How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace in the wall will provide your living space with an eye-catching focal point. There are many different models on the market but it is important to find one that meets your needs.

Some of the most important features include the output of heat as well as the appearance and controls. If you're unfamiliar with these features, it's best to consult a professional to help you choose the best model.

Molded Squares

A dull stone fireplace surround and dull walls made this living space in need of a major fireplace makeover. With a few tweaks to the design, the new look is vibrant and attractive and makes the hearth a focal point in the room. A whitewashed mantel and contemporary artwork above modernize the fireplace facade and contrast with the gray shelves below. A few color changes also help the facade stand out from the wall, which enhances the charm of this fireplace design.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces are combined to create a simple yet effective, way to frame the fireplace surround. To bring the design together select a trim design to contrast or match your other trim elements like thick casing around windows and doors. If you're looking to create an elegant, high-end look, you can consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of a mantel. If you want a more rustic farmhouse look, opt for dentil trim instead.

Accent walls with wainscoting are a common method of adding personality to the interior of a room. The same technique can also be used to frame a fireplace. Try a paneled product such as tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard instead plank boards to create a dramatic appearance.

Brick is a different non-combustible option for a fireplace surround. It comes in a variety of styles and Fireplacesandstove.Com colors. A traditional brick fireplace in red is a traditional choice for cottage-style or Craft Revival style homes. The rustic-look brick is an option that can fit in with more traditional country-style decor.

If you want to incorporate brick into your fireplace design ensure that your hearth measures 16 to 18 inches away from the opening of the fireplace and the surround is 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Make sure the brick you select is safe and complies with all national and local codes.

Open shelving is an ideal way to store books and other objects. However, too many shelves can ruin the look of a fireplace. For this family room, the homeowners created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to elevate the design of the new fireplace, without obscuring the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

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

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets to find reclaimed wood elements to use for a mantel or an accent wall. The natural tone of pine used to accent this traditional living room's surround and mantel creates the feeling of a cozy country getaway. The knotty imperfections of the wood give it a rustic look, and they complement the simple lines in the beaded-board wainscoting that is on the fireplace wall. The rustic warmth of this room is accentuated by a pair of natural-inspired wall sconces and a landscape image above the mantel.

Repurposed wooden beams can bring a unique look to any space. They can be stained to match your current design or carved to create an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a more contemporary appearance, or covered with faux finishes like marbling paint or rust.

The wooden beams can be used as the focal element of any fireplace. They can be placed above a freestanding gas, electric or ventless fireplace or they can be incorporated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can be used to enhance the mantel without a burning fire.

Whatever method you choose to put in your beams, ensure that they are protected adequately from the effects of fire. Both types of material can be brittle and weaken in the presence of extreme heat, but both can be strengthened by a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant sprays on steel I-beams. These products are available at most home improvement shops.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a dramatic effect as an accent for fireplaces. Its shape instantly brightens up the space while blending with any style of decor from modern to traditional. Selecting a matte finish for the tiles is the best way to maintain that clean and polished look, while also adding some contrast that makes the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can also be used with different textures for a more personalized look. Stone-look tile is a popular choice that lends the space a classic, rustic feel and is a great match with natural materials like wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tiles that provides an elegant and luxurious appearance to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting the light and brightening up the space.

The right tile pattern can elevate 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 adds a unique a handcrafted appeal that balances the contemporary organic style of the fireplace, and the contemporary style of the room.

If you're not sure about taking a pattern risk in your home the fireplace is a great place to play around with a bold design. It can be intimidating for other areas. This geometric tile (here's a similar option) with its black grout lines gives the room a sophisticated but lively energy. The hexagonal shapes resemble cubes, creating a lively layout. The deep brown hue creates a warm, inviting aesthetic that goes well with the industrial style.

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

Consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to upgrade your fireplace's surround without breaking the bank. A majority of these options are heat-resistant and therefore suitable for use in the fireplace and able to adhere to the existing surface. This herringbone peel and stick tile is an excellent option that will bring a sense of elegance to any living space while coordinating beautifully with traditional furnishings.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace on the wall has an existing brick surround, the most effective way to downplay its appearance is by giving it an update of the paint. The mantel can be painted in a different hue to give it a more cosy and spirited look. A new paint color can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the scheme of color in the room or choose something striking.

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 let it set for the recommended amount of time. Before painting paint, sand the surface using 100-grit sandpaper to roughen it up. To get rid of any debris or dirt, wipe down the surfaces you have sanded with a damp cloth.

White is a popular color for walls and fireplaces. However the right shade will make your fireplace stand out. Take a look at the wood trims, moldings, and bookcases in your home to get ideas. Does your mantel match in shade as theirs or is it darker or lighter? If you opt for the latter option, select the color that works well with the other colors in the room to ensure it looks balanced.

Before you begin painting, protect the surrounding area with a drop cloth or sheets. Clean the mantel, taking out any decorations or showpieces that are hanging over it. If your fireplace is brick, remove any pictures or ornaments that are on or around it. Once the mantel has been cleared, wipe it down with a damp cloth to clean off any soot or dust 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 long-lasting and stain-resistant, so your mantel will stand 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 provided by the manufacturer before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.

The brick can be quite heavy in color and weight. Paint the mantel in an unassuming color or neutral to make it appear more vibrant and more inviting. If you decide to choose an unassuming color for your mantel, you can pair it with a piece of artwork in earthy tones, or a large mirror to balance out the overall look.