How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can give your living room an attractive focal point. There are many models available and you must pick one that suits your needs.

Some of the most important features include the heat output, the appearance and the controls. If you aren't familiar with these elements, it's best to seek out an expert to help select the best model.

Molded Squares

The living room required a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its stale stone surround and bland walls. The new look is bright, eye-catching and makes the hearth the main focal point of the room. A whitewashed mantel for the fireplace and contemporary art above the fireplace modernize the exterior while the shelves that are gray below provide a stark contrast. A few minor changes in color can also help the fireplace stand out from the wall Fires, enhancing the beauty of this fireplace design.

Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces are combined to create a simple, yet effective way to frame a tile fireplace inserts surround. To bring the design together select a trim design to contrast or match the other trim elements such as thick casing around doors and windows. If you prefer a more elegant, high-end style, you can use fluted trim to give the illusion of a mantel. If you want a more rustic farmhouse style, opt for dentil trim instead.

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

Brick is another non-combustible option to use as the fireplace surround. It comes in a variety of styles and Electric Fireplaces colors. A classic red brick fireplace is perfect for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. Rustic-style brick is another alternative that is able to blend with a more traditional, country decor.

When you incorporate brick in a fireplace design, it is important to ensure that your hearth extends 16 to 18 inches from the opening for the fireplace and that your surround is 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the material you select is safe and conforms to all local and national codes.

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

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wood beams make the perfect frame for a fireplace on the wall. They add a timeless beauty to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood are reclaimed from barns, stalls and other buildings that have been destroyed. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used conjunction with wide plank ceiling panels to create a rustic look or as accents to modern kitchens. They feature the typical markings of barn wood, including nail holes and mortise pockets, plus natural patina that increases their durability.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets for reclaimed wood elements to use for a mantel or an accent wall. For example, the earthy shade of pine that highlights the traditional mantel and surround evokes a cozy rural retreat. The knotty imperfections of the wood create a rustic appearance and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that is on the fireplace wall. The rustic warmth of this room is accentuated by a pair inspired by nature wall sconces, and a landscape image above the mantel.

Repurposed wooden beams will add a unique touch to any space. They can be stained to match your current decor or carved for an antique appearance. They can also be painted for a more contemporary appearance, or they can be covered with faux finishes such as marbled or rust paint.

The wooden beams are able to serve as the central feature of any fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel, even without a ethanol fire burning. They can also be used to highlight a mantel without a fire burning.

No matter which method you choose to put in your beams, make sure that they are adequately protected against the effects of fire. Both materials are susceptible to becoming hard and brittle when heated to extreme temperatures. However, they can be strengthened with a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products are available at most home improvement shops.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can make a dramatic statement when used as a fireplace surround. Its shape instantly brightens up the room and can be incorporated into any style, whether traditional or modern. Selecting matte finishes for the tiles is a great way to maintain that clean and polished look, while adding some color to make the fireplace sparkle.

Hex tiles can be customized with a variety textures for an individual appearance. Stone-look tile is a popular option that lends the space a classic, rustic feel and is a great match with natural materials such as wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tiles that provides an elegant and luxurious appearance to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles sparkles beautifully, reflecting sunlight and brightening the space.

The right tile pattern can elevate a fireplace's design. 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 contemporary style of the room.

If you're not sure about taking a risk on a pattern in your home, a fireplace is an excellent place to try out a bold design that might be intimidating in other parts of the house. This geometric tile (here's another option) with its black grout lines give the room a sophisticated but playful energy. The hexagonal shapes fit like cubes to create an exciting layout. The dark brown color gives this space a warm, inviting aesthetic that complements the industrial decor.

Tiles that resemble brick or other common materials is another option to create an impact on your fireplace. This textured tile, made by LA Designer Affair, has the same look as traditional brick but with the benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.

If you're hesitant to commit to a full-scale remodel of your fireplace's surround, consider applying a peel and stick tile to refresh the appearance without costing you a fortune. Many of these options are heat-resistant which means they are suitable for use in the fireplace and able to stick to the existing surface. This herringbone peel and stick tile is an excellent alternative that will add an elegant look to any living space while coordinating beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the most effective method to cover the brick surround of a wall-mounted fireplace. The mantel's paint color also adds warmth and personality to the space. A new color of paint can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the overall color scheme of the room or choose something bold.

If your mantel is wood, inspect it first for gouges, cracks, and scratches. Fill in the dents using wood putty if they are small enough. Allow it to dry for the time recommended. Before painting, sand the surface with 100-grit sandpaper to rough it up. Clean the surface with a damp cloth to remove any remaining dirt or debris.

White is a popular color for fireplaces and walls. But the right shade will make your mantel really stand out. For inspiration, examine the wood trims on your bookcases, moldings, and walls. Does your mantel have the same color as theirs, or is it lighter or darker? If the latter, choose the color that is well-matched to keep the space looking well-balanced.

Before you begin painting, cover the area around you with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove any decorations or showpieces that might have been placed above the mantel. If your fireplace is brick, remove any pictures or ornaments that are placed on or within the fireplace. Once the mantel has been cleaned, use a damp cloth and wipe it clean to get rid of any soot or dust.

Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel using a brush or roller. The semi-gloss finish is long-lasting and stain-resistant, ensuring that your mantel is able to stand up well to the heat of the fireplace as well as any other items placed on it. Allow the primer to dry in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer prior to moving on to the main body of your fireplace's wall.

The brick can be quite heavy in both weight and color. Painting the mantel an even or light color will make it appear more lively and more inviting to guests. If you decide to choose an unassuming color for your mantel, you can pair it with a piece art with earthy tones or a large mirror to complement the look.