How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can make your living space an eye-catching focal area. There are many different designs available but it is essential to choose one that is suitable for your needs.

Some of the most important features include the output of heat as well as the appearance and controls. If you aren't familiar with these aspects, it is best to seek out a professional to help you pick the right model.

Molded Squares

A worn-out stone fireplace and dull walls created a living space that was in need of a dramatic fireplace makeover. The new style is bright, appealing and makes this hearth the focal point of the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel and contemporary art above the fireplace modernizes the facade while the shelves that are gray below are a contrast. The fireplace's facade is accentuated by a few color changes.

Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces create a simple yet effective method of framing a fireplace surround made of tile. Choose a trim style that contrasts with or matches the 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 look, you can consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse-style.

Wainscoting accent walls is a popular method to add the look of a room. The same method can be used to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled option like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard instead of plank boards to create a dramatic look.

Another non-combustible option you can build an enclosure for your fireplace is brick, which comes in many different styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace in red is a popular choice for cottage-style or Craft Revival style homes. Rustic-style brick is another alternative that is able to blend with a more traditional, country style.

If you are incorporating brick into your fireplace design, you'll need to be sure your hearth is 16 to 18 inches from the opening of the firebox and that the surround extends 8-12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you choose complies with all national and local construction codes for security.

Open shelving is a great option to store books and other things However, too many shelves could take over the appearance of the fireplace. In this family room, homeowners built a wall-to ceiling limestone cladding that enhances the design of the new fireplace, without obscuring the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wooden beams are the perfect frame for a wall fireplace. They bring a timeless appeal to any house. Reclaimed beams of wood are reclaimed from old barns, stalls and other buildings that have been destroyed. Each beam has its own unique history. Reclaimed wood can be used in combination with wide plank ceiling panels for a completely rustic look or as accents to modern kitchens. They are characterized by the typical markings of barn wood, like nail holes and mortise pockets and a natural patina that enhances their durability.

Find salvage yards for architectural elements and flea market for wood pieces that you can transform into a mantel. For instance the earthy color of pine that accentuates the traditional living room mantel and surround creates a cozy rural retreat. The knotty imperfections in the wood accent the hand-crafted appearance and compliment the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that surrounds the fireplace wall. A pair of sconces inspired by nature and a painting of a landscape above the mantel enhance the rustic ambiance of the space.

Repurposed wood beams can be an eye-catching statement to any room in your home. They can be left in their natural state or stained to match the decor of your home or cut and distressed to create an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a modern look or covered with faux finishes like marbling paint or rust.

Wooden beams can serve as a focal point in any kind of fireplace. They can be set above a freestanding gas, electric or ventless fireplace or they can be incorporated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can be used to illuminate the mantel without burning fire.

Whichever method you choose to put in your beams, ensure 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 drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant sprayed on steel I-beams. These products are available at a variety of home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a striking effect as a surround for a fireplace. Its design instantly brightens the space and is a perfect match for any decor, whether traditional or modern. The choice of an elegant matte finish for the tiles is a great way to maintain that clean and polished look while adding some contrast that makes the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles can be customised by a variety of textures to create a more personalized appearance. Stone-look tile is a very popular choice that gives the room an old-fashioned, rustic feel while blending beautifully with natural materials such as wood. Marble-look tile is a classic option that gives an elegant and luxurious appearance to the room. These tiles have a smooth and glossy finish that reflect light beautifully and brightens the room.

The proper tile pattern can improve 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 adds a unique a handcrafted appeal that balances the modern organic style of the fireplace and Lynn Bolvin the overall contemporary design of the room.

If you are unsure of taking a pattern risk in your home The fireplace is a great place to experiment with a bold design. It could be a bit intimidating for other rooms. This geometric tile with its black grout provides this area with an elegant, yet fun feel. The hexagonal shapes resemble cubes to create an exciting layout. The deep brown hue provides this space with a warm, inviting aesthetic that goes well with the industrial style.

Tiles that resemble brick or other common materials is another option to create an impact with your fireplace. This texture tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance to traditional brick, however, it is much easier to maintain and clean.

If you're not ready to commit to a full-scale remodel of your fireplace's surround, consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to refresh the look without spending a fortune. Many of these options are resistant to heat which means they are safe for the fireplace and able to adhere to the existing stone. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a great option to add style to any room. It also looks great with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the ideal method to cover a brick surround on an unwall-mounted fireplace. Painting the mantel a different color can also add warmth and character to the space. A new color of paint could make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the color scheme of the room or pick something bold.

If your mantel is wood take a look at it to find gouges, cracks, and nicks. If the dents are small enough to be able to handle, fill them with wood putty and allow it to set for the appropriate amount of time. Before painting, sand the surface with 100-grit sandpaper to roughen it up. Clean the surface with a damp cloth in order to take off any remaining dirt or dust.

White is a popular shade for fireplaces and walls. But the right shade will make your fireplace stand lynnbolvin out. To get ideas, take a look at the wood trims on your bookcases, mouldings, and walls. Do they have the same shade as your mantel? Or is it a lighter or darker shade? If you choose the latter option, select a color that will work well with the other colors in the room to keep it looking balanced.

Protect the area around you with a dropcloth or sheets before you begin painting. Remove any decorative items or showpieces that were hung above the mantel. If your fireplace is brick, remove any pictures or ornaments that are located on or around it. Once the mantel is cleaned, you can use a damp cloth and wipe it down to remove any soot or dust.

Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with the use of a roller or brush. The semi-gloss paint lasts and stain resistant, so your mantel can stand up to the heat of the fireplace, and any other items that are placed on it. Let the primer dry in accordance with the guidelines of the manufacturer before moving onto the main part of your fireplace wall.

While the brick is a striking feature of a fireplace wall, it can be heavy and dark in hue. Paint the mantel in an unassuming color or neutral to make it appear lighter and more inviting. If you choose a light shade for your mantel, pair it with a piece artwork in earthy tones, or a large wall mirror to complement the look.