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 to choose from so you need to pick one that meets your requirements.

Some of the most important features include the output of heat, the appearance and the controls. If you're not familiar with these features, it's best to seek out an expert to help you select the right model.

Molded Squares

A worn-out stone fireplace surround and dull walls left this living space in need of a drastic fireplace makeover. With a few tweaks to the design the new look is vibrant and eye-catching and makes the hearth an important centerpiece in the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel as well as contemporary art above the fireplace modernizes the facade and the shelves in gray below are a contrast. A few minor changes in color will also make the fireplace stand apart from the wall, which enhances the appeal of this fireplace design.

Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces are combined to create a simple, yet efficient way to frame the fireplace with a tile surround. Select a trim style that contrasts with or matches your other trim elements for example, the thick casing around windows and doors, to make the look more cohesive. If you're looking for a more elegant, high-end style, choose a fluted trim to give the illusion of a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic farmhouse-style.

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

Another non-combustible material that you can create the fireplace surround is brick, which is available in a variety of styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace with red is a traditional choice for Craft Revival-style or cottage-style homes. A rustic-look brick can also be used to complement a traditional country decor.

If you are incorporating brick into your fireplace design, you'll want to ensure that your hearth is 16 to 18 inches from the opening of the firebox and that your surround reaches 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 is an ideal way to store books and other things. However the presence of too many shelves can obstruct the appearance of the fireplace. In this family room, homeowners built a wall-to ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the appearance of the fireplace, without obscuring the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wood beams make the ideal frame for a fireplace on the wall. They bring timeless elegance to any house. Reclaimed wood beams are reclaimed from old barns, stalls, and other buildings that have been demolished. Each beam has its own distinct story. Reclaimed wood can be used as a decorative element in modern kitchens or with wide plank paneling to create an authentic look. They are characterized by the typical markings of barn wood, like mortise and nail holes as well as natural patina that increases their durability.

Look through salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets for wood pieces that you can make into a fireplace. The natural tone of pine used to accent the traditional living room mantel and surround evokes the feeling of a cozy country getaway. The knotty imperfections of the wood give it a rustic look and are a perfect match for the simple lines in the beaded-board wainscoting that is on the wall of the fireplace. The rustic warmth of this room is enhanced by a pair of natural-inspired wall sconces, and an image of a landscape above the mantel.

Repurposed wood beams will bring a unique look to any room. They can be left as is or stained to match the decor of your home or carved and distressed for an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a modern appearance or covered with faux finishes such as rust or marbling paint.

The wooden beams can serve as the focal element of any fireplace. They can be set above a freestanding gas, ventless or electric fireplace, or be integrated into a brick or stone fireplaces fireplace. They can also be used to highlight a mantel without a fire burning.

No matter which method of installation you decide to use ensure that your wood or steel beams are adequately protected from the effects of fire. Both materials 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 bioethanol fire-protectant sprayed on I-beams made of steel. These products are available in a wide variety of home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be utilized to create a dramatic effect as a surround for a fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens the room and complements any decor, whether traditional or modern. The matte finish is perfect for a sleek and polished look while adding contrast to make the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles can also be used with different textures for a more personalized look. stone fireplaces-look tile is a very popular choice that gives the room an old-fashioned, rustic feel while pairing beautifully with natural materials like 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 the light and brightening the space.

The right tile pattern can elevate the overall 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 pattern of the tile provides a handcrafted look to the space, while balancing the contemporary organic style fireplace with the overall design of the room.

If you're unsure about taking a risk on a pattern in your home, a fireplace is the perfect place to test out a bold design which could be intimidating in other areas of the house. This geometric tile (here's an alternative) with its black grout lines gives the room a sophisticated but lively energy. The hexagonal shapes are arranged like cubes for a stimulating layout, and the dark brown color provides an inviting and warm look that works with the industrial decor in this space.

Another option to make a statement with your fireplace is to select tiles that look like the appearance of brick or a similar material. This pattern-based tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance as brick but is much easier to clean and maintain.

If you're not ready to commit to a full-scale remodel of your fireplace surround, consider applying a peel and stick tile to change the appearance without costing you a fortune. Many of these options are resistant to heat and therefore suitable for use in the fireplace and able to stick to the existing stone. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great alternative that will add 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 best way to disguise its appearance is to give it an update of the paint. The mantel can be painted with a different hue to add warmth and character. It doesn't matter if you choose to match it to the color scheme of your room or opt for something more striking, a new paint color can make your fireplace stand out as a showstopper.

If the mantel is made of wood, inspect it first for gouges, cracks, and nicks. If the dents aren't enough to be able to handle Fill them in with wood putty and allow it to set for the appropriate amount of time. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it before painting. Wipe down the sanded surface with a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or debris.

While white is a popular choice for walls and fireplaces wooden but the right color can really make your fireplace stand out. Check out the other trims, moldings, and bookcases in your home to get ideas. Does your mantel have the same shade as theirs or is it darker or lighter? If you opt for the latter option, pick the color that works well with the other colors in the room to keep it looking balanced.

Before you begin painting, protect the area around you with a drop cloth or sheets. Clear off the mantel and remove any decorations or showpieces that are hanging over it. If your fireplace is brick, remove any ornaments or pictures that are located on or around it. After the mantel has been cleaned, take a damp cloth and wipe it clean to remove any soot or dust.

Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with the use of a roller or brush. The semi-gloss finish is durable and stain-resistant, which means that your mantel is able to stand up well to the heat from the fireplace, as well as other items that are placed on it. Let the primer dry according to the manufacturer's recommendations before moving on to the main body of your fireplace wall.

While brick is a beautiful feature of a fireplace wall, it can be heavy and dark in color. Paint the mantel with a light color or neutral to make it appear brighter and more inviting. If you decide to choose an unassuming color for your mantel, match it with a piece art with earthy tones or a large mirror to complete the appearance.