How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can give your living space an attractive focal point that requires attention. There are numerous models available but it is crucial to choose one that meets your needs.

Some of the most important features include the heat output, the appearance and the controls. If you aren't familiar with these features, it's recommended to consult an expert to help pick the right model.

Molded Squares

A stale stone fireplace surround and dull walls left this living space in need of a major fireplace makeover. With a few tweaks to the design the new look is vibrant and eye-catching and makes this hearth a central feature in the room. A whitewashed mantel and modern artwork above the fireplace's facade modernize it and contrast with the gray shelves below. A few minor changes in color also help the facade stand out from the wall, which enhances the appeal of this fireplace design.

Base cap moldings and trim pieces make a simple but effective way to frame the fireplace with a tile surround. To bring the design together select a trim design to match or contrast with your other trim elements like thick casings around windows and doors. If you're looking for a more elegant, high-end look, you can consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of an actual mantel. For a more rustic farmhouse style, opt for dentil trim instead.

The idea of creating an accent wall using wainscoting is a popular method to add character to any room. The same method can be used to frame a 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.

Brick is another non-combustible option for a fireplace surround. It comes in different styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace in red is a classic option for Craft Revival-style or cottage-style homes. A rustic-looking brick can be used to enhance a traditional country style.

If you're planning to incorporate brick into your fireplace design, make sure that your hearth is 16-18 inches from the opening of the firebox, and your surround is 8-12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the brick you select is safe and conforms to all local and national codes.

Open shelving is a great option to store books and other items, but too many can overwhelm the look of the fireplace. For this family room the homeowners designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the look of the new fireplace, without obscuring the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wood beams are the ideal frame for a wall fireplace. They add timeless beauty to any house. Reclaimed beams of wood are made from old barns, stalls, and other buildings that were removed. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can also be used as a feature in modern kitchens, or with wide planks of paneling to create a rustic look. They feature the typical markings of barn wood, like mortise and nail holes, plus a natural patina that enhances their durability.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets for reclaimed wood elements to use as a mantel or accent wall. For example, the earthy shade of pine that highlights the traditional mantel and surround evokes the feeling of a rustic, cozy retreat. The knotty imperfections give it a rustic look and are a perfect match for the simple lines in the beaded-board wainscoting that is on the fireplace wall. A pair of sconces with a natural theme and a painting of a landscape over the mantel add to the rustic ambiance of this space.

Repurposed wooden beams can make an attractive accent to any room in your home. They can be left as-is or stained to match the decor of your home or carved and distressed for an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a more contemporary look or covered with faux finishes such as marbling paint or rust.

Wooden beams can be used as a focal point for any type of fireplace. They can be positioned above a freestanding gas, electric firesuite or ventless fireplace or incorporated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can also be used to highlight a mantel without a fire burning.

Regardless of which method of installation you choose be sure that your wood or steel beams are adequately protected from the consequences of ethonal fire (Read the Full Piece of writing). Both types of material can become brittle and weaken in the face of extreme heat, however both are able to be strengthened with a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant sprayed on I-beams made of steel. These products are sold at a variety of home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can make an impressive statement when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens the room and complements any style, whether traditional or modern. The matte finish is ideal for a sleek and polished look while adding contrast to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can be customised with a variety of textures for an individualized appearance. Stone-look tile is a popular option that lends the space an old-fashioned, rustic feel and is a great match with natural materials such as wood. Marble-look tiles are another classic option that gives an elegant and luxurious appearance to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting sunlight and brightening the room.

The proper tile pattern can improve the entire look 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 entire room a the look of a hand-crafted piece that balances the contemporary organic style of the fireplace with the overall modern design of the room.

If you're unsure about taking a risk with design in your home, a fireplace is an ideal place to test out a bold pattern that could be intimidating in other areas of the house. The geometric tile with its black grout gives the room an elegant, yet fun feel. The hexagonal shapes resemble cubes to create an exciting layout. The dark brown color gives this space a warm, inviting aesthetic that goes well with the industrial decor.

Tiles that resemble brick or other materials you are familiar with is another way to make an impact with your fireplace. The textured tile, which is made by LA Designer Affair, has the same look as brick, but has the benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.

Consider using a peel-and-stick tile to modernize your fireplace surround without costing you a dime. A lot of these options are resistant to heat and therefore safe for the fireplace and able to be affixed to the existing wall. This herringbone peel and stick tile is an excellent option that will bring an elegant feel to any living space while also blending beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace in a wall has an existing brick surround, the most effective way to downplay its appearance is by giving it an update of the paint. Painting the mantel a different hue also adds warmth and character to the room. A new color of paint can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the overall color scheme of the room or choose something bold.

If your mantel is wood, inspect it first for cracks, gouges, and scratches. Fill in the dents using wood putty if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the period recommended. Before painting you can sand the surface 100-grit sandpaper to rough it up. To remove any debris or dirt clean the surfaces that have been sanded with a damp cloth.

White is a popular color for fireplaces and walls. However, the right shade will make your mantel really stand out. For ideas, take a take a look at the wood fireplaces trims on your bookcases, moldings, and walls. Do they have the same shade as your mantel or is it a lighter or a darker hue? If so, select an appropriate color to keep the room looking balanced.

Before you start painting, protect the area around you with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove any decorative items or showpieces that may have been hung above the mantel. If your fireplace is brick, get rid of any ornaments or pictures that are placed on or around the fireplace. Once the mantel is empty, wipe it down with an damp cloth to wash off any soot or dust that has accumulated.

Apply a basecoat using brushes or rollers 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. Allow the primer to dry in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer prior to moving on to the main part of your fireplace wall.

The brick can be heavy in color and weight. Paint the mantel in an unassuming color or neutral to make it appear brighter and more inviting. If you decide to choose the lighter hue, think about pairing it with an earthy-toned artwork or a large mirror above it to create a balanced look.