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 on the market but it is essential to choose one that will meet your requirements.

The most significant features include the output of heat along with the appearance and controls. If you're not familiar with these aspects, it is best to seek out an expert to help pick the right model.

Molded Squares

A worn-out stone fireplace surround and bland walls left this living space in need of a dramatic fireplace overhaul. The new look is bright, eye-catching and makes the hearth the center of the room. A whitewashed mantel and modern artwork above modernize the fireplace facade and contrast with the gray shelves below. The fireplace's facade is accentuated by a few changes in color.

Base cap moldings and trim pieces are paired to create a simple, yet efficient way to frame a fireplace surround made of tile. Select a trim style that contrasts with or matches your other trim elements like the thick casing around windows and doors, to make the look more cohesive. If you're looking to create an elegant, luxurious style, think about using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of an actual mantel. For a more rustic, farmhouse style, opt for dentil trim instead.

Creating an accent wall with wainscoting is a popular method to add character to any room. The same technique can be employed to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards however, try a paneled material like beadboard or tongue-and-groove cedar siding to create a striking appearance.

Brick is a different non-combustible option for the fireplace surround. It comes in a variety of styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace with red accents is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. Rustic-style brick is another alternative that is able to blend with more traditional country decor.

If you're planning to incorporate brick into the design of your fireplace be sure that your hearth measures 16 to 18 inches from the opening of the firebox and the surround is between 8 and 12 inches wide in all directions. Be sure that the material you choose is compliant with all building codes for safety.

Open shelving is an ideal way to store books and other objects. However, too many shelves can overwhelm the appearance of a fireplace. For this family room homeowners built a wall-to ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the design of the new fireplace without overpowering the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wood beams make the perfect frame for a wall fireplace. They add timeless beauty to any house. Reclaimed beams of wood are made from barns, stalls, and other buildings that have been removed. Each beam has its own distinct story. Reclaimed wood can be used as a feature in modern kitchens, or with wide planks to give an authentic appearance. They have the typical barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes, as well as a natural aging process which increases their longevity.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets for reclaimed wood elements to use as a mantel or accent wall fires. For instance, the earthy shade of pine that highlights this traditional living room mantel and surround evokes an idyllic rural setting. The knotty imperfections in the wood accent the hand-crafted look and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which surrounds the fireplace's wall. A pair of sconces with a natural theme and a landscape-themed painting above the mantel enhance the rustic charm of this space.

Repurposed fireplaces wooden beams can make an attractive accent to any room in your home. They can be stained to match your existing decor or carved to give an antique look. They can be painted to give them a more modern appearance, or covered with faux finishes such as marbling paint or rust.

Wooden beams can serve as a focal point in any kind of fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel, even without a fire burning. They can be used to illuminate the mantel, without burning fire.

Whatever method of installation you choose ensure that your steel or wood beams are properly protected from the consequences of fire. Both materials can be fragile in extreme heat. However, they can be strengthened with a layer of fire-resistant drywall. These products are sold in a wide variety of home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a dramatic effect as a surround for a fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens up the space while blending with any decor style from traditional to modern. Choosing matte finishes for the tiles is the best way to keep that neat and polished look, while adding some contrast that makes the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can also be used with a variety of texture choices for a more customized appearance. Stone-look tile is a popular choice that gives the space an old-fashioned, rustic feel while pairing beautifully with natural materials such as wood. Another timeless option is marble fireplace-look tile, which adds an elegant and luxurious look to the space. These tiles feature a smooth and glossy finish that reflect light beautifully and brightens the space.

The proper tile pattern can enhance the look of a 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 organic modern style of the fireplace and the overall contemporary design of the room.

If you're unsure about making a design risk in your home the fireplace is a great place to experiment with an imposing design. It could be intimidating for other areas. This geometric tile (here's another option) with its black grout lines give this room a sophisticated and fun energy. The hexagonal shapes fit like cubes, creating a lively layout. The dark brown color creates an inviting and warm aesthetic that complements the industrial style.

Another option to make a statement with your fireplace is to choose tile that resembles the appearance of brick or a similar material. This pattern-based tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look to traditional brick, but is much simpler to clean and maintain.

Consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to update your fireplace's surround without breaking the bank. A lot of these options are resistant to heat and therefore suitable for use in 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

A fresh coat of paint is the best method to hide the brick surround of a wall-mounted fireplace. Paint the mantel in a different color can also add warmth and character to the room. A new color of paint could make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the scheme of color in the room or choose something bold.

If your mantel is wood, inspect it first for gouges, cracks, and scratches. 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 using 100-grit paper to roughen it up prior to painting. Clean the surface using a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or dust.

While white is a popular color for walls and fireplaces The right shade can really help your mantel stand out. To get ideas, look at the trims of wood on your bookcases, mouldings, and walls. Do they have the same shade as your mantel? Or is it a darker or lighter shade? If you opt for the latter option, pick the color that works well with the other hues in the room to ensure it looks balanced.

Before you start painting, cover the area surrounding you with drop cloth or sheets. Remove the mantel and remove any decorations or showpieces that might be hanging above it. Remove any ornaments or photos that are around or on the fireplace made of brick. Once the mantel is empty, wipe it down with a damp cloth to clean 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 finish is durable and stain-resistant, which means that your mantel will hold up well to the heat from the fireplace as well as 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 body of the fireplace wall.

While brick is a striking feature of a fireplace's wall, it can be a bit heavy and dark in shade. Paint the mantel with in a neutral or light shade can make it appear brighter and more welcoming to guests. If you decide to choose a light hue, think about using it in conjunction with an earthy toned piece of art or a large mirror over it to balance the appearance.