How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A fireplace in the wall will give your living room an eye-catching focal point. There are a variety of models on the market however, it is crucial to choose one that meets your needs.
The heat output, controls and the appearance are some of the most important features. If you're unfamiliar with these features, it's recommended to consult a professional to help you choose the right model.
Molded Squares
A dull stone fireplace and dull walls made this living space in need of a dramatic fireplace revamp. With a few design tweaks, the new look is bright and eye-catching making this hearth a 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 variations.
Base cap molding and thin trim pieces are combined to form a simple, yet effective, method to frame the fireplace surround. To bring the design together, choose a trim style to contrast with or complement the other trim elements like thick casings around windows and doors. If you prefer a more elegant, high-end style, you can use fluted trim to give the illusion that there is a mantel. For a more rustic, farmhouse look, choose to use dentil trim instead.
Accent walls with wainscoting are an extremely popular way to add personality to a room. The same technique can be used to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards instead, consider a paneled material like beadboard or tongue-andgroove cedar siding to create a dramatic look.
Brick is another non-combustible option to use as a fireplace surround. It is available in different styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace with red accents is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. Rustic-look brick is also an option that can fit in with a more traditional, country decor.
If you are planning to incorporate brick into your fireplace design, make sure that your hearth measures 16-18 inches from the opening of the firebox, and your surround is 8-12 inches wide in all directions. Be sure that the material you choose is compliant with all local and national construction codes for safety.
Open shelving is a great option to store books and other things, but too many can take over the appearance of a fireplace. For 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 look are ideal for a fireplace wall. They are timeless and beautiful to any home. Reclaimed wood beams come from old barns, stables and other demolished structures. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can also be used as a feature in modern kitchens, or with wide plank paneling to create a rustic look. They are characterized by the typical marks of barn wood, including mortise and nail holes as well as natural patinas that increase their durability.
Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets for reclaimed wood elements to use for a mantel or an accent wall. For example the earthy color of pine that accents this traditional living room mantel and surround creates a cozy rural retreat. The knotty imperfections create a rustic appearance and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that is on the wall of the fireplace. A pair of sconces with a natural theme and a landscape painting above the mantel add to the rustic ambiance of this space.
Repurposed wooden beams can provide an eye-catching statement to any room in your home. They can be stained to match your existing decor or carved for an antique look. They can also be painted to give an updated look, or they can be covered with faux finishes, such as marbled paint or rust.
Wooden beams can be used as a focal point for any kind of fireplace. They can be used to highlight the mantel without a fire burning. They can be used to accent the mantel without a flame burning.
No matter which method you choose to install your beams, make sure that they are adequately protected against the effects of fire. Both materials are susceptible to becoming brittle in extreme heat. However they can be strengthened with a layer electric fire-resistant drywall. These products can be found in most home improvement stores.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tile can create an impact when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens the space and is a perfect match for any style of decor from modern to traditional. The matte finish is ideal for a polished and clean look while adding contrast to make the fireplace pop.
Hex tiles also work well with different textures for a more customized appearance. Stone-look tiles are a popular choice that gives the room an authentic, classic look. They also pair beautifully with natural materials like wood. Marble-look tile is another timeless option that provides an elegant and luxurious look to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles sparkles beautifully, reflecting light and brightening up the room.
The proper tile pattern can improve the overall design of the fireplace. For example, the ribbed tile on this fireplace electric by @lorenapulichinodesign creates an interesting visual element that pairs beautifully with the smooth, thick mantel. The patterned tile gives the entire room a an artistic look that balances the contemporary organic style of the fireplace, and the overall contemporary design of the room.
If you're unsure about putting your faith in a design in your home, a fireplace is the perfect place to test out a bold pattern which could be intimidating in other parts of the house. This geometric tile (here's a similar 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 deep brown hue creates a warm and inviting aesthetic that complements the industrial style of this space.
Tiles that look like brick or other materials you are familiar with is another way to make an impact with your fireplace. This textured tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look to traditional brick, however, it is much easier to maintain and clean.
If you're hesitant to take on a complete remodel of your fireplace's surround, consider using a peel and stick tile to update the appearance without costing you a fortune. A majority of these options are heat-resistant and therefore safe for fireplaces and able to stick to the existing wall. This peel and stick herringbone tile is an excellent option to add elegance to any room. It also works beautifully with traditional furniture.
Paint the Mantel
If a fireplace on the wall has a brick surround, the best method to minimize its appearance is to give it a fresh coat of paint. Painting the mantel a different color can also add warmth and character to the room. A new color of paint can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the color scheme of the room or choose something striking.
If your mantel is constructed of wood, you should first examine it for cracks, nicks and gouges. If the dents are small enough to handle, fill them with wood putty, and let it set for the appropriate amount of time. Before painting paint, sand the surface using 100-grit sandpaper to roughen 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 fireplaces and walls, the right shade can make your mantel stand out. For inspiration, look at the wood trims on your bookcases, mouldings and walls. Do they have the same shade as your mantel, or is it a lighter or darker hue? If you decide to go with the latter option, pick one that blends well with the other hues in the room to keep it looking balanced.
Before you start painting, protect the surrounding area with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove any decorations or showpieces that might have been placed above the mantel. If your fireplace is brick, get rid of any pictures or ornaments that are placed on or within it. Once the mantel is cleaned, use a damp cloth and wipe it clean to get rid of any dust or soot.
Apply a basecoat with brushes or rollers to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish is durable and stain-resistant, so your mantel is able to stand up well to the heat generated by the fireplace and any other objects placed on it. Let the primer completely dry, according to the instructions of the manufacturer, before you begin painting the main wall of the tabletop fireplace - read page -.
While the brick is an attractive feature of a fireplace's wall, it can be a bit heavy and dark in hue. Painting the mantel in a neutral or light shade can make it look brighter and more inviting for guests. If you decide to choose an unassuming color for your mantel, match it with a piece of artwork in earthy tones, or a large mirror to balance out the look.