How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can make your living space an attractive focal area. There are many models available and you must pick one that suits your needs.

The heat output, the controls, and the design are just a few of the important features. If you're not familiar with these features, it's best to hire an expert to help you select the best model.

Molded Squares

A stale stone fireplace surround and bland walls left this living space in need of a major fireplace overhaul. The new look is bright, eye-catching and makes the hearth the center of the room. A whitewashed mantel for the fireplace and contemporary art above the fireplace modernize the appearance of the façade while the shelves that are gray below contrast. A few color changes will also make the fireplace stand apart from the wall, adding 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 bring the design together, choose a trim style to match or contrast with the other trim elements such as thick casing around doors and windows. If you're looking for an elegant, high-end look, consider using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of a mantel. If you want a more rustic farmhouse look, you can use dentil trim instead.

Creating an accent wall with wainscoting is an effective way to add character to any room. The same technique can also be used to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards, however, try a paneled product like beadboard or tongue-and-groove cedar siding to create a dramatic look.

Another non-combustible option you can use to build an enclosure for your fireplace is brick, which comes in a variety of styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace with red accents is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. A rustic-looking brick could be used to enhance a traditional country style.

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

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

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic appearance make a great fireplace insert wall. They are timeless and beautiful to any home. Reclaimed wood beams originate from old stables, barns and other demolished buildings. Each beam is unique and has its own unique history. Reclaimed wood can be used as a decorative element in modern kitchens, or with wide plank paneling to create a rustic look. They are characterized by barn wood markings, such as mortise and nail holes plus a natural aging which increases their durability.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage as well as flea markets to find reclaimed wood elements that can be used for a mantel or an accent wall. For example, the earthy shade of pine that accents the traditional mantel and surround is reminiscent of an idyllic rural setting. Its knotty imperfections create a rustic appearance, and they complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting on the wall of the fireplace. A pair of nature-inspired sconces and a painting of a landscape above the mantel add to the rustic coziness of the room.

Repurposed wooden beams can give a unique appearance to any room. They can be left as is or stained to complement your existing 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 like marbled paint or rust.

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

No matter which method you decide to use to mount your beams, be sure they are adequately protected against the effects of fire. Both types of materials can become brittle and weaken in the face of extreme heat, however both can be reinforced with a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant that is sprayed on I-beams made of steel. These products are available in most home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a striking effect as surrounds for fireplaces. Its shape instantly brightens the room and complements any decor, whether modern or traditional. Choosing matte finishes for the tiles is a great way to maintain that clean and polished look, while also adding some contrast to make the fireplace sparkle.

Hex tiles can be customised with a variety of textures for an individualized appearance. Stone-look tiles are a favorite that gives the space an old-fashioned, rustic feel. They also pair beautifully with natural materials such as wood. Marble-look tile is a classic option that gives an elegant and luxurious appearance to the room. These tiles feature a glossy and smooth finish that reflects light beautifully and brightens the room.

The perfect tile pattern can enhance 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 an artistic look to the space, and balances the modern natural style fireplace with the overall design of the room.

If you're not sure about making a design risk in your home The fireplace is the perfect place to play around with an imposing design. It could be intimidating for other areas. This geometric tile (here's an alternative) with its black grout lines gives this space a sophisticated yet lively energy. The hexagonal shapes fit together as cubes to create an exciting layout, and the dark brown color creates a warm and inviting aesthetic that is a perfect match for the industrial decor in the room.

Another method of making an impact with your fireplace is to choose tiles that have the look of brick or another popular material. This textured tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance to brick, but is much simpler to maintain and clean.

If you're hesitant to make a major overhaul of your fireplace suites's surround, think about applying a peel and stick tile to change the look without breaking the bank. A majority of these options are heat-resistant and therefore safe for fireplaces and able to stick to the existing wall. This peel and stick herringbone tile is an excellent option to add the look of a room. It also works beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the most effective way to hide a brick surround on the wall of a tabletop fireplace. The mantel can be painted with a different hue to add warmth and personality. A new color of paint could make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the overall color scheme of the room or pick something bold.

If your mantel is made of wood, you should first examine it for cracks, nicks, and gouges. Fill in the dents with wood putty if they are small enough. Allow it to dry for the period recommended. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it up before painting. Wipe the surface that has been sanded with a damp cloth in order to take off any remaining dirt or dust.

While white is a popular option for walls and fireplaces, the right shade can make your mantel stand out. Look at the other wood trims, moldings, and bookcases in your home for ideas. Do they have the same shade as your mantel or is it a lighter or a darker hue? If so, select the color that is well-matched 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 might have been placed above the mantel. If your fireplace is brick, remove any pictures or ornaments that are located on or around it. After the mantel has been cleaned, take a damp cloth and wipe it clean to remove any soot or dust.

Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with a brush or roller. The semi-gloss paint is durable and stain-resistant, which means your mantel can withstand the heat of the fireplace, as well as other items placed on it. Let the primer completely dry, in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer before you begin painting the main wall of the fireplace.

The brick can be heavy in both weight and color. Paint the mantel with the light or neutral color to make it appear brighter and more inviting. If you decide to choose a light shade for your mantel, match it with a piece of artwork in earthy tones, or a large wall mirror to balance out the overall look.