How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace in the wall can be your living room a focal point that demands attention. There are numerous designs available, however, so it is essential to choose one that will meet your requirements.

The most significant features are the heat output as well as the appearance and controls. If you aren't familiar with these elements, it's best to hire an expert to help you select the best model.

Molded Squares

A worn-out stone fireplace and dull walls made this living space in need of a major fireplace makeover. The new style is vibrant, attractive and makes the hearth the center of the room. A whitewashed mantel and contemporary artwork above modernize the fireplace facade while contrasted with the shelves in gray below. The fireplace facade is enhanced by a few color changes.

Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces make a simple but efficient way to frame a tile fireplace surround. To connect the look pick a trim style to match or contrast with the other trim elements like thick casings around windows and doors. If you're looking for a more elegant, premium look, consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of a real mantel. For a more rustic, farmhouse style, use dentil trim instead.

Wainscoting accent walls is a common method of adding the look of a room. The same technique can also be used to frame a fireplace. Consider a paneled material like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard instead plank boards to create a dramatic look.

Brick is another non-combustible option for a fireplace surround. It is available in different styles and colors. A classic red brick fireplace is perfect for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. A rustic-looking brick could be used to enhance a traditional country style.

When incorporating brick into your fireplace design, you'll need to ensure that your hearth extends 16 to 18 inches from the firebox opening and that your surround is 8-12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you choose conforms to all local and national construction codes for security.

Open shelving is a great way to store books and other items, but too many can overwhelm the look of a fireplace. The owners of this living room have created a wall to ceiling limestone cladding in order to enhance the look without overpowering open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wooden beams are the ideal frame for a wall fireplace. They add a timeless look to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood are made from barns, stalls and other structures that were destroyed. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used in conjunction with wide plank ceiling panels for a fully rustic design or as accents to modern kitchens. They have the typical barn wood markings, such as mortise and nail holes plus a natural aging that increases their durability.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage as well as flea markets for reclaimed wood elements to use as a mantel or accent wall. The earthy tone of pine used to accent this traditional living room mantel and surround evokes an intimate country retreat. The knotty imperfections of the wood give it a rustic look, and they complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting on the fireplace's wall. A pair of sconces with a natural theme and a painting of a landscape over the mantel add to the rustic charm of the space.

Repurposed wooden beams can give a unique appearance to any space. They can be left in their natural state or stained to complement the decor of your home, or they can be cut and distressed to create an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a more contemporary look, or covered with faux finishes such as marbling paint or rust.

The wooden beams are able to serve as the focal point of any fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel without the need for a fire. They can be used to accent the mantel with no fire burning.

Whatever method of installation you choose, make sure that your steel or wood beams are protected from the effects of fire. Both materials are susceptible to becoming brittle in extreme heat. However, they can be strengthened with a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products can be found in a wide variety of stores for home improvement.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can make an impressive statement when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens up the room and can be incorporated into any style, whether modern or traditional. Choosing matte finishes for the tiles is the best way to keep that neat and polished look while adding some color to make the fireplace sparkle.

Hex tiles can be customized with a variety textures for an individual appearance. Stone-look tile is a popular choice that lends the space an old-fashioned, rustic feel while pairing beautifully with natural materials like wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tile, fireplacesandstoves which adds an elegant and luxurious appearance to the space. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles sparkles beautifully, reflecting light and brightening the space.

The proper tile pattern can improve 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 adds a unique the look of a hand-crafted piece that balances the contemporary organic style of the fireplace and the contemporary style of the room.

If you're unsure about taking a risk with a pattern in your home the fireplace is a great spot to experiment with a bold design. It might be intimidating for other areas. The geometric tile with its black grout gives this space an elegant yet playful feel. The hexagonal shapes are arranged as cubes to create an exciting layout, while the deep brown hue creates a warm and inviting aesthetic that complements the industrial décor in the room.

Another method of making an impact with your fireplace is to choose tile that resembles the appearance of brick or another popular material. This textured tile, made by LA Designer Affair, has an identical look to brick, but has the added benefit of being much easier to clean and maintain.

Consider using a peel-and-stick tile to upgrade your fireplace's surround without spending a fortune. A lot of these options are heat resistant and therefore suitable for use in the fireplace and able to stick to the existing wall. This peel and stick herringbone tile is an excellent option to add elegance to any room. It also coordinates beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

When a wall fireplace has a brick surround, the most effective method to minimize its appearance is with an update of the paint. The mantel can be painted with a different color to give it a more cosy and spirited look. If you decide to match it to the decor's color scheme or go for something bold and striking, a fresh paint color makes your fireplace stand out as a showpiece.

If your mantel is wood, inspect it first for gouges, cracks, and scratches. If the dents are small enough to handle, fill them with wood putty, and let it set for the recommended amount of time. Before painting, sand the surface with 100-grit sandpaper to roughen it up. To get rid of any debris or dirt, wipe down the sanded surfaces with a damp cloth.

White is a popular color for fireplaces and walls. However the right shade will make your mantel really stand out. Take a look at the trims, moldings, and bookcases around your home for inspiration. Does your mantel match in shade as theirs or is it darker or lighter? If so, select the color that is well-matched to keep the space looking well-balanced.

Before you begin painting, protect the area around you with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove any ornaments or display pieces that may have been hung above the mantel. Remove any ornaments or photos placed around or on your brick fireplace. Once the mantel has been cleared, wipe it down with the help of a damp cloth to wipe off any dust or soot that has built up.

Apply a basecoat using the brush or roller to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish lasts 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. Let the primer dry in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer prior to moving on to the main part of your fireplace wall.

The brick can be heavy in weight and color. Paint the mantel with the light or neutral color to make it appear more vibrant and more inviting. If you choose a light color for your mantel, match it with a piece art in earthy tones or a large mirror to balance out the look.