How to Decorate Around a Wall fireplace insert

A wall fireplace can give your living room an element of interest that demands attention. There are many models available so you need to pick one that is suitable for your needs.

The heat output, controls and the appearance are just a few of the important features. If you aren't familiar with these aspects, it is best to hire an expert to help you pick the right model.

Molded Squares

The living room required an overhaul to the fireplace due to its outdated stone surround and bland walls. The new style is bright, eye-catching and makes the hearth the main focal point of the room. A whitewashed mantel and contemporary artwork above the fireplace's facade modernize it while contrasted with the shelves in gray below. The fireplace electric's facade is accentuated by a few color changes.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces are combined to create a simple yet effective way to frame the fireplace surround. To bring the design together, choose a trim style to contrast or match your other trim elements such as thick casing around doors and windows. If you're looking to create an elegant, premium look, you can consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of a real mantel. For a more rustic, farmhouse style, use dentil trim instead.

Wainscoting accent walls is a common method of adding the look of the interior of a room. The same technique can be employed to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled product such as tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard in place of plank boards to create a dramatic look.

Another non-combustible material that you can use to create an enclosure for your fireplace is brick, which comes in a variety of styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace with red is a popular choice for Craft Revival-style or cottage-style homes. Rustic-look brick is also an alternative that is able to blend with more traditional country style.

When incorporating brick into your fireplace design, you'll need to ensure that your hearth extends 16-18 inches from the firebox opening and that the surround extends 8-12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you select is safe and conforms to all national and local codes.

Open shelving can be excellent for storing books and other objects. However the presence of too many shelves can overwhelm the look of a fireplace. The homeowners of this family room designed the wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to elevate the design without overwhelming the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wooden beams are the ideal frame for a wall fireplace. They add a timeless beauty to any house. Reclaimed beams of wood are reclaimed from old barns, stalls and other structures that were demolished. Each beam carries with it its own story. Reclaimed wood can also be used as a feature in modern kitchens or with wide planks to give an authentic appearance. They are characterized by the typical markings of barn wood, like nail holes and mortise pockets as well as natural patina that increases their durability.

Scour architectural salvage yards and flea markets to find reclaimed wood elements that can be used for a mantel or an accent wall. The rustic tone of pine used to accent this 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 complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that is a part of the fireplace's wall. A pair of nature-inspired sconces and a landscape painting over the mantel add to the rustic charm of this space.

Repurposed wood beams can be an eye-catching statement to any room in your home. They can be left as-is or stained to complement the decor of your home or cut and distressed to create an antique look. They can be painted to give them a more contemporary appearance, or covered with faux finishes such as marbling paint or rust.

Wooden beams can serve as a focal point in any type of fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel without a fire burning. They can be used to highlight the mantel, without burning fire.

No matter which method of installation you decide to use, make sure that your wood or steel beams are adequately protected from the potential consequences of fire. Both types of materials are susceptible to becoming brittle and weakening in the presence of extreme heat, but both are able to be strengthened with a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial electric fire-protectant sprayed on I-beams made of steel. These products are sold in a wide variety of stores for home improvement.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can create an impressive statement when used as a fireplace surround. Its design instantly brightens the room and complements any style, whether modern or traditional. The matte finish is ideal for a polished and clean appearance while adding a splash of contrast to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can also be used with various textures for a more personalized look. Stone-look tile is a very popular choice that gives the room an authentic, rustic look while blending beautifully with natural materials such as wood. Marble-look tile is a classic option that gives an elegant and luxurious look to the space. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting 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 whole space a handcrafted appeal that balances the contemporary organic style of the fireplace, and the overall modern design of the room.

If you're unsure about taking a risk on a design in your home, a fireplace is the perfect place to test out a bold pattern that might be intimidating in other areas of the house. This geometric tile (here's an alternative) with its black grout lines gives this room a sophisticated and lively energy. The hexagonal shapes fit together like cubes for a stimulating layout, while the deep brown hue creates an inviting and warm aesthetic that is a perfect match for the industrial decor in this room.

Another method of making a statement with your fireplace is to choose tile that resembles the appearance of brick or a similar material. This textured tile, made by LA Designer Affair, has a similar look to brick, but has the added benefit of being much easier to clean and maintain.

If you're not ready to take on a complete remodel of your fireplace surround, consider applying a peel and stick tile to change the look without breaking the bank. A majority of these options are heat-resistant and therefore suitable for use in the fireplace and able to stick to the existing stone. This peel and stick herringbone tile is an excellent option to add the look of a room. It also coordinates beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

When a wall fireplace has an existing brick surround, the best way to downplay its appearance is to give it an update of the paint. The mantel can be painted a different colour to add warmth and personality. If you decide to match it with the color scheme of your room or opt for something more striking or bold, a new color will make your fireplace stand out as a showstopper.

If your mantel is made of wood, first inspect it for cracks, nicks, and gouges. Fill in the dents with wood fireplaces 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 up prior to painting. To remove any debris or dirt wipe the surfaces you have sanded with a damp cloth.

While white is a popular color for walls and fireplaces but the right color can really help your mantel stand out. Look at the other wood trim, moldings and bookcases in your home to get ideas. Does your mantel match in color as theirs or is it darker or lighter? If the latter, pick an appropriate color to keep the look well-balanced.

Before you start painting, cover the area surrounding you with drop cloth or sheets. Remove the mantel, taking out any decorative pieces or displays that are hanging over it. If your fireplace is brick, get rid of any ornaments or pictures that are located on or around it. When the mantel is clean and clean, wipe it with a an damp cloth to wash off any soot or dust that has accumulated.

Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with a brush or roller. The semi-gloss finish is durable and stain-resistant, which means that your mantel is able to stand up well to the heat of the fireplace, as well as other items that are placed on it. Let the primer dry, according to the instructions of the manufacturer, before you begin painting the main wall of the fireplace.

The brick may be heavy in both weight and color. The mantel painted with a light or neutral color can make it appear brighter and more inviting to guests. If you decide to choose a light shade for your mantel, match it with a piece of art in earthy tones or a large wall mirror to complete the look.