How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace on the wall can create your living room a focal point that demands attention. There are a variety of models available so you need to pick one that suits your needs.

The most significant features are the heat output along with the appearance and controls. If you're not familiar with these features, it's best to consult a professional to help you choose the right model.

Molded Squares

The living room required a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its outdated stone surround and bland walls. With a few tweaks to the design the new look is vibrant and attractive making the hearth an important central feature in the room. A whitewashed mantel and modern artwork above modernize the facade of the fireplace and contrast with the shelves in gray below. A few minor changes in color will also make the fireplace stand apart from the wall, adding the beauty of this fireplace design.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces are combined to create a simple, yet effective way to frame your fireplace surround. Choose a trim style that contrasts with or matches the other trim elements, for example, the thick casing around windows and doors, to create a cohesive look. If you're looking to create an elegant, premium look, consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of a real mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse style.

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

Brick is another non-combustible option for the fireplace surround. It comes in various styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace with red is a classic option for Craft Revival-style or cottage-style homes. Rustic-look brick is also an alternative that is able to blend with more traditional country-style decor.

If you're planning to incorporate brick into the design of your fireplace, make sure that your hearth measures 16 to 18 inches from the opening of the firebox, and your surround is between 8 and 12 inches wide in all directions. Be sure that the material you select is safe and conforms to all codes of the local and national level.

Open shelving can be an ideal way to store books and other items. However the presence of too many shelves can ruin the look of the fireplace. In this family room, homeowners built a wall-to ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the design of the new fireplace, without obscuring the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look are ideal for a fireplace wall. They bring a timeless appeal to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood are made from old barns, stalls, and other buildings that have been destroyed. Each beam has its own unique story. Reclaimed wood can be used in combination with wide plank ceiling panels for a completely rustic look or as an accent to modern kitchens. They feature the typical markings of barn wood, like mortise and nail holes as well as natural patinas that increase their durability.

Search architectural salvage yards and flea markets for wood pieces that you can make into a fireplace. The rustic tone of pine used to accent this traditional living room mantel and surround evokes an intimate country retreat. Its knotty imperfections emphasize the hand-crafted appearance and compliment the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that is a part of the fireplace wall. The rustic warmth of this space is enhanced by a pair inspired by nature wall sconces, and a landscape picture above the mantel.

Repurposed wooden beams can provide an attractive feature to any room in your home. They can be stained to match your current design or carved to create an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a more modern appearance or covered with faux finishes like rust or marbling paint.

The wooden beams can be used as the central point of any fireplace. They can be placed over a freestanding gas, ventless or electric fireplace, or they can be incorporated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can be used to illuminate the mantel without a burning fire.

Whichever method you choose to put in your beams, ensure that they are protected adequately from the effects of fire. Both types of materials are susceptible to becoming brittle and weakening in the face of extreme heat, however both are able to be strengthened with a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant that is sprayed on I-beams made of steel. These products are available in a wide variety of home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be utilized to create a dramatic effect as surrounds for fireplaces. Its design instantly brightens the room and complements any decor, traditional or modern. The matte finish is perfect for fireplacesandstove.com a polished and clean look while adding contrast to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can be customized with a variety textures for an individual look. Stone-look tiles are a popular choice that gives the room an authentic, classic look. They also pair beautifully with natural materials, such as wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tiles, which adds an elegant and luxurious appearance to the space. These tiles feature a smooth and glossy finish that is a beautiful reflection of light and brightens the room.

The proper tile pattern can enhance 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 pattern on the tile gives the whole space a handcrafted appeal that balances the modern organic style of the fireplace and the contemporary style of the room.

If you're not sure about putting your faith in a design in your home, a fireplace is an ideal place to test out a bold style that could be a bit intimidating in other areas of the house. The geometric tile with its black grout gives this space an elegant and playful look. The hexagonal shapes fit like cubes to create a stimulating layout. The deep brown hue gives this space an inviting and warm aesthetic that goes well with the industrial decor.

Tiles that look like brick or other materials you are familiar with is another way to make an impact with your fireplace. This pattern-based tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look as brick but is much simpler to maintain and clean.

If you're not ready to make a major overhaul of your fireplace surround, consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to change the look without breaking the bank. These tiles are resistant to heat which makes them suitable for fireplaces as well as able to adhere to existing surfaces. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a great option for adding style to any room. It also looks great with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the most effective way to hide a brick surround on the wall of a fireplace. The mantel can be painted a different hue to add warmth and character. A new paint color can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the scheme of color in the room or pick 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 are small enough. Allow it to dry for the amount of time recommended. Before painting, sand the surface with 100-grit sandpaper to rough it up. To get rid of any dirt or debris, wipe down the surfaces you have sanded with a damp cloth.

White is a favorite color for walls and fireplaces. But, the right shade will make your mantel really stand out. Take a look at the wood trim, moldings and bookcases around your home for ideas. Does your mantel match in color as theirs or is it darker or lighter? If the latter, choose the color that is well-matched to keep the space looking balanced.

Make sure you cover the area around you by using a dropcloth or sheets before you begin painting. Remove the mantel and remove any decorative pieces or displays that are hanging over it. If your fireplace is brick, get rid of any pictures or ornaments that are on or within the fireplace. Once the mantel has been cleared then wipe it clean with a the help of a damp cloth to wipe off any dust or soot that has accumulated.

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

The brick can be heavy in both weight and color. The mantel painted with a light or neutral color can make it appear brighter and more inviting for guests. If you decide to choose a light color for your mantel, you can pair it with a piece of art in earthy tones or a large wall mirror to complete the look.