How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can give your living space a focal point that demands attention. There are a variety of models on the market however, it is essential to choose one that will meet your requirements.

The heat output, controls and the appearance are just a few of the important features. If you're not aware of these features, it's recommended to seek out an expert to help you choose the right model.

Molded Squares

This living room needed a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its outdated stone surround and dull walls. The new style is bright, eye-catching and makes this hearth the main focal point of the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel as well as contemporary art above the electric fireplace modernize the appearance of the façade while the shelves that are gray below contrast. A few changes in color can also help the fireplace stand out from the wall, which enhances the appeal of this fireplace design.

Base cap moldings and trim pieces are combined to create a simple yet effective method of framing a fireplace surround made of tile. Choose a trim style that is in contrast with or matches your other trim elements like the thick casing around doors and windows to tie the look together. If you're looking for an elegant, luxurious look, consider using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of a mantel. For a more rustic, farmhouse look, you can use dentil trim instead.

Creating an accent wall with wainscoting is an effective way to add character any room. The same technique 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 appearance.

Brick is another non-combustible option to use as the fireplace surround. It comes in various styles and colors. A classic red brick fireplace is perfect for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. Rustic-look brick is also an option that could be a good fit with a more traditional, country decor.

If you are incorporating brick into your fireplace design, you'll want to be sure your hearth is 16 to 18 inches from the opening for the fireplace and that your surround is 8-12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you choose conforms to all local and national building codes to ensure safety.

Open shelving can be an ideal way to store books and other things. However having too many shelves can overwhelm the appearance of the fireplace. In this family room, the homeowners created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding that enhances the appearance of the fireplace without overpowering the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wooden beams are the ideal frame for a wall fireplace. They add a timeless beauty to any home. Reclaimed wood beams come from old barns, stables and other demolished buildings. Each beam has its own unique story. Reclaimed wood can be used as a decorative element in modern kitchens or wide planks to give a rustic look. They have the typical marks of barn wood, such as mortise and nail holes as well as natural patina that increases their durability.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage as well as flea markets for reclaimed wooden elements to use for a mantel or an accent wall. For example, the earthy shade of pine that accents the traditional mantel and surround creates an idyllic rural setting. The knotty imperfections of the wood emphasize the hand-crafted appearance and compliment the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which surrounds the fireplace's wall. A pair of sconces with a natural theme and a painting of a landscape above the mantel add to the rustic charm of the space.

Repurposed wood beams will add a unique touch to any space. They can be stained to match your existing decor or carved for an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a more modern appearance, or covered with faux finishes such as marbling paint or rust.

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

Whatever method you decide to use to mount your beams, ensure that they are adequately protected against the effects of fire. Both materials can be brittle in extreme heat. However, they can be strengthened with a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products are available at most stores for home improvement.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can create an impact when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its shape instantly enhances the space while complementing any style of decor from traditional to modern. The choice of a matte finish for the tiles is the best way to keep that neat and polished look, while also adding some contrast that makes the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can also be used with different textures to create a more individual look. Stone-look tile is a very popular choice that lends the space a classic, rustic feel and is a great match with natural materials such as wood. Marble-look tile is another timeless option that provides an elegant and luxurious aesthetic 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 a fireplace's design. 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 handcrafted look to the space, while balancing the contemporary natural style fireplace with the overall style of the room.

If you're unsure about taking a pattern risk in your home the fireplace is a great spot to experiment with an imposing design. It can be intimidating for other areas. The geometric tile with its black grout gives the room an elegant yet playful feel. The hexagonal shapes resemble cubes to create an exciting layout. The dark brown color gives this space an inviting, warm look that complements the industrial decor.

Another way to make a statement with your fireplace is to select tiles that look like the appearance of brick or another familiar material. This textured tile, from LA Designer Affair, has an identical look to traditional brick but with the added benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.

If you're not ready commit to a full-scale remodel of your fireplace's surround, think about applying a peel-and-stick tile to refresh the look without spending a fortune. A majority of these options are heat resistant and therefore safe for the fireplace and able to adhere to the existing wall. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a great option to add elegance to any room. It also works beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the ideal method to hide the brick surround on a wall-mounted fireplace. The mantel can be painted in a different color to add warmth and character. A new color of paint could make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the color scheme of the room or pick something striking.

If your mantel is constructed from wood, first check it for cracks, nicks, and gouges. If the dents aren't large enough to be handled then fill them with wood putty, and let it set for the recommended amount of time. Before painting you can sand the surface 100-grit sandpaper in order to rough it up. To get rid of any debris or dirt, wipe down the surfaces that have been sanded with a damp cloth.

While white is a popular color for Fireplaces wood, Http://ggotbit.com/, and walls but the right color can really help your mantel stand out. To get ideas, examine the wood trim on your bookcases, mouldings and walls. Do they have the same shade as your mantel or is it a darker or lighter shade? If you choose the latter option, select one that blends well with the other hues in the room to keep it looking balanced.

Before you start painting, protect the area surrounding you with drop cloth or sheets. Remove any decorative items or showpieces that were hung above the mantel. If your fireplace is made of brick, take away any pictures or ornaments that are located on or around it. Once the mantel has been cleaned, you can use a damp cloth and wipe it down to get rid of any dust or soot.

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

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