How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A wall fireplace can give your living room an attractive focal feature. There are numerous models on the market, however, so it is important to find one that will meet your requirements.
The output of heat, the controls, and the appearance are among the most important features. If you aren't familiar with these elements, it's best to seek out a professional to help you pick the right model.
Molded Squares
A stale stone fireplace and dull walls left this living space in need of a dramatic fireplace overhaul. With a few design tweaks the new look is bright and striking, making this hearth a focal point in the room. A whitewashed fireplace and contemporary artwork above modernize the fireplace facade while contrasted with the gray shelves below. The fireplace's exterior is enhanced by a few color changes.
Base cap moldings and trim pieces are paired to create a simple, yet effective method of framing the fireplace with a tile surround. Choose a trim style that contrasts with or matches your other trim elements, such as the thick casing around doors and windows, to make the look more cohesive. If you prefer a more elegant, high-end style, you can use fluted trim to create the illusion of a mantel. For a more rustic farmhouse look, use dentil trim instead.
Wainscoting accent walls is a common method of adding personality to a room. The same method can be employed to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards instead, consider using a paneled material such as beadboard or tongue-and-groove cedar siding to create a striking look.
Brick is a different non-combustible option for a fireplace surround. It is available in a variety of styles and colors. A classic red brick fireplace is perfect for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. A rustic-look brick can also be used to complement a traditional country decor.
If you're planning to incorporate brick into your fireplace design, make sure that your hearth measures 16 to 18 inches from the opening of the firebox and your surround is 8-12 inches wide in all directions. Make sure the material you choose is safe and complies with all national and local codes.
Open shelving is a great way to store books and other items however, too many shelves can overwhelm the look of a fireplace. The homeowners of this living room have created the wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to elevate the design without overwhelming the open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Rustic reclaimed wooden beams are the perfect frame for a wall fireplace. They add timeless beauty to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood are reclaimed from old barns, stalls and other buildings that have been demolished. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used as a decorative element in modern kitchens or wide planks to give an authentic look. They have the typical barn wood markings like mortise and nail holes and a natural aging process which increases their longevity.
Look through salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea market for reclaimed wood elements to repurpose into a mantel. The earthy tone of pine used as a backdrop for the traditional living room surround and mantel creates an intimate country retreat. Its knotty imperfections create a rustic appearance, and they complement the simple lines in the beaded-board wainscoting that is on the fireplace wall. The rustic warmth of the space is enhanced by a pair of nature-inspired wall sconces, as well as an image of a landscape above the mantel.
Repurposed wooden beams can provide an attractive feature to any room in your home. They can be left as is or stained to complement your current decor or carved and distressed for an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a modern look, or covered with faux finishes like marbling paint or rust.
The wooden beams are able to serve as the central point of any fireplace. They can be placed above a freestanding gas or ventless or electric fireplace or they can be incorporated into a stone or brick fireplace. They can be used to illuminate the mantel without a burning fire.
Regardless of which method of installation you choose be sure that your steel or biofireplace wood beams are protected from the possible consequences of fire. Both types of material can be brittle and weaken in the presence of extreme heat, however both can be strengthened by a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant sprayed on steel I-beams. These products are available at most home improvement shops.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tile can make an impact when used as a ethanol fireplace surround. Its design instantly brightens the room and can be incorporated into any style, whether contemporary or traditional. The matte finish is perfect for a polished and clean appearance, while also adding a pop of contrast to make the fireplace stand out.
Hex tiles can be customized by a variety of textures to create an individual appearance. Stone-look tiles are a very popular option that give the room an authentic, classic look. They also go well with natural materials, such as wood. Marble-look tile is a timeless option that provides an elegant and luxurious aesthetic to the room. These tiles feature a glossy and smooth finish that is a beautiful reflection of light and enhances the space.
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 gives the whole space a handcrafted appeal that balances the contemporary organic style of the fireplace with the overall contemporary design of the room.
If you're unsure about putting your faith in a patterns in your home, a fireplace can be the perfect place to test out a bold design that might be a bit intimidating in other areas of your home. This geometric tile with its black grout gives this space an elegant and playful look. The hexagonal shapes fit together 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.
Another method of making an impact 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 to brick, but is much simpler to clean and maintain.
If you're not ready to commit to a full-scale remodel of your fireplace's surround, consider applying a peel and stick tile to refresh the look without costing you a fortune. A lot of these options are resistant to heat and therefore suitable for use in the fireplace and able to stick to the existing surface. This peel and stick herringbone tile is an excellent option for adding the look of a room. It also coordinates beautifully with traditional furniture.
Paint the Mantel
A fresh coat of paint is the ideal way to hide the brick surround on the wall of a fireplace. The mantel can be painted with a different hue to give it a more cosy and spirited look. A new paint color can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the overall color scheme of the room or pick something striking.
If your mantel is constructed of wood, first inspect it for cracks, nicks, and gouges. If the dents aren't enough to be handled Fill them in with wood putty and allow it to set for the appropriate amount of time. Sand the surface with 100-grit paper to roughen it before painting. Wipe the surface that has been sanded with a damp cloth in order to take off any remaining dirt or debris.
While white is a popular choice for walls and fireplaces wooden The right shade can make your mantel stand out. For inspiration, take a look at the wood fireplace trim on your bookcases, moldings, and walls. Do they have the same shade as your mantel, or is it a lighter or a darker hue? If you choose the latter option, pick one that blends well with the other shades in the room to ensure it looks balanced.
Protect the area around you with sheets or a dropcloth prior to when you begin painting. Remove any ornaments or display pieces that were hung above the mantel. If your fireplace is brick, remove any pictures or ornaments that are placed on or around the fireplace. Once the mantel has been cleaned, take a damp cloth and wipe it down to remove any soot or dust.
Apply a basecoat using a roller or brush to your mantel. The semi-gloss paint is durable and stain-resistant, which means your mantel will be able to stand up to the heat of the fireplace, and any other items that are placed on it. Allow the primer to dry according to the guidelines of the manufacturer before moving onto the main part of your fireplace's wall.
While the brick is a striking feature of a fireplace's wall it can be heavy and dark in shade. Paint the mantel with a light color or neutral to make it appear more vibrant and more inviting. If you decide to choose a light shade for your mantel, you can pair it with a piece of art with earthy tones or a large mirror to balance out the overall look.