How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace will give your living room an eye-catching focal point. There are a variety of designs available, however, so it is essential to choose one that will meet your requirements.

The output of heat, the controls, and the appearance are among the most important features. If you're not familiar with these features, it's recommended to seek out an expert to assist you in choosing the best model.

Molded Squares

A dull stone fireplace surround and dull walls left this living space in need of a major fireplace revamp. The new design is bright, eye-catching and makes the hearth the main focal point of the room. A whitewashed mantel and modern artwork above the fireplace's facade modernize it while contrasting with the shelves in gray below. A few changes in color also help the facade stand out from the wall, enhancing the charm of this fireplace design.

Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces are paired to make a simple but effective way to frame a tile fireplace surround. Select a trim style that contrasts with or matches your other trim elements, like the thick casing around doors and windows, to tie the look together. If you prefer a more elegant, high-end style, you can use fluted trim to create the illusion of a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse-style.

Making an accent wall using wainscoting is a common way to add character to any room. The same technique can also 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 striking look.

Brick is another non-combustible option to use as a fireplace surround. It comes in different styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace suite with red is a traditional choice for cottage-style or Craft Revival style homes. Rustic-style brick is another alternative that is able to blend with more traditional country decor.

If you are planning 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 8-12 inches wide in all directions. Be sure that the material you choose is safe and meets all codes of the local and national level.

Open shelving is a great option to organize books and other items, but too many can overwhelm the look of a fireplace. In this family room, the homeowners created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the appearance of the fireplace without overpowering the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look are perfect for a fireplace wall. They bring timeless elegance to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood are reclaimed from old barns, stalls and other structures that were removed. Each beam has its own unique story. Reclaimed wood can be used conjunction with wide plank ceiling panels for a fully rustic design or as accents to modern kitchens. They are characterized by barn wood markings like mortise and nail holes, and a natural aging process which increases their durability.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets to find reclaimed wood elements to use as a mantel or accent wall. The natural tone of pine used to accent this traditional living room surround and mantel creates an intimate country retreat. The knotty imperfections in the wood accent a hand-hewn look and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which surrounds the fireplace wall. A pair of nature-inspired sconces and a painting of a landscape above the mantel add to the rustic charm of the room.

Repurposed wooden beams can make an attractive feature 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 appearance. 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 type of fireplace. They can be used to highlight the mantel without the need for a fire. They can be used to enhance the mantel without burning fire.

No matter which method of installation you decide to use be sure that your steel or wood beams are protected from the potential effects of fire. Both materials can become hard and brittle when heated to extreme temperatures. However they can be strengthened with a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products are available at most home improvement shops.

White 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 contemporary or traditional. The matte finish is perfect to create a polished and sleek appearance while adding a splash of contrast to make the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles can be customised by a variety of textures to create a more personalized appearance. Stone-look tiles are a very popular option that give the room a rustic, classic feel. They also pair beautifully with natural materials like wood. Another classic option is marble-look tile that adds an elegant and luxurious look to the room. These tiles feature a smooth and glossy finish that is a beautiful reflection of light and enhances the space.

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 pattern of the tile provides the appearance of a hand-crafted space, balancing the modern natural style fireplace with the overall design of the room.

If you're not sure about taking a risk with patterns in your home, a fireplace is the perfect place to test out a bold pattern which could be intimidating in other parts of your home. This geometric tile with its black grout gives this space an elegant and playful look. The hexagonal shapes work like cubes to create a fascinating layout, while the deep brown color creates an inviting and warm look that is a perfect match for the industrial style of the room.

Tiles that resemble brick or other familiar materials is another option to create an impact with your fireplace. This texture tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look as brick but is much easier to maintain and clean.

If you're not ready make a major overhaul of your fireplace's surround, think about applying a peel and stick tile to refresh the appearance without spending a fortune. These tiles are resistant to heat and therefore suitable for fireplaces and able be bonded to existing surfaces. This peel and stick herringbone tile is an excellent option to add elegance to any room. It also coordinates beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

When a wall fireplace has a brick surround, the best way to downplay its appearance is to give it an update of the paint. Paint the mantel in a different hue also adds warmth and character to the room. Whether you choose to match it to the color scheme of your room or opt for something more striking or bold, a new color will make your fireplace stand out as a showstopper.

If your mantel is wood take a look at it to find gouges, cracks and nicks. If the dents are small enough to be handled Fill them in with wood putty and allow it to set for the appropriate amount of time. Before painting you can sand the surface 100-grit sandpaper in order to rough it up. To get rid of any dirt or debris clean the sanded surfaces with a damp cloth.

While white is a popular choice for fireplaces wood and walls The right shade can really make your fireplace stand out. For ideas, take a look at the wood fireplaces trims on your bookcases, mouldings and walls. Do they have the same hue as your mantel, or is it a lighter or darker hue? If you opt for the latter, choose the color that works well with the other shades in the room to ensure it looks balanced.

Make sure you cover the area around you by using sheets or a dropcloth prior to when you begin painting. Remove any ornaments or display pieces that may have been hung over the mantel. If your Fireplace stove is brick, remove any ornaments or pictures that are placed on or within the fireplace. After the mantel has been cleaned, you can use a damp cloth and wipe it clean to get rid of any dust or soot.

Apply a basecoat using a roller or brush to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish is long-lasting and stain-resistant, ensuring that your mantel will hold up well to the heat of the fireplace and any other items placed on it. Allow the primer to completely 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 wall, it can be heavy and dark in hue. The mantel painted with in a neutral or light shade can make it appear brighter and more inviting for guests. If you opt for a light color for your mantel, you can pair it with a piece artwork in earthy tones, or a large mirror to balance out the overall look.