So You ve Bought Wall Fireplace ... Now What

How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace will make your living space an eye-catching focal area. There are numerous models available however, it is important to find one that meets your needs.

The heat output, the controls, and the design are just a few of the important features. If you're unfamiliar with these features, it's best to consult a professional to assist you in choosing the best model.

Molded Squares

The living room required a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its old-fashioned stone surround and boring walls. The new look is vibrant, attractive and makes this hearth the center of the room. A whitewashed mantel for the fireplace and contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the facade while the shelves that are gray below are a contrast. The fireplace facade is enhanced by a few color variations.

Base cap moldings and trim pieces 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 with or complement your other trim elements like thick casings around windows and doors. If you prefer a more elegant, high-end style, you can use fluted trim to create the illusion that there is a mantel. For a more rustic, farmhouse look, you can use dentil trim instead.

The idea of creating an accent wall using wainscoting is a common way to add character to any room. The same technique can be employed to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards, instead, consider using a paneled material such as beadboard or tongue-and-groove cedar siding to create a striking look.

Brick is another non-combustible option to use as the fireplace surround. It comes in various styles and colors. A classic red brick fireplace is perfect for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. A rustic-look brick can also be used to complement a traditional country decor.

If you're planning to incorporate brick into your fireplace design ensure that your hearth is 16 to 18 inches away from the opening of the firebox, and your surround is 8 to 12 inches wide in all directions. Make sure your chosen material complies with all local and national building codes for safety.

Open shelving can be excellent for storing books and other things. However, too many shelves can obstruct the look of the fireplace. The homeowners of this family room created the wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to improve the look of the room without overpowering open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wood beams are the perfect frame for a wall fireplace. They add timeless beauty to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood are made from old barns, stalls, and other buildings that have been demolished. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can also be used as an accent in modern kitchens, or with wide planks of paneling to create an authentic look. They feature the typical markings of barn wood, such as nail holes and mortise pockets, plus a natural patina that enhances their durability.

Search architectural salvage yards and flea market for reclaimed wooden elements to repurpose into a mantel. The earthy tone of pine used as a backdrop for this traditional living room mantel and surround evokes an intimate country retreat. Its knotty imperfections emphasize the hand-crafted appearance and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that surrounds the fireplace wall. The rustic warmth of this room is accentuated by a pair inspired by nature wall sconces, and an image of a landscape above the mantel.

Repurposed wooden beams can make an attractive feature to any room in your home. They can be left as-is or stained to match your current decor or distressed and carved to give them an antique look. They can be painted to give them a modern look, or covered with faux finishes such as marbling paint or rust.

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

No matter which method of installation you choose ensure that your wood or steel beams are properly protected from the effects of fire. Both types of materials can be brittle and weaken in the face 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 in a wide variety of stores for home improvement.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a striking effect as surrounds for fireplaces wooden. Its shape instantly enhances the space while complementing any decor choice from traditional to modern. The choice of an elegant matte finish for the tiles is ideal to keep that neat and polished look, while also adding some contrast that makes the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles also work well with a variety of texture choices for a more personalized look. Stone-look tile is a very popular choice that lends the space an authentic, rustic look while pairing beautifully with natural materials such as wood. Marble-look tile is a timeless option that provides an elegant and luxurious aesthetic to the space. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles sparkles beautifully, reflecting light and brightening 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 patterned tile adds an artistic look to the space, and balances the modern organic style fireplace with the overall style of the room.

If you're not sure about taking a risk with pattern in your home, a fireplace is an excellent place to try out a bold design which could be a bit intimidating in other areas of the house. This geometric tile (here's a similar option) with its black grout lines give this room a sophisticated and playful energy. The hexagonal shapes are shaped like cubes to create an exciting layout. The dark brown color creates a warm, inviting aesthetic that goes well with the industrial decor.

Tiles that look like brick or other familiar materials is another way to create an impact on your fireplace. This textured tile, from LA Designer Affair, has an identical look to brick, but has the added benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.

Consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to modernize your fireplace surround without spending a fortune. A majority of these options are heat-resistant, making them safe for fireplaces and able to be affixed to the existing stone. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great option that will bring an elegant look to any living space while also blending beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace on the wall has an existing brick surround, the most effective method to minimize its appearance is to give it fresh coats of paint. The mantel's paint color also adds warmth and personality to the room. Whether you choose to match it with the room's color scheme or opt for something more striking or bold, a new color makes your fireplace stand out as a stunning feature.

If your mantel is wood be sure to check it for cracks, gouges, and scratches. Fill in the dents using wood putty if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the amount of time recommended. Sand the surface with 100-grit paper to roughen it prior to painting. Wipe down the sanded surface with a damp cloth in order to take off any remaining dirt or dust.

While white is a popular option for fireplaces wood and walls, the right shade can really help your mantel stand out. For ideas, take a look at the trims of wood on your bookcases, moldings and walls. Do they use the same shade as your mantel, or is it a lighter or darker shade? If the latter, pick the color that is well-matched to keep the room looking well-balanced.

Before you start painting, protect the area surrounding you with drop cloth or sheets. Remove any decorative items or showpieces that were hung over the mantel. If your fireplace is made of brick, take away any pictures or ornaments that are located on or around it. Once the mantel has been cleaned, take a damp cloth and wipe it down to remove any dust or soot.

Apply a basecoat with brushes or rollers to your mantel. The semi-gloss paint is long-lasting and stain resistant, so your mantel will be able to stand up to the heat of the fireplace as well as any other items placed on it. Let the primer dry in accordance with the guidelines of the manufacturer before moving onto the main part of your fireplace's wall.

The brick may be heavy in both weight and color. Painting the mantel in a neutral or light shade can make it look brighter and more inviting for 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 wall mirror to complete the overall look.