How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A wall fireplace can give your living room a focal point that demands attention. There are numerous models to choose from so you need to pick one that suits your needs.
Some of the most important features include the heat output as well as the appearance and controls. If you're not familiar with these features, it's recommended to hire an expert to assist you in choosing the best model.
Molded Squares
This living room needed a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its stale stone surround and dull walls. The new design is bright, appealing and makes this hearth the center of the room. A whitewashed mantel and modern artwork above modernize the fireplace facade and contrast with the gray shelves below. The fireplace's facade is accentuated by a few color changes.
Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces make a simple but efficient way to frame a tile fireplace surround. Choose a trim style that contrasts with or matches your other trim elements, for example, the thick casing around doors and windows to make the look more cohesive. If you're looking for an elegant, high-end style, choose a fluted trim to give the illusion of a mantel. For a more rustic farmhouse style, choose to use dentil trim instead.
Creating an accent wall with wainscoting is a common way to add character any room. The same technique can also be used to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards you can try using a paneled material such as tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard to create a striking appearance.
Brick is a different non-combustible option for a fireplace surround. It is available in various styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace in red is a popular choice for cottage-style or Craft Revival style homes. Rustic-look brick is also an option that can fit in with a more traditional, country style.
If you're planning to incorporate brick into your fireplace design be sure that your hearth measures 16-18 inches from the opening of the firebox and your surround is between 8 and 12 inches wide in all directions. Be sure that the material you choose is safe and meets all national and local codes.
Open shelving is a great option to store books and other things however, too many shelves can make a mess of a fireplace. The owners of this living room have created a wall to ceiling limestone cladding in order to elevate the design without overwhelming open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look are perfect for a fireplace wall. They bring a timeless appeal to any house. Reclaimed beams of wood are made from barns, stalls and other buildings that were removed. Each beam carries with it its own distinct history. Reclaimed wood can be used in conjunction with wide plank ceiling panels for a fully rustic design or as a decorative element to modern kitchens. They are characterized by the typical markings of barn wood, like mortise and nail holes and natural patinas that increase their durability.
Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets for reclaimed wooden elements to use for a mantel or an accent wall. For example the earthy hue of pine that highlights this traditional living room mantel and surround evokes a cozy rural retreat. The knotty imperfections in the wood accent the hand-crafted appearance and compliment the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which surrounds the fireplace wall. A pair of sconces with a natural theme and a landscape-themed painting above the mantel enhance the rustic coziness of this space.
Repurposed wood beams will give a unique appearance to any room. They can be stained to match your current decor or carved for an antique look. They can be painted to give them a more contemporary appearance or covered with faux finishes like marbling paint or rust.
The wooden beams can be used as the central element of any fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel without a fire burning. They can also be used to highlight the mantel without a flame burning.
Regardless of which method of installation you choose be sure that your wood or steel beams are protected from the possible effects of fire. Both materials can be brittle in extreme heat. However, they can be strengthened with a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products are available at most stores for home improvement.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tile can make an impact when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens the room and complements any style, whether contemporary or traditional. The choice of a matte finish for the tiles is a great way to keep that sleek and polished look, while also adding some contrast to make the fireplace sparkle.
Hex tiles can also be combined with a variety of texture choices to create a more individual look. Stone-look tiles are a favorite that gives the space an old-fashioned, rustic feel. They also go well with natural materials, such as wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tiles that adds a luxurious and elegant aesthetic to the room. These tiles feature a smooth and glossy finish that reflect light beautifully and brightens the space.
The perfect tile pattern can enhance the entire look 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 pattern of the tile gives the entire room a the look of a hand-crafted piece that balances the contemporary organic style of the fireplace, and the overall contemporary design of the room.
If you are unsure of making a design risk in your home, the fireplace is a great place to experiment with the bold style. It might be intimidating for other areas. This geometric tile (here's another option) with its black grout lines gives this room a sophisticated and lively energy. The hexagonal shapes fit together like cubes for a stimulating layout, while the dark brown color creates an inviting and warm look that is a perfect match for the industrial style of this space.
Tiles that resemble brick or other familiar materials is another option to create an impact with your fireplace. This textured tile, from LA Designer Affair, has the same look as traditional brick but with the added benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.
Consider using a peel-and-stick tile to upgrade your fireplace surround without breaking the bank. Many of these options are resistant to heat, making them suitable for use in the fireplace and able to be affixed to the existing wall. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a great option to add the look of a room. It also works beautifully with traditional furniture.
Paint the Mantel
A fresh coat of paint is the best way to hide a brick surround on a wall-mounted fireplace. The mantel can be painted a different colour to give it a more cosy and spirited look. If you decide to match it to the color scheme of your room or fireplacesandstoves opt for something more striking, a new paint color will make your fireplace stand out as a showpiece.
If your mantel is made from wood, first check it for cracks, nicks and gouges. Fill in the dents with wood putty if they are small enough. Allow it to dry for the amount of time recommended. Before painting paint, sand the surface using 100-grit sandpaper to rough it up. To get rid of any dirt or debris wipe the surfaces that have been sanded with a damp cloth.
While white is a popular choice for walls and fireplaces but the right color can really make your fireplace stand out. To get ideas, examine the wood trims on your bookcases, moldings and walls. Do they have the same shade as your mantel or is it a darker or lighter shade? If so, select an appropriate color to keep the look well-balanced.
Before you start painting, protect the area around you with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove any ornaments or display pieces that may have been hung over the mantel. If your fireplace is brick, remove any pictures or ornaments that are on or within the fireplace. Once the mantel has been cleaned, use a damp cloth and wipe it down to remove any dust or soot.
Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with the use of a roller or brush. The semi-gloss paint is durable and stain resistant, so your mantel will stand up to the heat of the fireplace as well as any other items that are placed on it. Allow the primer to dry in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations before moving onto the main body of your fireplace's wall.
The brick may be heavy in weight and color. The mantel painted with in a neutral or light shade can make it appear brighter and more welcoming to guests. If you decide to go with the lighter hue, think about pairing it with an earthy-toned artwork or a mirror that is large above it to balance the appearance.