How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can give your living room an attractive focal point that requires attention. There are a variety of models available so you need to pick one that meets your requirements.

The most significant features include the output of heat, the appearance and the controls. If you're unfamiliar with these features, it's best to hire an expert to help you choose the right model.

Molded Squares

This living room needed an impressive fireplace overhaul due to its outdated stone surround and boring walls. With a few tweaks to the design, the new look is bright and attractive, making the hearth a focal point in the room. A whitewashed mantel for the fireplace and contemporary art above the fireplace modernizes the appearance of the façade while the shelves that are gray below provide a stark contrast. The fireplace facade is enhanced by a few changes in color.

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 contrast or match your other trim elements like thick casings around doors and windows. If you're looking for an elegant, luxurious 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, choose to use dentil trim instead.

Wainscoting accent walls is an extremely popular way to add character to a room. The same technique can be used to frame a fireplace. Instead of using plank boards instead, consider using a paneled material such as beadboard or tongue-andgroove cedar siding to create a dramatic look.

Another non-combustible material you can use to create the fireplace surround is brick, which is available in many different styles and colors. A traditional red brick fireplace is a classic option for Craft Revival-style or cottage-style homes. A rustic-looking brick can be used to complement a traditional country decor.

If you are incorporating brick in a fireplace design, it is important to be sure your hearth extends 16 to 18 inches from the firebox opening and that the surround extends 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the material you choose complies with all building codes to ensure security.

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

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look make a great fireplace wall. They add a timeless look to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood are reclaimed from old barns, stalls, and other buildings that have been destroyed. Each beam has its own distinct story. Reclaimed wood can also be used as a decorative element in modern kitchens or with wide plank paneling to create an authentic appearance. They feature the usual barn wood markings, like mortise and fireplace nail holes as well as a natural aging process which increases their durability.

Look through salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea market for wood pieces that you can repurpose into a mantel. The natural tone of pine used to create this traditional living room surround and mantel creates an intimate country retreat. Its knotty imperfections give it a rustic feel, and they complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting on the fireplace's wall fires. The rustic warmth of the room is accentuated by a pair of natural-inspired wall sconces, as well as a landscape picture above the mantel.

Repurposed wooden beams can bring a unique look to any space. They can be stained to match your current decor or carved for an antique appearance. They can also be painted for a more contemporary appearance or covered with faux finishes such as marbled or rust paint.

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

Whatever method you choose to install your beams, ensure that they are adequately protected against the effects of fire. Both types of materials are susceptible to becoming brittle and weakening in the presence of extreme heat, but both can be strengthened by a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant sprays on steel I-beams. 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 design instantly brightens the space and is a perfect match for any decor, contemporary or traditional. The matte finish is ideal for a polished and clean appearance while adding a splash of contrast to make the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles can be customized with a variety of textures for an individualized look. Stone-look tiles are a very popular option that give the room a rustic, classic feel. They also go well with natural materials, such as wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tile that provides a luxurious and elegant aesthetic to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting the light and brightening the space.

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

If you're not sure about taking a risk with a pattern in your home The fireplace is a great place to experiment with a bold design. It can be a bit intimidating for other rooms. This geometric tile (here's a similar option) with its black grout lines gives the room a sophisticated but lively energy. The hexagonal shapes fit together like cubes for a stimulating layout, while the deep brown color provides an inviting and warm aesthetic that complements the industrial décor in the room.

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

If you're not ready to take on a complete remodel of your fireplace surround, consider using a peel and stick tile to refresh the look without breaking the bank. These tiles are heat-resistant and therefore suitable for fireplaces and can be bonded to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great option that will bring an elegant feel to any living space and will look great with traditional furnishings.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the ideal method to cover the brick surround of an unwall-mounted fireplace. Painting the mantel a different color also adds warmth and personality to the room. Whether you choose to match it with the decor's color scheme or opt for something more 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 nicks. 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. Before painting paint, sand the surface using 100-grit sandpaper to rough it up. To remove any debris or dirt, wipe down the surfaces you have sanded with a damp cloth.

While white is a popular option for walls and fireplaces but the right color can really help your mantel stand out. Take a look at the wood trims, moldings, and bookcases around your home for inspiration. Do they have the same color as your mantel, or is it a darker or lighter shade? If you choose the latter option, select one that blends well with the other hues in the room to keep it looking balanced.

Make sure you cover the area around you with a dropcloth or sheets before you begin painting. Remove any decorations or showpieces that were hung above the mantel. If your fireplace is made of brick, take away any ornaments or pictures that are on or around the fireplace. Once the mantel is empty and clean, wipe it with a an damp cloth to wash off any dust or soot that has built up.

Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with a brush or roller. The semi-gloss finish is long-lasting and stain-resistant, which means that your mantel will hold up well to the heat of the fireplace, as well as other objects placed on it. Let the primer dry in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer prior to moving on to the main body of your fireplace insert wall.

While the brick is an attractive feature of a fireplace's wall, it can be a bit heavy and dark in color. Paint the mantel with the light or neutral color to make it appear brighter and more inviting. If you decide to go with the lighter hue, think about pairing it with a earthy-toned piece of artwork or a large mirror above it to create a balanced look.