How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can give your living room a focal point that demands attention. There are a variety of models on the market but it is crucial to choose one that meets your needs.

The heat output, controls, and the appearance are among the most important features. If you're unfamiliar with these features, it's recommended to seek out an expert to assist you in choosing the right model.

Molded Squares

This living room needed an overhaul to the fireplace due to its old-fashioned stone surround and boring walls. With a few tweaks to the design, the new look is vibrant and striking making this hearth a centerpiece in the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel as well as contemporary art above the fireplace modernize the facade, while the gray shelves below contrast. A few minor changes in color can also help the fireplace stand out from the wall, which enhances the beauty of this fireplace design.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces are combined to create a simple yet effective way to frame the tile fireplace surround. Select a trim style that contrasts with or complements your other trim elements for example, the thick casing around doors and windows, to make the look more cohesive. If you want an elegant, high-end style, choose a fluted trim to create the illusion that there is a mantel. If you want a more rustic farmhouse look, choose to use dentil trim instead.

Accent walls with wainscoting are a popular method to add personality to rooms. The same method can 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 appearance.

Brick is another non-combustible option to use as the fireplace surround. It comes in various styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace in red is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. Rustic-look brick is also an option that can fit in with a more traditional, country decor.

When incorporating brick into a fireplace design, it is important to be sure your hearth is 16 to 18 inches from the firebox opening and that the surround extends 8-12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the brick you select is safe and meets all national and local codes.

Open shelving can be excellent for storing books and other objects. However having 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 design of the new fireplace, without obscuring 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 home. Reclaimed beams of wood are reclaimed from old barns, stalls and other structures that were removed. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used as a feature in modern kitchens, or with wide planks of paneling to create an authentic appearance. They have the typical barn wood markings like mortise and nail holes, as well as a natural aging process that increases their durability.

Scour architectural salvage yards and flea markets for reclaimed wood elements to use as a mantel or accent wall. For instance, the earthy shade of pine that accentuates this traditional living room mantel and surround creates the feeling of a rustic, cozy retreat. Its knotty imperfections give it a rustic feel, and they complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that is on the fireplace wall. A pair of sconces with a natural theme and a landscape-themed painting above the mantel add to the rustic charm of the space.

Repurposed wooden beams can bring a unique look to any space. They can be left in their natural state or stained to complement your existing decor or distressed and carved to give them an antique look. They can be painted to give them a modern look, or covered with faux finishes such as marbling paint or rust.

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

Regardless of which method of installation you choose, make sure that your wood or steel beams are adequately protected from the potential effects of fire. Both types of materials can become brittle and weaken when exposed to extreme heat, but both are able to be strengthened with a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant sprays on steel I-beams. These products can be found at most home improvement shops.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can make an impressive statement when used as a fireplace surround. Its shape instantly enhances the space and is a perfect match for any style of decor, from traditional to modern. The matte finish is ideal for a sleek and polished appearance while adding a splash of contrast to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can also be combined with different textures to create a more individual look. Stone-look tile is a very popular choice that lends the space an authentic, rustic look while blending beautifully with natural materials like wood. Marble-look tiles are another timeless option that provides an elegant and luxurious aesthetic to the room. These tiles feature an elegant and glossy surface that reflect light beautifully and enhances the space.

The perfect tile pattern can enhance the entire look 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 adds a unique an artistic look that balances the contemporary organic style of the fireplace and the overall contemporary design of the room.

If you're not sure about taking a risk with design in your home, a fireplace can be an excellent place to try out a bold style that could be intimidating in other areas of your home. This geometric tile with its black grout provides this area with an elegant yet playful feel. The hexagonal shapes fit together as cubes to create an exciting layout, while the dark brown color creates a warm and inviting aesthetic that is a perfect match for the industrial style of the room.

Another way to make an impact with your fireplace is to use tiles that look like the appearance of brick or a similar material. This textured tile, made by LA Designer Affair, has a similar look to brick, but has the benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.

If you're hesitant to take on a complete remodel of your fireplace's surround, think about applying a peel and stick tile to change the appearance without costing you a fortune. These options are heat-resistant, making them suitable for fireplaces as well as able to be bonded to existing surfaces. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a fantastic option to add elegance to any room. It also looks great with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace in a wall has an existing brick surround, the most effective way to disguise its appearance is to give it an update of the paint. The mantel's paint color also adds warmth and character to the room. If you decide to match it to the color scheme of your room or opt for something striking or bold, a new color will make your fireplace stand out as a showpiece.

If your mantel is constructed of wood, first inspect it for cracks, nicks, and gouges. If the dents aren't enough to handle, fill them with wood putty and allow it to set for the appropriate amount of time. Before painting you can sand the surface 100-grit sandpaper to rough it up. Clean the surface with a damp cloth in order to remove 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. For inspiration, examine the wood trims on your bookcases, mouldings, and walls. Do they use the same hue as your mantel, or is it a darker or lighter hue? If you choose the latter option, select a color that will work 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 and remove any decorations or showpieces that may be hung above it. If your fireplace is made of brick, take away any pictures or ornaments that are located on or around the fireplace. Once the mantel has been cleared then wipe it clean with a a damp cloth to clean off any dust or soot that has built up.

Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel using either a roller or brush. The semi-gloss finish is durable and stain-resistant, so your mantel is able to stand up well to the heat generated by the fireplace as well as any 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 a beautiful feature of a fireplace's wall, it can be quite heavy and dark in hue. The mantel painted with in a neutral or light shade can make it look brighter and more welcoming to guests. If you decide to go with a light color, consider pairing it with a earthy-toned piece of art or a mirror that is large above it to balance the look.