How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace in the wall can be your living room an element of interest that demands attention. There are numerous models to choose from and you must pick one that is suitable for your needs.

Some of the most important features include the heat output along with the appearance and controls. If you're not aware of these features, it's best to hire a professional to help you pick the right model.

Molded Squares

A dull stone fireplace surround and www.fireplacesandstove.com bland walls made this living space in need of a major fireplace revamp. With a few design tweaks the new look is vibrant and striking making this hearth a central feature in the room. A whitewashed fireplace and contemporary artwork above modernize the fireplace facade and contrast with the gray shelves below. A few color changes will also make the fireplace stand out from the wall, which enhances the appeal of this fireplace design.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces are combined to create a simple, yet effective, method to frame your fireplace surround. Choose a trim style that contrasts with or matches your other trim elements, for example, the thick casing around windows and doors, to create a cohesive look. If you're looking for an elegant, high-end style, choose a fluted trim to create the illusion that there is a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse-style.

Accent walls with wainscoting are a common method of adding the look of the interior of a room. The same technique can also be used to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards, however, try using a paneled material such as tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard to create a striking look.

Brick is another non-combustible option to use as the fireplace surround. It is available in various styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace with red is a popular choice for cottage-style or Craft-Revival-style homes. A rustic-looking brick could be used to complement a traditional country decor.

If you're planning to incorporate brick into your fireplace design, make sure that your hearth is 16 to 18 inches from the opening of the firebox, and the surround is between 8 and 12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the brick you select is safe and meets all local and national codes.

Open shelving can be a great way of storing books and other things. However having too many shelves can obstruct the look of the fireplace. For this family room the homeowners designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the design of the new fireplace without overpowering the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams that have a rustic style make a great fireplace wall. They add a timeless look to any home. Reclaimed wood beams come from barns, stables and other demolished buildings. Each beam carries with it its own unique history. Reclaimed wood can also be used as a decorative element in modern kitchens, or with wide plank paneling to create a rustic look. They are characterized by barn wood markings, such as mortise and nail holes, as well as a natural aging process that increases their longevity.

Find salvage yards for architectural elements and flea market for reclaimed wooden elements to transform into a mantel. For instance the earthy color of pine that accentuates the traditional living room mantel and surround creates a cozy rural retreat. The knotty imperfections in the wood accent the hand-crafted look and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that borders the fireplace wall. A pair of nature-inspired sconces and a landscape-themed painting above the mantel enhance the rustic charm of the room.

Repurposed wooden beams can provide an attractive feature to any room in your home. They can be left in their natural state or stained to match the decor of your home, or they can be cut and distressed to create an antique appearance. They can also be painted for an updated look or covered with faux finishes, such as rust or marbled paint.

Wooden beams can serve as a focal point for any kind of fireplace. They can be set above a freestanding gas, ventless or electric fireplace or incorporated into a stone or brick fireplace. They can also be used to highlight the mantel with no fire burning.

No matter which method of installation you decide to use be sure that your wood or steel beams are properly protected from the potential effects of fire. Both materials can become brittle and weaken when exposed to extreme heat, however both can be reinforced with a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant sprayed on I-beams made of steel. These products are available at most home improvement shops.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can make a dramatic statement when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its shape instantly enhances the space and is a perfect match for any decor style from modern to traditional. Selecting a matte finish for the tiles is a great way to maintain that clean and polished look while adding some contrast to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can be customized with a variety textures for an individualized appearance. Stone-look tiles are a very popular option that gives the space an old-fashioned, rustic feel. They also go well with natural materials, such as wood. Marble-look tiles are another classic option that gives an elegant and luxurious look to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles sparkles beautifully, reflecting light and brightening the room.

The right tile pattern can elevate 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 on the tile gives the whole space the look of a hand-crafted piece that balances the contemporary organic style of the fireplace and the overall modern design of the room.

If you're not sure about making a design risk in your home The fireplace is a great spot to play around with a bold design. It could be intimidating for other areas. This geometric tile (here's a similar option) with its black grout lines give this room a sophisticated and playful energy. The hexagonal shapes fit together like cubes to create a fascinating layout, while the deep brown color creates a warm and inviting aesthetic that complements the industrial decor in this space.

Another method of making a statement with your fireplace is to use tile that resembles the appearance of brick or another familiar material. This textured tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance to brick, however, it is much easier to clean and maintain.

If you're not ready to make a major overhaul of your fireplace surround, consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to update the look without spending a fortune. Many of these options are resistant to heat which means they are suitable for use in the fireplace and able to adhere to the existing surface. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a great option to add elegance to any room. It also looks great with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the best way to hide a brick surround on a wall-mounted fireplace. Paint the mantel in a different color also adds warmth and character to the space. It doesn't matter if you choose to match it to the color scheme of your room or opt for something more striking, a new paint color makes your fireplace stand out as a stunning feature.

If your mantel is wood, inspect it first for gouges, cracks, and scratches. Fill in the dents using wood putty if they are small enough. Allow it to dry for the period recommended. Before painting, sand the surface with 100-grit sandpaper to roughen it up. Wipe the surface that has been sanded with a damp cloth to take off any remaining dirt or dust.

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

Before you begin painting, cover the surrounding area with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove any decorative items or showpieces that were hung above the mantel. Remove any ornaments or photos placed around or on the brick fireplace. After the mantel has been cleaned, use a damp cloth and wipe it down to get rid of any dust or soot.

Apply a basecoat with the brush or roller to your mantel. The semi-gloss paint is long-lasting and stain-resistant, so your mantel can be able to withstand the heat of your fireplace, as well as other items placed on it. Let the primer dry, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.

While the brick is an attractive feature of a fireplace's wall it can be quite heavy and dark in hue. Paint the mantel with the light or neutral color to make it appear brighter and more inviting. If you choose to paint it the lighter hue, think about pairing it with an earthy-toned artwork or a large mirror over it to balance the appearance.