How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace [Baikalelectronics`s blog] can give your living space a focal point that demands attention. There are a variety of models available so you need to pick one that meets your requirements.

The heat output, controls and the appearance are some of the most important features. If you aren't familiar with these aspects, it is best to hire an expert to help you pick the right model.

Molded Squares

This living room needed an overhaul to the fireplace due to its stale stone surround and bland walls. With a few design tweaks, the new look is vibrant and striking making the hearth an important central feature in the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel as well as contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the appearance of the façade and the shelves in gray below contrast. The fireplace's exterior is enhanced by a few color variations.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces are combined to create a simple yet effective, way to frame your fireplace surround. To tie the look together select a trim design to contrast or match the other trim elements like thick casings around doors and windows. If you're looking for a more high-end, elegant style, you can use fluted trim to create the illusion that there is a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse style.

Making an accent wall using wainscoting is an effective method to add character to any room. The same technique can 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 appearance.

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

If you want to incorporate brick into your fireplace design ensure that your hearth is 16-18 inches from the opening of the firebox, and the surround is 8 to 12 inches wide in all directions. Make sure your chosen material complies with all local and national building codes for safety.

Open shelves are a great way to organize books and other items however, too many shelves can overwhelm the look of a fireplace. For this family room the homeowners created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to elevate the design of the new fireplace, without obscuring the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wood beams make the ideal frame for a fireplace on the wall. They are timeless and beautiful to any house. Reclaimed wood beams are reclaimed from old barns, stalls and other buildings that have been demolished. Each beam carries with it its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used combination with wide plank ceiling panels for a fully rustic design or as a decorative element to modern kitchens. They have the typical barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes as well as a natural aging process that improves their longevity.

Find salvage yards for architectural elements and flea market for wood pieces that you can transform into a mantel. For instance the earthy hue of pine that highlights the traditional living room mantel and surround creates the feeling of a rustic, cozy retreat. 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's wall. A pair of sconces inspired by nature and a painting of a landscape above the mantel add to the rustic ambiance of the space.

Repurposed wooden beams will give a unique appearance to any space. They can be stained to match your existing decor or carved to give an antique look. They can also be painted for modern appearance, or they can be covered with faux finishes such as marbled paint or rust.

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

No matter which method of installation you decide to use ensure that your wood or steel beams are properly protected from the consequences of fire. Both materials can be brittle and weaken in the presence of extreme heat, however both are able to be strengthened with a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant sprayed on I-beams made of steel. These products are available at most home improvement shops.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can make an impact when used as a fireplace surround. Its shape instantly brightens up the room and complements any decor, whether modern or traditional. The matte finish is ideal for a polished and clean appearance while adding a splash of contrast to make the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles can be customised with a variety of textures for an individual look. Stone-look tile is a very popular choice that gives the space an old-fashioned, rustic feel while pairing beautifully with natural materials like wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tiles that adds a luxurious and elegant aesthetic to the space. These tiles feature an elegant and glossy surface that reflects light beautifully and enhances 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 pattern of the tile provides a handcrafted look to the space, balancing the modern organic style fireplace with the overall style of the room.

If you're unsure about taking a risk on a patterns in your home, a fireplace can be an excellent place to try out a bold style that could be intimidating in other parts of your home. This geometric tile (here's a similar option) with its black grout lines gives this room a sophisticated and playful energy. The hexagonal shapes fit together as cubes to create an exciting layout, and the dark brown color provides an inviting and electric fires warm look that is a perfect match for the industrial style of this space.

Another option to make a statement with your fireplace is to select tiles that look like the appearance of brick or another familiar material. This pattern-based tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look to traditional brick, but is much easier to clean and maintain.

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

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the ideal method to cover a brick surround on an unwall-mounted fireplace. The mantel can be painted in a different color to add warmth and personality. It doesn't matter if you choose to match it to the room's color scheme or go for something bold, a new paint color can make your fireplace stand out as a showstopper.

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

While white is a popular choice for fireplaces electric and walls, the right shade can make your mantel stand out. To get ideas, examine the wood trim on your bookcases, mouldings, and walls. Do they have the same shade as your mantel, or is it a darker or lighter shade? If the latter, choose the color that is well-matched to keep the room looking balanced.

Protect the area around you with sheets or a dropcloth prior to when you begin painting. Remove any decorations or showpieces that were hung over the mantel. Remove any ornaments or pictures that are around or on the brick fireplace. When the mantel is clean and clean, wipe it with a the help of a damp cloth to wipe off any soot or dust that has built up.

Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel using either a roller or brush. The semi-gloss finish is long-lasting and stain-resistant, which means that your mantel will stand up well to the heat of the fireplace as well as any other objects placed on it. Allow the primer to completely dry, as per the instructions provided by the manufacturer before you begin painting the main wall of the fireplace.

While brick is an attractive feature of a fireplace's wall, it can be quite heavy and dark in hue. Paint the mantel with the light or neutral color to make it appear lighter and more inviting. If you decide to go with a light hue, think about pairing it with an earthy-toned piece of art or a large mirror above it to balance the appearance.