How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can make your living space an attractive focal feature. There are a variety of models available so you need to pick one that meets your requirements.

The heat output, the controls, and the design are some of the most important features. If you're not familiar with these features, it's best to seek out an expert to help select the best model.

Molded Squares

A worn-out stone fireplace surround and dull walls left this living space in need of a drastic fireplace suite overhaul. With a few tweaks to the design, the new look is fresh and attractive and makes the hearth a focal point in the room. A whitewashed mantel and modern artwork above the fireplace's facade modernize it while contrasted with the gray shelves below. A few color changes will also make the fireplace stand out from the wall, which enhances the charm of this fireplace design.

Base cap moldings and trim pieces create a simple yet efficient way to frame a fireplace surround made of tile. Choose a trim style that contrasts with or complements your other trim elements such as the thick casing around doors and windows to tie the look together. If you're looking to create an elegant, high-end look, consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse-style.

Making an accent wall using wainscoting is a common method to add character to any room. The same technique can be used to frame the fireplace. Consider a paneled material like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard instead of plank boards to create a dramatic look.

Brick is a different non-combustible option for a fireplace surround. It comes in different styles and colors. A classic red brick fireplace is perfect for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. A rustic-looking brick could be used to complement a traditional country decor.

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

Open shelving is an ideal way to store books and other objects. However, too many shelves can obstruct the look of the fireplace. The owners of this family room designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the look without overpowering open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams that have a rustic style are ideal for a fireplace wall. They bring timeless elegance to any home. Reclaimed wood beams are reclaimed from old barns, stalls, and other structures that were destroyed. Each beam carries with it its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used in conjunction with wide plank ceiling paneling to create a rustic look or Electric firesuite as accents to modern kitchens. They are characterized by barn wood markings, such as mortise and nail holes, as well as a natural aging process which increases their longevity.

Scour architectural salvage yards and flea markets for reclaimed wooden elements to use as a mantel or accent wall. The natural tone of pine used to accent this traditional living room's mantel and surround evokes the feeling of a cozy country getaway. The knotty imperfections in the wood accent a hand-hewn look and compliment the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which borders the fireplace's wall. The rustic warmth of this room is enhanced by a pair of natural-inspired wall sconces, as well as a landscape picture above the mantel.

Repurposed wooden beams can add a unique touch to any room. They can be left in their natural state or Bioethanol Fire stained to match your existing decor, or they can be carved and distressed for an antique look. They can also be painted to give an updated look or covered with faux finishes such as marbled paint or rust.

The wooden beams can be used as the central feature of any fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel without any fire burning. They can be used to highlight the mantel without burning fire.

Regardless of which method of installation you choose ensure that your wood or steel beams are properly protected from the consequences of fire. Both materials can be brittle and weaken in the presence of extreme heat, however both can be strengthened by a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant sprayed on I-beams made of steel. These products can be found at most home improvement shops.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be utilized to create a dramatic effect as an accent for cheap fireplaces. Its design instantly brightens the room and can be incorporated into any decor, whether contemporary or traditional. The matte finish is perfect for a polished and clean appearance while adding a splash of contrast to make the ethanol fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can also be combined with various textures for a more personalized look. Stone-look tiles are a popular choice that gives the space an old-fashioned, rustic feel. They also go well with natural materials like wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tile that adds an elegant and luxurious appearance to the space. These tiles feature an elegant and glossy surface that reflect light beautifully and brightens the room.

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 pattern on the tile adds a unique the look of a hand-crafted piece that balances the modern organic style of the fireplace with the contemporary style of the room.

If you're not sure about taking a risk on a patterns in your home, a fireplace is the perfect place to test out a bold pattern which could be a bit intimidating in other areas of your home. This geometric tile (here's an alternative) with its black grout lines give this room a sophisticated and playful energy. The hexagonal shapes are arranged as cubes to create an exciting layout, and the dark brown color provides a warm and inviting aesthetic that is a perfect match for the industrial décor in the room.

Another option to make a statement with your fireplace is to use tile that resembles the appearance of brick or another popular material. This textured tile, made by LA Designer Affair, has an identical look to brick, but has the benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.

If you're not ready commit to a full-scale remodel of your fireplace's surround, consider applying a peel and stick tile to update the appearance without breaking the bank. Many of these options are heat-resistant, making them safe for the fireplace and able to adhere to the existing wall. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a great option for adding the look of a room. It also works beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace in a wall has an existing brick surround, the most effective way to disguise its appearance is with an update of the paint. The mantel can be painted a different color to add warmth and character. Whether you choose to match it to the decor's color scheme or opt for something more striking, a new paint color can make your fireplace stand out as a showpiece.

If the mantel is made of wood be sure to check it for cracks, gouges, and scratches. Fill in the dents with wood putty if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the time recommended. Before painting paint, sand the surface using 100-grit sandpaper to rough it up. Wipe the surface that has been sanded using a damp cloth to remove any remaining dirt or debris.

White is a favorite color for walls and fireplaces. However, the right shade will make your fireplace stand out. Look at the other trims, moldings, and bookcases in your home to get ideas. Do they have the same hue as your mantel or is it a lighter or a darker shade? If so, select an appropriate color to keep the look well-balanced.

Cover the area around you by using a dropcloth or sheets before you begin painting. Remove any ornaments or display pieces that might have been placed above the mantel. Remove any ornaments or photos placed around or on the brick fireplace. Once the mantel is empty then wipe it clean with a the help of a damp cloth to wipe off any soot or dust 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 finish is long-lasting and stain-resistant, so your mantel is able to stand up well to the heat from the fireplace as well as any other objects placed on it. Let the primer dry, as per 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 heavy and dark in hue. The mantel painted with a light or neutral color can make it look brighter and more welcoming to guests. If you opt for a light shade for your mantel, you can pair it with a piece of art with earthy tones or a large mirror to balance out the appearance.