How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace in the wall will provide your living space with an attractive focal area. There are a variety of models on the market but it is crucial to choose one that meets your needs.

Some of the most important features include the heat output, the appearance and the controls. If you aren't familiar with these features, it's recommended to consult an expert to help you pick the right model.

Molded Squares

This living room needed an impressive fireplace overhaul due to its old-fashioned stone surround and dull walls. The new style is vibrant, attractive and makes the hearth the center of the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel and contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the facade, while the gray shelves below provide a stark contrast. The fireplace's exterior is enhanced by a few changes in color.

Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces make a simple but effective method of framing a tile fireplace surround. Choose a style of trim that contrasts with or complements your other trim elements like the thick casing around windows and doors to tie the look together. If you're looking to create an elegant, luxurious style, think about using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic farmhouse style.

Accent walls with wainscoting are a popular method to add character to rooms. The same method can be used to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled option such as tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard in place of plank boards to create a dramatic appearance.

Another non-combustible option you can create the fireplace surround is brick, which is available in many different styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace in red is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. A rustic-look brick can also be used to enhance a traditional country style.

If you're planning to incorporate brick into your fireplace design, make sure that your hearth is 16 to 18 inches from the opening of the firebox, and the surround is between 8 and 12 inches wide in all directions. Make sure the material you choose is compliant with all local and national building codes for security.

Open shelving is an ideal way to store books and other objects. However, too many shelves can obstruct the appearance 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 overpowering the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look 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 removed. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used in conjunction with wide plank ceiling paneling for a completely rustic look or as a decorative element to modern kitchens. They have the typical barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes, and a natural aging process that increases their longevity.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets to find reclaimed wood elements that can be used as a mantel or accent wall. For instance the earthy hue of pine that accents the traditional living room mantel and surround creates a cozy rural retreat. The knotty imperfections in the wood accent a hand-hewn look and are a perfect match for 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 painting over the mantel add to the rustic charm of the room.

Repurposed wooden fireplaces beams can make an eye-catching statement to any room in your home. They can be left as-is or stained to match your current decor or cut and distressed to create an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a more modern look, or covered with faux finishes such as rust or marbling paint.

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

Regardless of which method of installation you choose be sure that your wood or steel beams are properly protected from the consequences of fire. Both types of material can be brittle and weaken in the face of extreme heat, but both can be strengthened by a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant sprays on steel I-beams. These products can be found in most home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a striking effect as surrounds for fireplaces. Its shape instantly brightens the space while blending with any decor choice, from traditional to modern. The matte finish is ideal for a polished and clean appearance, while also adding a pop of contrast to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can be customised with a variety textures for a more personalized look. Stone-look tile is a popular choice that gives the space a classic, rustic feel while blending beautifully with natural materials like wood. Another classic option is marble-look tile that provides an elegant and luxurious look to the space. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting the light and brightening the space.

The appropriate tile pattern can improve the look 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 of the tile adds a unique an artistic look that balances the modern organic style of the fireplace and the overall contemporary design of the room.

If you're not sure about taking a risk on a pattern in your home, a fireplace can be an excellent place to try out a bold design that could be intimidating in other areas of the house. This geometric tile with its black grout gives the room an elegant and playful look. The hexagonal shapes work like cubes for a stimulating layout, and the dark brown hue creates an inviting and warm aesthetic that works with the industrial decor in the room.

Tiles that look like brick or other materials you are familiar with is another way to make an impact with your fireplace. This textured tile, made by LA Designer Affair, has a similar look to brick, but has the added benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.

Consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to update your fireplace surround without costing you a dime. These options are heat-resistant which makes them suitable for Fireplaces Shop and able adhere to existing surfaces. 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 an existing brick surround, the most effective method to minimize its appearance is by giving it fresh coats of paint. Painting the mantel a different color can also add warmth and personality to the room. A new color of paint could make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the color scheme of the room or pick something bold.

If your mantel is made of wood, you should first examine it for cracks, nicks, and fireplaces (git.cdc.com.Ar) gouges. Fill in the dents using wood putty, if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the time recommended. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it up prior to painting. To get rid of any debris or dirt, wipe down the surfaces that have been sanded with a damp cloth.

While white is a popular color for fireplaces and walls, the right shade can really help your mantel stand out. For ideas, take a look at the wood trim on your bookcases, moldings and walls. Does your mantel have the same color as theirs, or is it darker or lighter? If the latter, pick a color that coordinates well to keep the room looking balanced.

Make sure you cover the area around you with sheets or a dropcloth prior to when you begin painting. Remove any decorations or showpieces that were hung above the mantel. If your fireplace is made of brick, take away any pictures or ornaments that are placed on or around it. Once the mantel has been cleaned, use a damp cloth and wipe it clean to get rid of any dust or soot.

Apply a basecoat using a roller or brush to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish lasts and stain-resistant, so your mantel will stand up well to the heat of the fireplace and any other objects placed on it. Allow the primer to dry according to the recommendations of the manufacturer prior to moving on to the main part of your fireplace stove's wall.

While brick is a beautiful feature of a fireplace's wall, it can be a bit heavy and dark in hue. Paint the mantel with in a neutral or light shade can make it look brighter and more welcoming to guests. If you decide to choose a light color, consider pairing it with a earthy-toned piece of art or a large mirror above it to balance the look.