How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can provide your living space with an eye-catching focal area. There are many models available, so you should choose one that suits your needs.

The most significant features include the heat output, the appearance and the controls. If you're unfamiliar with these features, it's recommended to consult a professional to help you choose the right model.

Molded Squares

A stale stone fireplace and dull walls created a living space that was in need of a dramatic fireplace revamp. The new look is bright, appealing and makes the hearth the main focal point of the room. A whitewashed mantel for the fireplace and contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the exterior while the shelves that are gray below are a contrast. A few changes in color can also help the fireplace stand apart from the wall, which enhances the charm of this fireplace design.

Base cap moldings and trim pieces are paired to create a simple yet efficient way to frame a fireplace surround made of tile. Choose a style of trim that contrasts with or matches your other trim elements, like the thick casing around windows and doors, to create a cohesive look. If you're looking for an elegant, luxurious look, you can consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of a real mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse look.

Wainscoting accent walls is a popular method to add personality to a room. The same technique can also be used to frame a fireplace. Consider a paneled material like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard in place of plank boards to create a dramatic effect.

Brick is another non-combustible option for a fireplace surround. It comes in a variety of styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace in red is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. A rustic-looking brick can be used to complement a traditional country decor.

When incorporating brick in a fireplace design, you'll want to be sure your hearth extends 16 to 18 inches from the opening of the firebox and that your surround reaches 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the brick you select is safe and meets all codes of the local and national level.

Open shelving can be a great way of storing books and other objects. However, too many shelves can ruin the appearance of the fireplace. The homeowners of this living room have created a wall to ceiling limestone cladding to improve the look of the room without overpowering open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wood beams are the perfect frame for a fireplace on the wall. They add timeless beauty to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood are made from old barns, stalls, and other buildings that were destroyed. Each beam carries with it its own distinct history. Reclaimed wood can also 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 which increases their longevity.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets to find reclaimed wood elements to repurpose for a mantel or an accent wall. The rustic tone of pine used as a backdrop for the traditional living room mantel and surround evokes an intimate country retreat. The knotty imperfections give it a rustic feel and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that is on the wall of the fireplace. A pair of sconces inspired by nature and a landscape painting over the mantel add to the rustic ambiance of the space.

Repurposed wooden beams will add a unique touch to any space. They can be stained to match your existing design or carved to create an antique look. They can be painted to give them a more modern look or covered with faux finishes like marbling paint or rust.

Wooden beams can be used as a focal point for any type of fireplace. They can be placed over a freestanding gas, ventless or electric fireplace, or incorporated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can also be used to highlight a mantel without a fire burning.

Whatever method of installation you decide to use, make sure that your steel or wood beams are adequately protected from the potential consequences of fire. Both materials are susceptible to becoming brittle and weakening in the face of extreme heat, but both are able to be strengthened with a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant sprayed on steel I-beams. These products are available in most home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can create an impact when used as an accent for fireplaces Electric your fireplace inserts. Its shape instantly brightens the space and is a perfect match for any decor style, 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 stand out.

Hex tiles can also be used with a variety of texture choices for a more customized appearance. Stone-look tiles are a favorite that give the room an old-fashioned, rustic feel. They also look great with natural materials like wood. Marble-look tile is a timeless option that provides an elegant and luxurious aesthetic to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting light and brightening up the space.

The right tile pattern can elevate the entire design 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 on the tile adds a unique the look of a hand-crafted piece that balances the modern organic style of the fireplace, and the overall contemporary design of the room.

If you're unsure about taking a risk with design in your home, a fireplace is an ideal place to test out a bold style that might be intimidating in other areas of the house. This geometric tile (here's a similar option) with its black grout lines gives the room a sophisticated but lively energy. The hexagonal shapes fit like cubes to create a stimulating layout. The deep brown color provides this space with an inviting and warm aesthetic that is perfect for industrial style.

Tile that looks like brick or other familiar materials is another way to make an impact with your fireplace. This textured tile, from LA Designer Affair, has an identical look to traditional brick but with the added benefit of being much easier to clean and maintain.

Consider using a peel-and-stick tile to modernize your fireplace surround without spending a fortune. These tiles are heat-resistant and therefore suitable for Fireplaces Electric as well as able to adhere to existing surfaces. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a great option to add elegance to any room. It also works beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the ideal method to hide the brick surround of an unwall-mounted fireplace. The mantel can be painted a different color to add warmth and personality. If you decide to match it to the room's color scheme or opt for something more striking and striking, a fresh paint color makes your fireplace stand out as a stunning feature.

If your mantel is constructed from wood, first check it for cracks, nicks, and gouges. If the dents aren't large enough to handle then fill them with wood fireplace putty, and let it set for the recommended amount of time. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it up before painting. Wipe down the sanded surface with a damp cloth to take off any remaining dirt or dust.

White is a favorite color for cheap fireplaces and walls. But, the right shade will make your mantel really stand out. For ideas, take a examine the wood trims on your bookcases, mouldings and walls. Do they have the same shade as your mantel? Or is it a darker or lighter hue? If you choose the latter, choose the color that works well with the other hues in the room to ensure it looks balanced.

Before you start painting, cover the surrounding area with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove any decorations or showpieces that may have been hung above the mantel. If your fireplace is made of brick, take away any ornaments or pictures that are located on or around the fireplace. When the mantel is clean, wipe it down with the help of a damp cloth to wipe off any soot or dust that has accumulated.

Apply a basecoat using a roller or brush to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish is durable and stain-resistant, ensuring that your mantel will stand up well to the heat generated by the fireplace as well as any other objects placed on it. Let the primer dry, as per 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 wall, it can be heavy and dark in shade. Paint the mantel with the light or neutral color to make it appear brighter and more inviting. If you decide to choose a light color for your mantel, you can pair it with a piece art with earthy tones or a large wall mirror to complement the overall look.