How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A wall fireplace can provide your living space with an attractive focal point. There are many models available so you need to pick one that meets your requirements.
The heat output, controls and the appearance are some of the most important features. If you're not familiar with these features, it's recommended to seek out an expert to help you select the best model.
Molded Squares
A dull stone fireplace and dull walls left this living space in need of a drastic fireplace makeover. With a few tweaks to the design the new look is fresh and striking, making the hearth an important focal point in the room. A whitewashed mantel and contemporary artwork above modernize the fireplace facade while contrasted with the shelves in gray below. The fireplace facade is enhanced by a few color changes.
Base cap molding and thin trim pieces combine to create a simple, yet effective way to frame the Fireplace Stove surround. 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, choose a fluted trim to create the illusion of a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse-style.
Accent walls with wainscoting are a popular method to add personality to a room. The same technique can be used to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled product such as tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard instead of plank boards to create a dramatic appearance.
Brick is another non-combustible option to use as the fireplace surround. It comes in a variety of styles and colors. A traditional red brick fireplace suites is a classic option for cottage-style or Craft Revival style homes. A rustic-look brick can also be used to enhance a traditional country style.
When you incorporate 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 to 12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you select is safe and meets all codes of the local and national level.
Open shelving is a great option to store books and other things however, too many shelves can make a mess of the fireplace. The homeowners of this living room have created a wall to ceiling limestone cladding in order to enhance the look without overwhelming open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look are ideal for a fireplace wall. They add a timeless look to any house. Reclaimed wood beams come from barns, stables and other demolished structures. Each beam has its own unique story. Reclaimed wood can be used as a feature in modern kitchens or wide planks of paneling to create an authentic look. They feature the typical marks of barn wood, including nail holes and mortise pockets as well as a natural patina that enhances their durability.
Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage as well as flea markets to find reclaimed wood elements that can be used for a mantel or an accent wall. For instance, the earthy shade of pine that highlights this traditional living room mantel and surround is reminiscent of an idyllic rural setting. The knotty imperfections of the wood emphasize the hand-crafted appearance and compliment the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which is a part of the fireplace wall. A pair of sconces with a natural theme and a landscape painting above the mantel add to the rustic charm of this space.
Repurposed wooden beams can make an attractive accent to any room in your home. They can be stained to match your current decor or carved to give an antique look. They can also be painted for modern appearance, or they can be covered with faux finishes like rust or marbled paint.
The wooden beams are able to serve as the central feature of any fireplace. They can be placed above a freestanding gas, ventless or electric fireplace or they can be incorporated into a stone or brick fireplace. They can be used to enhance the mantel without a burning fire.
Whatever method of installation you decide to use ensure that your wood fireplaces or steel beams are protected from the consequences of fire. Both types of material are susceptible to becoming brittle and weakening in the face of extreme heat, however both can be strengthened by a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant that is sprayed on steel I-beams. These products can be found in a wide variety of home improvement stores.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tile can make an impressive statement when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens the room and can be incorporated into any style, whether modern or traditional. The matte finish is ideal for a polished and clean appearance, while also adding a pop of contrast to make the fireplace stand out.
Hex tiles also work well with a variety of texture choices for a more customized appearance. Stone-look tile is a very popular choice that gives the space an old-fashioned, rustic feel and is a great match with natural materials like wood. Another timeless option is marble fireplace-look tile, which adds an elegant and luxurious look to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting light and brightening the room.
The proper tile pattern can improve 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 patterned tile adds the appearance of a hand-crafted space, balancing the modern organic style fireplace with the overall design of the room.
If you're not sure about taking a risk with a pattern in your home the fireplace is the perfect place to experiment with the bold style. It could be a bit intimidating for other rooms. This geometric tile (here's a similar option) with its black grout lines gives the room a sophisticated but playful energy. The hexagonal shapes work as cubes to create an exciting layout, while the deep brown color provides an inviting and warm aesthetic that is a perfect match for the industrial style of the room.
Tiles that resemble brick or other familiar materials is another way to make an impact on your fireplace. This textured tile, made by LA Designer Affair, has an identical look to brick, but with the added benefit of being much easier to clean and maintain.
If you're not ready take on a complete remodel of your fireplace's surround, think about applying a peel-and-stick tile to refresh the appearance without spending a fortune. These tiles are resistant to heat which makes them suitable for cheap fireplaces and able adhere to existing surfaces. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a great option for adding elegance to any room. It also coordinates beautifully with traditional furniture.
Paint the Mantel
When a wall fireplace has an existing brick surround, the best way to downplay its appearance is with fresh coats of paint. Painting the mantel a different color can also add warmth and personality to the room. If you decide to match it to the room's color scheme or opt for something more striking or bold, a new color will make your fireplace stand out as a showstopper.
If your 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 in order to rough it up. Clean the surface using a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or debris.
White is a favorite color for fireplaces and walls. However the right shade can make your ethanol fireplace stand out. Look at the other trims, moldings, and bookcases around your home for ideas. Does your mantel match in color as theirs or is it darker or lighter? If the latter, pick an appropriate color to keep the look well-balanced.
Before you begin painting, protect the area around you with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove any decorative items or showpieces that may have been hung over the mantel. Remove any ornaments or pictures that are around or on the brick fireplace. Once the mantel has been cleared, wipe it down with an damp cloth to wash off any soot or dust that has accumulated.
Apply a base coat 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 will stand up to the heat of the fireplace, and any other items that are placed on it. Allow the primer to completely dry, according to the instructions of the manufacturer, before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.
While brick is an attractive feature of a fireplace wall, it can be heavy and dark in hue. Paint the mantel in an unassuming color or neutral to make it appear more vibrant and more inviting. If you decide to choose a light shade for your mantel, match it with a work of artwork in earthy tones, or a large mirror to balance out the appearance.