How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can give your living space an element of interest that demands attention. There are many different designs available, however, so it is crucial to choose one that will meet your requirements.

The heat output, controls, and the appearance are some of the most important features. If you're not aware of these features, it's best to hire a professional 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 boring walls. With a few tweaks to the design, the new look is bright and eye-catching, making this hearth a central feature in the room. A whitewashed mantel and modern artwork above modernize the fireplace facade and contrast with the shelves in gray below. The fireplace's facade is accentuated by a few color changes.

Base cap moldings and trim pieces make a simple but efficient way to frame the fireplace with a tile surround. To bring the design together pick a trim style to match or contrast with the other trim elements like thick casings around doors and windows. If you're looking for an elegant, luxurious look, consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of a mantel. If you want a more rustic farmhouse look, you can opt for dentil trim instead.

Accent walls with wainscoting are a common method of adding the look of rooms. The same technique can be employed to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards, you can try using a paneled material such as tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard to create a dramatic look.

Brick is another non-combustible option for a fireplace surround. It comes in various styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace in red is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. A rustic-look brick can also be used to add a rustic touch to a traditional decor.

If you want to incorporate brick into your fireplace design be sure that your hearth is 16 to 18 inches from the opening of the firebox and the surround is 8-12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you choose is compliant with all local and national building codes for security.

Open shelving is a great way of storing books and other things. However, too many shelves can ruin the appearance of the fireplace. For this family room the homeowners designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the look of the new fireplace without overwhelming the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look are perfect for a fireplace wall. They add a timeless beauty to any home. Reclaimed wood beams come from old stables, barns and other buildings that were demolished. Each beam has its own distinct history. Reclaimed wood can also be used as an accent in modern kitchens or wide planks to give an authentic appearance. They feature the usual barn wood markings like mortise and nail holes and a natural aging process that increases their durability.

Search architectural salvage yards and flea markets for reclaimed wood elements to repurpose into a mantel. The earthy tone of pine used to accent the traditional living room surround and mantel evokes an intimate country retreat. The knotty imperfections of the wood emphasize a hand-hewn look and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that borders the fireplace's wall. A pair of sconces with a natural theme and a landscape painting above the mantel add to the rustic ambiance of the room.

Repurposed wooden beams can make an attractive accent to any room in your home. They can be stained to match your current decor or carved to give an antique look. They can also be painted to give an updated look, or they can be covered with faux finishes like rust or marbled 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 fire fireplace, or they can be incorporated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can be used to accent the mantel with no fire burning.

Whichever method you choose to put in your beams, ensure that they are adequately protected from the effects of fire. Both types of material can become brittle and weaken in the presence of extreme heat, however both are able to be strengthened with a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant sprayed on I-beams made of steel. 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 a surround for a fireplace. Its shape instantly enhances the space while blending with any style of decor, from traditional to modern. The choice of a matte finish for the tiles is the best way to keep that neat and polished look while adding some color to make the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles also work well with different textures for a more personalized look. Stone-look tile is a popular choice that gives the room a classic, rustic feel while blending beautifully with natural materials like wood. Marble-look tile is another timeless option that adds an elegant and luxurious look to the space. These tiles have a smooth and glossy finish that is a beautiful reflection of light and brightens the space.

The proper tile pattern can improve 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 patterned tile adds a unique a handcrafted appeal that balances the modern organic style of the fireplace with the contemporary style of the room.

If you're unsure about taking a pattern risk in your home The fireplace is the perfect place to test a bold design. It could be a bit intimidating for other rooms. This geometric tile (here's a similar option) with its black grout lines gives the room a sophisticated but playful energy. The hexagonal shapes fit together as cubes to create an exciting layout, and the dark brown hue creates an inviting and warm aesthetic that complements the industrial décor in this room.

Another option to make an impact with your fireplace is to use tile that resembles the appearance of brick or another popular material. This textured tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance to traditional brick, but is much simpler to maintain and clean.

If you're not ready take on a complete remodel of your fireplace's surround, consider applying a peel and stick tile to refresh the appearance without costing you a fortune. These tiles are resistant to heat, making them suitable for fireplaces as well as able to adhere to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is an excellent alternative that will add a sense of elegance to any living space, while coordinating beautifully with traditional furnishings.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace on the wall has a brick surround, the best way to downplay its appearance is by giving it fresh coats of paint. The mantel can be painted a different colour to add warmth and personality. A new color of paint could make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the color scheme of the room or choose something striking.

If your mantel is constructed of wood, first inspect it for cracks, nicks, and gouges. If the dents aren't enough to be able to handle, fill them with wood putty and allow it to set for the appropriate amount of time. Sand the surface with 100-grit paper to roughen it before painting. Clean the surface with a damp cloth to take off any remaining dirt or debris.

While white is a popular option for fireplaces and walls, the right shade can make your mantel stand out. For ideas, take a take a look at the wood trim on your bookcases, moldings, and walls. Do they use the same shade as your mantel, or is it a darker or lighter shade? If the latter, pick the color that is well-matched to keep the space looking well-balanced.

Protect the area around you by using a dropcloth or sheets before you begin painting. Clean the mantel, removing any decorative pieces or displays 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 is empty, wipe it down with a damp cloth to clean off any dust or soot that has built up.

Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with either a roller or brush. The semi-gloss paint lasts and stain-resistant, which means your mantel can withstand the heat of the fireplace, as well as other objects that are placed on it. Allow the primer to dry in accordance with the guidelines of the manufacturer before moving onto the main body of your fireplace's wall.

While the brick is a striking feature of a fireplace's wall it can be quite heavy and dark in shade. Paint the mantel in an unassuming color or neutral to make it appear more vibrant and more inviting. If you decide to choose a light hue, think about using it in conjunction with an earthy toned piece of art or a large mirror over it to balance the appearance.