How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can provide your living space with an eye-catching focal point. There are many models available, so you should choose 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 best to seek out a professional to help you select the best model.

Molded Squares

The living room in this house needed an impressive fireplace overhaul due to its outdated stone surround and dull walls. The new style is vibrant, attractive and makes this hearth the center of the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel and contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the facade and the shelves in gray below provide a stark contrast. A few minor changes in color can also help the fireplace stand out from the wall, which enhances the beauty of this fireplace design.

Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces create a simple yet efficient way to frame a fireplace suite surround made of tile. Choose a trim style that contrasts with or matches the other trim elements, like the thick casing around doors and windows, to create a cohesive look. If you're looking to create an elegant, high-end style, think about using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of a real mantel. For a more rustic, farmhouse style, opt for dentil trim instead.

Making an accent wall using wainscoting is an effective way to add character any room. The same technique can be employed to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled option like tongue-and groove cedar siding or beadboard instead of plank boards to create a dramatic appearance.

Brick is another non-combustible option for a fireplace surround. It is available in different styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace with red is a popular choice for cottage-style or Craft Revival style homes. Rustic-style brick is another option that can fit in with a more traditional, country style.

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

Open shelving can be excellent for storing books and other items. However, too many shelves can ruin the look of a fireplace. The owners of this family room designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the look without overpowering 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 wood beams are sourced from old barns, stables and other demolished structures. Each beam carries with it its own unique history. Reclaimed wood can be used combination with wide plank ceiling paneling to create a rustic look or as accents to modern kitchens. They feature the usual barn wood markings, such as mortise and nail holes and a natural aging process that increases their durability.

Search architectural salvage yards and flea market for reclaimed wood elements to repurpose into a mantel. The rustic tone of pine used to create this traditional living room surround and mantel creates the feeling of a cozy country getaway. 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 which is a part of the fireplace wall. A pair of sconces with a natural theme and a landscape-themed painting above the mantel enhance the rustic ambiance of the space.

Repurposed wood beams can be an attractive accent to any room in your home. They can be left as is or stained to complement your current decor, or they can be distressed and carved to give them an antique look. They can also be painted for a more contemporary appearance, or they can be covered with faux finishes such as rust or marbled paint.

The wooden beams are able to serve as the central point of any fireplace. They can be positioned above a freestanding gas, electric fireplace or ventless fireplace or they can be incorporated into a brick or White Fireplace stone fireplace. They can be used to accent the mantel without a flame burning.

Whichever method you choose to install your beams, ensure that they are adequately protected from the effects of fire. Both types of materials are susceptible to becoming brittle and weakening when exposed to extreme heat, however both can be reinforced with a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant sprayed on steel I-beams. These products can be found at most home improvement shops.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be utilized to create a dramatic effect as an accent for fireplaces. Its shape instantly brightens the space and is a perfect match for any decor, modern or traditional. The matte finish is ideal for a sleek and polished appearance while adding a splash of contrast to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles also work well with various textures for a more personalized look. Stone-look tiles are a very popular option that give the room an old-fashioned, rustic feel. They also go well with natural materials, such as wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tiles, which adds an elegant and luxurious appearance to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles sparkles beautifully, reflecting light and brightening the room.

The appropriate tile pattern can improve the design 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 provides an artistic look to the space, balancing the modern organic style fireplace with the overall style of the room.

If you're not sure about taking a risk with design in your home, a fireplace is the perfect place to test out a bold pattern that could be a bit intimidating in other areas of the house. This geometric tile with its black grout gives the room an elegant yet playful feel. The hexagonal shapes are arranged like cubes to create a fascinating layout, while the deep brown color creates an inviting and warm look that works with the industrial décor in this space.

Tiles that look like brick or other familiar materials is another way to create an impact with your fireplace. The textured tile, which is made by LA Designer Affair, has the same look as brick, but with the added benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.

Consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to modernize your fireplace surround without spending a fortune. Many of these options are heat-resistant and therefore safe for fireplaces and able to adhere to the existing wall. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a great option for adding style to any room. It also works beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the best method to cover the brick surround on an unwall-mounted fireplace. The mantel's paint color can also add warmth and personality to the room. Whether you choose to match it with the room's color scheme or go for something bold or bold, a new color will make your fireplace stand out as a showstopper.

If the mantel is made of wood, inspect it first for cracks, gouges, and nicks. Fill in the dents using wood putty if they are small enough. Allow it to dry for the time recommended. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it up prior to painting. Clean the surface with a damp cloth in order to get rid of any dirt or dust.

While white is a popular choice for walls and fireplaces, the right shade can really make your fireplace stand out. For ideas, take a look at the trims of wood on your bookcases, moldings, and walls. Does your mantel match in color as theirs or is it lighter or darker? If so, select an appropriate color to keep the room looking well-balanced.

Make sure you cover the area around you with sheets or a dropcloth prior to when you begin painting. Remove the mantel, removing any decorative pieces or displays that may be hung above it. Take away any ornaments or pictures that are on or around the fireplace made of brick. After the mantel has been cleaned, use a damp cloth and wipe it down to remove any dust or soot.

Apply a basecoat using a roller or brush to your mantel. The semi-gloss paint lasts and stain-resistant, so your mantel will be able to be able to withstand the heat of your fireplace, and any other items that are placed on it. Let the primer completely dry, as per the instructions provided by the manufacturer before you begin painting the main wall of the fireplace.

While brick is a striking feature of a fireplace wall, it can be a bit heavy and dark in color. Painting the mantel an even or light color can make it appear brighter and more inviting to guests. If you decide to go with a light color, consider pairing it with an earthy-toned artwork or a mirror that is large above it to create a balanced look.