How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace on the wall can create your living room an attractive focal point that requires attention. There are numerous models to choose from and you must pick one that is suitable for your needs.

The output of heat, the controls, and the appearance are among the most important features. If you aren't familiar with these elements, it's best to seek out an expert to help select the best model.

Molded Squares

A stale stone fireplace surround and bland walls left this living space in need of a dramatic fireplace revamp. With a few tweaks to the design, the new look is vibrant and eye-catching making this hearth a centerpiece in the room. A whitewashed fireplace and contemporary artwork above the fireplace's facade modernize it while contrasting with the gray shelves below. A few minor changes in color will also make the fireplace stand out from the wall, enhancing the charm of this fireplace design.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces are combined to create a simple, yet effective, method to frame the tile fireplace surround. To connect the look select a trim design to contrast or match the other trim elements, like thick casing around windows and doors. If you're looking to create an elegant, luxurious look, consider using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of an actual mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse look.

Wainscoting accent walls is an extremely popular way to add character to rooms. The same technique can be employed to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled product like 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 a variety of styles and colors. A classic red brick fireplace is perfect for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. The rustic-look brick is an option that can fit in with more traditional country style.

If you are planning to incorporate brick into your fireplace design, make sure that your hearth is 16-18 inches from the opening of the firebox and your surround is 8 to 12 inches wide in all directions. Make sure your chosen material conforms to all construction codes for safety.

Open shelving is an ideal way to store books and other items. However, too many shelves can overwhelm the appearance of the fireplace. For this family room, the homeowners designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding that enhances the design of the new fireplace without overwhelming the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams that have a rustic style are ideal for a fireplace wall. They bring timeless elegance to any house. Reclaimed beams of wood are reclaimed from barns, stalls, and other buildings that have been demolished. Each beam has its own distinct story. Reclaimed wood can be used as an accent in modern kitchens or with wide planks of paneling to create a rustic look. They feature the typical markings of barn wood, such as mortise and nail holes as well as a natural patina that enhances their durability.

Look through salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets for reclaimed wood elements to make into a fireplace. The natural tone of pine used to accent this traditional living room mantel and surround evokes the feeling of a cozy country getaway. The knotty imperfections in the wood accent the hand-crafted appearance and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that borders the fireplace wall. The rustic warmth of this space is enhanced by a pair inspired by nature wall sconces, as well as a landscape image above the mantel.

Repurposed wood beams can be an eye-catching statement to any room in your home. They can be left as is or stained to complement your existing decor or cut and distressed to create an antique look. They can also be painted to give an updated look or covered with faux finishes, such as marbled paint or rust.

wooden fireplaces beams can serve as a focal point in any kind of fireplace. They can be positioned over a freestanding gas, ventless or Electric Firesuite fireplace, or be integrated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can also be used to highlight the mantel with no fire burning.

Whatever method of installation you decide to use be sure that your steel or wood beams are properly protected from the effects of fire. Both materials can become brittle and weaken in the face of extreme heat, however both can be reinforced with a layer of ethanol fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant that is sprayed on steel I-beams. These products are available at most home improvement shops.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a striking effect as surrounds for cheap fireplaces. Its shape instantly brightens the space while complementing any decor style from traditional to modern. The matte finish is ideal for a polished and clean look while adding contrast to make the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles can be customized by a variety of textures to create a more personalized look. Stone-look tile is a popular choice that gives the room an old-fashioned, rustic feel and is a great match with natural materials such as wood. Marble-look tiles are another classic option that gives an elegant and luxurious aesthetic to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles sparkles beautifully, reflecting sunlight and brightening the space.

The perfect tile pattern can enhance the overall 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 gives the whole space the look of a hand-crafted piece that balances the organic modern style of the fireplace and the contemporary style of the room.

If you're unsure about taking a pattern risk in your home The fireplace is a great spot to test an imposing design. It could be intimidating for other areas. This geometric tile with its black grout gives the room an elegant and playful look. The hexagonal shapes fit like cubes, creating a lively layout. The dark brown color creates a warm, inviting aesthetic that goes well with the industrial decor.

Tile that looks like brick or other familiar materials is another way to create an impact on your fireplace. This pattern-based tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look to traditional brick, but is much simpler to maintain and clean.

Consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to upgrade your fireplace's surround without breaking the bank. A lot of these options are heat-resistant, making them safe for fireplaces and able to stick to the existing wall. This peel and stick herringbone tile is an excellent option to add style to any room. It also looks great with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the most effective method to hide the brick surround of an unwall-mounted fireplace. The mantel's paint hue also adds warmth and personality to the space. If you decide to match it with the color scheme of your room or opt for something more striking and striking, a fresh paint color can make your fireplace stand out as a showpiece.

If your mantel is wood, inspect it first for gouges, cracks, and scratches. If the dents aren't enough to handle then fill them with wood putty, and let it set for the appropriate amount of time. Before painting, sand the surface with 100-grit sandpaper to rough it up. To remove any dirt or debris clean the surfaces you have sanded with a damp cloth.

While white is a popular option for fireplaces and walls, the right shade can really help your mantel stand out. To get ideas, look at the wood trims on your bookcases, mouldings, and walls. Do they use the same color as your mantel, or is it a lighter or darker hue? If you decide to go with the latter option, select the color that works well with the other hues in the room to ensure it looks balanced.

Before you start painting, protect the surrounding area with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove the mantel, removing any decorations or showpieces that are hanging over it. If your fireplace is brick, get rid of any ornaments or pictures that are located on or around it. Once the mantel is empty and clean, wipe it with a the help of a damp cloth to wipe off any soot or dust that has accumulated.

Apply a basecoat 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, so your mantel will hold up well to the heat generated by the fireplace, as well as other items that are placed on it. Allow the primer to completely dry, in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer before you begin painting the main wall of the fireplace.

While brick is a beautiful feature of a fireplace wall, it can be heavy and dark in color. Paint the mantel with in a neutral or light shade can make it appear brighter and more inviting to guests. If you decide to go with the lighter hue, think about pairing it with a earthy-toned piece of artwork or a mirror that is large above it to create a balanced look.