How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace on the wall can create your living space an element of interest that demands attention. There are a variety of models available and you must pick one that suits your needs.

Some of the most important features are the heat output along with the appearance and controls. If you're unfamiliar with these features, it's recommended to seek out an expert to help you choose the right model.

Molded Squares

A dull stone fireplace and fireplaces electric dull walls left this living space in need of a drastic fireplace overhaul. The new design is bright, appealing and makes the hearth the main focal point of the room. A whitewashed fireplace and contemporary artwork above modernize the facade of the fireplace and contrast with the shelves in gray below. A few color changes can also help the fireplace stand out from the wall, enhancing the charm of this fireplace design.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces are combined to create a simple, yet effective way to frame the tile fireplace surround. To bring the design together pick a trim style to contrast with or complement your other trim elements such as thick casing around doors and windows. If you prefer an elegant, high-end style, you can use fluted trim to give the illusion of a mantel. If you want a more rustic farmhouse look, you can choose to use dentil trim instead.

Accent walls with wainscoting are an extremely popular way to add personality to a room. The same method can be used to frame a fireplace. Try a paneled product such as tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard instead plank boards to create a dramatic appearance.

Brick is a different non-combustible option for a fireplace surround. It is available in various styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace with red accents is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. A rustic-look brick can also be used to enhance a traditional country style.

When you incorporate brick into a fireplace design, it is important to be sure your hearth extends 16 to 18 inches from the firebox opening and that your surround is 8-12 inches in all directions. Make sure your chosen material conforms to all national and local construction codes for safety.

Open shelving can be an ideal way to store books and other items. However having too many shelves can obstruct the appearance of the fireplace. In this family room, the homeowners designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the design of the new Fireplace stove, without obscuring the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wood beams make the ideal frame for a fireplace on the wall. They bring a timeless appeal to any house. Reclaimed wood beams are sourced from barns, stables and other buildings that were demolished. Each beam has its own distinct story. Reclaimed wood can also be used as a feature in modern kitchens or wide planks of paneling to create a rustic look. They have the typical markings of barn wood fireplaces, like mortise and nail holes, plus 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. The earthy tone of pine used as a backdrop for this traditional living room mantel and surround evokes an intimate country retreat. Its knotty imperfections emphasize the hand-crafted appearance and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that is a part of the fireplace's wall fires. A pair of sconces with a natural theme and a landscape-themed painting over the mantel add to the rustic ambiance of this 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 complement your current decor, or they can be distressed and carved to give them an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a modern appearance or covered with faux finishes such as marbling paint or rust.

The wooden beams are able to serve as the central element of any fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel, even without the need for a fire. They can be used to accent a mantel without a fire burning.

Whatever method of installation you choose, make sure that your steel or wood beams are properly protected from the consequences of fire. Both materials can be brittle and weaken in the face of extreme heat, however both are able to be strengthened with a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant sprayed on steel I-beams. These products are available in a wide variety of home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can create an impact when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens the space while blending with any decor choice, from traditional to modern. The matte finish is ideal for a polished and clean appearance, while also adding a pop of contrast to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can also be used with various textures to create a more individual look. Stone-look tile is a popular choice that gives the room an authentic, rustic look and is a great match with natural materials such as wood. Marble-look tile is another timeless option that adds an elegant and luxurious aesthetic to the space. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting light and brightening the space.

The perfect tile pattern can enhance 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 patterned tile gives the entire room a an artistic look that balances the contemporary organic style of the fireplace, and the overall contemporary design of the room.

If you are unsure of making a design risk in your home, the fireplace is a great place to play around with an imposing design. It can be a bit intimidating for other rooms. This geometric tile (here's an alternative) with its black grout lines gives this room a sophisticated and fun energy. The hexagonal shapes fit like cubes, creating a lively layout. The dark brown color gives this space an inviting, warm look that goes well with the industrial decor.

Tiles that look like brick or other materials you are familiar with is another way to make an impact with your fireplace. This texture tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look as brick but is much easier to clean and maintain.

Consider using a peel-and stick tile to update your fireplace surround without spending a fortune. A lot of these options are resistant to heat which means they are safe for the fireplace and able to adhere to the existing wall. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a fantastic option to add the look of a room. It also coordinates beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the ideal method to cover the brick surround of a wall-mounted fireplace. The mantel can be painted with a different hue to give it a more cosy and spirited look. Whether you choose to match it with the color scheme of your room or opt for something striking and striking, a fresh paint color makes your fireplace stand out as a stunning feature.

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 before painting. To remove any debris or dirt, wipe down the sanded surfaces with a damp cloth.

While white is a popular color for walls and fireplaces wooden but the right color can really help your mantel stand out. To get ideas, look at the trims of wood on your bookcases, moldings and walls. Does your mantel have the same color as theirs, or is it lighter or darker? If you decide to go with the latter option, select the color that works well with the other hues in the room to keep it looking balanced.

Cover the area around you by using sheets or a dropcloth before you begin painting. Remove the mantel, taking out any decorative pieces or displays that may be hung above it. Remove any ornaments or photos that are around or on the fireplace made of brick. Once the mantel is empty then wipe it clean with a an damp cloth to wash off any dust or soot that has accumulated.

Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with the use of a roller or brush. The semi-gloss finish is long-lasting and stain-resistant, so your mantel will hold up well to the heat from the fireplace, as well as other items placed on it. Let the primer completely dry, as per the instructions of the manufacturer, before you begin painting the main wall of the fireplace.

The brick may be heavy in color and weight. Paint the mantel with a light color or neutral to make it appear lighter and more inviting. If you decide to go with a light hue, think about pairing it with a earthy-toned piece of artwork or a large mirror above it to balance the appearance.