How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace in the wall will provide your living space with an eye-catching focal area. There are a variety of models available and you must pick one that meets your requirements.

The most significant features include the output of heat, the appearance and the controls. If you're not aware of these features, it's best to consult a professional to assist you in choosing the right model.

Molded Squares

This living room needed an overhaul to the fireplace due to its outdated stone surround and dull walls. The new style is bright, eye-catching and makes this hearth the center of the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel as well as contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the exterior while the shelves that are gray below provide a stark contrast. A few color changes will also make the fireplace stand out from the wall, adding the charm of this fireplace design.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces join to create a simple, yet effective, method to frame the tile fireplace surround. Choose a style of trim that contrasts with or matches the other trim elements, such as the thick casing around windows and doors, to create a cohesive look. If you're looking for an elegant, premium look, you can consider using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of a mantel. For a more rustic, farmhouse look, choose to use dentil trim instead.

Wainscoting accent walls is a common method of adding character to rooms. The same method can be used to frame a fireplace. Try a paneled product like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard instead plank boards to create a dramatic appearance.

Another non-combustible material you can use to build a fireplace surround is brick, which comes in many different styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace with red accents is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. A rustic-looking brick could be used to add a rustic touch to a traditional decor.

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

Open shelving is excellent for storing books and other objects. However the presence of too many shelves can overwhelm the appearance of a fireplace. In this family room, the homeowners designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the appearance of the fireplace without overwhelming the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wooden beams are the ideal frame for a wall fireplace. They add a timeless look to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood fireplace are made from barns, stalls and other buildings that have been destroyed. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used combination with wide plank ceiling paneling to create a rustic look or as a decorative element to modern kitchens. They have the typical barn wood markings like mortise and nail holes plus a natural aging that increases their longevity.

Look through salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea market for wood pieces that you can make into a fireplace. For example the earthy hue of pine that highlights the traditional mantel and surround is reminiscent of the feeling of a rustic, cozy retreat. The knotty imperfections in the wood accent the hand-crafted look and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which borders the fireplace wall. A pair of sconces inspired by nature and a painting of a landscape above the mantel enhance the rustic coziness of this space.

Repurposed wooden beams will add a unique touch to any space. They can be left as-is or stained to match your current decor or cut and distressed to create an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a modern appearance or covered with faux finishes like marbling paint or rust.

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

Whichever method you choose to put in your beams, make sure that they are protected adequately from the effects of fire. Both materials can become brittle and weaken in the presence of extreme heat, however both can be strengthened by a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant that is sprayed on I-beams made of steel. These products can be found at a variety of stores for home improvement.

white Fireplace Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a dramatic effect as a surround for a fireplace. Its shape instantly enhances the space and is a perfect match for any style of decor from traditional to modern. The matte finish is ideal for a polished and clean look while adding contrast to make the ethanol fireplace pop.

Hex tiles also work well with various textures for a more personalized look. Stone-look tile is a very popular choice that gives the space a classic, rustic feel and is a great match with natural materials such as wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tile, which adds an elegant and luxurious look to the space. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting the sunlight and brightening the space.

The proper tile pattern can improve the entire 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 pattern of the tile gives the whole space the look of a hand-crafted piece that balances the organic modern fireplace style of the fireplace and the contemporary style of the room.

If you're not sure about putting your faith in a design in your home, a fireplace can be an excellent place to try out a bold style that could be a bit intimidating in other areas of the house. This geometric tile (here's a similar option) with its black grout lines give this space a sophisticated yet lively energy. The hexagonal shapes work like cubes to create a fascinating layout, and the dark brown hue creates a warm and inviting aesthetic that works with the industrial decor in this room.

Tiles that resemble brick or other materials you are familiar with is another way to make an impact on your fireplace. This textured tile, from LA Designer Affair, has the same look as brick, but with the added benefit of being much easier to clean and maintain.

Consider using a peel-and-stick tile to update your fireplace's surround without spending a fortune. These options are heat-resistant which makes them suitable for ethanol fireplaces as well as able to adhere to existing surfaces. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a great option to add the look of a room. It also looks great with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the ideal way to hide the brick surround on the wall of a fireplace. The mantel can be painted in a different colour to add warmth and personality. A new paint color can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the color scheme of the room or choose something bold.

If your mantel is made of wood, you should first examine it for cracks, nicks, and gouges. Fill in the dents using wood putty if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the period recommended. Sand the surface with 100-grit paper to roughen it up prior to painting. To get rid of any debris or dirt, wipe down the surfaces that have been sanded with a damp cloth.

While white is a popular color for fireplaces and walls but the right color can really help your mantel stand out. To get ideas, examine the wood trim on your bookcases, moldings and walls. Do they have the same shade as your mantel, or is it a lighter or a darker hue? If you choose the latter option, select the color that works well with the other shades in the room to keep it looking balanced.

Make sure you cover the area around you with a dropcloth or sheets before you begin painting. Remove any decorative items or showpieces that might have been placed above the mantel. Remove any ornaments or pictures that are around or on the brick fireplace. After the mantel has been cleaned, take a damp cloth and wipe it down to get rid of any soot or dust.

Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with either a roller or brush. The semi-gloss finish lasts and stain-resistant, ensuring that your mantel will stand up well to the heat of the fireplace as well as any other items placed on it. Let the primer dry according to the manufacturer's recommendations before moving on to the main body of your fireplace's wall.

While the brick is a striking feature of a fireplace's wall, it can be a bit heavy and dark in shade. Painting the mantel an even or light color will make it appear more lively and more welcoming to guests. If you choose to paint it a light hue, think about pairing it with a earthy-toned artwork or a large mirror over it to balance the look.