stained to complement the decor of your home or cut and distressed to create an antique look. They can be painted to give them a more contemporary appearance, or covered with faux finishes such as marbling paint or rust.

The wooden beams can be used as the focal feature of any fireplace. They can be positioned above a freestanding gas or ventless or electric fireplace, or be integrated into a stone or brick fireplace. They can be used to accent a mantel without a fire burning.

Regardless of which method of installation you decide to use be sure that your wood or steel beams are properly protected from the consequences of fire. Both materials are susceptible to becoming brittle and weakening in the face of extreme heat, but both can be strengthened by a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant sprayed on I-beams made of steel. These products are available in most home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can make an impressive statement when used as a fireplace surround. Its shape instantly brightens the room and can be incorporated into any decor, modern or traditional. The matte finish is ideal for a polished and clean appearance, while also adding a pop of contrast to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can also be used with a variety of texture choices to create a more individual look. Stone-look tiles are a very popular option that gives the space a rustic, classic feel. They also go well with natural materials such as wood. Marble-look tile is another classic option that gives an elegant and luxurious appearance to the space. These tiles feature a glossy and smooth finish that is a beautiful reflection of light and brightens the space.

The right tile pattern can elevate 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 the appearance of a hand-crafted space, while balancing the contemporary natural style fireplace with the overall design of the room.

If you're unsure about taking a risk with patterns in your home, a fireplace is the perfect place to test out a bold style that might be intimidating in other parts of your home. This geometric tile with its black grout gives the room an elegant and playful look. The hexagonal shapes fit together as cubes to create an exciting layout, while the dark brown color provides an inviting and warm aesthetic that complements the industrial style of this room.

Tiles that look like brick or other common materials is another option to create an impact on your fireplace. This textured tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look to traditional brick, however, it is much easier to clean and Fireplacesandstoves.uk maintain.

Consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to update your fireplace surround without spending a fortune. A lot of these options are heat-resistant and therefore suitable for use in the fireplace and able to be affixed to the existing stone. This herringbone peel and stick tile is an excellent alternative that will add a sense of elegance to any living space, and will look great with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace in a wall has a brick surround, the best method to minimize its appearance is to give it fresh coats of paint. Painting the mantel a different hue also adds warmth and personality to the space. Whether you choose to match it to the room's color scheme or opt for something striking, a new paint color makes your fireplace stand out as a showstopper.

If your mantel is constructed of wood, you should first examine it for cracks, nicks, and gouges. 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 in order to rough it up. Wipe the surface that has been sanded with a damp cloth to take off any remaining dirt or dust.

While white is a popular color for walls and fireplaces, the right shade can really make your fireplace stand out. Look at the other wood trim, moldings and bookcases in your home for ideas. Does your mantel match in color as theirs, or is it lighter or darker? If so, select the color that is well-matched to keep the look well-balanced.

Before you begin painting, protect the area surrounding you with drop cloth or sheets. Remove any ornaments or display pieces that might have been placed over the mantel. If your fireplace is brick, get rid of any ornaments or pictures that are placed on or around it. Once the mantel has been cleared, wipe it down with a damp cloth to clean off any soot or dust that has accumulated.

Apply a basecoat with a roller or brush to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish is durable and stain-resistant, ensuring that your mantel will hold up well to the heat from the fireplace as well as any other objects placed on it. Allow the primer to dry according to the recommendations of the manufacturer prior to moving onto the main part of your fireplace's wall.

The brick may be heavy in color and weight. The mantel painted with a light or neutral color can make it appear brighter and more inviting to guests. If you opt for a light color for your mantel, you can pair it with a work of artwork in earthy tones, or a large mirror to balance out the look.