How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can give your living room a focal point that demands attention. There are numerous models to choose from and you must pick one that suits your needs.

The output of heat, the controls and the appearance are among the most important features. If you're not aware of these elements, it's recommended to consult an expert to help you choose the right model.

Molded Squares

This living room needed a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its outdated stone surround and bland walls. With a few tweaks to the design the new look is bright and eye-catching, making the hearth an important focal point in the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel and contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the exterior, while the gray shelves below contrast. A few changes in color can also help the fireplace stand apart from the wall, enhancing the beauty of this fireplace design.

Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces are paired to make a simple but effective method of framing a tile fireplace surround. To bring the design together pick a trim style to contrast or match the other trim elements such as thick casing around windows and doors. If you're looking for an elegant, premium look, Stone fireplaces consider using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace mantels to create the illusion of a real mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse style.

Creating an accent wall with wainscoting is a popular way to add character any room. The same method can be used to frame the fireplace. Consider a paneled material like tongue-and groove cedar siding or beadboard instead of plank boards to create a dramatic appearance.

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

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

Open shelving is a great way to organize books and other items, but too many can make a mess of the fireplace. The owners of this family room created a wall to ceiling limestone cladding to improve the look of the room without overwhelming open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams that have a rustic style are ideal for a fireplace wall. They are timeless and beautiful to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood are made from barns, stalls, and other structures that were removed. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can also be used as an accent in modern kitchens or wide plank paneling to create a rustic look. They have the typical barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes, as well as a natural aging process that improves their longevity.

Look through salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets for wood pieces that you can repurpose into a mantel. For example, the earthy shade of pine that highlights the traditional mantel and surround evokes an idyllic rural setting. The knotty imperfections in the wood accent the hand-crafted appearance and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that is a part of the fireplace's wall. A pair of nature-inspired sconces and a painting of a landscape above the mantel add to the rustic ambiance of the room.

Repurposed wooden beams can make an attractive accent to any room in your home. They can be left as-is or stained to match the decor of your home, or they can be distressed and carved to give them an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a more contemporary appearance or covered with faux finishes like rust or marbling paint.

The wooden beams are able to serve as the central point of any fireplace. They can be used to highlight the mantel without any fire burning. They can be used to illuminate the mantel without burning fire.

No matter which method of installation you decide to use be sure that your steel or wood beams are adequately protected from the possible effects of fire. Both materials are susceptible to becoming brittle in extreme heat. However, they can be strengthened with a layer of fire-resistant drywall. These products are available in a wide variety of stores for home improvement.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can create an impressive statement when used as a fireplace surround. Its design instantly brightens the space and is a perfect match for any decor, whether modern or traditional. Selecting a matte finish for the tiles is the best way to maintain that clean and polished look, while adding some contrast that makes the fireplace sparkle.

Hex tiles also work well with a variety of texture choices for a more personalized look. Stone Fireplaces-look tiles are a very popular option that gives the space a rustic, classic feel. They also look great with natural materials such as wood. Marble-look tile is a timeless option that adds an elegant and luxurious aesthetic to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles sparkles beautifully, reflecting light and brightening up the space.

The right tile pattern can elevate the overall 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 an artistic look to the space, balancing the modern natural style fireplace with the overall style of the room.

If you're unsure about putting your faith in a pattern in your home, a fireplace is the perfect place to test out a bold pattern which could be intimidating in other parts of your home. This geometric tile (here's an alternative) with its black grout lines give this space a sophisticated yet fun energy. The hexagonal shapes fit like cubes to create an exciting layout. The deep brown color provides this space with a warm, inviting aesthetic that complements the industrial decor.

Another method of making a statement with your fireplace is to choose tile that resembles the appearance of brick or another popular material. This textured tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look to traditional brick, but is much simpler to maintain and clean.

If you're not ready commit to a full-scale remodel of your fireplace's surround, consider using a peel and stick tile to refresh the look without spending a fortune. These tiles are resistant to heat, making them suitable for bioethanol fireplaces and can adhere to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great option that will add a sense of elegance to any living space while also blending beautifully with traditional furnishings.

Paint the Mantel

When a wall fireplace has a brick surround, the most effective way to disguise its appearance is with an update of the paint. Painting the mantel a different hue also adds warmth and character to the room. A new color of paint can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the scheme of color in the room or choose something striking.

If your mantel is constructed of wood, you should first examine it for cracks, nicks and gouges. Fill in the dents with wood putty if they are small enough. Allow it to dry for the period recommended. Before painting you can sand the surface 100-grit sandpaper to roughen it up. Wipe the surface that has been sanded using a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or dust.

White is a popular color for fireplaces and walls. But the right shade will make your fireplace stand out. For inspiration, examine the wood trims on your bookcases, moldings and stone Fireplaces walls. Do they use the same shade as your mantel, or is it a lighter or a darker hue? If you choose the latter option, pick the color that works well with the other colors in the room to ensure it looks 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. If your fireplace is brick, remove any pictures or ornaments that are placed on or within it. After the mantel has been cleaned, you can use a damp cloth and wipe it clean to get rid of any soot or dust.

Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with the use of a roller or brush. The semi-gloss finish lasts and stain-resistant, ensuring that your mantel will stand up well to the heat generated by the fireplace, as well as other objects placed on it. Allow the primer to completely dry, according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.

While brick is an attractive feature of a fireplace wall, it can be a bit heavy and dark in shade. The mantel painted with in a neutral or light shade can make it look brighter and more inviting to guests. If you decide to go with the lighter hue, think about using it in conjunction with an earthy toned piece of art or a large mirror above it to balance the appearance.