How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can give your living space a focal point that demands attention. There are numerous models available but it is important to find one that is suitable for your needs.

The heat output, controls and the appearance are among the most important features. If you're not familiar with these features, it's best to hire an expert to help you choose the right model.

Molded Squares

This living room needed a dramatic fireplace stove - Sa.Daily.mk - makeover due to its old-fashioned stone surround and dull walls. The new design is vibrant, attractive and makes the hearth the focal point of the room. A whitewashed mantel for the fireplace and contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the exterior, while the gray shelves below provide a stark contrast. The fireplace's exterior is enhanced by a few color changes.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces join to create a simple, yet effective, way to frame the fireplace surround. To tie the look together select a trim design to contrast with or complement your other trim elements like thick casing around windows and doors. If you're looking for a more elegant, premium look, you can consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of a mantel. For a more rustic, farmhouse look, you can opt for dentil trim instead.

Creating an accent wall with wainscoting is a common method to add character to any room. The same method can be employed to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled product like tongue-and groove cedar siding or beadboard in place of plank boards to create a dramatic effect.

Another non-combustible material that you can use to build the fireplace surround is brick, which comes in a variety of styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace inserts in red is ideal 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 be sure that your hearth measures 16 to 18 inches away from the opening of the firebox, and your surround is between 8 and 12 inches wide in all directions. Make sure the brick you select is safe and complies with all codes of the local and national level.

Open shelves are a great way to store books and other items however, too many shelves can take over the appearance of a fireplace. The owners of this living room have created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding in order to enhance the look without overwhelming open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wood beams are the perfect frame for a fireplace on the wall. They bring a timeless appeal to any house. Reclaimed wood beams are reclaimed from barns, stalls, and other buildings that were removed. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can also be used as an accent in modern kitchens or wide planks to give an authentic appearance. They have the typical barn wood fireplaces markings, like mortise and nail holes, and a natural aging process which increases their longevity.

Scour architectural salvage yards and flea markets to find reclaimed wood elements to repurpose for a mantel or an accent wall. For instance the earthy color of pine that accents this traditional living room mantel and surround creates a cozy rural retreat. Its knotty imperfections emphasize the hand-crafted appearance and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that borders the fireplace wall. A pair of sconces inspired by nature and a landscape-themed painting above the mantel enhance the rustic charm of the space.

Repurposed wood beams can be an attractive accent to any room in your home. They can be left in their natural state or stained to match your existing decor, or they can be distressed and carved to give them an antique look. They can also be painted to give a more contemporary appearance or covered with faux finishes such as marbled paint or rust.

Wooden beams can be used as a focal point for any kind of fireplace suites. They can be used to highlight a mantel without any fire burning. They can be used to highlight the mantel, without burning fire.

No matter which method of installation you choose ensure that your steel or wood beams are protected from the potential effects of fire. Both types of material are susceptible to becoming brittle and weakening when exposed to 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 are available in most home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can create an impact when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its design instantly brightens the room and can be incorporated into any decor, whether traditional or modern. Selecting an elegant matte finish for the tiles is ideal to keep that neat and polished look while adding some contrast that makes the fireplace sparkle.

Hex tiles can also be combined with various textures for a more customized appearance. Stone-look tile is a very popular choice that lends the space an old-fashioned, rustic feel while blending beautifully with natural materials like wood. Marble-look tile is a classic option that gives an elegant and luxurious appearance to the space. These tiles have a glossy and smooth finish that is a beautiful reflection of light and brightens the room.

The appropriate tile pattern can improve 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 of the tile provides the appearance of a hand-crafted space, and balances the modern natural style fireplace with the overall design of the room.

If you're unsure about taking a risk on a patterns in your home, a fireplace is an ideal place to test out a bold design that might be 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 fit like cubes to create an exciting layout. The deep brown hue provides this space with an inviting, warm look that is perfect for industrial style.

Tile that looks like brick or other familiar materials is another option to create an impact on your fireplace. This textured tile, made by LA Designer Affair, has a similar look to brick, but with the benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.

Consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to update your fireplace surround without spending a fortune. A majority of these options are heat resistant and therefore safe for cheap fireplaces and able to stick to the existing surface. This herringbone peel and stick tile is an excellent option that will bring an elegant feel to any living space, while coordinating beautifully with traditional furnishings.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the ideal method to cover the brick surround on a wall-mounted fireplace. The mantel's paint hue also adds warmth and personality to the space. It doesn't matter if you choose to match it with the decor's color scheme or go for something bold, a new paint color can make your fireplace stand out as a stunning feature.

If your mantel is made of wood, inspect it first 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. Sand the surface with 100-grit paper to roughen it up before painting. Clean the surface with a damp cloth to remove any remaining dirt or dust.

White is a popular shade for walls and fireplaces. However, the right shade will make your fireplace stand out. Check out the other wood trims, moldings, and bookcases in your home to get inspiration. Does your mantel have the same color as theirs, or is it darker or lighter? If you choose the latter option, pick one that blends well with the other colors in the room to ensure it looks balanced.

Protect the area around you by using sheets or a dropcloth prior to when you begin painting. Remove the mantel, taking out any showpieces or decorations that may be hung above it. If your fireplace is made of brick, take away any pictures or ornaments that are placed on or around it. When the mantel is clean then wipe it clean with a the help of a damp cloth to wipe off any soot or dust that has accumulated.

Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel using a brush or roller. The semi-gloss paint is long-lasting and stain-resistant, so your mantel will stand up to the heat of the ethanol fireplace, as well as other items placed on it. Let the primer completely dry, in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.

While the brick is an attractive feature of a fireplace's wall it can be heavy and dark in hue. Paint the mantel with an even or light color will make it appear more lively and more inviting to guests. If you choose a light color for your mantel, pair it with a work of art with earthy tones or a large mirror to balance out the appearance.