How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace on the wall can create your living room a focal point that demands attention. There are many models available, so you should choose one that meets your requirements.

Some of the most important features include the output of heat along with the appearance and controls. If you're not familiar with these features, it's recommended to consult a professional to assist you in choosing the right model.

Molded Squares

This living room needed an impressive fireplace overhaul due to its old-fashioned stone surround and boring walls. The new style is bright, eye-catching and makes the hearth the center of the room. A whitewashed mantel and modern artwork above the fireplace's facade modernize it while contrasting with the shelves in gray below. A few color changes also help the facade stand apart from the wall, enhancing the charm of this fireplace design.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces combine to form a simple, yet effective, way to frame the tile fireplace surround. To tie the look together select a trim design to match or contrast with the other trim elements, such as thick casing around doors and windows. If you're looking for an elegant, high-end look, you can consider using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of an actual mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic farmhouse-style.

The idea of creating an accent wall using wainscoting is a common way to add character any room. The same technique can also be used to frame a fireplace. Try a paneled option like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard instead plank boards to create a dramatic appearance.

Brick is another non-combustible option for the fireplace surround. It is available in a variety of styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace with red is a popular choice for cottage-style or Craft-Revival-style homes. A rustic-looking brick can be used to add a rustic touch to a traditional decor.

If you're planning to incorporate brick into the design of your fireplace be sure that your hearth is 16 to 18 inches from the opening of the fireplace and your surround is between 8 and 12 inches wide in all directions. Be sure that the material you choose is compliant with all national and local construction codes for security.

Open shelving is a great way to organize books and other items however, too many shelves can overwhelm the look of the fireplace. For this family room the homeowners created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to elevate the design of the new fireplace without overwhelming the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic appearance make a great fireplace wall. They add a timeless look to any house. Reclaimed wood beams are sourced from old barns, stables and other demolished buildings. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used as a feature in modern kitchens, or with wide planks to give an authentic appearance. They feature the usual barn wood markings like mortise and nail holes as well as a natural aging process that improves their durability.

Look through salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea market for reclaimed wood elements to transform into a mantel. For instance, the earthy shade of pine that highlights the traditional living room mantel and surround is reminiscent of a cozy rural retreat. The knotty imperfections of the wood give it a rustic feel and are a perfect match for the simple lines in the beaded-board wainscoting that is on the fireplace's wall. A pair of sconces inspired by nature and a landscape painting over the mantel add to the rustic coziness of this space.

Repurposed wooden beams can provide an eye-catching statement to any room in your home. They can be left as is or stained to match the decor of your home or distressed and carved to give them an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a more modern look or covered with faux finishes like marbling paint or rust.

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

No matter which method of installation you choose be sure that your steel or wood beams are properly protected from the effects of fire. Both materials can be brittle in extreme heat. However they can be strengthened with a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products are available in a wide variety of home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a dramatic effect as surrounds for fireplaces shop. Its shape instantly brightens the space and is a perfect match for any decor, whether modern or traditional. Selecting a matte finish for the tiles is a great way to keep that neat and polished look while adding some contrast that makes the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles can be customised with a variety of textures for an individual appearance. Stone-look tiles are a popular choice that gives the space a rustic, classic feel. They also pair beautifully with natural materials, such as wood. Another classic option is marble-look tile that adds an elegant and luxurious look to the space. These tiles feature a glossy and smooth finish that reflect light beautifully and brightens the space.

The right tile pattern can elevate the overall 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 patterned tile adds a handcrafted look to the space, and balances the modern natural style fireplace suite with the overall style of the room.

If you are unsure of taking a pattern risk in your home, the fireplace is a great spot to test a bold design. It might be a bit intimidating for other rooms. This geometric tile (here's another option) with its black grout lines gives this room a sophisticated and lively energy. The hexagonal shapes fit together like cubes for a stimulating layout, while the dark brown color provides an inviting and warm aesthetic that complements the industrial decor in this room.

Another method of making an impact with your fireplace is to use tiles that have the look of brick or another familiar material. This texture tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look as brick but is much simpler to maintain and clean.

Consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to modernize your electric fireplace's surround without costing you a dime. These options are heat-resistant and therefore suitable for cheap fireplaces and can be bonded to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great option that will add a sense of elegance to any living space, while also blending beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the best way to hide a brick surround on a wall-mounted fireplace. The mantel can be painted in a different color to add warmth and personality. If you decide to match it with the color scheme of your room or opt for something striking, a new paint color will make your fireplace stand out as a stunning feature.

If your mantel is wood be sure to check it for cracks, gouges, and scratches. Fill in the dents using wood putty if they are small enough. Allow it to dry for the amount of time recommended. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it up before painting. Wipe down the sanded surface with a damp cloth in order to take off any remaining dirt or dust.

White is a popular color for fireplaces and walls. However the right shade will make your fireplace stand out. For ideas, take a look at the wood trims on your bookcases, mouldings, and walls. Does your mantel match in shade as theirs or is it darker or lighter? If you opt for the latter option, select one that blends well with the other shades in the room to keep it looking balanced.

Cover the area around you with sheets or a dropcloth before you begin painting. Remove any decorative items or showpieces that may have been hung above the mantel. Take away any ornaments or pictures that are around or on the fireplace made of brick. Once the mantel has been cleaned, use a damp cloth and wipe it down to get rid of any dust or soot.

Apply a basecoat using a roller or brush to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish is long-lasting and stain-resistant, ensuring that your mantel will stand up well to the heat of the fireplace and any other objects 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.

While the brick is a beautiful feature of a fireplace stove - Full Content, wall, it can be heavy and dark in hue. Paint the mantel in a light color or neutral to make it appear lighter and more inviting. If you decide to choose the lighter hue, think about pairing it with a earthy-toned piece of artwork or a mirror that is large above it to balance the look.