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.

The most significant features include the heat output as well as the appearance and controls. If you aren’t familiar with these aspects, it is best to hire a professional to help you choose the right model.

Molded Squares

The living room in this house needed an overhaul to the fireplace due to its stale stone surround and bland walls. With a few tweaks to the design the new look is fresh and attractive making the hearth an important focal point in the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel and contemporary art above the fireplace modernizes the appearance of the façade and the shelves in gray below contrast. The fireplace’s exterior is enhanced by a few color changes.

Base cap moldings and trim pieces make a simple but effective method of framing the fireplace with a tile surround. To bring the design together pick a trim style to contrast or match your other trim elements like thick casings around doors and windows. If you’re looking for a more elegant, luxurious style, think about using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of a mantel. For a more rustic, farmhouse look, you can opt for dentil trim instead.

The idea of creating an accent wall using wainscoting is a popular way to add character any room. The same method can be used to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled product such as tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard instead plank boards to create a dramatic appearance.

Brick is another non-combustible option to use as a fireplace surround. It is available in different styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace with red is a traditional choice for cottage-style or Craft Revival style homes. A rustic-look brick can also be used to add a rustic touch to a traditional decor.

If you are planning to incorporate brick into your fireplace design be sure that your hearth measures 16 to 18 inches away from the opening of the firebox, and the surround is 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the material you choose is safe and complies with all national and local codes.

Open shelving can be a great way of storing books and other things. However the presence of too many shelves can obstruct the look of a fireplace. The homeowners of this family room created a wall to ceiling limestone cladding to elevate the design without overwhelming the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look make a great fireplace wall. They are timeless and beautiful to any home. Reclaimed wood beams originate from old barns, stables and other demolished structures. Each beam has its own unique story. Reclaimed wood can be used conjunction with wide plank ceiling paneling for a fully rustic design or as a decorative element to modern kitchens. They are characterized by barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes, plus a natural aging which increases their longevity.

Scour architectural salvage yards and flea markets for reclaimed wood elements to repurpose for a mantel or an accent wall. For example the earthy hue of pine that highlights this traditional living room mantel and surround is reminiscent of an idyllic rural setting. The knotty imperfections give it a rustic look, and they complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting on the fireplace suite‘s wall. A pair of nature-inspired sconces and a landscape-themed painting over the mantel add to the rustic ambiance of the room.

Repurposed wooden beams can provide an attractive feature to any room in your home. They can be left as-is or stained to complement your current decor or carved and distressed for an antique look. They can also be painted for modern appearance, or they can be covered with faux finishes, such as marbled or rust paint.

The wooden beams can be used as the central feature of any fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel, even without any fire burning. They can also be used to highlight the mantel without a flame burning.

No matter which method you decide to use to mount your beams, ensure that they are protected adequately from the effects of fire. Both materials can become hard and brittle when heated to extreme temperatures. However they can be strengthened by a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products are available at a variety of home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can create an impact when used as a fireplace surround. Its shape instantly brightens the space while complementing any decor choice, from traditional to modern. The matte finish is ideal for a polished and clean appearance, while also adding a pop of contrast to make the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles can also be used with a variety of texture choices to create a more individual look. Stone-look tiles are a popular choice that give the room an authentic, classic look. They also look great with natural materials such as wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tiles that provides an elegant and luxurious look to the space. These tiles have a smooth and glossy finish that is a beautiful reflection of light and enhances the space.

The proper tile pattern can improve 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 pattern on the tile adds a unique an artistic look that balances the organic modern style of the fireplace 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 the perfect place to experiment with an imposing design. It can be intimidating for other areas. This geometric tile (here’s another option) with its black grout lines give this room a sophisticated and fun energy. The hexagonal shapes are arranged as cubes to create an exciting layout, and the dark brown color creates an inviting and warm aesthetic that is a perfect match for the industrial décor in the room.

Another way to make an impact with your fireplace is to use tiles that look like the appearance of brick or another popular material. This pattern-based tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look to traditional brick, however, it is much easier to maintain and clean.

Consider using a peel-and stick tile to upgrade your fireplace’s surround without costing you a dime. A lot of these options are resistant to heat, making them 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 an elegant feel to any living space, while coordinating beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace on the wall has a brick surround, the best method to minimize its appearance is by giving it fresh coats of paint. The mantel’s paint color can also add warmth and ethanol Fireplaces character to the space. 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 constructed from wood, first check it for cracks, nicks, and gouges. 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. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it before painting. To get rid of any debris or dirt, wipe down the surfaces that have been sanded with a damp cloth.

white fireplace is a favorite color for fireplaces and walls. But, the right shade will make your mantel really stand out. Take a look at the trims, moldings, and bookcases in your home to get ideas. Do they use the same shade as your mantel? Or is it a lighter or a darker shade? If you decide to go with the latter option, select one that blends well with the other shades in the room to keep it looking balanced.

Make sure you cover the area around you with a dropcloth or sheets before you begin painting. Remove any decorations or showpieces that may have been hung over the mantel. If your fireplace is brick, get rid of any pictures or ornaments that are located on or around it. When the mantel is clean then wipe it clean with a an damp cloth to wash off any dust or soot that has built up.

Apply a basecoat with brushes or rollers to your mantel. The semi-gloss paint is durable and stain resistant, so your mantel can stand up to the heat of the fireplace as well as any other items placed on it. Let the primer dry, according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.

The brick can be quite heavy in both weight and color. Paint the mantel with the light or neutral color to make it appear more vibrant and more inviting. If you decide to go with a light color, consider using it in conjunction with an earthy toned piece of artwork or a large mirror over it to create a balanced look.