How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace on the wall can create your living room an element of interest that demands attention. There are many models available, so you should choose one that meets your requirements.

The heat output, controls, and the design are just a few of the important features. If you're not aware of these features, it's best to consult a professional to assist you in choosing 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 tweaks to the design the new look is vibrant and eye-catching making the hearth an important central feature in the room. A whitewashed mantel and contemporary artwork above modernize the fireplace facade and contrast with the shelves in gray below. The fireplace's facade is accentuated by a few changes in color.

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

Accent walls with wainscoting are a common method of adding the look of rooms. The same technique can also be used to frame a fireplace. Instead of using plank boards, instead, consider a paneled product like beadboard or tongue-andgroove cedar siding to create a striking appearance.

Another non-combustible material you can use to build a fireplace surround is brick, which is available in a variety of styles and colors. A classic red brick fireplace is perfect for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. A rustic-look brick can also be used to complement a traditional country decor.

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

Open shelving can be excellent for storing books and other objects. However having too many shelves can ruin the look of a fireplace. The homeowners of this living room have created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding in order to improve the look of the room without overpowering open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wooden fireplaces beams are the perfect frame for a fireplace on the wall. They add a timeless beauty to any house. Reclaimed wood beams come from old stables, barns and other demolished structures. Each beam has its own unique story. Reclaimed wood can also be used as an accent in modern kitchens or with wide planks of paneling to create an authentic look. They feature the usual barn wood markings like mortise and nail holes and a natural aging process which increases their durability.

Scour architectural salvage yards and flea markets for reclaimed wood elements that can be used as a mantel or accent wall. For instance the earthy color of pine that accentuates the traditional living room mantel and surround evokes an idyllic rural setting. Its knotty imperfections emphasize the hand-crafted look and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which surrounds the fireplace wall. A pair of sconces inspired by nature and a landscape-themed painting above the mantel enhance the rustic ambiance of this space.

Repurposed wood beams will bring a unique look to any space. They can be left as-is or stained to complement the decor of your home or distressed and carved to give them an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a modern appearance, or covered with faux finishes like rust or marbling paint.

The wooden beams can serve as the focal point of any fireplace. They can be positioned over a freestanding gas, ventless or electric fires fireplace or be integrated into a stone or brick fireplace. They can be used to enhance the mantel without a burning fire.

Regardless of which method of installation you decide to use be sure that your wood or steel beams are properly protected from the possible consequences of fire. Both types of materials are susceptible to becoming brittle and weakening in the presence of extreme heat, however both can be strengthened by a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant 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 a fireplace surround. Its shape instantly brightens up the room and can be incorporated into any style, whether contemporary or traditional. The matte finish is ideal to create a polished and sleek look while adding contrast to make the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles can be customised by a variety of textures to create an individual appearance. Stone-look tile is a very popular choice that lends the space an authentic, rustic look while pairing beautifully with natural materials like wood. Another classic option is marble-look tile, which adds an elegant and luxurious appearance to the room. These tiles have an elegant and glossy surface that is a beautiful reflection of light and brightens the space.

The right tile pattern can elevate the overall 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 an artistic look to the space, and balances the modern natural style fireplace with the overall design of the room.

If you're not sure about taking a risk with patterns in your home, a fireplace can be an ideal place to test out a bold style which could be intimidating in other areas of your home. 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 together like cubes for a stimulating layout, while the dark brown color creates a warm and inviting aesthetic that works with the industrial décor in the room.

Another way to make an impact with your fireplace is to use tiles that look like the appearance of brick or another popular material. This textured tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance to brick, however, it is much easier to clean and maintain.

Consider using a peel-and stick tile to update your fireplace surround without breaking the bank. A majority of these options are heat-resistant and therefore suitable for use in the fireplace and able to adhere to the existing surface. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great option that will add an elegant feel to any living space, and will look great with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the best method to cover a brick surround on the wall of a fireplace. Paint the mantel in a different color also adds warmth and character to the room. If you decide to match it with the color scheme of your room or go for something bold and striking, a fresh paint color makes your fireplace stand out as a showstopper.

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

While white is a popular choice for fireplaces wooden (click the following page) and walls, the right shade can really make your fireplace stand out. For inspiration, look at the wood trims on your bookcases, moldings and walls. Does your mantel match in color as theirs or is it lighter or darker? If you opt for the latter option, select the color that works well with the other shades in the room to ensure it looks balanced.

Before you start painting, cover the area surrounding you with drop cloth or sheets. Remove any decorations or showpieces that might have been placed over the mantel. Remove any ornaments or pictures that are around or on the brick fireplace. When the mantel is clean then wipe it clean with a a damp cloth to clean off any soot or dust that has built up.

Apply a basecoat with the brush or roller to your mantel. The semi-gloss paint is long-lasting and stain-resistant, which means your mantel can withstand the heat of the fireplace as well as 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 can be heavy in color and weight. Paint the mantel with an unassuming color or neutral to make it appear more vibrant and more inviting. If you choose to paint it the lighter hue, think about pairing it with an earthy-toned piece of artwork or a large mirror over it to create a balanced look.