How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace in the wall can be your living space a focal point that demands attention. There are a variety of models available and you must pick one that is suitable for 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 hire an expert to help you select the right model.

Molded Squares

A stale stone fireplace surround and dull walls left this living space in need of a drastic fireplace overhaul. With a few design tweaks the new look is fresh and striking and makes the hearth a central feature in the room. A whitewashed fireplace and contemporary artwork above modernize the facade of the fireplace and contrast with the gray shelves below. The fireplace facade is enhanced by a few color variations.

Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces create a simple, yet effective way to frame a tile fireplace surround. Choose a style of trim that is in contrast with or matches the other trim elements, such as the thick casing around windows and doors, to make the look more cohesive. If you're looking for a more elegant, high-end look, you can consider using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of a real mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse-style.

Making an accent wall using wainscoting is a popular method to add character to any room. The same method can be used to frame a fireplace. Instead of using plank boards instead, consider a paneled material like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard to create a dramatic look.

Another non-combustible material you can use to build a fireplace surround is brick, which is available in a variety of styles and colors. A classic red brick fireplace is perfect for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. Rustic-look brick is also an option that could be a good fit with more traditional country-style decor.

When you incorporate brick into a fireplace stove (Read the Full Content) design, you'll want to ensure that your hearth extends 16 to 18 inches from the opening of the firebox and that the surround extends 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Make sure your chosen material conforms to all local and national building codes to ensure security.

Open shelving is excellent for storing books and other items. However the presence of too many shelves can obstruct the look of a fireplace. The homeowners of this family room designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding in order to enhance the look without overwhelming the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wood beams are the perfect frame for a fireplace on the wall. They add a timeless look to any house. Reclaimed wood beams are reclaimed from barns, stalls, and other buildings that have been removed. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used as an accent in modern fireplace kitchens or with wide planks to give a rustic look. They have the typical barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes, and a natural aging process that increases their longevity.

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. The rustic tone of pine used to create this traditional living room's mantel and surround evokes an intimate country retreat. The knotty imperfections create a rustic appearance, and they complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that is on the fireplace's wall. The rustic warmth of this room is accentuated by a pair of nature-inspired wall sconces, and a landscape picture above the mantel.

Repurposed wooden beams can provide an attractive accent to any room in your home. They can be left as-is or stained to match your existing decor, or they can be distressed and carved to give them an antique look. They can be painted to give them a more modern appearance, or covered with faux finishes such as rust or marbling paint.

The wooden beams can be used as the focal feature of any fireplace. They can be positioned above a freestanding gas or electric fire or ventless fireplace or be integrated into a stone or brick fireplace. They can be used to enhance the mantel, without burning fire.

No matter which method you choose to put in your beams, be sure they are protected adequately 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 at most home improvement shops.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a dramatic effect as surrounds for fireplaces. Its shape instantly enhances the space while complementing any style of decor from traditional to modern. The matte finish is perfect for a sleek and polished look while adding contrast to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can be customized with a variety textures for a more personalized appearance. Stone-look tile is a very popular choice that lends the space an old-fashioned, rustic feel while pairing beautifully with natural materials like wood. Marble-look tile is a timeless option that adds an elegant and luxurious look to the room. These tiles feature a smooth and glossy finish that is a beautiful reflection of light and enhances the space.

The perfect tile pattern can enhance 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 gives the whole space the look of a hand-crafted piece that balances the modern organic style of the fireplace, and the overall modern design of the room.

If you're unsure about putting your faith in a patterns in your home, a fireplace can be an excellent place to try out a bold pattern that could be a bit intimidating in other areas of your home. The geometric tile with its black grout provides this area with an elegant and playful look. The hexagonal shapes are arranged as cubes to create an exciting layout, while the deep brown color creates an inviting and warm look that complements the industrial decor in the room.

Another method of making a statement with your fireplace is to select tiles that have the look of brick or another popular material. This textured tile, from LA Designer Affair, has a similar look to traditional brick but with the added benefit of being much easier to clean and maintain.

If you're not ready make a major overhaul of your fireplace surround, consider using a peel and stick tile to update the look without breaking the bank. These options are heat-resistant which makes them suitable for fireplaces electric as well as able to adhere to existing surfaces. This peel and stick herringbone tile is an excellent option for adding elegance to any room. It also looks great with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the best method to cover the brick surround on an unwall-mounted fireplace. Paint the mantel in a different color also adds warmth and personality to the room. A new color of paint can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the scheme of color in the room or choose something bold.

If the mantel is made of wood take a look at it to find gouges, cracks, and scratches. If the dents aren't large enough to be able 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 to rough it up. Wipe down the sanded surface using a damp cloth to take off any remaining dirt or debris.

White is a popular color for walls and fireplaces shop. But, the right shade will make your fireplace stand out. Look at the other trims, moldings, and bookcases around your home for ideas. Does your mantel have the same color as theirs, or is it darker or lighter? If you opt for the latter option, pick the color that works well with the other shades in the room to ensure it looks balanced.

Before you begin painting, protect the area around you with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove any ornaments or display pieces that might have been placed above the mantel. Remove any ornaments or photos placed around or on the fireplace made of brick. Once the mantel has been cleaned, take a damp cloth and wipe it clean to remove any dust or soot.

Apply a basecoat using a roller or brush to your mantel. The semi-gloss paint lasts and stain-resistant, so your mantel can withstand the heat of the fireplace, and any other items placed on it. Allow the primer to dry according to the guidelines of the manufacturer before moving on to the main body of your fireplace's wall.

The brick can be quite heavy in weight and color. Paint the mantel with a light color or neutral to make it appear brighter and more inviting. If you decide to choose a light color, consider using it in conjunction with an earthy toned piece of art or a mirror that is large above it to create a balanced look.