How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can give your living room a focal point that demands attention. There are a variety of models available and you must 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 unfamiliar with these features, it's best to hire an expert to help you choose the right model.

Molded Squares

A stale stone fireplace surround and dull walls left this living space in need of a major fireplace revamp. With a few tweaks to the design, the new look is bright and striking and makes this hearth a central feature in the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel and contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the appearance of the façade, while the gray shelves below provide a stark contrast. A few color changes can also help the fireplace stand out from the wall, which enhances the beauty of this fireplace design.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces join to form a simple, yet effective, way to frame the tile fireplace surround. Choose a style of trim that is in contrast with or matches the other trim elements, such as the thick casing around windows and doors to tie the look together. If you prefer an elegant, high-end style, choose a fluted trim to give the illusion of a mantel. For a more rustic, farmhouse look, you can opt for dentil trim instead.

Accent walls with wainscoting are a common method of adding personality to a room. The same method can be employed to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled option such as tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard in place of plank boards to create a dramatic look.

Another non-combustible material you can build the fireplace surround is brick, which is available in a variety of styles and colors. A classic red brick fireplace is perfect for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. Rustic-style brick is another option that could be a good fit with more traditional country style.

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

Open shelving is excellent for storing books and other things. However, too many shelves can overwhelm the look of a fireplace. In this family room, the homeowners designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to elevate the look 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 add a timeless look to any home. Reclaimed wood beams are sourced from old stables, barns and other demolished structures. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used as a decorative element in modern kitchens, or with wide planks to give a rustic look. They are characterized by barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes and a natural aging process that improves their durability.

Find salvage yards for architectural elements and flea markets for reclaimed wooden elements to transform into a mantel. For example the earthy hue of pine that highlights the traditional living room mantel and surround is reminiscent of an idyllic rural setting. The knotty imperfections of the wood emphasize a hand-hewn look and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that is a part of the fireplace's wall. The rustic warmth of the room is accentuated by a pair of nature-inspired wall sconces and an image of a landscape above the mantel.

Repurposed wooden beams can make an attractive feature to any room in your home. They can be left as is or stained to match 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 a mantel, even without a fire burning. They can be used to accent the mantel without a flame burning.

Regardless of which method of installation you decide to use, make sure that your wood or steel beams are protected from the possible effects of ethonal Fire. Both materials can become brittle and weaken when exposed to extreme heat, however both can be strengthened by a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant that is sprayed on steel I-beams. These products are sold at most stores for home improvement.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can make an impressive statement when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its design instantly brightens the space and is a perfect match for any style, whether contemporary or traditional. Selecting an elegant matte finish for the tiles is ideal to maintain that clean and polished look, while adding some contrast that makes the fireplace sparkle.

Hex tiles can also be used with various textures for a more customized appearance. Stone-look tile is a very popular choice that gives the space a classic, rustic feel while blending beautifully with natural materials like wood fireplaces. Marble-look tile is a timeless option that provides an elegant and luxurious aesthetic to the space. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting the light and brightening 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 patterned tile adds a unique an artistic look that balances the modern organic style of the fireplace electric, and the overall contemporary design of the room.

If you're unsure about taking a risk with a pattern in your home the fireplace is a great place to play around with the bold style. It can be a bit intimidating for other rooms. The geometric tile with its black grout provides this area with an elegant yet playful feel. The hexagonal shapes work like cubes for a stimulating layout, while the dark brown color creates an inviting and warm aesthetic that complements the industrial style of this space.

Another method of making a statement with your fireplace is to select tile that resembles the appearance of brick or another familiar material. This texture tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look to brick, but is much easier to clean and maintain.

If you're not ready to take on a complete remodel of your fireplace's surround, consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to refresh the appearance without breaking the bank. These options are heat-resistant and therefore suitable for fireplaces as well as able to be bonded to existing surfaces. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a fantastic option for adding the look of a room. It also looks great with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the most effective method to cover the brick surround of the wall of a fireplace. The mantel can be painted a different hue to add warmth and personality. Whether you choose to match it to the room's color scheme or opt for something striking and striking, a fresh paint color will make your fireplace stand out as a stunning feature.

If the mantel is made of wood take a look at it to find cracks, gouges, and scratches. Fill in the dents using wood putty if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the time recommended. Before painting paint, sand the surface using 100-grit sandpaper to rough it up. To get rid of any dirt or debris, wipe down the surfaces you have sanded with a damp cloth.

White is a popular color for walls and fireplaces wood. However, the right shade will make your fireplace stand out. To get ideas, look at the wood trim on your bookcases, moldings and walls. Do they use the same hue as your mantel or is it a darker or lighter shade? If you decide to go with the latter option, select one that blends well with the other hues in the room to keep it looking balanced.

Before you start painting, cover the area around you with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove any decorative items or showpieces that might have been placed above the mantel. If your fireplace is brick, get rid of any pictures or ornaments that are located on or within it. When the mantel is clean and clean, wipe it with a a damp cloth to clean off any soot or dust that has built up.

Apply a basecoat using a roller or brush to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish is long-lasting and stain-resistant, which means that your mantel will hold up well to the heat generated by the fireplace as well as any other items that are placed on it. Let the primer completely dry, as per the instructions provided by the manufacturer before you begin painting the main wall of the fireplace.

The brick may be heavy in both weight and color. Paint the mantel in an unassuming color or neutral to make it appear lighter and more inviting. If you decide to choose an unassuming color for your mantel, you can pair it with a piece artwork in earthy tones, or a large mirror to complement the appearance.