How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A fireplace in the wall can be your living room an element of interest that demands attention. There are a variety of models available so you need to pick one that suits your needs.
The most significant features are the heat output as well as the appearance and controls. If you're not familiar with these features, it's best to consult a professional to help you select the best model.
Molded Squares
The living room in this house needed a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its stale stone surround and boring walls. 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 fireplace mantel as well as contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the appearance of the façade while the shelves that are gray below contrast. A few color changes can also help the fireplace 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. Choose a style of trim that is in contrast with or matches your other trim elements, like the thick casing around windows and doors to tie the look together. If you're looking for an elegant, luxurious look, you can consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of a real mantel. If you want a more rustic farmhouse style, choose to use dentil trim instead.
Accent walls with wainscoting are a common method of adding personality to a room. The same method can be used to frame a fireplace. Instead of using plank boards, however, try a paneled material like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard to create a striking appearance.
Another non-combustible material you can create an enclosure for your fireplace is brick, which comes in many different styles and colors. A traditional red brick fireplace is a traditional choice for cottage-style or Craft-Revival-style homes. A rustic-look brick can also be used to enhance a traditional country style.
If you are incorporating brick into a fireplace design, it is important to be sure your hearth is 16 to 18 inches from the opening for the fireplace and that your surround is 8-12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the material you select is safe and meets all codes of the local and national level.
Open shelving can be a great way of storing books and other objects. However having too many shelves can obstruct the appearance of a fireplace. For this family room homeowners built a wall-to ceiling limestone cladding to elevate the look of the new fireplace without overpowering the open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Rustic reclaimed wood beams make the perfect frame for a fireplace on the wall. They are timeless and beautiful to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood are made from barns, stalls and other structures that were demolished. Each beam has its own unique history. Reclaimed wood can be used combination with wide plank ceiling panels to create a rustic look or as accents to modern kitchens. They feature the usual barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes plus a natural aging that increases their durability.
Find salvage yards for architectural elements and flea markets for wood pieces that you can make into a fireplace. The natural tone of pine used as a backdrop for this traditional living room's surround and mantel creates an intimate country retreat. Its knotty imperfections emphasize a hand-hewn look and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that surrounds the fireplace's wall. The rustic warmth of the room is accentuated by a pair inspired by nature wall sconces and an image of a landscape above the mantel.
Repurposed wooden beams can add a unique touch to any room. They can be left in their natural state or stained to complement your existing decor, or they can be cut and distressed 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 serve as the focal element of any fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel, even without any
ethonal fire burning. They can also be used to highlight a mantel without a fire burning.
No matter which method of installation you decide to use be sure that your wood or steel beams are adequately protected from the effects of fire. Both types of material can become brittle and weaken when exposed to extreme heat, but both are able to be strengthened with a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant sprayed on I-beams made of steel. These products are sold in a wide variety of home improvement stores.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tiles can be utilized to create a dramatic effect as surrounds for
ethanol fireplaces. Its design instantly brightens the room and complements any decor, traditional or
modern fireplace. The matte finish is perfect for a polished and clean look while adding contrast to make the fireplace stand out.
Hex tiles also work well with different textures for a more customized appearance. Stone-look tile is a very popular choice that gives the space an authentic, rustic look and is a great match with natural materials such as wood. Marble-look tile is a timeless option that adds an elegant and luxurious look to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting sunlight and brightening the space.
The right tile pattern can elevate the entire design 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 adds a handcrafted look to the space, while balancing the contemporary natural style fireplace with the overall style of the room.
If you're unsure about taking a risk with a pattern in your home the fireplace is the perfect place to test an imposing design. It can be a bit intimidating for other rooms. This geometric tile (here's a similar option) with its black grout lines gives the room a sophisticated but lively energy. The hexagonal shapes are arranged as cubes to create an exciting layout, while the deep brown hue creates an inviting and warm look that complements the industrial style of the room.
Another way to make a statement with your fireplace is to choose tiles that look like the appearance of brick or another familiar material. This textured tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look as brick however, it is much easier to clean and maintain.
If you're not ready take on a complete remodel of your fireplace surround, consider using a peel and stick tile to change the look without costing you a fortune. Many of these options are heat-resistant and therefore suitable for use in the fireplace and able to adhere to the existing wall. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great option that will bring an elegant look to any living space, while also blending beautifully with traditional furniture.
Paint the Mantel
If a fireplace in a wall has a brick surround, the best method to minimize its appearance is to give it a fresh coat of paint. The mantel can be painted in a different color to give it a more cosy and spirited look. It doesn't matter if you choose to match it to the decor's color scheme or go for something bold, a new paint color will make your fireplace stand out as a showpiece.
If the mantel is made of wood, inspect it first for cracks, gouges, and nicks. If the dents aren't enough to be handled Fill them in with wood putty and let it set for the appropriate amount of time. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it up prior to painting. Wipe down the sanded surface using a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or debris.
While
white fireplace is a popular choice for
Fireplace Insert walls and
Fireplaces Wooden The right shade can really help your mantel stand out. Check out the other wood trims, moldings, and bookcases in your home to get ideas. Do they use the same hue as your mantel, or is it a lighter or darker hue? If so, select the color that is well-matched to keep the look balanced.
Make sure you cover the area around you by using a dropcloth or sheets before you begin painting. Remove the mantel, removing any decorative pieces or displays that may be hung above it. If your fireplace is brick, remove any ornaments or pictures that are placed on or around the fireplace. After the mantel has been cleaned, take a damp cloth and wipe it clean to get rid of any dust or soot.
Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with either a roller or brush. The semi-gloss paint lasts and stain resistant, so your mantel will stand up to the heat of the fireplace as well as any other items that are placed on it. Let the primer completely dry, in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer, before you begin painting the main wall of the fireplace.
The brick can be heavy in weight and color. Paint the mantel in an unassuming color or neutral to make it appear more vibrant and more inviting. If you choose a light shade for your mantel, pair it with a work of art in earthy tones or a large mirror to complement the appearance.