How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can give your living room a focal point that demands attention. There are a variety of models available, so you should choose one that suits your needs.

Some of the most important features are the heat output as well as the appearance and controls. If you're unfamiliar with these features, it's best to seek out an expert to help you select the right model.

Molded Squares

A worn-out stone fireplace surround and bland walls made this living space in need of a major fireplace overhaul. The new design is bright, eye-catching and makes this hearth the main focal point of the room. A whitewashed mantel for the fireplace and contemporary art above the fireplace modernizes the facade while the shelves that are gray below contrast. A few color changes also help the facade stand out from the wall, which enhances the appeal of this fireplace design.

Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces are combined to create a simple yet efficient way to frame a fireplace surround made of tile. Choose a trim style that is in contrast with or matches your other trim elements, for example, the thick casing around doors and windows, to make the look more cohesive. If you're looking for an elegant, high-end style, choose a fluted trim to create the illusion of a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse-style.

Accent walls with wainscoting are an extremely popular way to add the look of rooms. The same method can be used to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled option like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard instead plank boards to create a dramatic appearance.

Another non-combustible material that you can build the fireplace surround is brick, which is available in a variety of styles and colors. A traditional red brick fireplace is a traditional choice for Craft Revival-style or cottage-style homes. A rustic-look brick can also 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 16-18 inches from the opening of the firebox, and the surround is 8 to 12 inches wide in all directions. Make sure the brick you select is safe and complies with all local and national codes.

Open shelves are a great way to organize books and other items however, too many shelves can take over the appearance of a fireplace. The owners of this family room created the wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding in order to improve the look of the room without overwhelming open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look are perfect for a fireplace wall. They add a timeless look to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood are made from old barns, stalls and other buildings that have been destroyed. Each beam is unique and has its own unique history. Reclaimed wood can also be used as an accent in modern kitchens or with wide plank paneling to create an authentic appearance. They have the typical marks of barn wood, like mortise and nail holes, plus natural patina that increases their durability.

Search architectural salvage yards and flea market for reclaimed wooden elements to make into a fireplace. The natural tone of pine used as a backdrop for this traditional living room mantel and surround evokes the feeling of a cozy country getaway. The knotty imperfections give it a rustic feel and complement the simple lines in the beaded-board wainscoting that is on the wall of the fireplace. A pair of sconces inspired by nature and a painting of a landscape over the mantel add to the rustic coziness of this space.

Repurposed wooden beams will give a unique appearance to any room. They can be left as-is or stained to complement the decor of your home, or they can be distressed and carved to give them an antique look. They can be painted to give them a more contemporary appearance 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 used to highlight a mantel without the need for a fire. They can be used to accent the mantel without a flame burning.

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

white fireplace Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can create a dramatic statement when used as a fireplace surround. Its shape instantly brightens the space and is a perfect match for any style, whether contemporary or traditional. The matte finish is ideal to create a polished and sleek appearance while adding a splash of contrast to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can also be used with different textures for a more customized appearance. Stone-look tile is a popular choice that gives the space an authentic, rustic look while pairing beautifully with natural materials such as wood. Marble-look tile is another timeless option that provides an elegant and luxurious look to the space. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting light and brightening the space.

The right tile pattern can elevate the entire look 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 gives the whole space an artistic look that balances the organic modern style of the fireplace with the overall modern design of the room.

If you're not sure about taking a risk with design in your home, a fireplace can be the perfect place to test out a bold style that might be intimidating in other areas of the house. The geometric tile with its black grout gives this space an elegant, yet fun feel. The hexagonal shapes are arranged as cubes to create an exciting layout, and the dark brown color creates a warm and inviting aesthetic that is a perfect match for the industrial décor in this room.

Another option to make a statement with your fireplace is to choose tiles that look like the appearance of brick or a similar material. This texture tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look as brick but is much easier to clean and maintain.

Consider using a peel-and stick tile to upgrade your fireplace surround without spending a fortune. A lot of these options are heat resistant and therefore safe for electric fireplaces and able to be affixed to the existing wall fires (just click the next post). This peel and stick herringbone tile is an excellent option to add the look of a room. It also looks great with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

When a wall fireplace has a brick surround, the most effective method to minimize its appearance is by giving it an update of the paint. Painting the mantel a different hue also adds warmth and personality to the space. A new paint color can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the scheme of color in the room or pick something bold.

If your mantel is made from wood, first check it for cracks, nicks and gouges. If the dents aren't large enough to be handled, fill them with wood putty and allow it to set for the appropriate amount of time. Before painting paint, sand the surface using 100-grit sandpaper to roughen it up. Wipe down the sanded surface using a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or dust.

While white is a popular choice for walls and fireplaces wooden The right shade can really help your mantel stand out. Take a look at the wood trims, moldings, and bookcases around your home for ideas. Does your mantel have the same color as theirs, or is it darker or lighter? If you choose the latter option, select the color that works well with the other shades in the room to keep it looking balanced.

Protect the area around you by using sheets or a dropcloth before you begin painting. Remove any decorative items or showpieces that were hung over the mantel. If your fireplace is made of brick, take away any ornaments or pictures that are on or around the fireplace. Once the mantel is empty and clean, wipe it with a the help of a damp cloth to wipe off any dust or soot that has accumulated.

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

While brick is a beautiful feature of a fireplace wall, it can be quite heavy and dark in hue. Paint the mantel with a light color or neutral to make it appear lighter and more inviting. If you decide to choose the lighter hue, think about using it in conjunction with an earthy toned artwork or a large mirror over it to balance the look.