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 many different designs available, however, so it is essential to choose one that meets your needs.

The heat output, controls, and the appearance are just a few of the important features. If you're not aware of these features, it's recommended to hire an expert to help you choose the right model.

Molded Squares

A dull stone fireplace and dull walls created a living space that was in need of a drastic fireplace revamp. With a few design tweaks the new look is vibrant and attractive, making the hearth an important central feature in the room. A whitewashed mantel for the fireplace and contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the exterior and the shelves in gray below contrast. A few changes in color also help the facade stand out from the wall, adding the beauty of this fireplace design.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces are combined to create a simple yet effective way to frame your fireplace surround. Select a trim style that contrasts with or complements your other trim elements, for example, the thick casing around doors and windows to create a cohesive look. If you're looking for an elegant, premium style, think about using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of a mantel. If you want a more rustic farmhouse look, you can choose to use dentil trim instead.

Creating an accent wall with wainscoting is an effective way to add character to any room. The same technique can be employed to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards, however, try a paneled product like beadboard or tongue-andgroove cedar siding to create a striking appearance.

Another non-combustible option you can use to create an enclosure for your fireplace is brick, which comes in many different styles and colors. A classic red brick fireplace is perfect for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. Rustic-style brick is another alternative that is able to blend with more traditional country decor.

When incorporating 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 the surround extends 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the material you select is safe and meets all national and local codes.

Open shelves are a great way to organize books and other items however, too many shelves can take over the appearance of the fireplace. For this family room, the homeowners created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding that enhances the design of the new fireplace without overwhelming the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic appearance make a great fireplace wall. They are timeless and beautiful to any house. Reclaimed wood beams are reclaimed from barns, stalls and other buildings that have been demolished. Each beam has its own unique story. Reclaimed wood can be used in combination with wide plank ceiling panels to create a rustic look or as an accent to modern kitchens. They have the typical barn wood markings like mortise and nail holes and a natural aging process that improves their durability.

Search architectural salvage yards and flea markets for reclaimed wood elements to make into a fireplace. For instance the earthy hue of pine that accents this traditional living room mantel and surround evokes an idyllic rural setting. Its knotty imperfections give it a rustic feel and complement the simple lines in the beaded-board wainscoting on the fireplace's wall. The rustic warmth of the room is enhanced by a pair of nature-inspired wall fires sconces, as well as a landscape picture above the mantel.

Repurposed wooden beams can provide an attractive feature to any room in your home. They can be left in their natural state or stained to complement the decor of your home or cut and distressed to create an antique look. They can also be painted to give a more contemporary appearance or 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 used to highlight the mantel without any fire burning. They can be used to highlight the mantel without a burning fire.

No matter which method of installation you decide to use ensure that your wood or steel beams are properly protected from the possible effects of fire. Both materials can become hard and brittle when heated to extreme temperatures. However, they can be strengthened with a layer of ethanol fire-resistant drywall. These products are available in a wide variety of home improvement stores.

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 while complementing any style of decor, from traditional to modern. Selecting an elegant matte finish for the tiles is the best way to keep that neat and polished look, while also adding some contrast to make the fireplace sparkle.

Hex tiles also work well with various textures to create a more individual look. Stone-look tile is a very popular choice that gives the room an authentic, rustic look and is a great match with natural materials such as wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tiles that provides an elegant and luxurious appearance to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting the light and brightening the room.

The proper tile pattern can improve the entire look 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 on the tile adds a unique the look of a hand-crafted piece that balances the contemporary organic style of the fireplace, and the overall contemporary design of the room.

If you're unsure about taking a risk with pattern in your home, a fireplace is an excellent place to try out a bold design that could be a bit intimidating in other areas of your home. The geometric tile with its black grout provides this area with an elegant, yet fun feel. The hexagonal shapes are shaped like cubes to create a stimulating layout. The dark brown color provides this space with an inviting, warm look that is perfect for industrial decor.

Tile that looks like brick or other familiar materials is another way to create an impact on your fireplace suite. This texture tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look to traditional brick, however, it is much easier to maintain and clean.

If you're not ready to make a major overhaul of your fireplace's surround, think about using a peel and stick tile to refresh the look without breaking the bank. A majority of these options are heat-resistant and therefore safe for the fireplace and able to adhere to the existing surface. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great option that will bring an elegant look to any living space and will look great with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

When a wall fireplace has an existing brick surround, the most effective way to disguise its appearance is with an update of the paint. Painting the mantel a different hue also adds warmth and character to the space. If you decide to match it with the decor's color scheme or opt for something more striking, a new paint color makes your fireplace stand out as a showpiece.

If the mantel is made of wood, inspect it first for gouges, cracks, and scratches. Fill in the dents using wood putty if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the time recommended. Sand the surface with 100-grit paper to roughen it before painting. Wipe down the sanded surface using a damp cloth to remove any remaining dirt or dust.

While white is a popular option for walls and Fireplaces wood but the right color can make your mantel stand out. For inspiration, look at the wood trims on your bookcases, mouldings and walls. Do they use the same color as your mantel, or is it a darker or lighter shade? If you decide to go with the latter option, select the color that works well with the other colors in the room to ensure it looks balanced.

Cover the area around you with sheets or a dropcloth before you begin painting. Remove any decorations or showpieces that might have been placed over the mantel. If your fireplace is brick, remove any pictures or ornaments that are located on or within the fireplace. After the mantel has been cleaned, you can use a damp cloth and wipe it clean to get rid of any soot or dust.

Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel using either a roller or brush. The semi-gloss paint lasts and stain-resistant, which means your mantel can withstand the heat of the fireplace, and any other objects that are placed on it. Let the primer dry according to the manufacturer's recommendations before moving on to the main body of your fireplace wall.

The brick can be quite heavy in weight and color. The mantel painted with an even or light color can make it look brighter and more inviting for guests. If you choose to paint it a light hue, think about pairing it with a earthy-toned piece of artwork or a large mirror over it to balance the appearance.