How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A wall fireplace will provide your living space with an eye-catching focal area. There are a variety of designs available, however, so it is important to find one that will meet your requirements.
The heat output, controls, and the appearance are among the most important features. If you're not familiar with these features, it's best to consult a professional to help you choose the right model.
Molded Squares
The living room in this house needed an overhaul to the fireplace due to its outdated stone surround and dull walls. With a few design tweaks the new look is bright and eye-catching making this hearth a centerpiece in the room. A whitewashed mantel and modern artwork above modernize the fireplace facade while contrasted with the gray shelves below. A few color changes will also make the fireplace stand out from the wall, enhancing the beauty of this fireplace design.
Base cap molding and thin trim pieces are combined to form a simple, yet effective way to frame your fireplace surround. To bring the design together pick a trim style to contrast with or complement the other trim elements, like thick casing around doors and windows. If you're looking for an elegant, luxurious look, you can consider using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of an actual mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse style.
The idea of creating an accent wall fires using wainscoting is a common way to add character to any room. The same method can be used to frame the fireplace suites. Try a paneled product such as tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard in place of plank boards to create a dramatic appearance.
Brick is another non-combustible option to use as the fireplace surround. It comes in different styles and colors. A traditional red brick fireplace is a traditional choice for cottage-style or Craft Revival style homes. The rustic-look brick is an alternative that is able to blend with more traditional country decor.
If you are planning to incorporate brick into the design of your fireplace, make sure that your hearth is 16-18 inches from the opening of the firebox, and your surround is 8 to 12 inches wide in all directions. Make sure the material you select is safe and complies with all codes of the local and national level.
Open shelving is a great way to store books and other things However, too many shelves could take over the appearance of a fireplace. The owners of this family room designed the wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the look without overwhelming the open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic appearance make a great fireplace wall. They add a timeless look to any home. Reclaimed wood beams originate from old barns, stables and other buildings that were demolished. Each beam is unique and has its own distinct history. Reclaimed wood can also be used as an accent in modern kitchens or with wide planks of paneling to create an authentic look. They feature the usual barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes, as well as a natural aging process that improves their longevity.
Search architectural salvage yards and flea markets for reclaimed wood elements to transform into a mantel. For instance, the earthy shade of pine that accents this traditional living room mantel and surround evokes the feeling of a rustic, cozy retreat. The knotty imperfections of the wood create a rustic appearance and are a perfect match for the simple lines in the beaded-board wainscoting that is on the wall of the fireplace. A pair of sconces inspired by nature and a painting of a landscape above the mantel enhance the rustic charm of the room.
Repurposed wooden beams will add a unique touch to any room. They can be stained to match your existing decor or carved to give an antique appearance. They can also be painted to give a more contemporary appearance or covered with faux finishes such as marbled paint or rust.
The wooden beams can be used as the central element of any fireplace. They can be positioned over a freestanding gas, electric or ventless fireplace or incorporated into a brick or stone fireplace stove. They can also be used to highlight a mantel without a fire burning.
No matter which method of installation you decide to use, make sure that your steel or wood beams are adequately protected from the possible consequences of fire. Both materials can be fragile in extreme heat. However they can be strengthened with a layer of fire-resistant drywall. These products can be found in a wide variety of stores for home improvement.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tile can create a dramatic statement when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens up the space and is a perfect match for any decor, modern or traditional. Choosing matte finishes for the tiles is a great way to keep that neat and polished look, while adding some contrast to make the fireplace stand out.
Hex tiles can be customized with a variety of textures for an individualized appearance. Stone-look tile is a very popular choice that lends the space a classic, rustic feel while blending beautifully with natural materials like wood. Another classic option is marble-look tile that provides an elegant and luxurious look to the space. These tiles have a glossy and smooth finish that is a beautiful reflection of light and enhances the space.
The perfect tile pattern can enhance the overall design 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 whole space an artistic look that balances the modern organic style of the fireplace and the overall modern design of the room.
If you're not sure about taking a risk with design in your home, a fireplace is an ideal place to test out a bold pattern that could be intimidating in other parts of your home. This geometric tile (here's another option) with its black grout lines gives this space a sophisticated yet playful energy. The hexagonal shapes are arranged like cubes to create a fascinating layout, while the deep brown color creates a warm and inviting aesthetic that is a perfect match for the industrial decor in this room.
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, but is much simpler to maintain and clean.
If you're not ready take on a complete remodel of your fireplace's surround, consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to change the look without breaking the bank. A lot of these options are resistant to heat, making them safe for fireplaces and able to stick to the existing wall. This peel and stick herringbone tile is an excellent option to add style to any room. It also coordinates beautifully with traditional furniture.
Paint the Mantel
A fresh coat of paint is the most effective method to hide a brick surround on an unwall-mounted fireplace. The mantel's paint color can also add warmth and character to the space. It doesn't matter if you choose to match it to the decor's color scheme or opt for something more striking and striking, a fresh paint color will make your fireplace stand out as a showstopper.
If your mantel is wood, inspect it first for gouges, cracks, and nicks. If the dents aren't enough to handle then fill them with wood putty, and let it set for the appropriate amount of time. Before painting you can sand the surface 100-grit sandpaper to rough it up. To remove any debris or dirt, wipe down the sanded surfaces with a damp cloth.
While White fireplace 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 trim on your bookcases, mouldings and walls. Do they have the same color as your mantel? Or is it a lighter or darker shade? If the latter, choose the color that is well-matched to keep the room looking well-balanced.
Before you start painting, protect the area surrounding you with drop cloth or sheets. Remove the mantel and remove any showpieces or decorations that are hanging over it. Remove any ornaments or photos that are around or on your brick fireplace. When the mantel is clean then wipe it clean with a a damp cloth to clean off any soot or dust that has built up.
Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with either a roller or brush. The semi-gloss finish is long-lasting and stain-resistant, so your mantel will hold up well to the heat generated by the fireplace, as well as other items that are placed on it. Let the primer dry in accordance with the guidelines of the manufacturer before moving on to the main body of your fireplace's wall fires.
The brick can be quite heavy in both weight and color. The mantel painted with an even or light color can make it appear brighter and more welcoming to guests. If you opt for a light color for your mantel, you can pair it with a piece art in earthy tones or a large wall mirror to complete the look.