How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace in the wall will make your living space an eye-catching focal feature. There are many models available and you must pick one that suits your needs.

Some of the most important features include the heat output as well as the appearance and controls. If you're not aware of these aspects, it is recommended to consult an expert to help you choose the right model.

Molded Squares

A dull stone fireplace and dull walls left this living space in need of a drastic fireplace revamp. With a few design tweaks, the new look is bright and eye-catching, making the hearth a central feature in the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel as well as contemporary art above the fireplace modernizes the appearance of the façade while the shelves that are gray below are a contrast. A few color changes can also help the fireplace stand out from the wall, which enhances the charm of this fireplace design.

Base cap moldings and trim pieces make a simple but effective way to frame the fireplace with a tile surround. To bring the design together, choose a trim style to contrast or match your other trim elements like thick casing around windows and doors. If you're looking for a more elegant, high-end look, you can consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of an actual mantel. For a more rustic, farmhouse style, opt for dentil trim instead.

Accent walls with wainscoting are an extremely popular way to add the look of rooms. The same technique can also be used to frame a fireplace. Try a paneled option like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard in place of plank boards to create a dramatic appearance.

Brick is a different non-combustible option for the fireplace surround. It is available in various styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace in red is a classic option for Craft Revival-style or cottage-style homes. Rustic-style brick is another option that can fit in with a more traditional, country-style decor.

If you want to incorporate brick into the design of your fireplace ensure that your hearth is 16 to 18 inches from the opening of the firebox, and your surround is 8-12 inches wide in all directions. Make sure the material you choose conforms to all construction codes for safety.

Open shelving is excellent for storing books and other objects. However having too many shelves can overwhelm the look of a fireplace. The owners of this family room created a wall to ceiling limestone cladding in order to enhance the look without overpowering 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 originate from old stables, barns and other demolished buildings. Each beam carries with it its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used in conjunction with wide plank ceiling paneling to create a rustic look or as a decorative element to modern kitchens. They feature the usual barn wood markings, such as mortise and nail holes and a natural aging process which increases their longevity.

Search architectural salvage yards and flea market for wood pieces that you can make into a fireplace. The natural tone of pine used to create the traditional living room surround and mantel evokes an intimate country retreat. The knotty imperfections in the wood accent the hand-crafted look and compliment the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which surrounds the fireplace wall. The rustic warmth of this space is enhanced by a pair of natural-inspired wall sconces, and an image of a landscape above the mantel.

Repurposed wood beams will add a unique touch to any room. They can be stained to match your existing decor or carved for an antique look. They can be painted to give them a more modern look, or covered with faux finishes such as marbling paint or rust.

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

No matter which method you choose to install your beams, make sure that they are adequately protected against the effects of fire. Both materials can become fragile in extreme heat. However they can be strengthened with a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products are available in most home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can make an impressive statement when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens the space and is a perfect match for any decor, whether traditional or modern. The choice of a matte finish for the tiles is ideal to keep that neat and polished look, while adding some color to make the fireplace price Usa stand out.

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 room an old-fashioned, rustic feel. They also look great with natural materials, such as wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tiles that provides a luxurious and elegant aesthetic to the space. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles sparkles beautifully, reflecting light and brightening up the room.

The appropriate tile pattern can improve the look of a 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 a handcrafted look to the space, while balancing the contemporary organic style fireplace with the overall design of the room.

If you're not sure about putting your faith in a pattern in your home, a fireplace is an excellent place to try out a bold style 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 fit like cubes, creating a lively layout. The deep brown color provides this space with a warm, inviting aesthetic that is perfect for industrial decor.

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

Consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to upgrade your fireplace's surround without spending a fortune. A majority of these options are resistant to heat which means they are suitable for use in the fireplace and able to be affixed to the existing wall. This peel and stick herringbone tile is an excellent option to add style to any room. It also looks great with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the best way to hide the brick surround on an unwall-mounted fireplace. Painting the mantel a different hue also adds warmth and character to the space. A new paint color can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the scheme of color in the room or pick something striking.

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 are small enough. Allow it to dry for the period recommended. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it up prior to painting. To get rid of any dirt or debris wipe the sanded surfaces with a damp cloth.

While white is a popular color for cheap fireplaces and walls but the right color can really make your fireplace stand out. Look at the other trims, moldings, and bookcases around your home for inspiration. Does your mantel match in color as theirs, or is it darker or lighter? If you choose the latter option, select the color that works well with the other hues in the room to ensure it looks balanced.

Cover the area around you by using sheets or a dropcloth before you begin painting. Remove any decorations or showpieces that were hung over the mantel. If your fireplace is brick, get rid of any pictures or ornaments that are located on or within it. Once the mantel is empty then wipe it clean with a 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 with either a roller or brush. The semi-gloss paint is durable and stain resistant, so your mantel will withstand the heat of the fireplace, and any other items placed on it. Let the primer dry, in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.

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