How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace on the wall can create your living room an attractive focal point that requires attention. There are many models available 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 elements, it's best to seek out a professional to help you pick the right model.

Molded Squares

The living room in this house needed an impressive fireplace overhaul due to its old-fashioned stone surround and dull walls. The new style is vibrant, attractive and makes the hearth the main focal point of the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel as well as contemporary art above the fireplace modernize the exterior and the shelves in gray below provide a stark contrast. The fireplace's facade is accentuated by a few color changes.

Base cap moldings and trim pieces are paired to create a simple, yet effective way to frame a fireplace surround made of tile. To bring the design together, choose a trim style to contrast or match your other trim elements such as thick casing around doors and windows. If you're looking for a more high-end, elegant style, you can use fluted trim to create the illusion 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 used to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards you can try a paneled material like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard to create a striking appearance.

Another non-combustible option you can use to create the fireplace surround is brick, which is available in many different styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace with red is a popular choice for cottage-style or Craft Revival style homes. A rustic-looking brick can be used to enhance a traditional country style.

If you are planning to incorporate brick into the design of your fireplace, make sure that your hearth measures 16 to 18 inches away from the opening of the firebox, and the surround is 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the material you choose is safe and meets all local and national codes.

Open shelving is a great way of storing books and other things. However, too many shelves can overwhelm the appearance of the fireplace. The homeowners of this living room have created a wall to ceiling limestone cladding in order to enhance the look without overwhelming the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wood beams are the ideal frame for a wall fireplace. They add timeless beauty to any house. Reclaimed beams of wood are made from barns, stalls and other buildings that have been removed. Each beam has its own unique story. Reclaimed wood can also be used as an accent in modern kitchens, or with wide planks of paneling to create a rustic look. They feature the usual barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes as well as a natural aging process that improves their longevity.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage as well as flea markets for reclaimed wood elements to repurpose for a mantel or an accent wall. The natural tone of pine used to accent the traditional living room mantel and surround evokes an intimate country retreat. The knotty imperfections of the wood give it a rustic look, and they complement the simple lines in the beaded-board wainscoting on the fireplace wall. The rustic warmth of this room is accentuated by a pair of nature-inspired wall sconces and a landscape picture above the mantel.

Repurposed wood beams will give a unique appearance to any space. They can be stained to match your current decor or carved for an antique appearance. They can also be painted for a more contemporary appearance, or they can be covered with faux finishes like marbled paint or rust.

Wooden beams can be used as a focal point in any type of fireplace. They can be positioned above a freestanding gas or ventless or electric fires fireplace [by www.strawberryelk.com], or they can be incorporated into a brick or stone fireplaces fireplace. 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 possible consequences of fire. Both materials are susceptible to becoming brittle and weakening when exposed to extreme heat, however both can be reinforced with a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant sprays on steel I-beams. These products can be found in 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 style of decor, from traditional to modern. The matte finish is ideal to create a polished and sleek appearance while adding a splash of contrast to make the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles can also be used with different textures for a more customized appearance. Stone-look tile is a popular option that lends the space a classic, rustic feel while pairing beautifully with natural materials such as wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tile, which adds a luxurious and elegant aesthetic to the space. These tiles have a smooth and glossy finish that reflect light beautifully and brightens the room.

The appropriate tile pattern can improve the look 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 adds a unique an artistic look that balances the organic modern style of the fireplace, and the contemporary style of the room.

If you're not sure about taking a risk on a pattern in your home, a fireplace can be the perfect place to test out a bold pattern that might be a bit intimidating in other areas of your home. This geometric tile (here's an alternative) with its black grout lines give this space a sophisticated yet fun energy. The hexagonal shapes are arranged as cubes to create an exciting layout, and the dark brown color creates an inviting and warm look that complements the industrial style of this space.

Tiles that resemble brick or other familiar materials is another option to create an impact on your fireplace. This pattern-based tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance as brick but is much simpler to maintain and clean.

If you're not ready take on a complete remodel of your fireplace surround, consider applying a peel and stick tile to refresh the appearance without costing you a fortune. A majority of these options are heat resistant and therefore suitable for use in the fireplace and able to stick to the existing stone. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a fantastic option for adding style to any room. It also works beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace in a wall has a brick surround, the best method to minimize its appearance is with an update of the paint. The mantel can be painted in a different hue to add warmth and personality. If you decide to match it with the color scheme of your room or go for something bold or bold, a new color can make your fireplace stand out as a showpiece.

If the mantel is made of wood take a look at it to find cracks, gouges, and scratches. If the dents aren't enough to be able to handle, fill them with wood putty, and let it set for the recommended amount of time. Sand the surface with 100-grit paper to roughen it prior to painting. To remove any debris or dirt wipe the surfaces that have been sanded with a damp cloth.

White is a popular shade for walls and fireplaces electric. However the right shade can make your mantel really stand out. To get ideas, look at the wood trim on your bookcases, mouldings, and walls. Do they use the same shade as your mantel, or is it a lighter or darker shade? If so, select a color that coordinates well to keep the room looking balanced.

Protect the area around you by using a dropcloth or sheets before you begin painting. Remove any ornaments or display pieces that were hung above the mantel. Remove any ornaments or photos placed around or on your brick fireplace. When the mantel is clean, wipe it down with 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 other items placed on it. Allow the primer to dry in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations before moving on to the main part of your fireplace wall.

The brick can be heavy in both weight and color. Painting the mantel an even or light color can make it appear brighter and more welcoming to guests. If you choose an unassuming color for your mantel, match it with a piece of art in earthy tones or a large wall mirror to complete the overall look.