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 available and you must pick 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 aware of these aspects, it is best to hire an expert to help you pick the right model.

Molded Squares

The living room required an impressive fireplace overhaul due to its old-fashioned stone surround and dull walls. With a few design tweaks the new look is bright and eye-catching, making the hearth a focal point in the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel and contemporary art above the fireplace modernize the exterior while the shelves that are gray below are a contrast. The fireplace’s exterior is enhanced by a few color variations.

Base cap moldings and trim pieces are combined to make a simple but efficient way to frame the fireplace with a tile surround. To tie the look together pick a trim style to match or contrast with your other trim elements like thick casing around doors and windows. If you’re looking to create an elegant, luxurious style, think about using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of an actual mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic farmhouse style.

Creating an accent wall with wainscoting is a popular way to add character to any room. The same technique can be used to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled product like tongue-and groove cedar siding or beadboard instead of plank boards to create a dramatic look.

Another non-combustible option you can use to build the fireplace surround is brick, which 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-look brick is also an option that can fit in with more traditional country-style decor.

If you are incorporating brick into a fireplace design, you’ll need to be sure your hearth is 16 to 18 inches from the opening for the fireplace and that the surround extends 8-12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you choose conforms to all national and local building codes to ensure safety.

Open shelving is a great option to store books and other things however, too many shelves can take over the appearance of the fireplace. For this family room, the homeowners created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the look of the new fireplace without overpowering the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look are ideal for a fireplace wall. They add timeless beauty to any house. Reclaimed wood beams are sourced from old barns, stables and other demolished structures. Each beam has its own distinct story. Reclaimed wood can be used as a decorative element in modern kitchens or with wide planks of paneling to create a rustic look. They feature the usual barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes, as well as a natural aging process that improves their durability.

Look through salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea market for reclaimed wood elements to make into a fireplace. The earthy tone of pine used to accent this traditional living room’s surround and mantel creates an intimate country retreat. The knotty imperfections of the wood emphasize the hand-crafted appearance and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which borders the fireplace wall. A pair of sconces with a natural theme and a landscape painting above the mantel add to the rustic ambiance of this space.

Repurposed wood beams will give a unique appearance to any room. They can be left as-is or stained to match your existing decor, or they can be cut and distressed to create 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 serve as a focal point for any type of fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel without the need for a fire. They can also be used to highlight the mantel without a flame burning.

No matter which method you choose to install your beams, ensure that they are protected adequately from the effects of fire. Both materials can become brittle in extreme heat. However, they can be strengthened with a layer of fire-resistant drywall. 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 design instantly brightens the space and is a perfect match for any decor, modern or traditional. The matte finish is ideal for a sleek and polished appearance, while also adding a pop of contrast to make the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles also work well with a variety of texture choices for a more personalized look. Stone-look tiles are a very popular option that gives the space an old-fashioned, rustic feel. They also pair beautifully with natural materials like wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tile that provides an elegant and luxurious appearance to the space. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting the sunlight and brightening the space.

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

If you are unsure of taking a pattern risk in your home The fireplace is a great place to play around with a bold design. It might be intimidating for other areas. The 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 deep brown color creates an inviting and warm look that works with the industrial décor in this space.

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

If you’re hesitant to make a major overhaul of your fireplace surround, consider applying a peel and stick tile to update the look without breaking the bank. These tiles are heat-resistant, making them suitable for fireplaces and can be bonded to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is an excellent option that will bring an elegant look to any living space, while also blending beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

When a wall fireplace has an existing brick surround, the best way to downplay its appearance is by giving it fresh coats of paint. The mantel can be painted in a different color to add warmth and personality. Whether you choose to match it to the decor’s color scheme or opt for something striking and striking, a fresh paint color will make your fireplace stand out as a showstopper.

If your mantel is wood take a look at it to find cracks, gouges, and nicks. Fill in the dents using wood putty, if they’re small enough. Allow it to dry for the amount of time recommended. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it prior to painting. Wipe down the sanded surface with a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or dust.

While white is a popular option for walls and fireplaces, the right shade can really make your fireplace stand out. For ideas, take a take a look at the wood trim on your bookcases, moldings and walls. Do they use the same color as your mantel, or is it a darker or lighter hue? If you choose the latter, choose one that blends well with the other hues in the room to keep it looking balanced.

Before you start painting, protect the area around you with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove any ornaments or display pieces that were hung over the mantel. If your fireplace is brick, get rid of any ornaments or pictures that are placed on or within it. Once the mantel is empty then wipe it clean with a a damp cloth to clean off any dust or soot that has accumulated.

Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel using either a roller or brush. The semi-gloss paint is durable and stain-resistant, so your mantel can be able to withstand the heat of your fireplace as well as any other items placed on it. Allow the primer to dry according to the manufacturer’s recommendations before moving onto the main body of your fireplace wall.

The brick can be heavy in both weight and color. Paint the mantel with in a neutral or light shade can make it look brighter and more welcoming to guests. If you choose an unassuming color for your mantel, you can pair it with a piece artwork in earthy tones, or a large mirror to balance out the look.