How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace (Going Listed here) can give your living space a focal point that demands attention. There are a variety of models available and you must pick one that suits your needs.

The heat output, the controls, and the design are among the most important features. If you're not familiar with these features, it's best to hire an expert to help you select the best model.

Molded Squares

A dull stone fireplace surround and dull walls created a living space that was in need of a dramatic fireplace revamp. The new design is vibrant, attractive and makes this hearth the main focal point of the room. A whitewashed mantel and contemporary artwork above the fireplace's facade modernize it while contrasting with the shelves in gray below. A few minor changes in color also help the facade stand apart from the wall fires, enhancing the appeal of this fireplace design.

Base cap moldings and trim pieces are paired to create a simple yet effective way to frame the fireplace with a tile surround. Choose a trim style that is in contrast with or matches the other trim elements, such as the thick casing around doors and windows to make the look more cohesive. If you're looking to create an elegant, luxurious look, consider using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic farmhouse style.

Creating an accent wall with wainscoting is a popular method to add character to any room. The same technique can be employed to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled product like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard instead of plank boards to create a dramatic effect.

Another non-combustible material you can use to create a fireplace surround is brick, which comes in a variety of 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 could be a good fit with a more traditional, country-style decor.

When incorporating brick into your fireplace design, you'll want to ensure that your hearth is 16 to 18 inches from the opening of the firebox and that the surround extends 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the brick you select is safe and complies with all national and local codes.

Open shelving is a great way to store books and other items However, too many shelves could overwhelm the look of the fireplace. The homeowners of this living room have created a wall to ceiling limestone cladding in order to elevate the design without overwhelming the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look make a great fireplace wall. They add timeless beauty to any home. Reclaimed wood beams originate from old stables, barns and other buildings that were demolished. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used as a decorative element in modern kitchens or wide planks of paneling to create an authentic appearance. They have the typical barn wood markings, such as mortise and nail holes as well as a natural aging process that improves their longevity.

Search architectural salvage yards and flea market for reclaimed wooden elements to repurpose into a mantel. The rustic tone of pine used as a backdrop for this traditional living room surround and mantel creates a cozy country retreat. The knotty imperfections in the wood accent a hand-hewn look and compliment the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which surrounds the fireplace wall. The rustic warmth of this room is enhanced by a pair of natural-inspired wall sconces, and an image of a landscape above the mantel.

Repurposed wooden beams can provide an attractive accent to any room in your home. They can be stained to match your current design or carved to create an antique appearance. They can also be painted for a more contemporary appearance, or they can be covered with faux finishes such as marbled or rust paint.

The wooden beams can serve as the focal feature of any fireplace. They can be used to highlight the mantel without the need for a fire. They can also be used to highlight a mantel without a fire burning.

No matter which method of installation you choose ensure that your wood or steel beams are properly protected from the possible consequences of fire. Both types of materials can be brittle and weaken when exposed to extreme heat, but both can be reinforced with a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant sprays on I-beams made of steel. These products are available at most home improvement shops.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be utilized to create a dramatic effect as a surround for a fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens up the space and is a perfect match for any style of decor, from traditional to modern. The matte finish is perfect for a polished and clean appearance while adding a splash of contrast to make the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles can be customised by a variety of textures to create an individualized look. Stone-look tiles are a favorite that gives the space a rustic, classic feel. They also go well with natural materials such as wood. Marble-look tile is another timeless option that adds an elegant and luxurious appearance 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 a fireplace's design. 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, balancing the modern natural style fireplace with the overall style of the room.

If you're unsure about putting your faith in a pattern in your home, a fireplace can be the perfect place to test out a bold pattern which could be intimidating in other areas of the house. The geometric tile with its black grout provides this area with an elegant and playful look. The hexagonal shapes work like cubes for a stimulating layout, while the deep brown color provides a warm and inviting aesthetic that is a perfect match for the industrial decor in the room.

Tile that looks like brick or other familiar materials is another option to create an impact on your fireplace. This textured tile, from LA Designer Affair, has the same look as traditional brick but with the added benefit of being much easier to clean and maintain.

If you're not ready make a major overhaul of your fireplace's surround, think about applying a peel-and-stick tile to update the look without costing you a fortune. Many of these options are heat resistant, making them safe for the fireplace and able to stick to the existing surface. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great option that will bring an elegant look to any living space, while coordinating beautifully with traditional furnishings.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the most effective method to hide the brick surround on an unwall-mounted fireplace. The mantel can be painted in a different colour to add warmth and character. A new color of paint can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the color scheme of the room or pick something bold.

If the mantel is made of wood take a look at it to find gouges, cracks, and scratches. Fill in the dents using wood putty if they are small enough. Allow it to dry for the period recommended. Before painting, sand the surface with 100-grit sandpaper to roughen it up. Wipe down the sanded surface using a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or debris.

White is a favorite color for walls and electric fireplaces. But the right shade will make your fireplace stand out. Check out the other wood trim, moldings and bookcases in your home for inspiration. Do they have the same shade as your mantel? Or is it a lighter or darker hue? If the latter, choose the color that is well-matched to keep the room looking well-balanced.

Before you start painting, cover the area around you with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove any decorations or showpieces that might have been placed over the mantel. Take away any ornaments or pictures that are around or on the brick freestanding fireplace. Once the mantel is empty and clean, wipe it with a an damp cloth to wash off any dust or soot that has built up.

Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel using a brush or roller. The semi-gloss paint is durable and stain-resistant, which means your mantel will be able to withstand the heat of the fireplace as well as any other objects that are placed on it. Let the primer dry, according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer before you begin painting the main wall of the fireplace.

While the brick is a beautiful feature of a fireplace's wall it can be quite heavy and dark in color. Paint the mantel in a light color or neutral to make it appear more vibrant and more inviting. If you choose a light color for your mantel, match it with a work of artwork in earthy tones, or a large wall mirror to balance out the appearance.