How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace (her latest blog) can give your living space a focal point that demands attention. There are many models available so you need to pick one that meets your requirements.

Some of the most important features include the heat output, 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 right model.

Molded Squares

The living room required an impressive fireplace overhaul due to its old-fashioned stone fireplaces surround and boring walls. With a few design tweaks, the new look is vibrant and striking, making this hearth a centerpiece in the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel as well as contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the appearance of the façade, while the gray shelves below contrast. The fireplace's facade is accentuated by a few color variations.

Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces are combined to make a simple but effective method of framing the fireplace with a tile surround. Choose a trim style that contrasts with or matches your other trim elements like the thick casing around doors and windows to create a cohesive look. If you're looking for a more elegant, luxurious look, you can consider using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of a real mantel. For a more rustic farmhouse style, choose to use dentil trim instead.

The idea of creating an accent wall using wainscoting is a common method to add character to any room. The same technique can also be used to frame a fireplace. Instead of using plank boards, instead, consider using a paneled material such as tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard to create a striking appearance.

Another non-combustible material you can use to build a fireplace surround is brick, which comes in many different styles and colors. A traditional red brick fireplace is a traditional choice for cottage-style or Craft-Revival-style homes. Rustic-look brick is also an alternative that is able to blend with more traditional country 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 select is safe and meets all codes of the local and national level.

Open shelving is a great option to organize books and other items However, too many shelves could overwhelm the look of the fireplace. The homeowners of this living room have created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the look without overwhelming the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic appearance are ideal for a fireplace wall. They add timeless beauty to any home. Reclaimed wood beams are sourced from old stables, barns and other demolished buildings. Each beam has its own unique history. Reclaimed wood can also be used as an accent in modern kitchens or with wide planks to give an authentic appearance. They feature the typical marks of barn wood, such as mortise and nail holes as well as a natural patina that enhances their durability.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage as well as flea markets to find reclaimed wood elements that can be used as a mantel or accent wall. For example the earthy color of pine that highlights this traditional living room mantel and surround evokes the feeling of a rustic, cozy retreat. The knotty imperfections of the wood emphasize the hand-crafted look and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which is a part of the fireplace wall. A pair of nature-inspired sconces and a landscape painting over the mantel add to the rustic ambiance of the room.

Repurposed wooden beams will give a unique appearance to any room. They can be left in their natural state 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 for an updated look, or they can be covered with faux finishes such as rust or marbled paint.

The wooden beams can serve as the central point of any fireplace. They can be placed above a freestanding gas or ventless or electric fireplace or be integrated into a stone or brick fireplace. They can be used to accent a mantel without a fire burning.

No matter which method you choose to put in your beams, make sure that they are protected adequately from the effects of fire. Both materials are susceptible to becoming brittle and weakening in the presence of extreme heat, but both can be reinforced with a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant that is sprayed on I-beams made of steel. These products are sold at most stores for home improvement.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a dramatic effect as a surround for a fireplace. Its shape instantly enhances the space while complementing any decor style from modern to traditional. The matte finish is ideal for a polished and clean look while adding contrast to make the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles can be customized with a variety of textures for an individual appearance. Stone-look tile is a popular option that gives the room an old-fashioned, rustic feel while pairing beautifully with natural materials like wood. marble fireplace-look tiles are another timeless option that provides an elegant and luxurious aesthetic to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles sparkles beautifully, reflecting light and brightening the space.

The appropriate tile pattern can improve 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 appearance of a hand-crafted space, balancing the modern organic style fireplace with the overall design of the room.

If you're unsure about taking a risk on a patterns in your home, a fireplace can be an ideal place to test out a bold pattern that might be intimidating in other areas of the house. This geometric tile (here's another option) with its black grout lines give the room a sophisticated but fun energy. The hexagonal shapes fit like cubes, creating a lively layout. The dark brown color gives this space a warm, inviting aesthetic that is perfect for industrial decor.

Another method of making a statement with your fireplace is to choose tiles that have the look of brick or another familiar material. This textured tile, made by LA Designer Affair, has the same look as traditional brick but with the added benefit of being much easier to clean and maintain.

Consider using a peel-and stick tile to upgrade your fireplace's surround without costing you a dime. These options are heat-resistant, making them suitable for fireplaces and able adhere to existing surfaces. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a fantastic option to add style to any room. It also looks great with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

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

If your mantel is constructed of wood, you should first examine it for cracks, nicks and gouges. If the dents aren't enough to be able to handle, fill them with wood putty and let it set for the recommended amount of time. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it up before painting. To get rid of any dirt or debris wipe the sanded surfaces with a damp cloth.

While white is a popular option for fireplaces and walls but the right color can really help your mantel stand out. For inspiration, 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, choose the color that works well with the other hues in the room to ensure it looks balanced.

Protect the area around you by using sheets or a dropcloth prior to when you begin painting. Remove any ornaments or display pieces that may have been hung over the mantel. Remove any ornaments or photos placed around or on the fireplace made of brick. Once the mantel has been cleaned, you can use a damp cloth and wipe it down to remove any soot or dust.

Apply a basecoat with the brush or roller to your mantel. The semi-gloss paint is long-lasting and stain resistant, so your mantel will be able to withstand the heat of your fireplace as well as any other items that are placed on it. Allow the primer to completely dry, as per the instructions of the manufacturer, before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.

While the brick is an attractive feature of a fireplace wall, it can be quite heavy and dark in color. Paint the mantel in a light color or neutral to make it appear brighter and more inviting. If you opt for an unassuming color for your mantel, pair it with a piece art with earthy tones or a large mirror to complete the look.