How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace on the wall can create your living room an element of interest that demands attention. There are numerous models to choose from and you must pick one that suits your needs.

The output of heat, the controls, and the appearance are just a few of the important features. If you're not familiar with these features, it's recommended to seek out an expert to help you select the best model.

Molded Squares

The living room in this house needed a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its outdated stone surround and bland walls. The new design is bright, eye-catching and makes the hearth the center of the room. A whitewashed mantel and modern artwork above the fireplace's facade modernize it and contrast with the gray shelves below. The fireplace facade is enhanced by a few color variations.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces are combined to form a simple, yet effective way to frame your fireplace surround. To tie the look together, choose a trim style to match or contrast with your other trim elements like thick casing around doors and windows. If you're looking for a more high-end, elegant style, choose a fluted trim to give the illusion that there is a mantel. For a more rustic farmhouse style, use dentil trim instead.

Making an accent wall using wainscoting is a popular way to add character any room. The same technique can also be used to frame a fireplace. Try a paneled option like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard in place of plank boards to create a dramatic look.

Brick is another non-combustible option for a fireplace surround. It is available in a variety of styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace in red is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. Rustic-style brick is another alternative that is able to blend with more traditional country decor.

If you want to incorporate brick into your fireplace design, make sure that your hearth measures 16 to 18 inches away from the opening of the fireplace and the surround is between 8 and 12 inches wide in all directions. Be sure that the material you choose is safe and complies with all national and local codes.

Open shelves are a great way to store books and other items however, too many shelves can overwhelm the look of a fireplace. The homeowners of this living room have created a wall to ceiling limestone cladding in order to enhance the look without overwhelming open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wood beams make the perfect frame for a wall fireplace. They are timeless and beautiful to any home. Reclaimed wood beams are sourced from old barns, stables and other buildings that were demolished. Each beam carries with it its own distinct history. Reclaimed wood can be used conjunction with wide plank ceiling panels to create a rustic look or as an accent to modern kitchens. They have the typical marks of barn wood, such as nail holes and mortise pockets, plus natural patina that increases their durability.

Scour architectural salvage yards and flea markets to find reclaimed wood elements to use as a mantel or fireplacesandstoves accent wall. The natural tone of pine used as a backdrop for the traditional living room surround and mantel evokes the feeling of a cozy country getaway. The knotty imperfections in the wood accent a hand-hewn look and compliment the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which surrounds the fireplace's wall. The rustic warmth of this room is enhanced by a pair of natural-inspired wall sconces, as well as an image of a landscape above the mantel.

Repurposed wooden beams can provide an eye-catching statement to any room in your home. They can be stained to match your current decor or carved to give an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a more modern look, or covered with faux finishes like rust or marbling paint.

Wooden beams can be used as a focal point for any type of fireplace. They can be positioned above a freestanding gas, ventless or electric fireplace, or be integrated into a stone or brick fireplace. They can be used to accent the mantel with no fire burning.

No matter which method of installation you choose, make sure that your wood or steel beams are adequately protected from the possible 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 in a wide variety of home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a striking effect as surrounds for fireplaces. Its design instantly brightens the space and is a perfect match for any style, whether traditional or modern. The matte finish is perfect to create a polished and sleek look while adding contrast to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can be customized with a variety of textures for a more personalized appearance. Stone-look tile is a very popular choice that lends the space a classic, rustic feel while pairing beautifully with natural materials like wood. Marble-look tile is a classic option that gives an elegant and luxurious appearance to the space. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles sparkles beautifully, reflecting sunlight and brightening the space.

The appropriate tile pattern can improve a fireplace's design. 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 gives the entire room a a handcrafted appeal that balances the modern organic style of the fireplace, and the overall contemporary design of the room.

If you're not sure about taking a risk on a patterns in your home, a fireplace is an excellent place to try out a bold style which could be a bit intimidating in other areas of your home. This geometric tile (here's another option) with its black grout lines give this space a sophisticated yet playful energy. The hexagonal shapes work like cubes to create a fascinating layout, and the dark brown color provides a warm and inviting aesthetic that works with the industrial style of the room.

Another option to make an impact with your fireplace is to select tiles that have the look of brick or another familiar material. This pattern-based tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance as brick but is much simpler to clean and maintain.

Consider using a peel-and-stick tile to update your fireplace surround without costing you a dime. These tiles are heat-resistant, making them suitable for fireplaces and able adhere to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is an excellent option that will bring an elegant feel to any living space, while coordinating beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace on the wall has an existing brick surround, the most effective way to disguise its appearance is with fresh coats of paint. Painting the mantel a different hue 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 striking.

If your mantel is constructed of wood, you should first examine it for cracks, nicks, and gouges. Fill in the dents with wood putty if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the amount of time recommended. Sand the surface with 100-grit paper to roughen it prior to painting. To remove any dirt or debris, wipe down the surfaces you have sanded with a damp cloth.

White is a popular color for walls and fireplaces. But the right shade can make your mantel really stand out. Look at the other wood trim, moldings and bookcases in your home for inspiration. Do they have the same color as your mantel, or is it a darker or lighter hue? If the latter, choose an appropriate color to keep the space looking balanced.

Before you begin painting, protect the surrounding area with a drop cloth or sheets. Clear off the mantel and remove any showpieces or decorations that might be hanging above it. If your fireplace is made of brick, take away any ornaments or pictures that are located on or around it. When the mantel is clean then wipe it clean with a an damp cloth to wash off any soot or dust that has accumulated.

Apply a basecoat using the brush or roller to your mantel. The semi-gloss paint lasts and stain-resistant, so your mantel will withstand the heat of the fireplace, as well as other objects that are placed on it. Allow the primer to dry according to the guidelines of the manufacturer before moving on to the main part of your fireplace's wall.

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