How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can provide your living space with an attractive focal feature. There are a variety of designs available but it is essential to choose one that meets your needs.

The most significant features include the output of heat along with the appearance and controls. If you're unfamiliar with these features, it's best to hire an expert to help you select the best model.

Molded Squares

A worn-out stone fireplace and dull walls created a living space that was in need of a major fireplace makeover. With a few design tweaks, the new look is bright and striking and makes the hearth an important focal point in the room. A whitewashed mantel for the fireplace and contemporary art above the fireplace modernize the facade while the shelves that are gray below contrast. A few changes in color also help the facade stand apart from the wall, adding the appeal of this fireplace design.

Base cap moldings and trim pieces are combined to create a simple, yet effective method of framing a tile freestanding electric fireplace (here.) surround. Select a trim style that is in contrast with or matches the other trim elements, for example, the thick casing around windows and doors to make the look more cohesive. If you're looking for a more high-end, elegant look, use fluted trim to give the illusion of a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse look.

Making an accent wall using wainscoting is an effective method to add character to any room. The same method can be used to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled product like tongue-and groove cedar siding or wikisperience.com beadboard instead of plank boards to create a dramatic effect.

Another non-combustible material you can use to build 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. A rustic-look brick can also be used to add a rustic touch to a traditional decor.

When incorporating brick into a fireplace design, you'll want to be sure your hearth extends 16-18 inches from the firebox opening and that your surround reaches 8-12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the brick you select is safe and complies with all local and national codes.

Open shelving can be a great way of storing books and other items. However, too many shelves can ruin the appearance of the fireplace. The owners of this family room designed a wall to ceiling limestone cladding to improve the look of the room without overwhelming open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look are perfect for a fireplace on wall wall. They bring timeless elegance to any home. Reclaimed wood beams originate from old stables, barns and other buildings that were demolished. Each beam has its own distinct story. Reclaimed wood can also be used as a decorative element in modern kitchens or with wide plank paneling to create an authentic look. They are characterized by barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes, as well as a natural aging process which increases their durability.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets for reclaimed wood elements that can be used as a mantel or accent wall. The rustic tone of pine used to accent this traditional living room's surround and mantel evokes a cozy country retreat. The knotty imperfections give it a rustic feel and are a perfect match for the simple lines in the beaded-board wainscoting on the wall of the fireplace. The rustic warmth of the space is enhanced by a pair inspired by nature wall mounted fireplace sconces, as well as an image of a landscape above the mantel.

Repurposed wooden beams can provide an attractive accent to any room in your home. They can be left as-is or stained to complement your existing decor, or they can be distressed and carved to give them an antique look. They can also be painted to give modern appearance or covered with faux finishes like marbled paint or rust.

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

Whatever method you choose to put in your beams, be sure they are adequately protected against the effects of fire. Both materials are susceptible to becoming fragile in extreme heat. However, they can be strengthened with a layer of fire-resistant drywall. These products can be found at a variety of home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can create a dramatic statement when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its design instantly brightens the room and can be incorporated into any style, whether modern or traditional. The matte finish is perfect to create a polished and sleek appearance, while also adding a pop of contrast to make the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles can be customized with a variety textures for a more personalized appearance. Stone-look tiles are a popular choice that gives the space a rustic, classic feel. They also go well with natural materials like wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tiles, which adds an elegant and luxurious appearance to the room. 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 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 of the tile gives the entire room a a handcrafted appeal that balances the modern organic style of the fireplace, and the contemporary style of the room.

If you're unsure about taking a risk on a pattern in your home, a fireplace is the perfect place to test out a bold pattern that could be intimidating in other areas of the house. This geometric tile with its black grout gives this space an elegant, yet fun feel. The hexagonal shapes are arranged like cubes for a stimulating layout, while the dark brown hue creates an inviting and warm look that works with the industrial décor in this room.

Another way to make a statement with your fireplace on wall is to use tiles that have the look of brick or a similar material. This textured tile, from LA Designer Affair, has a similar look to traditional brick but with the added benefit of being much easier to clean and maintain.

Consider using a peel-and-stick tile to modernize your fireplace's surround without breaking the bank. These tiles are heat-resistant and therefore suitable for bio ethanol fireplaces and can adhere to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great option that will bring an elegant feel to any living space, while also blending beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the best method to cover the brick surround of an unwall-mounted fireplace. The mantel can be painted with a different hue to give it a more cosy and spirited look. It doesn't matter if you choose to match it to the decor's color scheme or go for something bold, a new paint color makes your fireplace stand out as a showpiece.

If your mantel is constructed of wood, you should first examine it for cracks, nicks and gouges. Fill in the dents with wood putty, if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the period recommended. Before painting, sand the surface with 100-grit sandpaper to roughen it up. Clean the surface with a damp cloth in order to remove any remaining dirt or dust.

White is a popular color for fireplaces and walls. However the right shade can make your mantel really stand out. Take a look at the trims, moldings, and bookcases in your home to get inspiration. Does your mantel match in shade as theirs or is it lighter or darker? If you choose the latter, choose one that blends well with the other shades in the room to keep it looking balanced.

Protect the area around you with sheets or a dropcloth before you begin painting. Clean the mantel and remove any decorative pieces or displays that are hanging over it. Remove any ornaments or pictures placed around or on your brick fireplace. When the mantel is clean, wipe it down with the help of a damp cloth to wipe off any dust or soot that has built up.

Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel using either a roller or brush. The semi-gloss finish is long-lasting and stain-resistant, ensuring that your mantel will hold up well to the heat of the fireplace, as well as other items that are placed on it. Allow the primer to dry in accordance with the guidelines of the manufacturer before moving onto the main body of your fireplace wall.

While brick is an attractive feature of a fireplace wall, it can be heavy and dark in shade. Painting the mantel an even or light color will make it appear more lively and more inviting to guests. If you opt for an unassuming color for your mantel, you can pair it with a work of artwork in earthy tones, or a large wall mirror to complement the appearance.