How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can give your living room an attractive focal feature. There are numerous models to choose from so you need to pick one that is suitable for your needs.

The most significant features include the heat output, 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 worn-out stone fireplace surround and bland walls left this living space in need of a major fireplace overhaul. The new style is vibrant, attractive and makes this hearth the focal point of the room. A whitewashed mantel and contemporary artwork above modernize the fireplace facade and contrast with the shelves in gray below. A few minor changes in color also help the facade stand apart from the wall, adding the appeal of this fireplace design.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces combine to create a simple, yet effective, way to frame your fireplace stove surround. Choose a style of trim that contrasts with or complements your other trim elements for example, the thick casing around doors and windows, 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 mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse look.

Wainscoting accent walls is a common method of adding the look of the interior of a room. The same method can be used to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards instead, consider a paneled product like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard to create a striking appearance.

Another non-combustible option you can build a fireplace surround is brick, which comes in a variety of styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace in red is a traditional choice for Craft Revival-style or cottage-style homes. A rustic-looking brick can be used to add a rustic touch to a traditional decor.

When you incorporate brick into your fireplace design, you'll need to be sure your hearth extends 16 to 18 inches from the opening for the fireplace and that the surround extends 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Make sure the brick you select is safe and complies with all codes of the local and national level.

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

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wood beams make the ideal frame for a fireplace on the wall. They are timeless and beautiful to any house. Reclaimed beams of wood are made from old barns, stalls, and other buildings that have been removed. Each beam has its own distinct story. Reclaimed wood can be used combination with wide plank ceiling panels to create a rustic look or as an accent to modern kitchens. They feature the typical markings of barn wood, such as nail holes and mortise pockets and natural patinas that increase their durability.

Find salvage yards for architectural elements and flea markets for wood pieces that you can make into a fireplace. The rustic tone of pine used to accent this traditional living room surround and mantel evokes a cozy country retreat. Its knotty imperfections emphasize the hand-crafted look and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that is a part of the fireplace's wall. A pair of sconces inspired by nature and a landscape-themed painting above the mantel add to the rustic charm of the room.

Repurposed wooden beams will bring a unique look to any space. They can be left as is or stained to complement your current decor, or they can be cut and distressed to create an antique look. They can also be painted to give an updated look, or they can be covered with faux finishes, such as marbled or rust paint.

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

Whichever method you choose to put in your beams, be sure they are protected adequately from the effects of fire. Both materials are susceptible to becoming hard and brittle when heated to extreme temperatures. However they can be strengthened by a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products are available in a wide 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 and is a perfect match for any style, whether modern or traditional. Selecting a matte finish for the tiles is a great way to maintain that clean and polished look, while also adding some color to make the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles can be customized with a variety of textures for an individual look. Stone-look tile is a popular option that lends the space a classic, rustic feel while blending beautifully with natural materials like wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tiles that provides an elegant and luxurious look to the space. These tiles have a glossy and smooth finish that is a beautiful reflection of light and brightens the room.

The perfect tile pattern can enhance 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 gives the entire room a an artistic look that balances the organic modern style of the fireplace with the overall contemporary design of the room.

If you're unsure about putting your faith in a patterns in your home, a fireplace can be an excellent place to try out a bold design that might be intimidating in other parts of the house. The geometric tile with its black grout provides this area with an elegant yet playful feel. The hexagonal shapes work like cubes to create a fascinating layout, and the dark brown color provides a warm and inviting aesthetic that is a perfect match for the industrial decor in this room.

Tiles that resemble brick or other common materials is another way to create an impact with your fireplace. This pattern-based tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look as brick however, it is much easier to clean and maintain.

Consider using a peel-and-stick tile to modernize your fireplace's surround without spending a fortune. These tiles are resistant to heat and therefore suitable for fireplaces and able adhere to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great option that will add a sense of elegance to any living space and will look great with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace in a wall has an existing brick surround, the most effective method to minimize its appearance is with a fresh coat of paint. The mantel can be painted with a different colour to add warmth and personality. It doesn't matter if you choose to match it with the color scheme of your room or opt for something striking, a new paint color can make your fireplace stand out as a showstopper.

If your mantel is wood, inspect it first for gouges, cracks, and scratches. Fill in the dents with wood putty, if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the time recommended. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it up before painting. Wipe the surface that has been sanded with a damp cloth in order to remove any remaining dirt or dust.

White is a favorite color for walls and cheap fireplaces (Mcdonald-carstens-2.Technetbloggers.de). However the right shade can make your fireplace stand out. For inspiration, examine the trims of wood on your bookcases, mouldings and walls. Do they use the same shade as your mantel? Or is it a lighter or darker shade? If you opt for the latter, choose the color that works well with the other shades in the room to keep it looking balanced.

Before you start painting, cover the area around you with a drop cloth or sheets. Clean the mantel, removing any decorative pieces or displays that are hanging over it. Remove any ornaments or pictures that are on or around your brick fireplace. Once the mantel has been cleaned, take a damp cloth and wipe it clean to get rid of 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, ensuring that your mantel is able to stand up well to the heat of the fireplace, as well as other items placed on it. Let the primer completely dry, as per the manufacturer’s instructions, before you begin painting the main wall of the fireplace.

While the brick is a beautiful feature of a fireplace wall, it can be heavy and dark in shade. Paint the mantel with in a neutral or light shade will make it appear more lively and more welcoming to guests. If you decide to go with the lighter hue, think about using it in conjunction with an earthy toned artwork or a mirror that is large above it to balance the appearance.