How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can give your living room an element of interest that demands attention. There are many models available, so you should choose one that suits your needs.

The heat output, the controls, and the appearance are some of the most important features. If you're unfamiliar with these features, it's best to hire an expert to help you choose the right model.

Molded Squares

The living room in this house needed a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its old-fashioned stone surround and boring walls. The new look is bright, appealing and makes this hearth the center of the room. A whitewashed mantel and modern artwork above modernize the fireplace facade while contrasting with the shelves in gray below. The fireplace's exterior is enhanced by a few changes in color.

Base cap moldings and trim pieces create a simple, yet efficient way to frame the fireplace with a tile surround. Select a trim style that contrasts with or matches the other trim elements, like the thick casing around windows and doors to make the look more cohesive. If you're looking for an elegant, premium look, you can consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of a mantel. For a more rustic, farmhouse look, opt for dentil trim instead.

Accent walls with wainscoting are an extremely popular way to add the look of the interior of a room. The same method can be used to frame the fireplace. Consider a paneled material such as 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 is available in a variety of styles and colors. A traditional red brick fireplace is a classic option for cottage-style or Craft-Revival-style homes. The rustic-look brick is an alternative that is able to blend with more traditional country-style decor.

If you're planning to incorporate brick into your fireplace design ensure that your hearth is 16-18 inches from the opening of the fireplace and the surround is between 8 and 12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you choose is compliant with all local and national construction codes for security.

Open shelves are a great way to organize books and other items, but too many can overwhelm the look of the fireplace. The homeowners of this family room created the wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to improve the look of the room without overpowering open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wooden beams are the ideal frame for a wall fireplace. They are timeless and beautiful to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood are made 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 for a completely rustic look or as an accent to modern kitchens. They are characterized by the typical marks of barn wood, including mortise and nail holes, plus a natural patina that enhances their durability.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets for reclaimed wooden fireplaces elements to repurpose as a mantel or accent wall. The earthy tone of pine used as a backdrop for this traditional living room's surround and mantel evokes the feeling of a cozy country getaway. The knotty imperfections of the wood emphasize the hand-crafted look and compliment the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which surrounds the fireplace's wall. The rustic warmth of this space is enhanced by a pair of nature-inspired wall sconces, and a landscape image above the mantel.

Repurposed wooden beams can provide an attractive feature to any room in your home. They can be left as-is or stained to match your existing decor or carved and distressed for an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a more contemporary appearance or covered with faux finishes such as rust or marbling paint.

Wooden beams can serve as a focal point in any type of fireplace. They can be positioned above a freestanding gas or ventless or electric fireplace, or be integrated into a stone or brick fireplace. They can be used to accent a mantel without a fire burning.

No matter which method of installation you choose be sure that your steel or wood beams are protected from the effects of fire. Both materials can be brittle and weaken when exposed to extreme heat, but both can be strengthened by a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant sprayed on steel I-beams. These products are available at most home improvement shops.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a dramatic effect as surrounds for fireplaces. Its shape instantly enhances the space while blending with any decor style from modern to traditional. Selecting a matte finish for the tiles is a great way to maintain that clean and polished look, while adding some contrast to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can be customized with a variety of textures for a more personalized look. Stone-look tiles are a favorite that gives the space a rustic, classic feel. They also go well with natural materials such as wood. marble fireplaces-look tile is another timeless option that provides an elegant and luxurious look to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting sunlight and brightening the space.

The proper tile pattern can improve 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 the appearance of a hand-crafted space, and balances the modern organic style fireplace with the overall style of the room.

If you're not sure about taking a risk on a patterns in your home, a fireplace is an ideal place to test out a bold style that might be a bit intimidating in other areas of your home. This geometric tile with its black grout gives this space an elegant yet playful feel. The hexagonal shapes fit together like cubes to create a fascinating layout, while the dark brown color provides an inviting and warm look that is a perfect match for the industrial style of the room.

Tiles that look like brick or other common materials is another way to make an impact on your fireplace. The textured tile, which is made by LA Designer Affair, has the same look as traditional brick but with the added benefit of being much easier to clean and maintain.

Consider using a peel-and stick tile to upgrade your fireplace's surround without costing you a dime. A lot of these options are resistant to heat and therefore suitable for use in the fireplace and able to adhere to the existing stone. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a fantastic option to add elegance to any room. It also coordinates beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

When a wall marble fireplace has a brick surround, the most effective way to downplay its appearance is by giving it an update of the paint. The mantel's paint hue also adds warmth and character to the space. It doesn't matter if you choose to match it with the color scheme of your room or go for something bold or bold, a new color will make your tabletop fireplace stand out as a showstopper.

If your mantel is made of wood take a look at it to find cracks, gouges, and scratches. If the dents are small enough to be handled then fill them with wood putty and let it set for the appropriate amount of time. Before painting you can sand the surface 100-grit sandpaper to rough it up. To get rid of any debris or dirt clean the surfaces you have sanded with a damp cloth.

White is a popular shade for marble fireplaces and walls. However the right shade will make your fireplace stand out. Take a look at the wood trims, moldings, and bookcases around your home for inspiration. Does your mantel have the same shade as theirs or is it lighter or darker? If you choose the latter option, select one that blends well with the other hues in the room to keep it looking balanced.

Protect the area around you by using sheets or a dropcloth before you begin painting. Clean the mantel, taking out any decorative pieces or displays that might be hanging above it. If your fireplace is made of brick, take away any ornaments or pictures that are located on or around it. Once the mantel has been cleaned, you can use a damp cloth and wipe it down to remove any dust or soot.

Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with either a roller or brush. The semi-gloss paint is durable and stain-resistant, which means your mantel can be able to withstand the heat of your fireplace, as well as other items placed on it. Let the primer dry, according to the instructions of the manufacturer, before you begin painting the main wall of the fireplace.

While the brick is a striking feature of a fireplace's wall it can be a bit heavy and dark in color. Paint the mantel with an unassuming color or neutral to make it appear lighter and more inviting. If you choose a light color for your mantel, pair it with a work of artwork in earthy tones, or a large mirror to complete the appearance.