How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace will provide your living space with an attractive focal feature. There are numerous models to choose from and you must pick one that suits your needs.

The most significant features are the heat output as well as the appearance and controls. If you're not familiar with these features, it's recommended to consult a professional to assist you in choosing the best model.

Molded Squares

A stale stone fireplace and dull walls left this living space in need of a drastic fireplace overhaul. With a few tweaks to the design, the new look is vibrant and eye-catching and makes the hearth a central feature in the room. A whitewashed fireplace and contemporary artwork above the fireplace's facade modernize it while contrasting with the shelves in gray below. The fireplace facade is enhanced by a few changes in color.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces combine to form a simple, yet effective way to frame the tile fireplace surround. To bring the design together pick a trim style to contrast or match the other trim elements, like thick casing around doors and windows. If you're looking for a more elegant, luxurious look, consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of a real mantel. For a more rustic, farmhouse look, you can choose to use dentil trim instead.

The idea of creating an accent wall using wainscoting is an effective way to add character to any room. The same technique can be employed to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled option like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard instead plank boards to create a dramatic appearance.

Brick is another non-combustible option to use as the fireplace surround. It comes in various styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace with red accents is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. Rustic-style brick is another option that could be a good fit with a more traditional, country style.

When you incorporate brick into a fireplace design, you'll need to ensure that your hearth is 16 to 18 inches from the opening for the fireplace and that the surround extends 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you choose conforms to all national and local construction codes for safety.

Open shelving can be excellent for storing books and other objects. However having too many shelves can obstruct the appearance of a fireplace. For this family room, the homeowners designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to elevate the look of the new fireplace without overwhelming the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wooden beams are the perfect frame for a fireplace on the wall. They are timeless and beautiful to any home. Reclaimed wood beams originate from old stables, barns and other buildings that were demolished. Each beam is unique and has its own distinct history. Reclaimed wood can be used conjunction with wide plank ceiling panels for a completely rustic look or as a decorative element to modern kitchens. They are characterized by the typical marks of barn wood, like nail holes and mortise pockets, plus natural patina that increases their durability.

Search architectural salvage yards and flea market for reclaimed wood elements to repurpose into a mantel. For instance, the earthy shade of pine that accents this traditional living room mantel and surround is reminiscent of a cozy rural retreat. The knotty imperfections of the wood give it a rustic feel and are a perfect match for the simple lines in the beaded-board wainscoting that is on the wall of the fireplace. The rustic warmth of this room is accentuated by a pair of natural-inspired wall sconces, and a landscape image above the mantel.

Repurposed wooden beams can provide an attractive accent to any room in your home. They can be stained to match your current decor or carved for an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a modern look or covered with faux finishes like rust or marbling paint.

The wooden beams can serve as the focal element of any fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel, www.Fireplacesandstove.com even without a fire burning. They can be used to accent the mantel with no fire burning.

No matter which method of installation you decide to use, make sure that your steel or wood beams are adequately protected from the effects of fire. Both materials can be brittle in extreme heat. However, they can be strengthened by a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products are sold at most home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can create a dramatic statement when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its shape instantly enhances the space while blending with any decor style, from traditional to modern. The matte finish is ideal for a polished and clean appearance while adding a splash of contrast to make the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles can be customized with a variety textures for an individualized appearance. Stone-look tile is a popular choice that gives the space a classic, rustic feel and is a great match with natural materials such as wood. Marble-look tile is a timeless option that provides an elegant and luxurious aesthetic 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 the design 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 pattern on the tile gives the entire room a the look of a hand-crafted piece that balances the organic modern 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 can be the perfect place to test out a bold style which could be intimidating in other parts of the house. The geometric tile with its black grout gives the room an elegant and playful look. The hexagonal shapes fit like cubes to create an exciting layout. The deep brown color provides this space with a warm, inviting aesthetic that complements the industrial style.

Another method of making a statement with your fireplace is to use tiles that look like the appearance of brick or another popular material. The textured tile, which is made by LA Designer Affair, has an identical look to traditional brick but with the added benefit of being much easier to clean and maintain.

If you're not ready to make a major overhaul of your fireplace surround, consider using a peel and stick tile to change the look without costing you a fortune. A majority of these options are heat-resistant which means they are suitable for use in the fireplace and able to stick to the existing wall. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a great option to add style to any room. It also looks great with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the best method to hide the brick surround on an unwall-mounted fireplace. Painting the mantel a different color also adds warmth and character to the space. If you decide to match it with the room's color scheme or opt for something striking, a new paint color will make your fireplace stand out as a showpiece.

If your mantel is constructed from wood, first check it for cracks, nicks, and gouges. Fill in the dents with wood putty if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the amount of time recommended. Before painting you can sand the surface 100-grit sandpaper to roughen it up. To remove any dirt or debris wipe the surfaces that have been sanded with a damp cloth.

While white is a popular choice for walls and fireplaces The right shade can really make your fireplace stand out. To get ideas, look at the wood trim on your bookcases, moldings and walls. Does your mantel have the same shade as theirs or is it darker or lighter? If you choose the latter option, select one that blends well with the other colors in the room to keep it looking balanced.

Protect the area around you by using sheets or a dropcloth prior to when you begin painting. Clean the mantel and remove any decorative pieces or displays that are hanging over it. If your fireplace is brick, remove any ornaments or pictures that are on or around it. When the mantel is clean and clean, wipe it with a an damp cloth to wash off any dust or soot that has built up.

Apply a basecoat with a roller or brush to your mantel. The semi-gloss paint lasts and stain resistant, so your mantel can be able to withstand the heat of your fireplace as well as any other objects that are placed on it. Allow the primer to dry according to the guidelines of the manufacturer before moving onto the main body of your fireplace wall.

The brick may be heavy in weight and color. Paint the mantel with an even or light color will make it appear more lively and more inviting for guests. If you decide to choose a light hue, think about pairing it with an earthy-toned piece of artwork or a large mirror above it to balance the appearance.