How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace will provide your living space with an eye-catching focal feature. There are numerous models to choose from, so you should choose one that meets your requirements.

The most significant features are the heat output along with the appearance and controls. If you're not aware of these aspects, it is best to seek out an expert to help select the best model.

Molded Squares

The living room in this house needed an overhaul to the fireplace due to its old-fashioned stone surround and bland walls. With a few tweaks to the design the new look is fresh and attractive and makes this hearth a centerpiece in the room. A whitewashed fireplace and contemporary artwork above modernize the fireplace facade and contrast with the shelves in gray below. A few minor changes in color also help the facade stand out from the wall, enhancing the charm of this fireplace design.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces combine to form a simple, yet effective way to frame your fireplace surround. To tie the look together, choose a trim style to match or contrast with your other trim elements such as thick casing around windows and doors. If you're looking for an elegant, high-end look, use fluted trim to create the illusion of a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic farmhouse look.

Making an accent wall using wainscoting is a popular method to add character to any room. The same method can be used to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards, you can try a paneled material like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard to create a striking appearance.

Another non-combustible material that you can build a fireplace surround is brick, fire which is available in many different styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace in red is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. Rustic-style brick is another alternative that is able to blend with more traditional country-style decor.

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

Open shelving is excellent for storing books and other items. However, too many shelves can obstruct the look of a fireplace. The owners of this living room have created a wall to ceiling limestone cladding to elevate the design without overwhelming open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look make a great fireplace wall. They add a timeless beauty to any house. Reclaimed wood beams are sourced from barns, stables and other demolished structures. Each beam has its own unique story. Reclaimed wood can be used as a decorative element in modern kitchens or with wide planks of paneling to create an authentic look. They are characterized by the typical markings of barn wood, such as mortise and nail holes, plus natural patina that increases their durability.

Scour architectural salvage yards and flea markets for reclaimed wood elements to use 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 of the wood give it a rustic look and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting on the wall of the fireplace. A pair of nature-inspired sconces and a landscape-themed painting above the mantel add to the rustic ambiance of this space.

Repurposed wooden beams will bring a unique look to any room. They can be stained to match your existing decor or carved for an antique appearance. They can also be painted to give a more contemporary appearance, or they can be covered with faux finishes such as marbled paint or rust.

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

No matter which method of installation you choose be sure that your wood or steel beams are adequately protected from the potential effects of fire. Both materials are susceptible to becoming brittle in extreme heat. However they can be strengthened with a layer of fire-resistant drywall. These products can be found in a wide variety of home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a dramatic effect as surrounds for fireplaces. Its shape instantly enhances the space and is a perfect match for any style of decor from modern to traditional. The matte finish is ideal for a polished and Wooden fireplaces clean look while adding contrast to make the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles can be customized with a variety textures for an individualized look. stone fireplaces-look tiles are a favorite that give the room an old-fashioned, rustic feel. They also pair beautifully with natural materials, such as wood. Another classic option is marble fireplace-look tile that provides a luxurious and elegant aesthetic to the space. These tiles feature an elegant and glossy surface that is a beautiful reflection of light and brightens the space.

The perfect tile pattern can enhance the overall 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 patterned tile gives the whole space a handcrafted appeal that balances the modern organic style of the fireplace, and the overall modern design of the room.

If you're not sure about taking a risk on a pattern in your home, a fireplace can be an ideal place to test out a bold design which could be intimidating in other parts of the house. The geometric tile with its black grout gives the room an elegant yet playful feel. The hexagonal shapes resemble cubes to create an exciting layout. The dark brown color gives this space a warm, inviting aesthetic that complements the industrial decor.

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

Consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to upgrade your fireplace's surround without costing you a dime. These tiles are heat-resistant and therefore suitable for fireplaces and can adhere to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great option that will add a sense of elegance to any living space while also blending beautifully with traditional furnishings.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the most effective method to cover the brick surround of an unwall-mounted fireplace. The mantel can be painted a different color to add warmth and personality. A new color of paint could make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the color scheme of the room or choose something bold.

If your mantel is made from wood, first check it for cracks, nicks, and gouges. Fill in the dents using wood putty if they are small enough. Allow it to dry for the time recommended. Sand the surface with 100-grit paper to roughen it up before painting. Clean the surface using a damp cloth to remove any remaining dirt or debris.

White is a popular color for walls and fireplaces. But the right shade will make your fireplace stand out. For ideas, take a look at the wood trim on your bookcases, moldings and walls. Does your mantel match in shade as theirs or is it lighter or darker? If so, select the color that is well-matched to keep the space looking balanced.

Before you start painting, protect the area surrounding you with drop cloth or sheets. Remove any decorative items or showpieces that might have been placed over the mantel. Remove any ornaments or pictures placed around or on your brick fireplace. Once the mantel is cleaned, you can use a damp cloth and wipe it down to remove any dust or soot.

Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with the use of a roller or brush. The semi-gloss paint lasts and stain-resistant, so your mantel will stand up to the heat of the fireplace suites, as well as other objects that are placed on it. Let the primer dry in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer prior to moving onto the main body of your fireplace's wall.

The brick can be heavy in color and weight. Painting the mantel a light or neutral color can make it look brighter and more inviting to guests. If you choose to paint it the lighter hue, think about pairing it with an earthy-toned piece of art or a large mirror over it to create a balanced look.