How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace in the wall will give your living room an attractive focal feature. There are numerous models on the market but it is essential to choose one that meets your needs.

Some of the most important features include the heat output, the appearance and the controls. If you're not aware of these features, it's best to consult a professional to assist you in choosing the best model.

Molded Squares

A dull stone fireplace and dull walls made this living space in need of a dramatic fireplace makeover. The new design is bright, eye-catching and makes this hearth the center of the room. A whitewashed mantel and contemporary artwork above the fireplace's facade modernize it and contrast with the gray shelves below. A few changes in color also help the facade stand apart from the wall, which enhances the appeal of this fireplace design.

Base cap moldings and trim pieces create a simple, yet efficient way to frame a tile fireplace surround. To bring the design together, choose a trim style to contrast or match your other trim elements like thick casings around windows and doors. If you're looking for an elegant, high-end style, you can use fluted trim to give the illusion of a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse look.

Making an accent wall using wainscoting is an effective method to add character to any room. The same technique can also be used to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled product such as tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard instead of plank boards to create a dramatic appearance.

Brick is a different non-combustible option for 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-style brick is another option that could be a good fit with more traditional country decor.

If you are planning to incorporate brick into your fireplace design, make sure that your hearth measures 16-18 inches from the opening of the firebox, and the surround is 8 to 12 inches wide in all directions. Make sure the brick you select is safe and complies with all national and local codes.

Open shelving is an ideal way to store books and other objects. However, too many shelves can overwhelm the look of the fireplace. The owners of this family room created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding in order to enhance the look without overwhelming open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wooden beams are the ideal frame for a wall fireplace. They are timeless and beautiful to any house. Reclaimed wood beams are sourced from old barns, stables and other demolished structures. Each beam has its own unique story. Reclaimed wood can be used combination with wide plank ceiling paneling for a completely rustic look or as accents to modern kitchens. They are characterized by the typical marks of barn wood, like nail holes and mortise pockets and natural patinas that increase their durability.

Find salvage yards for architectural elements and flea market for wood pieces that you can transform into a mantel. The earthy tone of pine used as a backdrop for this traditional living room's surround and mantel evokes a cozy country retreat. Its knotty imperfections emphasize the hand-crafted look and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that is a part of the fireplace wall. A pair of sconces inspired by nature and a landscape-themed painting above the mantel enhance the rustic charm of this space.

Repurposed wooden beams can provide an eye-catching statement to any room in your home. They can be left as is or stained to match your existing decor or cut and distressed to create an antique appearance. They can also be painted for a more contemporary appearance, or they can be covered with faux finishes like rust or marbled paint.

The wooden beams are able to serve as the focal feature of any fireplace. They can be used to highlight the mantel without any fire burning. They can be used to accent a mantel without a bioethanol fire burning.

Regardless of which method of installation you decide to use ensure that your wood or steel beams are protected from the potential consequences of fire. Both types of materials can be brittle and weaken when exposed to extreme heat, but both can be strengthened by a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial ethonal fire-protectant sprays on steel I-beams. These products are available at most home improvement shops.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can make an impressive statement when used as an accent for your electric fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens up the room and can be incorporated into any decor, modern or traditional. Choosing a matte finish for the tiles is ideal to maintain that clean and polished look while adding some color to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can also be combined with various textures for a more personalized look. Stone-look tile is a popular choice that gives the room a classic, rustic feel and is a great match with natural materials like wood. Another classic option is marble fireplaces-look tile that provides an elegant and luxurious look to the room. These tiles have an elegant and glossy surface that reflect light beautifully and brightens the space.

The proper tile pattern can enhance the design 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 on the tile gives the whole space an artistic look that balances the contemporary organic style of the fireplace, and the overall modern design of the room.

If you're unsure about putting your faith in a patterns in your home, a fireplace is an ideal place to test out a bold style that might be a bit intimidating in other areas of the house. The geometric tile with its black grout provides this area with an elegant, yet fun feel. The hexagonal shapes fit together like cubes for a stimulating layout, and the dark brown color provides an inviting and warm look that works with the industrial decor in this space.

Tile that looks like brick or other familiar materials is another way to make an impact with your fireplace. The textured tile, which is made by LA Designer Affair, has the same look as brick, but with the benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.

Consider using a peel-and-stick tile to upgrade your fireplace surround without breaking the bank. Many of these options are resistant to heat, making them safe for fireplaces shop and able to be affixed to the existing stone. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great option that will bring a sense of elegance to any living space while also blending beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the most effective way to hide the brick surround on the wall of a fireplace. The mantel can be painted in a different color to give it a more cosy and spirited look. A new paint color can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the overall color scheme of the room or choose something bold.

If your mantel is made of wood, first inspect it for cracks, nicks and gouges. Fill in the dents with wood putty if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the period recommended. Sand the surface with 100-grit paper to roughen it prior to painting. To get rid of any debris or dirt, wipe down the surfaces you have sanded with a damp cloth.

While white is a popular option for walls and fireplaces electric but the right color can really help your mantel stand out. Check out the other wood trims, moldings, and bookcases in your home to get ideas. Do they use the same hue as your mantel or is it a lighter or a darker hue? If the latter, pick a color that coordinates well to keep the space looking balanced.

Cover the area around you with a dropcloth or sheets before you begin painting. Clear off the mantel, removing any decorations or showpieces that are hanging over it. Remove any ornaments or pictures that are around or on the brick fireplace. Once the mantel has been cleared and clean, wipe it with a a damp cloth to clean off any dust or soot that has accumulated.

Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel using the use of a roller or brush. The semi-gloss paint lasts and stain resistant, so your mantel can stand up to the heat of the fireplace as well as any other items that are placed on it. Let the primer dry, as per the instructions of 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 quite heavy and dark in color. Paint the mantel with in a neutral or light shade can make it look brighter and more inviting for guests. If you opt for a light shade for your mantel, match it with a piece art with earthy tones or a large mirror to complement the overall look.