How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace on the wall can create your living room an attractive focal point that requires attention. There are numerous models to choose from, so you should choose one that meets your requirements.

Some of the most important features include the output of heat, the appearance and the controls. If you're not familiar with these features, it's best to hire an expert to help you select the best model.

Molded Squares

The living room in this house needed an overhaul to the fireplace due to its outdated stone surround and bland walls. With a few design tweaks, the new look is fresh and eye-catching making the hearth a focal point in the room. A whitewashed mantel and contemporary artwork above the fireplace's facade modernize it while contrasting with the shelves in gray below. The fireplace's exterior is enhanced by a few changes in color.

Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces create a simple, yet effective method of framing a tile fireplace surround. To connect the look, choose a trim style to contrast with or complement the other trim elements, such as thick casing around doors and windows. If you're looking to create an elegant, premium style, think about using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of an actual mantel. For a more rustic farmhouse look, opt for dentil trim instead.

Accent walls with wainscoting are an extremely popular way to add personality to a room. The same technique can be employed to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards, instead, consider using a paneled material such as tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard to create a dramatic look.

Another non-combustible material you can create an enclosure for your electric fireplace is brick, which is available in a variety of styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace in red is a classic option for cottage-style or Craft Revival style homes. A rustic-look brick can also be used to enhance a traditional country style.

If you are planning to incorporate brick into your fireplace design ensure that your hearth measures 16 to 18 inches away from the opening of the fireplace and your surround is 8 to 12 inches wide in all directions. Be sure that the material you select is safe and meets all codes of the local and national level.

Open shelving is excellent for storing books and other objects. However the presence of too many shelves can overwhelm the look of the fireplace. In this family room, the homeowners created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding that enhances the look of the new fireplace, without obscuring the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look make a great fireplace wall. They are timeless and beautiful to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood are made from barns, stalls and other buildings that were destroyed. Each beam carries with it 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 have the typical barn wood markings like mortise and nail holes plus a natural aging that improves their durability.

Scour architectural salvage yards and flea markets for reclaimed wood elements to repurpose as a mantel or accent wall. The natural tone of pine used to create this traditional living room's surround and mantel evokes the feeling of a cozy country getaway. The knotty imperfections of the wood emphasize the hand-crafted appearance and compliment the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that surrounds the fireplace's wall. A pair of sconces with a natural theme and a painting of a landscape over the mantel add to the rustic coziness of the space.

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

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

No matter which method you choose to install your beams, be sure they are protected adequately from the effects of fire. Both materials are susceptible to becoming brittle and weakening when exposed to extreme heat, but both are able to be strengthened with 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 stores for home improvement.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be utilized to create a dramatic effect as surrounds for fireplaces. Its shape instantly enhances the space while blending with any style of decor from modern to traditional. The matte finish is perfect to create a polished and sleek appearance, while also adding a pop of contrast to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can also be used with a variety of texture choices for a more personalized look. Stone-look tiles are a very popular option that gives the space an old-fashioned, rustic feel. They also go well with natural materials such as wood. Marble-look tiles are another timeless option that provides an elegant and luxurious look to the room. These tiles have a smooth and glossy finish that reflect light beautifully and brightens the space.

The right tile pattern can elevate a fireplace's design. 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 a handcrafted appeal that balances the modern organic style of the fireplace with the contemporary style of the room.

If you are unsure of making a design risk in your home the fireplace is a great spot to test a bold design. It can be a bit intimidating for other rooms. This geometric tile with its black grout gives the room an elegant, yet fun feel. The hexagonal shapes resemble cubes to create a stimulating layout. The deep brown color creates an inviting and warm aesthetic that goes well with the industrial decor.

Tile that looks like brick or other common materials is another way to create an impact with your fireplace. This textured tile, made by LA Designer Affair, has the same look as traditional brick but with the added benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.

Consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to update your fireplace's surround without breaking the bank. These options are heat-resistant which makes them suitable for fireplaces as well as able to adhere to existing surfaces. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a great option to add the look of a room. It also looks great with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the most effective method to cover the brick surround of the wall of a fireplace. The mantel can be painted a different hue to give it a more cosy and spirited look. A new color of paint could make your fireplace suite stand out. You can match it to the overall color scheme of the room or choose something striking.

If your mantel is wood take a look at it to find gouges, cracks and scratches. Fill in the dents using wood putty, if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the amount of time recommended. Sand the surface with 100-grit paper to roughen it up prior to painting. Wipe down the sanded surface with a damp cloth in order to remove any remaining dirt or debris.

While white is a popular choice for walls and fireplaces shop The right shade can make your mantel stand out. To get ideas, look at the wood trim on your bookcases, moldings, and walls. Do they have the same shade as your mantel? Or is it a lighter or a darker shade? If so, select a color that coordinates well to keep the space looking balanced.

Before you begin painting, cover the area surrounding you with drop cloth or sheets. Remove the mantel, removing any decorative pieces or displays that might be hanging above it. If your fireplace is brick, get rid of any pictures or ornaments that are on or within the fireplace. After the mantel has been cleaned, take a damp cloth and wipe it clean to remove any soot or dust.

Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel using either a roller or brush. The semi-gloss finish is durable and stain-resistant, ensuring that your mantel is able to stand up well to the heat generated by the fireplace and any other objects placed on it. Allow the primer to dry in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer prior to moving onto the main body of your fireplace wall.

While the brick is a striking feature of a fireplace's wall it can be quite heavy and dark in color. Painting the mantel in a neutral or light shade will make it appear more lively and more inviting to guests. If you choose an unassuming color for your mantel, pair it with a work of artwork in earthy tones, or a large wall mirror to complete the look.