How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace will give your living room an eye-catching focal point. There are many models available, so you should choose one that is suitable for your needs.

The output of heat, the controls, and the appearance are among the most important features. If you're not familiar with these aspects, it is recommended to consult a professional to help you pick the right model.

Molded Squares

A stale stone fireplace surround and dull walls left this living space in need of a dramatic fireplace revamp. With a few tweaks to the design the new look is vibrant and striking and makes the hearth a centerpiece in the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel as well as contemporary art above the fireplace modernize the facade, while the gray shelves below contrast. A few changes in color also help the facade stand out from the wall, which enhances the charm of this fireplace design.

Base cap moldings and trim pieces make a simple but effective method of framing a fireplace surround made of tile. Select a trim style that is in contrast with or matches your other trim elements for example, the thick casing around windows and doors, to tie the look together. If you're looking for an elegant, premium look, consider using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of a real mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse style.

Making an accent wall using wainscoting is a common way to add character to any room. The same method can be used to frame a fireplace. Consider a paneled material such as tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard instead of plank boards to create a dramatic look.

Another non-combustible option you can create a fireplace surround is brick, which comes in a variety of styles and colors. A classic red brick fireplace is perfect for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. A rustic-look brick can also be used to add a rustic touch to a traditional decor.

When you incorporate brick in a 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 material you choose complies with all national and local building codes to ensure security.

Open shelving is a great option to store books and other things however, too many shelves can make a mess of the fireplace. The homeowners of this family room designed a wall to ceiling limestone cladding in order to elevate the design without overpowering open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic appearance are perfect for a fireplace wall. They add a timeless beauty to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood are reclaimed from barns, stalls and other buildings that were demolished. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used in conjunction with wide plank ceiling panels for a fully rustic design or as a decorative element to modern kitchens. They feature the usual barn wood markings like mortise and nail holes, as well as a natural aging process that improves their durability.

Look through salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea market for reclaimed wooden elements to make into a fireplace. The natural tone of pine used to accent the traditional living room surround and mantel evokes the feeling of a cozy country getaway. The knotty imperfections in the wood accent the hand-crafted appearance and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that borders the fireplace wall. A pair of sconces with a natural theme and a painting of a landscape above the mantel add to the rustic charm of this space.

Repurposed wooden beams will bring a unique look to any room. They can be stained to match your current design or carved to create an antique appearance. They can also be painted for an updated look, or they can be covered with faux finishes such as marbled paint or rust.

Wooden beams can serve as a focal point in any type of fireplace. They can be used to highlight the mantel without any ethonal fire burning. They can be used to enhance the mantel, without burning fire.

Whichever method you choose to install your beams, be sure they are protected adequately from the effects of fire. Both materials can become hard and brittle when heated to extreme temperatures. However, they can be strengthened with a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products are available in a wide variety of home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can make an impressive statement when used as a fireplace surround. Its shape instantly brightens up the space while complementing any decor style from traditional to modern. The choice of an elegant matte finish for the tiles is the best way to keep that neat and polished look while adding some color to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles also work well with a variety of texture choices for a more customized appearance. Stone-look tiles are a popular choice that gives the space a rustic, classic feel. They also pair beautifully with natural materials, such as wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tile, which adds an elegant and luxurious appearance to the space. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting the light 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 entire room a a handcrafted appeal that balances the organic modern style of the fireplace and the overall contemporary design of the room.

If you're not sure about taking a risk on a patterns 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. This geometric tile (here's a similar option) with its black grout lines gives the room a sophisticated but lively energy. The hexagonal shapes fit together like cubes to create a fascinating layout, while the dark brown color provides an inviting and warm look that is a perfect match for the industrial décor in this room.

Tile that looks like brick or other familiar materials is another option to create an impact with your fireplace. This pattern-based tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance to brick, but is much easier to clean and maintain.

If you're hesitant to take on a complete remodel of your fireplace surround, consider applying a peel and stick tile to change the appearance without spending a fortune. These options are heat-resistant, making them suitable for ethanol fireplaces and able stick to existing surfaces. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a great option for adding style to any room. It also looks great with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

When a wall fires fireplace has an existing brick surround, the best method to minimize its appearance is with fresh coats of paint. The mantel can be painted in a different hue to add warmth and personality. If you decide to match it with the color scheme of your room or opt for something more striking, a new paint color can make your fireplace stand out as a showpiece.

If your mantel is constructed of wood, you should first examine it for cracks, nicks, and gouges. If the dents aren't large enough to be handled, fill them with wood putty and let it set for the recommended amount of time. Before painting, sand the surface with 100-grit sandpaper to rough it up. To remove any debris or dirt clean the sanded surfaces with a damp cloth.

While white is a popular choice for walls and electric fireplaces but the right color can make your mantel stand out. Take a look at the wood trim, moldings and bookcases around your home for ideas. Does your mantel match in color as theirs, or is it darker or lighter? If the latter, pick a color that coordinates well to keep the room looking well-balanced.

Before you start painting, cover the area around you with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove the mantel, taking out any showpieces or decorations that may be hung above it. Take away any ornaments or pictures that are around or on the fireplace made of brick. Once the mantel is empty, wipe it down with an damp cloth to wash off any soot or dust that has built up.

Apply a basecoat with brushes or rollers to your mantel. The semi-gloss paint is durable and stain-resistant, which means your mantel will be able to stand up to the heat of the fireplace as well as any other objects that are placed on it. Allow the primer to completely dry, in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer before you begin painting the main wall of the fireplace.

The brick can be quite heavy in weight and color. Paint the mantel in the light or neutral color to make it appear more vibrant and more inviting. If you choose a light shade for your mantel, you can pair it with a piece artwork in earthy tones, or a large wall mirror to balance out the overall look.