How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can give your living room an eye-catching focal area. There are many models available so you need to pick one that is suitable for your needs.

The most significant features include the heat output along with the appearance and controls. If you're unfamiliar with these features, it's recommended to consult a professional to help you choose the best model.

Molded Squares

A worn-out stone fireplace surround and dull walls made this living space in need of a dramatic fireplace overhaul. With a few design tweaks, the new look is fresh and striking and makes the hearth an important focal point in the room. A whitewashed mantel and contemporary artwork above modernize the fireplace suite facade while contrasted with the shelves in gray below. A few color changes also help the facade stand apart from the wall, which enhances the appeal of this fireplace design.

Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces are combined to create a simple yet efficient way to frame a fireplace surround made of tile. To bring the design together select a trim design to match or contrast with the other trim elements like thick casings around doors and windows. If you're looking to create an elegant, premium look, consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of a mantel. For a more rustic farmhouse style, choose to use dentil trim instead.

Making an accent wall using wainscoting is a common way to add character to any room. The same technique can be employed to frame the fireplace. Consider a paneled material like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard in place of plank boards to create a dramatic effect.

Another non-combustible material that you can create the fireplace surround 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're planning to incorporate brick into the design of your fireplace, make sure that your hearth measures 16 to 18 inches from the opening of the firebox and your surround is between 8 and 12 inches wide in all directions. Make sure the brick you select is safe and conforms to all codes of the local and national level.

Open shelving is an ideal way to store books and other objects. However having too many shelves can obstruct the appearance of the fireplace. The homeowners of this family room designed a wall to ceiling limestone cladding in order to enhance the look without overwhelming open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wood beams are the ideal frame for a wall fireplace. They bring timeless elegance to any home. Reclaimed wood beams originate 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 with wide plank paneling to create an authentic look. They are characterized by barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes, plus a natural aging that improves their durability.

Look through salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea market for wood pieces that you can transform into a mantel. The rustic tone of pine used as a backdrop for this traditional living room's surround and mantel evokes the feeling of a cozy country getaway. Its knotty imperfections give it a rustic feel, and they complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that is on the wall of the fireplace electric. The rustic warmth of this room is accentuated by a pair of nature-inspired wall sconces and a landscape picture above the mantel.

Repurposed wood beams will add a unique touch to any room. They can be left in their natural state or stained to complement your existing decor or distressed and carved to give them an antique look. They can be painted to give them a more modern look, or covered with faux finishes like marbling paint or rust.

wooden fireplaces beams can serve as a focal point in any kind of fireplace. They can be positioned above a freestanding gas, ventless or electric fire fireplace, or incorporated into a stone or brick fireplace. They can be used to accent the mantel without a flame burning.

No matter which method of installation you decide to use ensure that your wood or steel beams are properly protected from the consequences of fire. Both materials can become hard and brittle when heated to extreme temperatures. However, they can be strengthened by a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products are available in a wide variety of home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be utilized to create a dramatic effect as surrounds for fireplaces. Its shape instantly brightens up the room and complements any style, whether contemporary or traditional. Choosing a matte finish for the tiles is ideal to maintain that clean and polished look, while adding some contrast that makes the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles can be customised with a variety textures for a more personalized look. Stone-look tiles are a favorite that gives the room an authentic, classic look. They also go well with natural materials, such as wood. Marble-look tile is another timeless option that adds an elegant and luxurious aesthetic to the space. These tiles have an elegant and glossy surface that reflects light beautifully and enhances the space.

The right tile pattern can elevate the entire 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 pattern of the tile provides the appearance of a hand-crafted space, and balances the modern natural style fireplace with the overall style of the room.

If you're unsure about taking a risk on a design in your home, a fireplace is an ideal place to test out a bold pattern which could be intimidating in other areas of the house. This geometric tile (here's a similar option) with its black grout lines give the room a sophisticated but lively energy. The hexagonal shapes are arranged like cubes for a stimulating layout, while the deep brown color provides an inviting and warm look that is a perfect match for the industrial decor in the room.

Another method of making a statement with your fireplace is to choose tiles that have the look of brick or a similar material. This pattern-based tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance as brick but is much easier to maintain and clean.

If you're hesitant to make a major overhaul of your fireplace's surround, think about applying a peel-and-stick tile to update the look without breaking the bank. A majority of these options are resistant to heat, making them safe for the fireplace and able to stick to the existing surface. This peel and stick herringbone tile is an excellent option for adding the look of a room. It also coordinates beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

When a wall fireplace has a brick surround, the best method to minimize its appearance is with a fresh coat of paint. The mantel can be painted in a different colour to give it a more cosy and spirited look. Whether you choose to match it to the room's color scheme or go for something bold and striking, a fresh paint color can make your fireplace stand out as a showpiece.

If your mantel is constructed of wood, first inspect it for cracks, nicks and gouges. If the dents aren't enough to handle, fill them with wood putty and let it set for the appropriate amount of time. Before painting paint, sand the surface using 100-grit sandpaper in order to rough it up. To remove any dirt or debris clean the surfaces you have sanded with a damp cloth.

While white is a popular choice for fireplaces and walls The right shade can really make your fireplace stand out. Take a look at the trims, moldings, and bookcases around your home for inspiration. Does your mantel match in color as theirs or is it lighter or darker? If the latter, choose an appropriate color to keep the space looking balanced.

Cover the area around you by using sheets or a dropcloth prior to when you begin painting. Remove the mantel, taking out any decorations or showpieces that may be hung above it. Take away any ornaments or pictures that are around or on the brick fireplace. Once the mantel has been cleaned, take a damp cloth and wipe it down to remove any dust or soot.

Apply a basecoat using a roller or brush to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish is durable and stain-resistant, so your mantel is able to stand up well to the heat from the fireplace, as well as other objects placed on it. Allow the primer to dry according to the manufacturer's recommendations before moving on to the main body of your fireplace wall.

While brick is a beautiful feature of a fireplace wall, it can be heavy and dark in color. Paint the mantel in the light or neutral color to make it appear brighter and more inviting. If you choose to paint it a light hue, think about using it in conjunction with an earthy toned piece of art or a large mirror above it to balance the look.