How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A fireplace in the wall can be your living room an attractive focal point that requires attention. There are a variety of models available so you need to pick one that is suitable for your needs.
The most significant features include the heat output as well as the appearance and controls. If you're not familiar with these features, it's recommended to hire an expert to help you choose the right model.
Molded Squares
This living room needed an overhaul to the fireplace due to its stale stone surround and dull walls. 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 and contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the appearance of the façade, while the gray shelves below are a contrast. The fireplace's facade is accentuated by a few color changes.
Base cap moldings and trim pieces are combined to create a simple yet effective way to frame a fireplace surround made of tile. Select a trim style that contrasts with or matches the other trim elements, such as the thick casing around windows and doors to tie the look together. If you're looking for a more elegant, high-end look, consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace 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 rooms. The same method can be used to frame the Fireplace Stove. Instead of using plank boards instead, consider using a paneled material such as tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard to create a dramatic look.
Brick is a different non-combustible option for a fireplace surround. It is available in different styles and colors. A traditional red brick fireplace is a popular choice for Craft Revival-style or cottage-style homes. A rustic-looking brick could be used to enhance a traditional country style.
When incorporating brick into your fireplace design, you'll need to ensure that your hearth extends 16-18 inches from the firebox opening and that the surround extends 8-12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the material you choose is compliant with all building codes to ensure security.
Open shelves are a great way to organize books and other items however, too many shelves can make a mess of the fireplace. The owners of this family room designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the look without overpowering open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look are ideal for a fireplace wall. They add a timeless beauty to any house. Reclaimed wood beams are reclaimed from barns, stalls, and other structures that were demolished. Each beam has its own distinct story. Reclaimed wood can be used in combination with wide plank ceiling panels to create a rustic look or as an accent to modern kitchens. They feature the usual barn wood markings like mortise and nail holes, and a natural aging process that improves their longevity.
Scour architectural salvage yards and flea markets for reclaimed wooden elements to repurpose as a mantel or accent wall. The natural tone of pine used as a backdrop for the traditional living room surround and mantel creates an intimate country retreat. The knotty imperfections in the wood accent the hand-crafted look and compliment the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which surrounds the fireplace wall. The rustic warmth of this room is accentuated by a pair of natural-inspired wall sconces and a landscape picture above the mantel.
Repurposed wooden beams can make an attractive accent to any room in your home. They can be left in their natural state or stained to complement your current decor, or they can be carved and distressed for an antique look. They can be painted to give them a modern look, or covered with faux finishes such as rust or marbling paint.
The wooden beams are able to serve as the focal point of any fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel without any fire burning. They can be used to accent the mantel with no fire burning.
No matter which method you decide to use to mount your beams, make sure that they are protected adequately from the effects of fire. Both materials are susceptible to becoming hard and brittle when heated to extreme temperatures. However they can be strengthened by a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products are sold in a wide variety of stores for home improvement.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tiles can be used to create a dramatic effect as surrounds for electric fireplaces. Its shape instantly brightens up the space while complementing any style of decor from traditional to modern. 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 also work well with different textures for a more customized appearance. Stone-look tile is a popular choice that lends the space an authentic, rustic look while pairing beautifully with natural materials such as wood. Marble-look tile is another classic option that gives an elegant and luxurious aesthetic to the room. These tiles feature an elegant and glossy surface that reflect light beautifully and brightens the room.
The right tile pattern can elevate 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 on the tile gives the entire room a a handcrafted appeal that balances the modern organic style of the fireplace with the overall modern design of the room.
If you're unsure about putting your faith in a patterns in your home, a fireplace is an excellent place to try out a bold pattern that might be intimidating in other areas of your home. The geometric tile with its black grout gives the room an elegant and playful look. The hexagonal shapes work as cubes to create an exciting layout, and the dark brown hue creates an inviting and warm look that complements the industrial style of the room.
Tiles that resemble brick or other common materials is another way to make an impact on your fireplace. This textured tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance as brick but is much easier to maintain and clean.
Consider using a peel-and-stick tile to update your fireplace surround without costing you a dime. These tiles are resistant to heat which makes them suitable for fireplaces as well as able to adhere to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is an excellent alternative that will add an elegant feel to any living space, while also blending beautifully with traditional furniture.
Paint the Mantel
A fresh coat of paint is the ideal way to hide a brick surround on a wall-mounted fireplace. Painting the mantel a different color also adds warmth and personality to the room. 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 bold.
If your mantel is made of wood, you should first examine it for cracks, nicks and gouges. If the dents are small enough to be handled Fill them in with wood putty, and let it set for the appropriate amount of time. Before painting paint, sand the surface using 100-grit sandpaper to rough it up. Clean the surface with a damp cloth in order to get rid of any dirt or dust.
white fireplace is a popular shade for fireplaces and walls. However, the right shade will make your mantel really stand out. To get ideas, examine the trims of wood on your bookcases, mouldings and walls. Does your mantel match in shade as theirs or is it lighter or darker? If so, select the color that is well-matched to keep the look balanced.
Before you start painting, protect the area surrounding you with drop cloth or sheets. Remove any decorations or showpieces that were hung above the mantel. If your fireplace is brick, remove any pictures or ornaments that are placed on or within the fireplace. Once the mantel has been cleared, wipe it down with the help of a damp cloth to wipe off any soot or dust that has accumulated.
Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with the use of a roller or brush. The semi-gloss finish is long-lasting and stain-resistant, which means that your mantel is able to stand up well to the heat from the fireplace and any other items that are placed on it. Let the primer dry, according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer before you begin painting the main wall of the fireplace.
The brick can be quite heavy in weight and color. Paint the mantel in a light color or neutral to make it appear brighter and more inviting. If you decide to choose an unassuming color for your mantel, you can pair it with a work of artwork in earthy tones, or a large wall mirror to complete the overall look.