How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can give your living space an element of interest that demands attention. There are numerous designs available, however, so it is crucial to choose one that meets your needs.

The most significant features include the output of heat along with the appearance and controls. If you're unfamiliar with these features, it's recommended to consult a professional to help you choose the best model.

Molded Squares

The living room in this house needed an impressive fireplace overhaul due to its old-fashioned stone surround and boring walls. With a few tweaks to the design the new look is fresh and eye-catching making the hearth an important central feature in the room. A whitewashed fireplace and contemporary artwork above the fireplace's facade modernize it while contrasted with the gray shelves below. A few minor changes in color can also help the fireplace stand out from the wall, enhancing the appeal of this fireplace design.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces combine to form a simple, yet effective way to frame the tile fireplace surround. To connect the look, choose a trim style to contrast or match the other trim elements, such as thick casing around doors and windows. If you're looking for an elegant, luxurious style, think about using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace suite to give the appearance of a mantel. For a more rustic farmhouse style, choose to use dentil trim instead.

Wainscoting accent walls is a common method of adding the look of the interior of a room. The same technique can be used to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards, instead, consider using a paneled material such as beadboard or tongue-and-groove cedar siding to create a dramatic look.

Another non-combustible option you can build the fireplace surround 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 want to incorporate brick into the design of your fireplace be sure that your hearth measures 16-18 inches from the opening of the firebox and the surround is 8 to 12 inches wide in all directions. Be sure that the brick you select is safe and complies with all national and local codes.

Open shelving can be excellent for storing books and other objects. However the presence of too many shelves can overwhelm the look 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 overwhelming the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wood beams make the perfect frame for a fireplace on the wall. They bring a timeless appeal to any home. Reclaimed wood beams are sourced from barns, stables and other demolished buildings. Each beam has its own distinct story. Reclaimed wood can be used in conjunction with wide plank ceiling paneling to create a rustic look or as a decorative element to modern kitchens. They have the typical barn wood markings, such as mortise and nail holes plus a natural aging which increases their durability.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets to find reclaimed wood elements to use for a mantel or an accent wall. The rustic tone of pine used to create this traditional living room surround and mantel evokes a cozy country retreat. The knotty imperfections give it a rustic look and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting on the fireplace's wall. A pair of sconces inspired by nature and a landscape-themed painting over the mantel add to the rustic ambiance of the space.

Repurposed wooden beams can provide an attractive feature to any room in your home. They can be left as-is or stained to match your current decor, or they can be carved and distressed for an antique appearance. They can also be painted for an updated look or covered with faux finishes, such as marbled or rust paint.

The wooden beams can be used as the focal element of any fireplace. They can be placed above a freestanding gas, ventless or electric fireplace, or incorporated into a stone or brick fireplace. They can also be used to highlight the mantel without a flame burning.

Whichever method you choose to install your beams, ensure that they are adequately protected against the effects of fire. Both materials can be fragile in extreme heat. However, they can be strengthened by a layer of fire-resistant drywall. These products are available at most home improvement stores.

white fireplace Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can create a dramatic statement when used as a fireplace surround. Its shape instantly brightens up the space and is a perfect match for any decor, whether contemporary or traditional. The matte finish is perfect for a sleek and polished look while adding 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 favorite that gives the room a rustic, classic feel. They also go well with natural materials like wood. Another classic option is marble-look tile that provides an elegant and luxurious look to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles sparkles beautifully, reflecting light and brightening up the room.

The right tile pattern can elevate the entire look of the tabletop 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 an artistic look to the space, and balances the modern organic style fireplace with the overall style of the room.

If you're not sure about taking a risk with design in your home, Fireplace Insert (see this here) a fireplace can be the perfect place to test out a bold pattern that could be a bit intimidating in other areas of your home. This geometric tile (here's an alternative) with its black grout lines give this room a sophisticated and playful energy. The hexagonal shapes fit together like cubes to create a fascinating layout, while the dark brown color provides an inviting and warm look that is a perfect match for the industrial style of the room.

Another way to make a statement with your fireplace is to use tiles that look like the appearance of brick or a similar material. This textured tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance to brick, but is much simpler to clean and maintain.

If you're not ready to commit to a full-scale remodel of your fireplace surround, consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to change the look without costing you a fortune. A lot of these options are resistant to heat which means they are safe for the fireplace and able to adhere to the existing surface. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a great option for adding elegance to any room. It also looks great with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the best method to cover the brick surround of the wall of a fireplace. Painting the mantel a different hue also adds warmth and personality to the space. A new paint color can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the overall color scheme of the room or choose something bold.

If the mantel is made of wood, inspect it first for cracks, gouges, and scratches. 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. To get rid of any debris or dirt, wipe down the sanded surfaces with a damp cloth.

White is a favorite color for Cheap fireplaces and walls. However the right shade will make your mantel really stand out. To get ideas, take a look at the wood trim on your bookcases, moldings and walls. Does your mantel have the same shade as theirs or is it lighter or darker? If you opt for the latter option, pick a color that will work well with the other hues in the room to keep it looking balanced.

Protect the area around you with sheets or a dropcloth before you begin painting. Clear off the mantel and remove any decorative pieces or displays that may be hung above it. If your fireplace is brick, get rid of any pictures or ornaments that are on or around it. When the mantel is clean and clean, wipe it with a a damp cloth to clean off any soot or dust that has built up.

Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with the use of a roller or brush. The semi-gloss finish is long-lasting and stain-resistant, which means that your mantel is able to stand up well to the heat from the fireplace and any other items that are placed on it. Let the primer dry according to the recommendations of the manufacturer prior to moving onto the main body of your fireplace wall.

While brick is a beautiful feature of a fireplace wall, it can be quite heavy and dark in color. Paint the mantel in the light or neutral color to make it appear more vibrant and more inviting. If you choose to paint it the lighter hue, think about pairing it with a earthy-toned piece of artwork or a mirror that is large above it to balance the appearance.