How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can provide your living space with an eye-catching focal area. There are numerous designs available but it is crucial to choose one that will meet your requirements.

The most significant features include the output of heat along with the appearance and controls. If you aren't familiar with these elements, it's best to seek out a professional to help you select the best model.

Molded Squares

The living room required an impressive fireplace overhaul due to its outdated stone surround and bland walls. With a few tweaks to the design, the new look is fresh and eye-catching making this hearth a focal point in the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel and contemporary art above the fireplace modernizes the exterior while the shelves that are gray below contrast. The fireplace's facade is accentuated by a few changes in color.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces are combined to create a simple yet effective, method to frame the fireplace surround. Select a trim style that contrasts with or complements your other trim elements, for example, the thick casing around doors and windows to create a cohesive look. 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 popular method to add the look of rooms. The same technique can be employed to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards however, try a paneled material like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard to create a striking appearance.

Brick is another non-combustible option for the fireplace surround. It comes in a variety of styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace in red is a popular choice for cottage-style or Craft-Revival-style homes. A rustic-looking brick could be used to add a rustic touch to a traditional decor.

If you are 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 in all directions. Be sure that the material you choose is compliant with all national and local construction codes for security.

Open shelving is a great option to store books and other things however, too many shelves can make a mess of the fireplace. The homeowners of this living room have created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding in order to improve the look of the room without overwhelming the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look are perfect for a fireplace wall. They bring a timeless appeal to any home. Reclaimed wood beams come from old stables, barns and other demolished structures. Each beam is unique and has its own distinct history. Reclaimed wood can also be used as a decorative element in modern kitchens, or with wide planks to give an authentic appearance. They have the typical barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes, plus a natural aging that increases their durability.

Scour architectural salvage yards and flea markets for reclaimed wood elements to repurpose for a mantel or an accent wall. The natural tone of pine used to create this traditional living room surround and biofireplace mantel creates a cozy country 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 surrounds the fireplace's wall. A pair of nature-inspired sconces and a landscape painting over the mantel add to the rustic ambiance of the room.

Repurposed wooden beams will give a unique appearance to any room. They can be left as is or stained to complement your existing decor, or they can be cut and distressed to create an antique appearance. They can also be painted to give modern fireplace appearance, or they can be covered with faux finishes like marbled paint or rust.

The wooden beams can be used as the central feature 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 without a flame burning.

Regardless of which method of installation you choose, make sure that your steel or wood beams are adequately protected from the possible effects of fire. Both types of materials can be brittle and weaken when exposed to extreme heat, but both can be reinforced with a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant sprays on steel I-beams. These products are available in a wide variety of stores for home improvement.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a striking effect as surrounds for fireplaces. Its shape instantly brightens the space and is a perfect match for any style, whether modern or traditional. Selecting matte finishes for the tiles is ideal to maintain that clean and polished look, while also adding some color to make the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles can be customized by a variety of textures to create a more personalized look. Stone-look tile is a popular option that lends the space a classic, 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 room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles sparkles beautifully, reflecting light and brightening the space.

The right tile pattern can elevate 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 patterned tile gives the appearance of a hand-crafted space, balancing the modern organic style fireplace with the overall style of the room.

If you're unsure about taking a risk on a pattern in your home, a fireplace can be the perfect place to test out a bold pattern which could be intimidating in other parts of your home. This geometric tile with its black grout gives the room an elegant and playful look. The hexagonal shapes are arranged as cubes to create an exciting layout, and the dark brown color creates an inviting and warm look that is a perfect match for the industrial decor in this space.

Another method of making a statement with your fireplace is to select tile that resembles the appearance of brick or a similar material. This pattern-based tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look to brick, but is much easier to clean and maintain.

Consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to update your fireplace's surround without costing you a dime. A majority of these options are heat-resistant which means they are 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 an elegant look to any living space while also blending beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the best method to cover the brick surround of the wall of a fireplace. The mantel can be painted in a different color to add warmth and personality. A new color of paint can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the scheme of color in the room or pick something striking.

If your mantel is made of wood take a look at it to find cracks, gouges, and nicks. If the dents are small enough to be able to handle Fill them in with wood putty and allow it to set for the recommended amount of time. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it up prior to painting. To get rid of any dirt or debris, wipe down the sanded surfaces with a damp cloth.

White is a popular color for walls and fireplaces. However the right shade will make your mantel really stand out. For ideas, take a examine the wood trims on your bookcases, mouldings and walls. Does your mantel have the same shade as theirs or is it lighter or darker? If the latter, choose the color that is well-matched to keep the room looking well-balanced.

Before you begin painting, protect the area surrounding you with drop cloth or sheets. Remove the mantel and remove any decorative pieces or displays that may be hung above it. If your freestanding fireplace is made of brick, take away any pictures or ornaments that are located on or within it. After the mantel has been cleaned, take a damp cloth and wipe it clean to remove any soot or dust.

Apply a basecoat using brushes or rollers to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish lasts and stain-resistant, so your mantel is able to stand up well to the heat generated by the fireplace and any other objects placed on it. Allow the primer to dry according to the manufacturer's recommendations before moving onto the main body of your fireplace wall.

The brick can be heavy in both weight and color. The mantel painted with a light or neutral color will make it appear more lively and more inviting for guests. If you decide to choose a light hue, think about using it in conjunction with an earthy toned artwork or a large mirror above it to create a balanced look.