How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can give your living space an attractive focal point that requires attention. There are many models available and you must pick one that meets your requirements.

The most significant features include the output of heat along with 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

This living room needed a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its outdated stone surround and bland walls.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 striking making the hearth a central feature in the room. A whitewashed fireplace and contemporary artwork above modernize the facade of the fireplace and contrast with the gray shelves below. A few color changes will also make the fireplace stand apart from the wall, adding the charm of this fireplace design.

Base cap moldings and trim pieces create a simple, yet effective method of framing a tile fireplace surround. Select a trim style that is in contrast with or matches your other trim elements, like the thick casing around doors and windows to make the look more cohesive. If you're looking for Marble fireplaces an elegant, high-end style, choose a fluted trim to create the illusion of a mantel. For a more rustic farmhouse style, choose to use dentil trim instead.

Wainscoting accent walls is a popular method to add the look of the interior of a room. The same method can be used to frame the fireplace. Consider a paneled material like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard in place of plank boards to create a dramatic effect.

Brick is another non-combustible option for a fireplace surround. It comes in various styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace with red accents is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. Rustic-look brick is also an option that could be a good fit with more traditional country-style decor.

If you want 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 wide in all directions. Make sure your chosen material is compliant with all local and national building codes for safety.

Open shelving is a great option to store books and other things, but too many can overwhelm the look of a 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 with a rustic appearance make a great fireplace wall. They add a timeless beauty to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood are made from old barns, stalls, and other structures that were destroyed. Each beam has its own distinct history. Reclaimed wood can be used as a feature in modern kitchens, or stone Fireplaces - image source - with wide plank paneling to create an authentic appearance. They are characterized by barn wood markings like mortise and nail holes plus a natural aging that improves their longevity.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage as well as flea markets for reclaimed wood elements to use as a mantel or accent wall. The natural tone of pine used to accent this traditional living room surround and mantel evokes the feeling of a cozy country getaway. The knotty imperfections in the wood accent the hand-crafted look and compliment the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which borders the fireplace - related resource site -'s wall. A pair of sconces with a natural theme and a landscape painting over the mantel add to the rustic coziness of this space.

Repurposed wooden beams will bring a unique look to any space. They can be left in their natural state or stained to match the decor of your home or carved and distressed for an antique look. They can also be painted to give a more contemporary appearance or covered with faux finishes like rust or marbled paint.

The wooden beams can serve as the central element of any fireplace. They can be positioned over a freestanding gas, electric fireplace or ventless fireplace or incorporated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can be used to highlight the mantel without a burning fire.

Regardless of which method of installation you choose ensure that your wood or steel beams are protected from the consequences of fire. Both materials are susceptible to becoming hard and brittle when heated to extreme temperatures. However they can be strengthened with a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products are available at a variety of home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can create an impressive statement when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens the space and is a perfect match for any decor, whether traditional or modern. Selecting matte finishes for the tiles is the best way to maintain that clean and polished look, while also adding some color to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can be customised with a variety of textures for an individualized look. Stone-look tiles are a popular choice that gives the room a rustic, classic feel. They also look great with natural materials such as wood. Another classic option is marble-look tile that adds a luxurious and elegant aesthetic to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting the sunlight and brightening the space.

The perfect tile pattern can enhance 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 gives the appearance of a hand-crafted space, while balancing the contemporary organic style fireplace with the overall style of the room.

If you're not sure about taking a risk on a design in your home, a fireplace is an excellent place to try out a bold pattern which could be a bit intimidating in other areas of the house. This geometric tile (here's another option) with its black grout lines gives this room a sophisticated and lively energy. The hexagonal shapes fit like cubes to create a stimulating layout. The deep brown hue provides this space with an inviting, warm look that goes well with the industrial style.

Another option to make an impact with your fireplace is to select tiles that have the look of brick or a similar material. This texture tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance to brick, but is much easier to maintain and clean.

Consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to upgrade your fireplace surround without spending a fortune. These tiles are heat-resistant, making them suitable for fireplaces and can be bonded to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is an excellent alternative that will add an elegant look to any living space, and will look great with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the most effective method to cover the brick surround of a wall-mounted fireplace. The mantel can be painted a different color to add warmth and character. A new color of paint could make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the overall color scheme of the room or choose something striking.

If your mantel is made of wood take a look at it to find gouges, cracks and scratches. If the dents aren't enough to be handled Fill them in with wood putty and let it set for the appropriate amount of time. Before painting, sand the surface with 100-grit sandpaper to rough it up. Clean the surface with a damp cloth in order to take off any remaining dirt or dust.

While white is a popular color for walls and fireplaces but the right color can really make your fireplace stand out. Look at the other trims, moldings, and bookcases in your home for inspiration. Does your mantel match in color as theirs or tabletop fireplace (image source) is it darker or lighter? If so, select a color that coordinates well to keep the look balanced.

Make sure you cover the area around you with a dropcloth or sheets before you begin painting. Clean the mantel, taking out any decorative pieces or displays that might be hanging above it. If your fireplace is brick, remove any ornaments or pictures that are located on or around it. After the mantel has been cleaned, use a damp cloth and wipe it clean to remove any soot or dust.

Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel using a brush or roller. The semi-gloss finish is durable and stain-resistant, so your mantel will hold up well to the heat generated by the fireplace, as well as other items placed on it. Let the primer dry according to the manufacturer's recommendations before moving on to the main part of your fireplace's wall.

The brick can be quite heavy in weight and color. Paint the mantel with a light color or neutral to make it appear lighter and more inviting. If you choose a light color for your mantel, match it with a work of art with earthy tones or a large mirror to complement the overall look.