20 Resources That Will Make You Better At Wall Fireplace

How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can provide your living space with an eye-catching focal point. There are many models available and you must pick one that suits your needs.

The heat output, 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

The living room in this house needed an overhaul to the fireplace due to its outdated stone surround and dull walls. With a few tweaks to the design, the new look is bright and attractive, making the hearth an important focal point in the room. A whitewashed mantel and modern artwork above modernize the fireplace facade while contrasting with the gray shelves below. The fireplace's facade is accentuated by a few color variations.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces are combined to form a simple, yet effective, method to frame your fireplace surround. To tie the look together select a trim design to contrast or match the other trim elements, such as thick casing around doors and windows. If you're looking for a more elegant, luxurious look, consider using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of a real mantel. For a more rustic, farmhouse style, choose to use dentil trim instead.

Accent walls with wainscoting are an extremely popular way to add personality to rooms. The same method can be used to frame the fireplace. Consider a paneled material like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard instead plank boards to create a dramatic look.

Brick is another non-combustible option for a fireplace surround. It is available in various styles and colors. A traditional red brick fireplace is a popular choice for cottage-style or Craft Revival style homes. Rustic-style brick is another option that can fit in with a more traditional, country style.

When incorporating brick into a fireplace design, it is important to be sure your hearth extends 16 to 18 inches from the opening for the fireplace and that your surround is 8-12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the brick you select is safe and complies with all national and local codes.

Open shelves are a great way to store books and other things however, too many shelves can overwhelm the look of a fireplace. The owners of this living room have created a 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 ideal frame for a fireplace on the wall. They add a timeless beauty to any house. Reclaimed beams of wood are made from old barns, stalls, and other structures that were removed. Each beam carries with it its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used as a feature in modern kitchens or with wide plank paneling to create an authentic appearance. They have the typical barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes, plus a natural aging that increases their longevity.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage as well as flea markets to find reclaimed wood elements to use for a mantel or an accent wall. For instance the earthy hue of pine that highlights the traditional mantel and surround is reminiscent of an idyllic rural setting. The knotty imperfections of the wood create a rustic appearance, and they complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting on the wall fires of the fireplace insert. The rustic warmth of the space is enhanced by a pair inspired by nature wall sconces and a landscape picture above the mantel.

Repurposed wood beams can be an attractive feature to any room in your home. They can be stained to match your existing design or carved to create an antique look. They can be painted to give them a more contemporary look or covered with faux finishes such as rust or marbling paint.

The wooden beams are able to serve as the central feature of any fireplace. They can be placed over a freestanding gas, ventless or Electric Fire fireplace, or be integrated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can be used to enhance the mantel without burning fire.

Whatever method you choose to install your beams, ensure that they are protected adequately 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 of fire-resistant drywall. These products can be found at most home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can create an impact when used as a fireplace surround. Its shape instantly brightens up the room and can be incorporated into any decor, whether contemporary or traditional. The matte finish is perfect to create a polished and sleek look while adding contrast to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can be customised by a variety of textures to create an individual look. Stone-look tile is a very popular choice that gives the room an authentic, rustic look and is a great match with natural materials like wood. Marble-look tile is another timeless option that adds an elegant and luxurious aesthetic to the space. These tiles have a glossy and smooth finish that reflects light beautifully and enhances the space.

The appropriate tile pattern can improve a fireplace's design. 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 provides an artistic look to the space, balancing the modern organic style fireplace with the overall style of the room.

If you're not sure about putting your faith in a patterns in your home, a fireplace can be an ideal place to test out a bold design that could be intimidating in other areas of the house. The geometric tile with its black grout provides this area with an elegant yet playful feel. The hexagonal shapes fit like cubes to create an exciting layout. The deep brown hue gives this space a warm, inviting aesthetic that is perfect for industrial style.

Another option to make a statement with your fireplace is to select tiles that look like the appearance of brick or a similar material. This pattern-based tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look as brick however, it is much easier to maintain and clean.

Consider using a peel-and-stick tile to modernize your fireplace surround without costing you a dime. These tiles are resistant to heat and therefore suitable for fireplaces and able adhere to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great alternative that will add an elegant look to any living space, while also blending beautifully with traditional furnishings.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace on the wall has an existing brick surround, the most effective way to downplay its appearance is by giving it a fresh coat of paint. The mantel's paint color can also add warmth and character to the room. A new color of paint could make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the overall color scheme of the room or choose something striking.

If the mantel is made of wood be sure to check it for cracks, gouges, and scratches. Fill in the dents using wood putty if they are small enough. Allow it to dry for the period recommended. Before painting you can sand the surface 100-grit sandpaper to roughen it up. Wipe the surface that has been sanded with a damp cloth in order to get rid of any dirt or debris.

While white is a popular color for electric fireplaces and walls but the right color can really help your mantel stand out. For inspiration, look at the trims of wood on your bookcases, moldings and walls. Does your mantel have the same shade as theirs or is it lighter or darker? If the latter, pick a color that coordinates well to keep the look balanced.

Make sure you cover the area around you by using sheets or a dropcloth before you begin painting. Remove any decorations or showpieces that were hung over the mantel. If your fireplace is made of brick, take away any ornaments or pictures that are on or within it. 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 a brush or roller. The semi-gloss paint is durable and stain resistant, so your mantel can stand up to the heat of the fireplace, as well as other items placed on it. Allow the primer to completely dry, according to the instructions of the manufacturer, before you begin painting the main wall of the fireplace.

While brick is a beautiful feature of a fireplace's wall it can be heavy and dark in shade. Paint the mantel in the light or neutral color to make it appear lighter and more inviting. If you decide to choose a light color, consider pairing it with a earthy-toned piece of art or a large mirror over it to create a balanced look.