How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can give your living space an element of interest that demands attention. There are numerous models to choose from and you must pick one that meets your requirements.

The output of heat, the controls and the appearance are some of the most important features. If you're not aware of these elements, it's recommended to consult a professional to help you select the best model.

Molded Squares

The living room in this house needed an overhaul to the fireplace due to its outdated stone surround and bland walls. With a few design tweaks the new look is vibrant and attractive making the hearth a centerpiece in the room. A whitewashed mantel for the fireplace and contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the facade and the shelves in gray below provide a stark contrast. The fireplace facade is enhanced by a few color changes.

Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces are combined to make a simple but effective method of framing the fireplace with a tile surround. To tie the look together select a trim design to match or contrast with the other trim elements, like thick casings around doors and windows. If you're looking to create an elegant, luxurious look, consider using fluted trim on the sides of the electric fireplace to create the illusion of an actual mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse-style.

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

Another non-combustible option you can create the fireplace surround is brick, which comes in a variety of styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace with red is a classic option for cottage-style or Craft Revival style homes. A rustic-looking brick could be used to enhance a traditional country style.

When you incorporate brick into your fireplace design, you'll need to ensure that your hearth is 16 to 18 inches from the opening for the fireplace and that your surround reaches 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you select is safe and conforms to all national and local codes.

Open shelving is a great way to store books and other items However, too many shelves could take over the appearance of a fireplace. For this family room, homeowners built a wall-to ceiling limestone cladding to elevate the appearance of the fireplace without overwhelming the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wooden beams are the ideal frame for a fireplace on the wall. They bring a timeless appeal to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood are reclaimed from barns, stalls, and other buildings that have been demolished. Each beam has its own unique story. Reclaimed wood can be used as an accent in modern kitchens, or with wide plank paneling to create an authentic look. They are characterized by the typical marks of barn wood, such as mortise and nail holes as well as natural patina that increases their durability.

Look through salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets for reclaimed wooden elements to transform into a mantel. The natural tone of pine used to create this traditional living room mantel and surround evokes an intimate country retreat. The knotty imperfections of the wood emphasize the hand-crafted look and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that is a part of the fireplace's wall. A pair of sconces with a natural theme and a landscape painting above the mantel add to the rustic ambiance of the room.

Repurposed wood beams can be an attractive accent to any room in your home. They can be stained to match your existing design or carved to create 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.

Wooden beams can be used as a focal point in any type of fireplace. They can be positioned over a freestanding gas, electric fires or ventless fireplace or incorporated into a stone or brick fireplace. They can be used to accent a mantel without a fire burning.

Regardless of which method of installation you choose be sure that your steel or wood beams are properly protected from the potential effects of fire. Both materials are susceptible to becoming brittle and weakening when exposed to extreme heat, but both can be strengthened by a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant sprays on I-beams made of steel. These products are available in most home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can create an impact when used as a fireplace surround. Its shape instantly brightens the space while complementing any decor choice from modern to traditional. The matte finish is perfect for a polished and clean look while adding contrast to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles also work well with a variety of texture choices to create a more individual look. Stone-look tiles are a very popular option that give the room an authentic, classic look. They also look great with natural materials, such as wood. Marble-look tiles are another timeless option that provides an elegant and luxurious aesthetic 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 look 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 on the tile gives the whole space an artistic look that balances the contemporary organic style of the fireplace and the contemporary style of the room.

If you're not sure about putting your faith in a patterns in your home, a fireplace is the perfect place to test out a bold design that might 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 together as cubes to create an exciting layout, and the dark brown hue creates a warm and inviting aesthetic that is a perfect match for the industrial decor in this space.

Tiles that resemble brick or other materials you are familiar with is another way to create an impact on your fireplace. This textured tile, made by LA Designer Affair, has an identical look to traditional brick but with the benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.

If you're hesitant to commit to a full-scale remodel of your fireplace's surround, think about applying a peel-and-stick tile to change the look without costing you a fortune. Many of these options are heat-resistant, making them safe for fireplaces and able to stick to the existing wall. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a fantastic option for adding style to any room. It also coordinates beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

When a wall fireplace stove (Redhotbookmarks.com) has an existing brick surround, the most effective way to disguise its appearance is to give it a fresh coat of paint. The mantel's paint color also adds warmth and character to the space. It doesn't matter if you choose to match it with the room's color scheme or opt for something more striking, a new paint color can make your tabletop fireplace stand out as a stunning feature.

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 are small enough. Allow it to dry for the period recommended. Before painting paint, sand the surface using 100-grit sandpaper to roughen it up. Wipe down the sanded surface with a damp cloth in order to take off any remaining dirt or debris.

White is a popular color for fireplaces and walls. But, the right shade will make your fireplace stand out. To get ideas, look at the trims of wood on your bookcases, mouldings and walls. Do they use the same shade as your mantel, or is it a darker or lighter shade? If you choose the latter, choose a color that will work well with the other hues in the room to keep it looking balanced.

Before you begin painting, cover the surrounding area with a drop cloth or sheets. Clean the mantel, removing any showpieces or decorations that might be hanging above it. If your fireplace is made of brick, take away any ornaments or pictures that are on or around the fireplace. When the mantel is clean then wipe it clean with a the help of a damp cloth to wipe off any soot or dust that has accumulated.

Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel using the use of a roller or brush. The semi-gloss paint is long-lasting and stain-resistant, so your mantel will be able to 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, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, before you begin painting the main wall of the fireplace.

While brick is an attractive feature of a fireplace's wall it can be heavy and dark in hue. Paint the mantel with the light or neutral color to make it appear brighter and more inviting. If you decide to go with a light color, consider pairing it with an earthy-toned piece of art or a large mirror above it to create a balanced look.