How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace in the wall will make your living space an attractive focal feature. There are many different models on the market, however, so it is essential to choose one that is suitable for your needs.

The output of heat, the controls and the appearance are just a few of the important features. If you're not familiar with these elements, it's best to hire an expert to help select the best model.

Molded Squares

This living room needed an impressive fireplace overhaul due to its stale stone surround and boring walls. With a few design tweaks, the new look is bright and attractive, making this hearth a centerpiece in the room. A whitewashed mantel for the fireplace and contemporary art above the fireplace modernize the facade, while the gray shelves below provide a stark contrast. The fireplace's facade is accentuated by a few changes in color.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces join to create a simple yet effective way to frame the fireplace surround. Choose a trim style that is in contrast with or matches the other trim elements, such as the thick casing around doors and windows, to make the look more cohesive. If you want a more high-end, elegant look, use fluted trim to create the illusion that there is a mantel. For a more rustic, farmhouse look, opt for dentil trim instead.

The idea of creating an accent wall using wainscoting is an effective way to add character to any room. The same technique can be used to frame a fireplace. Consider a paneled material such as tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard instead plank boards to create a dramatic 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 red brick fireplace is a popular choice for Craft Revival-style or cottage-style homes. The rustic-look brick is an alternative that is able to blend with a more traditional, country-style decor.

When incorporating brick into a fireplace design, it is important to ensure that your hearth extends 16 to 18 inches from the opening for the fireplace and that your surround reaches 8-12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you choose complies with all local and national construction codes for security.

Open shelving can be excellent for storing books and other things. However, too many shelves can ruin the look of the fireplace. For this family room the homeowners designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to elevate the appearance of the fireplace without overpowering the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams that have a rustic style are perfect for a fireplace wall. They are timeless and beautiful to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood are reclaimed from barns, stalls, and other buildings that were demolished. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used combination with wide plank ceiling paneling for a completely rustic look or as a decorative element to modern kitchens. They feature the typical marks of barn wood, including nail holes and mortise pockets and a natural patina that enhances their durability.

Find salvage yards for architectural elements and flea market for wood pieces that you can make into a fireplace. For instance the earthy color of pine that highlights this traditional living room mantel and surround evokes an idyllic rural setting. Its knotty imperfections emphasize the hand-crafted appearance and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which is a part of the fireplace wall. A pair of nature-inspired sconces and a landscape painting above the mantel enhance the rustic ambiance of the space.

Repurposed wood beams can be an attractive accent to any room in your home. They can be left as-is or stained to complement the decor of your home, or they can be cut and distressed to create an antique look. They can also be painted for a more contemporary appearance or covered with faux finishes such as marbled paint or rust.

Wooden beams can serve as a focal point in any kind of fireplace. They can be placed above a freestanding gas, electric or ventless fireplace or be integrated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can be used to enhance the mantel without a burning fire.

No matter which method you choose to install your beams, be sure they are adequately protected against the effects of fire. Both materials are susceptible to becoming brittle in extreme heat. However, they can be strengthened by a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products can be found in most home improvement stores.

white Fireplace Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a dramatic effect as surrounds for fireplaces. Its shape instantly brightens the space and is a perfect match for any style of decor, from traditional to modern. The choice of an elegant matte finish for the tiles is ideal to keep that neat and polished look, while adding some contrast that makes the fireplace sparkle.

Hex tiles can be customized with a variety of textures for an individualized look. Stone-look tile is a popular choice that lends the space an old-fashioned, rustic feel while blending beautifully with natural materials such as wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tile, which adds an elegant and luxurious appearance to the space. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting light and brightening 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 a handcrafted appeal that balances the contemporary organic style of the fireplace with the contemporary style of the room.

If you're not sure about taking a risk with a pattern in your home The fireplace is the perfect place to test a bold design. It could be intimidating for other areas. The geometric tile with its black grout gives the room an elegant yet playful feel. The hexagonal shapes fit together as cubes to create an exciting layout, while the deep brown color provides a warm and inviting aesthetic that is a perfect match for the industrial decor in the room.

Tile that looks like brick or other familiar materials is another option to create an impact on your fireplace. This textured tile, made by LA Designer Affair, has a similar look to brick, but has the added benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.

Consider using a peel-and-stick tile to update your fireplace's surround without costing you a dime. A lot of these options are heat resistant and therefore safe for fireplaces and able to adhere to the existing surface. This herringbone peel and stick tile is an excellent option that will add an elegant feel to any living space, while also blending beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

When a wall fireplace has a brick surround, the most effective method to minimize its appearance is to give it an update of the paint. The mantel's paint color also adds warmth and character to the room. 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 wood, inspect it first for cracks, gouges, and nicks. If the dents aren't enough to handle, fill them with wood putty and allow it to set for the recommended amount of time. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it up prior to painting. Wipe the surface that has been sanded using a damp cloth to take off any remaining dirt or debris.

While white is a popular option for fireplaces and walls, the right shade can really help your mantel stand out. To get ideas, take a look at the wood trim on your bookcases, moldings and walls. Does your mantel match in shade as theirs or is it darker or lighter? If you choose the latter option, pick the color that works well with the other hues in the room to ensure it looks balanced.

Cover the area around you by using sheets or a dropcloth before you begin painting. Remove any decorations or showpieces that might have been placed above the mantel. Remove any ornaments or pictures that are on or around your brick fireplace. After the mantel has been cleaned, take a damp cloth and wipe it clean to remove any dust or soot.

Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel using a brush or roller. The semi-gloss paint lasts and stain resistant, so your mantel will be able to withstand the heat of your fireplace as well as any other objects that are placed on it. Let the primer completely dry, in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.

While brick is a beautiful feature of a fireplace wall, it can be a bit heavy and dark in color. Paint the mantel with in a neutral or light shade can make it appear brighter and more welcoming to guests. If you decide to choose an unassuming color for your mantel, match it with a piece of artwork in earthy tones, or a large wall mirror to balance out the overall look.