How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace will provide your living space with an eye-catching focal feature. There are many models available so you need to pick one that meets your requirements.

Some of the most important features are the heat output along with the appearance and controls. If you're not aware of these elements, it's recommended to consult a professional to help you pick the right model.

Molded Squares

The living room required a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its old-fashioned stone surround and boring walls. The new design is bright, appealing and makes this hearth the main focal point of the room. A whitewashed mantel for the fireplace and contemporary art above the fireplace modernizes the appearance of the façade and the shelves in gray below are a contrast. The fireplace facade is enhanced by a few color changes.

Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces are combined to make a simple but efficient way to frame a tile fireplace surround. To bring the design together select a trim design to contrast with or complement the other trim elements, such as thick casing around windows and doors. If you want a more high-end, elegant style, choose a fluted trim to give the illusion that there is a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse-style.

Creating an accent wall with wainscoting is an effective way to add character any room. The same method can be employed to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards however, try a paneled product like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard to create a striking appearance.

Another non-combustible material that you can build an enclosure for your fireplace is brick, which comes in many different styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace in red is a traditional choice for cottage-style or Craft-Revival-style homes. Rustic-style brick is another option that could be a good fit with a more traditional, country decor.

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

Open shelves are a great way to organize books and other items however, too many shelves can make a mess of the fireplace. For this family room the homeowners designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to elevate the appearance of the fireplace without overwhelming the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wooden beams are the ideal frame for a fireplace on the wall. They bring timeless elegance to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood are reclaimed from barns, stalls, and other structures that were destroyed. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used in conjunction with wide plank ceiling panels for a fully rustic design or as a decorative element to modern kitchens. They have the typical markings of barn wood, including mortise and nail holes, plus natural patinas that increase their durability.

Look through salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea market for wood pieces that you can transform into a mantel. For example, the earthy shade of pine that accentuates this traditional living room mantel and surround is reminiscent of an idyllic rural setting. The knotty imperfections create a rustic appearance, and they complement the simple lines in the beaded-board wainscoting on the fireplace wall. A pair of sconces with a natural theme and a landscape-themed painting over the mantel add to the rustic ambiance of this space.

Repurposed wooden beams will add a unique touch to any room. They can be left in their natural state or stained to match your current decor or carved and distressed for an antique look. They can be painted to give them a more modern appearance or covered with faux finishes such as rust or marbling paint.

Wooden beams can serve as a focal point in any type of fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel without a fire burning. They can be used to highlight the mantel without burning fire.

Whatever method of installation you choose ensure that your steel or wood beams are protected from the possible effects of fire. Both materials are susceptible to becoming brittle and weakening in the presence of extreme heat, however both can be strengthened by a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant that is sprayed on I-beams made of steel. These products are sold at most home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can create an impact when used as a fireplace surround. Its shape instantly brightens up the room and complements any style, whether contemporary or traditional. The matte finish is perfect for a sleek and polished appearance, while also adding a pop of contrast to make the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles can be customised with a variety textures for an individualized look. Stone-look tiles are a popular choice that give the room an authentic, classic look. They also go well with natural materials such as wood. Marble-look tiles are another timeless option that adds an elegant and luxurious appearance to the space. These tiles have a glossy and smooth finish that reflects light beautifully and brightens the room.

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

If you're unsure about putting your faith in a pattern in your home, a fireplace can be an excellent place to try out a bold design that might be intimidating in other areas of your home. This geometric tile with its black grout provides this area with an elegant and playful look. The hexagonal shapes fit like cubes to create a stimulating layout. The deep brown color creates an inviting and warm aesthetic that complements the industrial style.

Another way to make a statement with your fireplace is to choose tiles that have the look of brick or another familiar material. This textured tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance as brick however, it is much easier to clean and maintain.

Consider using a peel-and stick tile to upgrade your fireplace surround without spending a fortune. A majority of these options are heat resistant, making them safe for fireplaces and able to adhere to the existing wall. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a fantastic option to add elegance to any room. It also works beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace in a wall has an existing brick surround, the most effective way to disguise its appearance is by giving it an update of the paint. The mantel can be painted a different hue to add warmth and character. Whether you choose to match it with the decor's color scheme or opt for something more striking, a new paint color will make your fireplace insert stand out as a showstopper.

If your mantel is wood, inspect it first for gouges, cracks, and nicks. If the dents aren't large enough to be able to handle, fill them with wood putty and let it set for the appropriate amount of time. Sand the surface with 100-grit paper to roughen it up before painting. To remove any debris or dirt, wipe down the surfaces you have sanded with a damp cloth.

While white is a popular option for fireplaces wood and walls The right shade can really help your mantel stand out. Check out the other trims, moldings, and bookcases in your home for ideas. Do they have the same hue as your mantel? Or is it a lighter or darker shade? If you opt for the latter, choose a color that will work well with the other shades in the room to ensure it looks balanced.

Make sure you cover the area around you with sheets or a dropcloth prior to when you begin painting. Remove the mantel, taking out any decorative pieces or displays that may be hung above it. Remove any ornaments or photos that are on or around the brick fireplace. Once the mantel is empty then wipe it clean with a a damp cloth to clean off any dust or soot that has accumulated.

Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel using a brush or roller. The semi-gloss finish lasts and stain-resistant, which means that your mantel is able to stand up well to the heat of the fireplace and any other objects placed on it. Allow the primer to dry in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations before moving on to the main part of your fireplace wall.

While the brick is an attractive feature of a fireplace's wall it can be heavy and dark in hue. Paint the mantel in a light color or neutral to make it appear lighter and more inviting. If you opt for a light color for your mantel, match it with a piece of art in earthy tones or electric Firesuite a large wall mirror to complete the appearance.