How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A fireplace on the wall can create your living space an attractive focal point that requires attention. There are many different designs available, however, so it is crucial to choose one that is suitable for your needs.
Some of the most important features include the output of heat, the appearance and the controls. If you're not aware of these features, it's recommended to consult a professional to assist you in choosing the right model.
Molded Squares
A worn-out stone fireplaces fireplace surround and bland walls left this living space in need of a drastic fireplace overhaul. With a few design tweaks, the new look is vibrant and eye-catching, making this hearth a focal point in the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel as well as contemporary art above the fireplace modernize the facade, while the gray shelves below are a contrast. A few changes in color will also make the fireplace stand out from the wall, enhancing the charm of this fireplace design.
Base cap molding and thin trim pieces combine to create a simple yet effective way to frame the tile fireplace surround. Choose a style of trim that contrasts with or matches your other trim elements for example, the thick casing around windows and doors to make the look more cohesive. If you're looking for an elegant, high-end look, use fluted trim to create the illusion that there is a mantel. If you want a more rustic farmhouse style, choose to use dentil trim instead.
Making an accent wall using wainscoting is an effective way to add character to any room. The same technique can be employed to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards, instead, consider a paneled material like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard to create a dramatic look.
Brick is a different non-combustible option for a fireplace electric surround. It is available in different styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace with red is a traditional choice for Craft Revival-style or cottage-style homes. The rustic-look brick is an option that can fit in with a more traditional, country decor.
When you incorporate brick into your fireplace design, you'll want to ensure that your hearth extends 16 to 18 inches from the opening for the fireplace and that the surround extends 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the material you choose is safe and conforms to all local and national codes.
Open shelves are a great way to organize books and other items, but too many can make a mess of a fireplace. In this family room, the homeowners designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding that enhances the design of the new fireplace without overpowering the open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic appearance are ideal for a fireplace wall. They add timeless beauty to any house. Reclaimed wood beams come from old barns, stables and other buildings that were demolished. Each beam has its own distinct story. Reclaimed wood can be used in conjunction with wide plank ceiling paneling for a fully rustic design or as accents to modern kitchens. They are characterized by barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes plus a natural aging that improves their longevity.
Find salvage yards for architectural elements and fireplaces shop flea markets for reclaimed wood elements to transform into a mantel. For example, the earthy shade of pine that accentuates the traditional mantel and surround is reminiscent of an idyllic rural setting. Its knotty imperfections emphasize the hand-crafted appearance and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which is a part of the fireplace's wall. A pair of nature-inspired sconces and a painting of a landscape over the mantel add to the rustic charm of this space.
Repurposed wooden beams can give a unique appearance to any room. They can be stained to match your existing decor or carved for an antique look. They can be painted to give them a more modern appearance or covered with faux finishes such as rust or marbling paint.
The wooden beams can be used as the central element of any fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel without the need for a fire. They can be used to illuminate the mantel without a burning fire.
Whatever method you choose to install your beams, make sure that they are protected adequately from the effects of fire. Both materials can become brittle and weaken in the presence of extreme heat, however both are able to be strengthened with a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant sprays on I-beams made of steel. These products can be found at most home improvement stores.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tile can create an impressive statement when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens the space while blending with any style of decor from modern to traditional. The matte finish is ideal to create a polished and sleek appearance, while also adding a pop of contrast to make the fireplace stand out.
Hex tiles can be customised with a variety textures for an individualized look. Stone Fireplaces-look tiles are a very popular option that give the room an authentic, classic look. They also look great with natural materials, such as wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tile, which adds an elegant and luxurious look to the space. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles sparkles beautifully, reflecting sunlight and brightening the room.
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 adds a unique 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're not sure about putting your faith in a design in your home, a fireplace is an excellent place to try out a bold pattern which could be intimidating in other areas of the house. This geometric tile (here's an alternative) with its black grout lines gives this room a sophisticated and lively energy. The hexagonal shapes are arranged like cubes to create a fascinating layout, while the deep brown color creates an inviting and warm aesthetic that works with the industrial style of the room.
Another method of making a statement with your tabletop fireplace is to select tiles that look like the appearance of brick or another familiar material. This textured tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look as brick but is much easier to maintain and clean.
If you're hesitant to make a major overhaul of your fireplace surround, consider using a peel and stick tile to update the look without costing you a fortune. A lot of these options are heat-resistant, making them safe for fireplaces and able to be affixed to the existing wall fires. This herringbone peel and stick tile is an excellent alternative that will add an elegant feel to any living space and will look great with traditional furniture.
Paint the Mantel
When a wall fireplace has a brick surround, the best way to downplay its appearance is to give it fresh coats of paint. The mantel can be painted in a different colour to add warmth and personality. A new color of paint could make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the scheme of color in the room or pick something striking.
If your mantel is constructed from wood, first check it for cracks, nicks, and gouges. Fill in the dents using wood putty if they are small enough. Allow it to dry for the 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 remove any remaining dirt or debris.
White is a popular color for walls and fireplaces. But the right shade will make your mantel really stand out. Take a look at the wood trim, moldings and bookcases in your home to get inspiration. Does your mantel have the same shade as theirs or is it darker or lighter? If you opt for the latter option, select one that blends well with the other colors in the room to keep it looking balanced.
Make sure you cover the area around you with a dropcloth or sheets before you begin painting. Remove any decorative items or showpieces that might have been placed above the mantel. Remove any ornaments or pictures that are on or around the fireplace made of brick. When the mantel is clean then wipe it clean with a an damp cloth to wash off any dust or soot that has built up.
Apply a basecoat with brushes or rollers to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish is durable and stain-resistant, ensuring that your mantel is able to stand up well to the heat from the fireplace as well as any other items that are placed on it. Allow the primer to dry in accordance with the guidelines of the manufacturer before moving on to the main part of your fireplace's wall.
While brick is a beautiful feature of a fireplace's wall, it can be quite heavy and dark in color. Paint the mantel with a light or neutral color will make it appear more lively and more welcoming to guests. If you choose an unassuming color for your mantel, match it with a piece of art with earthy tones or a large mirror to balance out the appearance.