How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace on the wall can create your living space a focal point that demands attention. There are many models available so you need to pick one that suits your needs.

The heat output, the controls and the appearance are just a few of the important features. If you're not familiar with these features, it's recommended to hire an expert to assist you in choosing the right model.

Molded Squares

A stale stone fireplace and dull walls made this living space in need of a major fireplace revamp. With a few design tweaks the new look is fresh and attractive making this hearth a central feature in the room. A whitewashed mantel for the fireplace and contemporary art above the electric fireplace modernizes the appearance of the façade and the shelves in gray below contrast. A few changes in color also help the facade stand apart from the wall, enhancing the beauty of this fireplace design.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces join to create a simple yet effective, method to frame your fireplace surround. To connect the look pick a trim style to contrast with or complement the other trim elements, like thick casings around doors and windows. If you want a more high-end, elegant look, use fluted trim to create the illusion of a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic farmhouse-style.

Accent walls with wainscoting are an extremely popular way to add the look of rooms. The same technique can be used to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled option such as tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard instead of plank boards to create a dramatic appearance.

Another non-combustible material you can build an enclosure for your fireplace is brick, which is available in many different styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace in red is a popular choice for cottage-style or Cheap fireplaces Craft Revival style homes. Rustic-look brick is also an option that could be a good fit with a more traditional, country-style decor.

If you are incorporating brick in a fireplace design, you'll want to ensure that your hearth extends 16-18 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 choose is safe and complies with all local and national codes.

Open shelves are a great way to organize books and other items However, too many shelves could make a mess of the fireplace. For this family room, homeowners built a wall-to ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the appearance of the fireplace, without obscuring the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic appearance are ideal for a fireplace wall. They bring timeless elegance to any house. Reclaimed wood beams come from old stables, barns and other buildings that were demolished. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can also be used as a decorative element in modern kitchens or with wide planks to give an authentic appearance. They are characterized by barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes, plus a natural aging which increases their longevity.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage as well as flea markets for reclaimed wood elements to repurpose for Ethonal Fire a mantel or an accent wall. The rustic tone of pine used to create the traditional living room surround and mantel evokes the feeling of a cozy country getaway. The knotty imperfections of the wood give it a rustic feel, and they complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that is on the wall of the fireplace. A pair of sconces with a natural theme and a landscape-themed painting over the mantel add to the rustic ambiance of the room.

Repurposed wood beams will add a unique touch to any space. They can be left as is or stained to match your current decor or carved and distressed for an antique look. They can be painted to give them a more contemporary look, or covered with faux finishes such as marbling paint or rust.

Wooden beams can serve as a focal point for any kind of fireplace. They can be set above a freestanding gas, ventless or electric firesuite fireplace, or incorporated into a stone or brick fireplace. They can be used to illuminate the mantel without a burning fire.

Regardless of which method of installation you decide to use, make sure that your wood or steel beams are protected from the possible consequences of fire. Both materials can be fragile 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 make a dramatic statement when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its shape instantly enhances the space while blending with any decor choice from traditional to modern. Choosing a matte finish for the tiles is a great way to keep that sleek and polished look, while adding some color to make the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles can also be used with different textures for a more customized appearance. Stone-look tiles are a very popular option that gives the room an old-fashioned, rustic feel. They also go well with natural materials, such as wood. Another timeless option is marble fireplace-look tile that provides a luxurious and elegant aesthetic to the room. These tiles have an elegant and glossy surface that reflects light beautifully and brightens the space.

The proper tile pattern can enhance 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 patterned tile adds a handcrafted look to the space, while balancing the contemporary natural style fireplace with the overall style of the room.

If you're not sure about taking a risk with design in your home, a fireplace is the perfect place to test out a bold style which could be intimidating in other parts of the house. This geometric tile (here's a similar option) with its black grout lines give this space a sophisticated yet playful energy. The hexagonal shapes fit together like cubes for a stimulating layout, while the dark brown color provides a warm and inviting aesthetic that is a perfect match for the industrial decor in this room.

Tiles that look like brick or other familiar 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 brick, but with the added benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.

If you're not ready take on a complete remodel of your fireplace's surround, consider applying a peel and stick tile to change the look without breaking the bank. These tiles are heat-resistant, making them suitable for electric fireplaces and can be bonded to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great option that will bring a sense of elegance to any living space, while coordinating beautifully with traditional furnishings.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the ideal method to hide the brick surround on a wall-mounted fireplace. The mantel can be painted in a different hue to give it a more cosy and spirited look. A new color of paint could make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the overall color scheme of the room or choose something bold.

If your mantel is made of wood take a look at it to find gouges, cracks and nicks. If the dents aren't large enough to handle Fill them in with wood putty and let it set for the appropriate amount of time. Sand the surface with 100-grit paper to roughen it prior to painting. To get rid of any debris or dirt wipe the surfaces that have been sanded with a damp cloth.

White is a popular color for walls and fireplaces. But the right shade can make your mantel really stand out. For ideas, take a look at the trims of wood on your bookcases, mouldings and walls. Does your mantel match in color as theirs or is it darker or lighter? If so, select an appropriate color to keep the space looking balanced.

Before you begin painting, protect the surrounding area with a drop cloth or sheets. Clean the mantel, removing any showpieces or decorations that are hanging over it. Remove any ornaments or pictures that are around or on your brick fireplace. Once the mantel is empty, wipe it down with 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 paint is long-lasting and stain resistant, so your mantel can withstand the heat of the fireplace, as well as other items placed on it. Let the primer dry in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations before moving on to the main part of your fireplace wall.

The brick can be quite heavy in color and weight. Painting the mantel in a neutral or light shade can make it look brighter and more inviting to guests. If you choose to paint it the lighter hue, think about using it in conjunction with an earthy toned piece of art or a large mirror over it to balance the look.