How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace in the wall can be your living room an attractive focal point that requires attention. There are a variety of models available, so you should choose one that is suitable for your needs.

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

Molded Squares

This living room needed a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its outdated stone surround and bland walls. With a few design tweaks the new look is vibrant and eye-catching, making the hearth a focal point in the room. A whitewashed fireplace and contemporary artwork above modernize the facade of the fireplace and contrast with the gray shelves below. A few changes in color will also make the fireplace stand apart from the wall, which enhances the beauty of this fireplace design.

Base cap moldings and trim pieces are paired to make a simple but effective way to frame a tile fireplace surround. Select a trim style that is in contrast with or matches your other trim elements such as the thick casing around windows and doors to create a cohesive look. If you're looking for a more elegant, luxurious look, consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of a mantel. For a more rustic farmhouse style, choose to use dentil trim instead.

Wainscoting accent walls is an extremely popular way to add the look of rooms. The same technique can be used to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards instead, consider a paneled material like beadboard or tongue-and-groove cedar siding to create a striking look.

Brick is another non-combustible option to use as the fireplace surround. It is available in a variety of styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace with red accents is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. A rustic-looking brick could be used to enhance a traditional country style.

If you are planning to incorporate brick into the design of your fireplace, make sure that your hearth measures 16 to 18 inches away from the opening of the fireplace and the surround is 8 to 12 inches wide in all directions. Be sure that the material you select is safe and meets all local and fireplace makeover national codes.

Open shelving is excellent for storing books and other things. However the presence of too many shelves can ruin the look of the fireplace. For this family room homeowners built a wall-to ceiling limestone cladding to elevate the appearance of the fireplace, without obscuring the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wood beams make the ideal frame for a wall fireplace. They add timeless beauty to any home. Reclaimed wood beams are sourced from old stables, barns and other demolished buildings. Each beam is unique and has its own unique history. Reclaimed wood can be used conjunction with wide plank ceiling paneling for a completely rustic look or as an accent to modern kitchens. They are characterized by the typical marks of barn wood, like mortise and nail holes and natural patina that increases their durability.

Search architectural salvage yards and flea market for wood pieces that you can transform into a mantel. The rustic tone of pine used to create the traditional living room surround and mantel evokes the feeling of a cozy country getaway. The knotty imperfections in the wood accent the hand-crafted appearance and compliment the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that is a part of the fireplace wall. The rustic warmth of this room is accentuated by a pair of natural-inspired wall sconces and an image of a landscape above the mantel.

Repurposed wooden beams can provide an attractive feature to any room in your home. They can be stained to match your existing design or carved to create an antique look. They can be painted to give them a modern look, or covered with faux finishes such as rust or marbling paint.

The wooden beams can serve as the focal point of any fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel, even without any fire burning. They can be used to accent the mantel with no fire burning.

No matter which method of installation you choose ensure that your wood or steel beams are adequately protected from the potential consequences of fire. Both materials can be brittle and weaken in the presence of extreme heat, but both are able to be strengthened with a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant that is sprayed on steel I-beams. These products can be found in a wide variety of home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a dramatic effect as a surround for a fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens up the space while complementing any decor style, from traditional to modern. Choosing a matte finish for the tiles is the best way to keep that sleek and polished look while adding some contrast to make the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles can also be used with a variety of texture choices to create a more individual look. Stone-look tiles are a favorite that give the room an authentic, classic look. They also look great with natural materials such as wood. Marble-look tiles are another timeless option that adds an elegant and luxurious appearance to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting light and brightening the room.

The appropriate tile pattern can improve the look 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 of the tile provides the appearance of a hand-crafted space, and balances the modern natural style fireplace with the overall design of the room.

If you're not sure about making a design risk in your home The fireplace is a great spot to test an imposing design. It might be a bit intimidating for other rooms. This geometric tile with its black grout gives this space an elegant, yet fun feel. The hexagonal shapes work like cubes to create a fascinating layout, while the deep brown hue creates a warm and inviting aesthetic that is a perfect match for the industrial decor in the room.

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

Consider using a peel-and stick tile to update your fireplace's surround without breaking the bank. These tiles are heat-resistant, making them suitable for double-sided fireplaces as well as able to stick to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great alternative that will add an elegant feel to any living space, while also blending beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace on the wall has an existing brick surround, the best method to minimize its appearance is by giving it a fresh coat of paint. The mantel can be painted with a different hue to add warmth and character. A new color of paint can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the overall color scheme of the room or pick something striking.

If your mantel is constructed of wood, first inspect it for cracks, nicks and gouges. If the dents are small enough to be able to handle Fill them in with wood putty, and let it set for the appropriate amount of time. Sand the surface with 100-grit paper to roughen it up prior to painting. Wipe down the sanded surface with a damp cloth to take off any remaining dirt or dust.

While white is a popular option for walls and fireplaces The right shade can really make your fireplace stand out. Look at the other wood trims, moldings, and bookcases around your home for ideas. Do they have the same hue as your mantel or is it a lighter or a darker shade? If you opt for the latter option, pick a color that will work well with the other hues in the room to ensure it looks balanced.

Before you start painting, protect the area around you with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove the mantel, removing any decorations or showpieces that are hanging over it. If your fireplace is brick, get rid of any pictures or ornaments that are placed on or Fireplace makeover around the fireplace. Once the mantel has been cleaned, you can use a damp cloth and wipe it down to get rid of any soot or dust.

Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with a brush or roller. The semi-gloss paint lasts and stain-resistant, so your mantel will 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 wall.

The brick may be heavy in weight and color. Paint the mantel in the light or neutral color to make it appear more vibrant and more inviting. If you decide to choose the lighter hue, think about pairing it with a earthy-toned piece of artwork or a mirror that is large above it to balance the look.