How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace on the wall can create your living space an attractive focal point that requires attention. There are a variety of models available and you must pick one that suits your needs.

The most significant features include the output of heat along with the appearance and controls. If you're not familiar with these features, it's recommended to hire an expert to help you select the best model.

Molded Squares

A stale stone fireplace surround and dull walls created a living space that was in need of a dramatic fireplace makeover. With a few tweaks to the design, the new look is bright and attractive, making the hearth a central feature in the room. A whitewashed mantel and contemporary artwork above modernize the facade of the fireplace while contrasted with the shelves in gray below. The fireplace facade is enhanced by a few color changes.

Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces are combined to create a simple, yet effective method of framing the fireplace with a tile surround. Choose a trim style that contrasts with or complements the other trim elements, for example, the thick casing around windows and doors to create a cohesive look. If you're looking to create an elegant, premium look, consider using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of a 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. Instead of using plank boards, instead, consider a paneled product like beadboard or tongue-and-groove cedar siding to create a dramatic look.

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

If you are incorporating brick into your fireplace design, you'll need to ensure that your hearth extends 16 to 18 inches from the firebox opening and that your surround reaches 8-12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the material you choose conforms to all local and national construction codes for safety.

Open shelving is a great option to store books and other things, but too many can take over the appearance of the fireplace. The owners of this family room created a wall to ceiling limestone cladding in order to enhance the look without overpowering open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wood beams make the ideal frame for a fireplace on the wall. They add a timeless look to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood are reclaimed from old barns, stalls, and other structures that were demolished. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can also be used as a decorative element in modern kitchens or with wide planks to give an authentic look. They have the typical barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes as well as a natural aging process that increases their longevity.

Search architectural salvage yards and flea markets for reclaimed wooden elements to transform into a mantel. The earthy tone of pine used to accent the traditional living room mantel and surround evokes 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 which surrounds the fireplace wall. A pair of sconces inspired by nature and a painting of a landscape above the mantel add to the rustic charm of this space.

Repurposed wooden beams can make an eye-catching statement to any room in your home. They can be stained to match your current design or carved to create an antique look. They can also be painted for a more contemporary appearance or covered with faux finishes like marbled or rust paint.

The wooden beams are able to serve as the central feature of any fireplace. They can be set over a freestanding gas, ventless or electric firesuite fire [Bookmarkblast.com] fireplace, or they can be incorporated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can be used to illuminate the mantel without a burning fire.

Whichever method you decide to use to mount your beams, ensure that they are protected adequately from the effects of fire. Both types of material can become brittle and weaken in the presence of extreme heat, but both can be reinforced with a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant sprayed on I-beams made of steel. These products are sold at most stores for home improvement.

white fireplace Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a striking effect as surrounds for fireplaces. Its design instantly brightens the room and complements any decor, contemporary or traditional. The matte finish is ideal for a sleek and polished look while adding contrast to make the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles can be customised by a variety of textures to create an individualized appearance. Stone-look tile is a very popular choice that gives the room an authentic, rustic look while blending beautifully with natural materials such as wood. marble fireplace-look tile is a timeless option that provides an elegant and luxurious look to the room. These tiles feature a glossy and smooth finish that reflects light beautifully and brightens the space.

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 patterned tile gives the whole space the look of a hand-crafted piece that balances the modern organic style of the fireplace with the contemporary style of the room.

If you're unsure about taking a pattern risk in your home, the fireplace is a great place to test a bold design. It can be intimidating for other areas. The geometric tile with its black grout gives the room an elegant and playful look. The hexagonal shapes are arranged like cubes to create a fascinating layout, while the dark brown color provides an inviting and warm aesthetic that complements the industrial décor in this space.

Tiles that resemble brick or other familiar materials is another way to create an impact with your fireplace. This textured tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look to brick, but is much easier to maintain and clean.

Consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to modernize your fireplace's surround without spending a fortune. These tiles are resistant to heat which makes them suitable for fireplaces as well as able to be bonded to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is an excellent option that will add a sense of elegance to any living space and will look great with traditional furnishings.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace in a wall has an existing brick surround, the most effective way to disguise its appearance is to give it an update of the paint. The mantel can be painted with a different hue to add warmth and personality. A new paint color can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the scheme of color in the room or choose something striking.

If your mantel is wood take a look at it to find gouges, cracks, and scratches. Fill in the dents with 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. Wipe the surface that has been sanded with a damp cloth in order to take off any remaining dirt or debris.

While white is a popular color for walls and fireplaces but the right color can make your mantel stand out. Check out the other wood trims, moldings, and bookcases in your home to get ideas. Does your mantel have the same color as theirs or is it lighter or darker? If you opt for the latter option, pick a color that will work well with the other colors in the room to ensure it looks balanced.

Before you start painting, cover the area around you with a drop cloth or sheets. Clean the mantel and remove any decorative pieces or displays that might be hanging above it. If your fireplace is brick, get rid of any ornaments or pictures that are located on or around it. Once the mantel has been cleared, wipe it down with a damp cloth to clean off any dust or soot that has built up.

Apply a basecoat using brushes or rollers to your mantel. The semi-gloss paint is long-lasting and stain resistant, so your mantel will be able to withstand the heat of the fireplace, as well as other objects that are placed on it. Allow the primer to dry according to the guidelines of the manufacturer before moving onto the main body of your fireplace's wall.

The brick may be heavy in both weight and color. Paint the mantel with an unassuming color or neutral to make it appear more vibrant and more inviting. If you decide to choose a light color, consider pairing it with a earthy-toned piece of artwork or a mirror that is large above it to create a balanced look.