How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace will provide your living space with an attractive focal point. There are a variety of designs available however, it is essential to choose one that will meet your requirements.

The output of heat, the controls and the appearance are among the most important features. If you’re not familiar with these aspects, it is best to hire an expert to help choose the right model.

Molded Squares

A stale stone fireplace surround and dull walls left this living space in need of a dramatic fireplace revamp. With a few tweaks to the design the new look is vibrant and eye-catching, making the hearth a focal point in the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel and contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the exterior while the shelves that are gray below provide a stark contrast. A few color changes can also help the fireplace stand apart from the wall fires, which enhances the appeal of this fireplace design.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces are combined to create a simple, yet effective way to frame your fireplace surround. To bring the design together, choose a trim style to contrast with or complement your other trim elements like thick casings around windows and doors. If you prefer a more elegant, high-end style, choose a fluted trim to give the illusion that there is a mantel. If you want a more rustic farmhouse style, choose to use dentil trim instead.

Accent walls with wainscoting are an extremely popular way to add character to rooms. The same technique can be employed to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards however, try a paneled product like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard to create a striking appearance.

Brick is another non-combustible option to use as a fireplace surround. It is available in different styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace in red is a traditional choice for Craft Revival-style or cottage-style homes. The rustic-look brick is an option that can fit in with a more traditional, country-style decor.

If you want to incorporate brick into the design of your fireplace be sure that your hearth is 16 to 18 inches away from the opening of the fireplace and your surround is between 8 and 12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the material you choose conforms to all national and local construction codes for safety.

Open shelving is a great option to organize books and other items However, too many shelves could take over the appearance of a fireplace. In this family room, homeowners built a wall-to ceiling limestone cladding that enhances the appearance of the fireplace without overpowering the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wooden beams are the ideal frame for a wall fireplace insert. They bring timeless elegance to any house. Reclaimed wood beams are sourced from old stables, barns and other buildings that were demolished. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used in combination with wide plank ceiling panels for a fully rustic design or as a decorative element to modern kitchens. They have the typical barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes, plus a natural aging that improves their longevity.

Look through salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea market for reclaimed wooden elements to repurpose into a mantel. The earthy tone of pine used to accent this traditional living room’s mantel and surround evokes the feeling of a cozy country getaway. Its knotty imperfections emphasize a hand-hewn look and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which is a part of the fireplace wall. The rustic warmth of this room is accentuated by a pair of natural-inspired wall sconces, and a landscape image above the mantel.

Repurposed wooden beams can give a unique appearance to any space. They can be left as is or stained to complement the decor of your home, or they can be distressed and carved to give them an antique look. They can also be painted for modern appearance, or they can be covered with faux finishes like rust or marbled paint.

The wooden beams can serve as the central point of any fireplace. They can be set over a freestanding gas, electric fires or ventless fireplace or be integrated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can be used to accent the mantel without a flame burning.

Whichever method you choose to put in your beams, ensure that they are adequately protected from the effects of fire. Both materials can be hard and brittle when heated to extreme temperatures. 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 tile can make an impact when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens the space and is a perfect match for any decor, whether modern or traditional. Choosing matte finishes for the tiles is ideal to maintain that clean and polished look, while adding some contrast to make the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles can be customized with a variety of textures for an individual appearance. Stone-look tiles are a popular choice that gives the room an authentic, classic look. They also look great with natural materials, such as wood. Marble-look tile is another classic option that gives an elegant and luxurious appearance to the space. These tiles have a smooth and glossy finish that reflects light beautifully and enhances the space.

The right tile pattern can elevate 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 patterned tile adds an artistic look to the space, while balancing the contemporary natural style fireplace with the overall style of the room.

If you’re unsure about taking a risk on a design in your home, a fireplace is an excellent place to try out a bold style that could be a bit intimidating in other areas of the house. The geometric tile with its black grout provides this area with an elegant yet playful feel. The hexagonal shapes fit together like cubes to create a fascinating layout, while the dark brown color creates an inviting and warm aesthetic that works with the industrial style of this space.

Tiles that look like brick or other familiar materials is another way to make an impact on your fireplace. The textured tile, which is made by LA Designer Affair, has the same look as brick, but has the added benefit of being much easier to clean and maintain.

Consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to modernize your fireplace surround without breaking the bank. These tiles are heat-resistant and therefore suitable for Fireplaces Wood as well as able to stick to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great option that will add an elegant look to any living space, while also blending beautifully with traditional furnishings.

Paint the Mantel

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

If the mantel is made of wood, inspect it first for gouges, cracks and nicks. If the dents are small enough to be able to handle, fill them with wood putty and let it set for the recommended amount of time. Sand the surface with 100-grit paper to roughen it up before painting. Clean the surface with a damp cloth in order to take off any remaining dirt or debris.

White is a popular shade for fireplaces and walls. However the right shade can make your mantel really stand out. Take a look at the wood trims, moldings, and bookcases around your home for ideas. Do they use the same color as your mantel or is it a lighter or a darker hue? If you choose the latter option, select one that blends well with the other shades in the room to keep it looking balanced.

Protect the area around you by using sheets or a dropcloth before you begin painting. Remove the mantel, removing any showpieces or decorations that may be hung above it. If your fireplace is made of brick, take away any ornaments or pictures that are on or within it. Once the mantel is cleaned, take a damp cloth and wipe it clean to remove any dust or soot.

Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel using a brush or roller. The semi-gloss finish lasts and stain-resistant, which means that your mantel will hold up well to the heat generated by the fireplace and any other items placed on it. Let the primer completely dry, according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer before you begin painting the main wall of the fireplace.

While brick is a beautiful feature of a fireplace’s wall, it can be quite heavy and dark in hue. Painting the mantel an even or light color will make it appear more lively and more inviting to guests. If you opt for an unassuming color for your mantel, match it with a piece art with earthy tones or a large wall mirror to balance out the look.