How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can give your living room an element of interest that demands attention. There are numerous models to choose from, so you should choose one that meets your requirements.

The most significant features are the heat output, the appearance and the controls. If you're not familiar with these features, it's best to hire an expert to help you select the right model.

Molded Squares

A dull stone fireplace and dull walls created a living space that was in need of a dramatic fireplace makeover. The new style is bright, appealing and makes the hearth the focal point of the room. A whitewashed mantel and modern artwork above the fireplace's facade modernize it and contrast with the shelves in gray below. The fireplace facade is enhanced by a few color changes.

Base cap moldings and trim pieces create a simple, yet effective method of framing the fireplace with a tile surround. Choose a trim style that contrasts with or matches your other trim elements for example, the thick casing around windows and doors to make the look more cohesive. If you're looking for a more high-end, elegant style, you can use fluted trim to create the illusion of a mantel. If you want a more rustic farmhouse look, use dentil trim instead.

The idea of creating an accent wall using wainscoting is a common way to add character to any room. The same technique can also be used to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards, instead, consider using a paneled material such as beadboard or tongue-andgroove cedar siding to create a striking look.

Another non-combustible material that you can use to create a fireplace surround is brick, which comes in many different styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace in red is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. Rustic-look brick is also an option that could be a good fit with more traditional country-style decor.

If you are planning to incorporate brick into the design of your fireplace be sure that your hearth is 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 meets all codes of the local and national level.

Open shelving is a great option to store books and other items, but too many 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 overwhelming the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wood beams are the ideal frame for a fireplace on the wall. They bring a timeless appeal to any house. Reclaimed beams of wood are made from barns, stalls and other structures that were demolished. Each beam carries with it its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used as a feature in modern kitchens, or with wide plank paneling to create an authentic look. They are characterized by the typical markings of barn wood, including mortise and nail holes and natural patinas that increase their durability.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage as well as flea markets for reclaimed wood elements to repurpose for a mantel or an accent wall. For instance, the earthy shade of pine that accents this traditional living room mantel and surround evokes an idyllic rural setting. The knotty imperfections of the wood give it a rustic feel and are a perfect match for the simple lines in the beaded-board wainscoting on the fireplace wall. A pair of sconces with a natural theme and a painting of a landscape above the mantel add to the rustic ambiance of the space.

Repurposed wooden beams can bring a unique look to any room. They can be left in their natural state or stained to complement your existing decor, or they can be distressed and carved to give them an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a modern look, or covered with faux finishes like rust or marbling paint.

The wooden beams are able to serve as the central element of any fireplace. They can be placed above a freestanding gas, ventless or electric fireplaces fireplace or they can be incorporated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can be used to accent the mantel with no fire burning.

No matter which method of installation you decide to use ensure that your wood or steel beams are protected from the possible consequences of fire. Both materials can become brittle in extreme heat. However, they can be strengthened with a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products are sold at a variety of home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can create an impressive statement when used as a fireplace surround. Its design instantly brightens the room and can be incorporated into any style, whether contemporary or traditional. Selecting matte finishes for the tiles is ideal to maintain that clean and polished look, while also adding some color to make the tabletop fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles can also be combined with different textures to create a more individual look. Stone-look tile is a very popular choice that gives the room a classic, rustic feel while pairing beautifully with natural materials like wood. Marble-look tile is another classic option that gives an elegant and luxurious aesthetic to the space. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting the light and brightening the room.

The appropriate tile pattern can improve 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 pattern of the tile gives the whole space a handcrafted appeal that balances the modern organic style of the fireplace with the overall modern design of the room.

If you're unsure about taking a risk with patterns in your home, a fireplace can be the perfect place to test out a bold pattern which could be intimidating in other parts of the house. This geometric tile with its black grout gives the room an elegant yet playful feel. The hexagonal shapes are shaped like cubes to create a stimulating layout. The deep brown color creates an inviting and warm aesthetic that complements the industrial decor.

Tile that looks like brick or other materials you are familiar with is another option to create an impact on your fireplace. This texture 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 update your fireplace's surround without breaking the bank. A lot of these options are heat-resistant, making them safe for the fireplace and able to be affixed to the existing surface. This peel and stick herringbone tile is an excellent option to add style to any room. It also works beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the ideal way to hide the brick surround of an unwall-mounted fireplace. Painting the mantel a different color also adds warmth and character to the room. A new color of paint could make your tabletop fireplace stand out. You can match it to the scheme of color in the room or pick something striking.

If your mantel is made of wood, first inspect it for cracks, nicks and gouges. Fill in the dents using wood putty if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the period recommended. Before painting, sand the surface with 100-grit sandpaper to roughen it up. To remove any dirt or debris clean the surfaces that have been sanded with a damp cloth.

While white is a popular choice for fireplaces Wood (play.linyway.com) and walls, the right shade can really make your fireplace stand out. To get ideas, look at the wood trims on your bookcases, moldings, and walls. Does your mantel match in color as theirs, or is it darker or lighter? If the latter, pick an appropriate color to keep the space looking balanced.

Make sure you cover the area around you by using sheets or a dropcloth prior to when you begin painting. Remove any decorations or showpieces that might have been placed over the mantel. If your fireplace is brick, remove any pictures or ornaments that are on or within it. Once the mantel has been cleaned, you can use a damp cloth and wipe it down to get rid of any soot or dust.

Apply a basecoat using brushes or rollers to your mantel. The semi-gloss paint is long-lasting and stain-resistant, which means your mantel can withstand the heat of the fireplace as well as any other objects that are placed on it. Allow the primer to dry according to the manufacturer's recommendations before moving on to the main part of your fireplace's wall.

The brick may be heavy in weight and color. Paint the mantel with an unassuming color or neutral to make it appear lighter and more inviting. If you decide to choose a light color, consider pairing it with a earthy-toned artwork or a large mirror above it to balance the look.