How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can give your living room an element of interest that demands attention. There are a variety of models available, so you should choose one that meets your requirements.

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 recommended to consult a professional to help you choose the best model.

Molded Squares

The living room required a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its outdated stone surround and boring walls. With a few design tweaks the new look is fresh and striking and makes the hearth a centerpiece in the room. A whitewashed mantel and contemporary artwork above the fireplace’s facade modernize it while contrasted with the shelves in gray below. The fireplace facade is enhanced by a few color variations.

Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces are paired to make a simple but efficient way to frame a fireplace surround made of tile. To connect the look, choose a trim style to match or contrast with your other trim elements such as thick casing around windows and doors. If you want a more high-end, elegant style, you can use fluted trim to give the illusion of a mantel. If you want 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 technique can be employed 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 look.

Another non-combustible option you can create the fireplace surround is brick, which comes in a variety of styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace with red is a classic option for cottage-style or Craft-Revival-style homes. Rustic-look brick is also an alternative that is able to blend with a more traditional, country style.

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

Open shelving is a great option to organize books and other items, but too many can make a mess of a fireplace. The homeowners of this family room designed the wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding in order to enhance the look without overwhelming the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams that have a rustic style make a great fireplace wall. They are timeless and beautiful to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood are reclaimed from barns, stalls, and other structures that were demolished. Each beam carries with it its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used combination with wide plank ceiling paneling for a fully rustic design or as a decorative element to modern kitchens. They have the typical markings of barn wood, including nail holes and mortise pockets and a natural patina that enhances their durability.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage as well as flea markets for reclaimed wooden elements that can be used for a mantel or an accent wall. The rustic tone of pine used to accent the traditional living room surround and mantel creates the feeling of a cozy country getaway. Its knotty imperfections give it a rustic feel and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting on the fireplace wall. The rustic warmth of this room is accentuated by a pair of natural-inspired wall sconces and an image of a landscape above the mantel.

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

Wooden beams can be used as a focal point in any type of fireplace. They can be used to highlight the mantel without any fire burning. They can be used to accent the mantel with no fire burning.

Whatever method you decide to use to mount your beams, ensure that they are adequately protected from the effects of fire. Both materials can become hard and brittle when heated to extreme temperatures. However they can be strengthened by a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products are sold at most home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be utilized to create a dramatic effect as surrounds for fireplaces. Its shape instantly brightens the space and is a perfect match for any decor style from traditional to modern. Selecting matte finishes for the tiles is ideal to keep that neat and polished look, while also adding some contrast to make the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles can also be combined with a variety of texture choices to create a more individual look. Stone-look tile is a very popular choice that lends the space an old-fashioned, 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 look to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles sparkles beautifully, reflecting light and brightening up the space.

The right tile pattern can elevate the overall design of the 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 the appearance of a hand-crafted space, and balances the modern organic style fireplace with the overall style of the room.

If you’re not sure about taking a pattern risk in your home the fireplace is a great place to experiment with the bold style. It might be a bit intimidating for other rooms. The geometric tile with its black grout provides this area with an elegant and playful look. The hexagonal shapes fit like cubes, creating a lively layout. The deep brown color gives this space a warm, inviting aesthetic that goes well with the industrial style.

Another option to make a statement with your fireplace is to select tile that resembles 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.

Consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to modernize your fireplace surround without spending a fortune. These options are heat-resistant and therefore suitable for fireplaces and able adhere to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great option that will bring an elegant look to any living space while coordinating beautifully with traditional furnishings.

Paint the Mantel

When a wall fireplace has an existing brick surround, the most effective method to minimize its appearance is to give it an update of the paint. The mantel’s paint hue also adds warmth and personality to the space. Whether you choose to match it to the decor’s color scheme or go for something bold or bold, a new color can make your fireplace stand out as a showstopper.

If your mantel is made of wood be sure to check it for gouges, cracks and nicks. If the dents are small enough to be handled then fill them with wood putty, and let it set for the appropriate amount of time. Sand the surface with 100-grit paper to roughen it up before painting. Wipe down the sanded surface with a damp cloth in order to get rid of any dirt or debris.

While white is a popular choice for walls and fireplaces but the right color can make your mantel stand out. Look at the other wood trims, moldings, and bookcases in your home to get inspiration. Does your mantel match in color as theirs or is it lighter or darker? If the latter, choose a color that coordinates well to keep the space looking balanced.

Cover the area around you by using a dropcloth or sheets before you begin painting. Remove any ornaments or display pieces that were hung over the mantel. If your fireplace is brick, get rid of any ornaments or pictures that are located on or within it. When the mantel is clean, wipe it down with a damp cloth to clean off any soot or dust that has built up.

Apply a basecoat with brushes or rollers to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish lasts and stain-resistant, which means that your mantel will stand up well to the heat generated by the fireplace as well as any other items placed on it. Allow the primer to dry according to the manufacturer’s recommendations before moving onto the main part of your fireplace wall.

While brick is a beautiful feature of a fireplace’s wall, it can be quite heavy and dark in hue. Painting the mantel a light or neutral color can make it appear brighter and more welcoming to guests. If you choose to paint it a light color, consider pairing it with an earthy-toned piece of artwork or a large mirror over it to balance the look.