How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can provide your living space with an attractive focal area. There are a variety of models available but it is crucial to choose one that will meet your requirements.

The most significant features include the heat output along with the appearance and controls. If you're not aware of these elements, it's best to hire a professional to help you pick the right model.

Molded Squares

This living room needed a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its stale stone surround and dull walls. The new style is bright, eye-catching and makes the hearth the center of the room. A whitewashed mantel and contemporary artwork above modernize the facade of the fireplace while contrasted with the shelves in gray below. The fireplace facade is enhanced by a few color variations.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces are combined to create a simple yet effective, way to frame the tile fireplace surround. To tie the look together pick a trim style to contrast with or complement the other trim elements, such as thick casing around doors and windows. If you're looking for a more elegant, high-end look, consider using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse style.

Making an accent wall using wainscoting is a popular way to add character any room. The same method can be used to frame a fireplace. Try a paneled option like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard instead plank boards to create a dramatic effect.

Brick is another non-combustible option to use as a fireplace surround. It is available in various styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace with red accents is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. Rustic-look brick is also an option that could be a good fit with more traditional country style.

If you want to incorporate brick into your fireplace design ensure that your hearth is 16 to 18 inches away from the opening of the firebox, and the surround is 8 to 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 way of storing books and other objects. However, too many shelves can obstruct the appearance of the fireplace. For this family room, homeowners built a wall-to ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the design of the new fireplace, without obscuring the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wood beams are the perfect frame for a wall fireplace. They add a timeless look to any house. Reclaimed wood beams originate from old stables, barns and other demolished buildings. Each beam has its own unique story. Reclaimed wood can be used combination with wide plank ceiling paneling for a completely rustic look or as a decorative element to modern kitchens. They have the typical barn wood markings like mortise and nail holes as well as a natural aging process which increases their longevity.

Scour architectural salvage yards and flea markets for reclaimed wood elements to repurpose for a mantel or an accent wall. For instance, the earthy shade of pine that accents the traditional mantel and surround is reminiscent of an idyllic rural setting. The knotty imperfections create a rustic appearance and are a perfect match for the simple lines in the beaded-board wainscoting that is on the fireplace's wall. The rustic warmth of this room is accentuated by a pair of nature-inspired wall sconces, and a landscape image above the mantel.

Repurposed wooden fireplaces beams can provide an attractive accent to any room in your home. They can be stained to match your current design or carved to create an antique look. They can be painted to give them a more modern look or covered with faux finishes like marbling paint or rust.

wooden fireplaces beams can serve as a focal point for any kind of fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel without any fire burning. They can be used to accent the mantel with no fire burning.

Regardless of which method of installation you decide to use ensure that your wood or steel beams are adequately protected from the potential consequences of fire. Both types of materials can be brittle and weaken in the presence of extreme heat, however both can be reinforced with a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant sprays on I-beams made of steel. These products can be found in most home improvement stores.

white fireplace Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can create an impact when used as a fireplace surround. Its shape instantly brightens up the space and is a perfect match for any style, whether traditional or modern. The matte finish is perfect for a polished and clean look while adding contrast to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can also be combined with various textures to create a more individual look. Stone-look tiles are a favorite that gives the room a rustic, classic feel. They also look great with natural materials like wood. marble fireplaces-look tiles are another timeless option that adds an elegant and luxurious appearance to the space. These tiles feature a glossy and smooth finish that is a beautiful reflection of light and brightens the room.

The proper tile pattern can enhance a fireplace's design. 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 modern organic style of the fireplace, and the contemporary style of the room.

If you're not sure about taking a risk with design in your home, a fireplace can be an ideal place to test out a bold pattern that might be intimidating in other areas of the house. This geometric tile (here's an alternative) with its black grout lines gives this room a sophisticated and lively energy. The hexagonal shapes are arranged like cubes to create a fascinating layout, while the deep brown color provides an inviting and warm aesthetic that works with the industrial decor in this room.

Tile that looks like brick or other common materials is another option to create an impact with your fireplace. This textured tile, made by LA Designer Affair, has the same look as brick, but with the added benefit of being much easier to clean and maintain.

If you're hesitant to take on a complete remodel of your fireplace surround, consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to update the appearance without costing you a fortune. These tiles are heat-resistant and therefore suitable for fireplaces as well as able to adhere to existing surfaces. This peel and stick herringbone tile is an excellent option to add elegance to any room. It also works beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace on the wall has a brick surround, the most effective way to disguise its appearance is by giving it fresh coats of paint. Painting the mantel a different hue also adds warmth and character to the space. A new color of paint could make your fireplace suite stand out. You can match it to the overall color scheme of the room or pick something bold.

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

While white is a popular option for walls and fireplaces but the right color can make your mantel stand out. For inspiration, examine the wood trim on your bookcases, moldings, and walls. Does your mantel have the same color as theirs or is it lighter or darker? If you choose the latter option, pick the color that works well with the other shades in the room to keep it looking balanced.

Before you begin painting, protect the surrounding area with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove any decorations or showpieces that may have been hung above the mantel. Remove any ornaments or photos placed around or on the fireplace made of brick. Once the mantel is empty and clean, wipe it with a the help of a damp cloth to wipe off any dust or soot that has accumulated.

Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with a brush or roller. The semi-gloss paint is durable and stain resistant, so your mantel will be able to withstand the heat of your fireplace, and any other items that are placed on it. Let the primer completely dry, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, before you begin painting the main wall of the fireplace.

The brick may be heavy in weight and color. Paint the mantel with in a neutral or light shade will make it appear more lively and more inviting for guests. If you decide to choose a light color for your mantel, pair it with a work of art in earthy tones or a large mirror to complete the appearance.