How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can give your living space a focal point that demands attention. There are a variety of models available, however, so it is important to find one that meets your needs.

The most significant features include the output of heat along with the appearance and controls. If you're not familiar with these features, it's best to seek out a professional to help you choose the right model.

Molded Squares

A stale stone fireplace surround and bland walls created a living space that was in need of a dramatic fireplace makeover. The new look is bright, appealing and makes this hearth the center of the room. A whitewashed mantel and modern artwork above modernize the facade of the fireplace while contrasting with the shelves in gray below. A few color changes will also make the fireplace stand apart from the wall, enhancing the appeal of this fireplace design.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces combine to form a simple, yet effective way to frame the fireplace surround. Choose a trim style that contrasts with or complements your other trim elements for example, the thick casing around windows and doors to create a cohesive look. If you want a more high-end, elegant style, choose a fluted trim to give the illusion that there is a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic farmhouse style.

Wainscoting accent walls is a common method of adding personality to a room. The same method can be employed to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards you can try using a paneled material such as beadboard or tongue-and-groove cedar siding to create a dramatic look.

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

If you are planning to incorporate brick into your fireplace design be sure that your hearth measures 16-18 inches from the opening of the firebox, and your surround is between 8 and 12 inches wide in all directions. Make sure your chosen material conforms to all local and national building codes for Fireplaces wood safety.

Open shelving is excellent for storing books and other items. However, too many shelves can overwhelm the appearance of a fireplace. The homeowners of this family room 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 look are ideal for a fireplace wall. They bring timeless elegance to any house. Reclaimed beams of wood are made from old barns, stalls, and other buildings that were removed. Each beam carries with it its own distinct history. Reclaimed wood can be used in combination with wide plank ceiling paneling for a fully rustic design or as an accent to modern kitchens. They are characterized by the typical marks of barn wood, including mortise and nail holes as well as a natural patina that enhances their durability.

Look through salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea market for reclaimed wood elements to repurpose into a mantel. For example the earthy hue of pine that highlights the traditional mantel and surround evokes an idyllic rural setting. The knotty imperfections give it a rustic feel, and they complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting on the fireplace wall. The rustic warmth of the room is accentuated by a pair of nature-inspired wall sconces, and a landscape image above the mantel.

Repurposed wooden beams can make an attractive accent to any room in your home. They can be stained to match your current decor or carved for an antique look. They can be painted to give them a more modern look or covered with faux finishes such as marbling paint or rust.

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

Whichever method you decide to use to mount your beams, ensure that they are protected adequately from the effects of electric fire. Both materials can become brittle and weaken in the face of extreme heat, but both are able to be strengthened with a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant sprays on steel I-beams. These products can be found at a variety of stores for home improvement.

white fireplace Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a dramatic effect as surrounds for fireplaces. Its shape instantly brightens up the space and is a perfect match for any decor style from modern to traditional. The choice of matte finishes for the tiles is ideal to keep that sleek and polished look, while also adding some contrast to make the fireplace sparkle.

Hex tiles can be customized with a variety textures for an individual look. Stone-look tiles are a favorite that give the room an authentic, classic look. They also look great with natural materials like wood. Marble-look tile is a timeless option that provides an elegant and luxurious appearance to the room. These tiles feature a smooth and glossy finish that reflect light beautifully and brightens the space.

The perfect tile pattern can enhance 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 the appearance of a hand-crafted space, while balancing the contemporary natural style fireplace with the overall style of the room.

If you're unsure about taking a pattern risk in your home, the fireplace is a great place to experiment with an imposing design. It might be a bit intimidating for other rooms. This geometric tile (here's an alternative) with its black grout lines gives the room a sophisticated but playful energy. The hexagonal shapes fit like cubes, creating a lively layout. The dark brown color gives this space an inviting and warm aesthetic that goes well with the industrial decor.

Tiles that resemble brick or other materials you are familiar with is another option to create an impact on your fireplace. This textured tile, from LA Designer Affair, has the same look as brick, but has the added benefit of being much easier to clean and maintain.

If you're not ready to make a major overhaul of your fireplace's surround, think about applying a peel-and-stick tile to refresh the appearance without spending a fortune. A lot of these options are heat-resistant, making them safe for the fireplace and able to adhere to the existing surface. This herringbone peel and stick tile is an excellent option that will add an elegant feel to any living space and will look great with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

When a wall fireplace has an existing brick surround, the best method to minimize its appearance is with a fresh coat of paint. Painting the mantel a different color also adds warmth and character to the room. If you decide to match it to the decor's color scheme or opt for something striking or bold, a new color makes your fireplace stand out as a showpiece.

If your mantel is constructed of wood, first inspect it for cracks, nicks and gouges. Fill in the dents with 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. To get rid of any debris or dirt clean the surfaces that have been sanded with a damp cloth.

White is a popular shade for electric fireplaces and walls. However the right shade can make your mantel really stand out. Check out the other trims, moldings, and bookcases in your home to get ideas. Do they use the same hue as your mantel, or is it a darker or lighter shade? If you decide to go with the latter option, select one that blends well with the other colors in the room to ensure it looks balanced.

Before you start painting, protect the area surrounding you with drop cloth or sheets. Remove any ornaments or display pieces that were hung above the mantel. If your fireplace is brick, get rid of any pictures or ornaments that are on or within it. After the mantel has been cleaned, you can use a damp cloth and wipe it down to get rid of any soot or dust.

Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel using the use of a roller or brush. The semi-gloss paint lasts and stain-resistant, which means your mantel will be able to be able to withstand the heat of your fireplace, as well as other items that are placed on it. Let the primer dry in accordance with the guidelines of the manufacturer before moving on to the main body of your fireplace's wall.

While brick is a striking feature of a fireplace's wall, it can be a bit heavy and dark in shade. Painting the mantel in a neutral or light shade can make it look brighter and more welcoming to guests. If you choose to paint it the lighter hue, think about using it in conjunction with an earthy toned piece of art or a mirror that is large above it to balance the look.