How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace in the wall will provide your living space with an attractive focal feature. There are numerous models on the market but it is crucial to choose one that is suitable for your needs.

The output of heat, the controls, and the appearance are some of the most important features. If you're not aware of these features, it's best to hire a professional to help you choose the right model.

Molded Squares

This living room needed a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its stale stone surround and dull walls. With a few tweaks to the design the new look is bright and attractive, making this hearth a centerpiece in the room. A whitewashed Tabletop fireplace mantel as well as contemporary art above the fireplace modernizes the exterior and the shelves in gray below are a contrast. A few color changes also help the facade stand out from the wall, adding the beauty of this fireplace design.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces combine to form a simple, yet effective, method to frame your fireplace surround. Choose a style of trim that contrasts with or complements your other trim elements like the thick casing around doors and windows to make the look more cohesive. If you're looking for a more elegant, luxurious style, think about using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of a mantel. For a more rustic, farmhouse look, use dentil trim instead.

Accent walls with wainscoting are an extremely popular way to add personality to rooms. The same technique can be used to frame a fireplace. Instead of using plank boards however, try a paneled product like beadboard or tongue-and-groove cedar siding to create a dramatic look.

Brick is another non-combustible option for a fireplace surround. It comes in various 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.

If you want to incorporate brick into your fireplace design be sure that your hearth is 16 to 18 inches from the opening of the firebox, and your surround is 8-12 inches wide in all directions. Make sure your chosen material complies with all local and national construction codes for safety.

Open shelving is a great way to store books and other things However, too many shelves could overwhelm the look of the fireplace. The owners of this living room have created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding in order to improve the look of the room without overwhelming open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wood beams are the perfect frame for a wall fireplace. They add timeless beauty to any home. Reclaimed wood beams are reclaimed from old barns, stalls, and other buildings that have been destroyed. Each beam is unique and has its own unique history. Reclaimed wood can be used in conjunction with wide plank ceiling panels to create a rustic look or as a decorative element to modern kitchens. They have the typical marks of barn wood, including nail holes and mortise pockets as well as natural patina that increases their durability.

Find salvage yards for architectural elements and flea markets for reclaimed wood elements to repurpose into a mantel. For instance the earthy color of pine that highlights the traditional living room mantel and surround creates an idyllic rural setting. Its knotty imperfections emphasize a hand-hewn look and compliment the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which is a part of the fireplace's wall. A pair of sconces inspired by nature and a landscape painting over the mantel add to the rustic coziness of the room.

Repurposed wood beams can be an eye-catching statement to any room in your home. They can be left as is 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 look or covered with faux finishes such as rust or marbling paint.

Wooden beams can be used as a focal point in any kind of fireplace. They can be placed above a freestanding gas, electric fire or ventless fireplace or incorporated into a stone or brick fireplace. They can be used to accent the mantel without a flame burning.

No matter which method you choose to put in your beams, make sure that they are adequately protected against the effects of fire. Both materials can become brittle in extreme heat. However, they can be strengthened with a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products can be found at most home improvement shops.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a dramatic effect as a surround for a fireplace. Its design instantly brightens the room and can be incorporated into any style, whether modern or traditional. The choice of a matte finish for the tiles is ideal to keep that neat and polished look, while also adding some color to make the fireplace sparkle.

Hex tiles can also be used with a variety of texture choices to create a more individual look. Stone-look tiles are a popular choice that give the room an authentic, classic look. They also pair beautifully with natural materials, such as wood fireplace. Another classic option is marble-look tile that adds an elegant and luxurious look to the room. These tiles have a glossy and smooth finish that reflect light beautifully and brightens the space.

The proper tile pattern can improve 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 gives the whole space a handcrafted appeal that balances the modern organic style of the fireplace and the overall contemporary design of the room.

If you're not sure about taking a risk with a pattern in your home The fireplace is a great place to test an imposing design. It can be intimidating for other areas. This geometric tile with its black grout gives this space an elegant, yet fun feel. The hexagonal shapes fit together like cubes to create a fascinating layout, and the dark brown color creates a warm and inviting aesthetic that works with the industrial style of this space.

Tiles that resemble 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 look as brick but is much easier to clean and maintain.

If you're not ready to make a major overhaul of your fireplace's surround, think about using a peel and stick tile to refresh the appearance without costing you a fortune. A lot of these options are resistant to heat, making them safe for fireplaces and able to stick 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, while also blending beautifully with traditional furnishings.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the ideal method to hide the brick surround of the wall of a fireplace. Paint the mantel in a different color can also add warmth and character to the room. A new paint color can make your ethanol 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 take a look at it to find gouges, cracks, and nicks. Fill in the dents with wood putty if they are small enough. Allow it to dry for the period recommended. Before painting, sand the surface with 100-grit sandpaper in order to rough it up. To remove any dirt or debris clean the sanded surfaces with a damp cloth.

White is a popular shade for walls and fireplaces. But, the right shade will make your mantel really stand out. Take a look at the wood trims, moldings, and bookcases around your home for ideas. Does your mantel match in color as theirs or is it lighter or darker? If the latter, choose the color that is well-matched to keep the room looking balanced.

Before you begin painting, protect the surrounding area with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove the mantel, taking out any decorations or showpieces that are hanging over it. Take away any ornaments or pictures placed around or on the brick fireplace. Once the mantel has been cleared, wipe it down with the help of a damp cloth to wipe off any soot or dust that has accumulated.

Apply a basecoat using a roller or brush to your mantel. The semi-gloss paint is durable and stain resistant, so your mantel can be able to withstand the heat of your fireplace as well as any other items placed on it. Let the primer dry, as per the instructions of the manufacturer, before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.

While brick is an attractive feature of a fireplace's wall, it can be a bit heavy and dark in shade. Paint the mantel with a light or neutral color can make it appear brighter and more welcoming to guests. If you decide to choose a light shade for your mantel, pair it with a piece art in earthy tones or a large wall mirror to complement the look.