How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A wall fireplace will provide your living space with an eye-catching focal feature. There are numerous designs available but it is essential to choose one that is suitable for your needs.
Some of the most important features are the heat output, the appearance and fireplacesandstoves the controls. If you're not familiar with these features, it's recommended to consult a professional to assist you in choosing the right model.
Molded Squares
A worn-out stone fireplace and dull walls left this living space in need of a drastic fireplace overhaul. With a few design tweaks the new look is bright and eye-catching, making the hearth an important focal point in the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel and contemporary art above the fireplace modernizes the appearance of the façade and the shelves in gray below provide a stark contrast. A few color changes can also help the fireplace stand out from the wall, adding the beauty of this fireplace design.
Base cap molding and thin trim pieces are combined to create a simple, yet effective, way to frame your fireplace surround. Select a trim style that contrasts with or matches your other trim elements, for example, the thick casing around windows and doors, to make the look more cohesive. If you're looking for a more high-end, elegant style, you can use fluted trim to create the illusion of a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic farmhouse look.
Making an accent wall using wainscoting is an effective way to add character any room. The same technique can be employed to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards, however, try using a paneled material such as tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard to create a striking look.
Brick is another non-combustible option to use as a fireplace surround. It is available in a variety of 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 could be a good fit with a more traditional, country-style decor.
If you want to incorporate brick into the design of your fireplace be sure that your hearth is 16-18 inches from the opening of the firebox and the surround is between 8 and 12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you select is safe and complies with all national and local codes.
Open shelving is an ideal way to store books and other items. However, too many shelves can overwhelm the look of a fireplace. In this family room, homeowners built a wall-to ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the look of the new fireplace, without obscuring the open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Rustic reclaimed wooden beams are the perfect frame for a wall fireplace. They add timeless beauty to any house. Reclaimed beams of wood are made from barns, stalls and other buildings that have been demolished. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used as an accent in modern kitchens or wide planks to give a rustic look. They feature the usual barn wood markings like mortise and nail holes as well as a natural aging process that increases their longevity.
Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets for reclaimed wooden elements to repurpose for a mantel or an accent wall. The earthy tone of pine used as a backdrop for the traditional living room mantel and surround evokes a cozy country retreat. The knotty imperfections of the wood emphasize the hand-crafted appearance and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which surrounds the fireplace wall. The rustic warmth of this room 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 add a unique touch to any room. 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 appearance. They can also be painted to give an updated look or covered with faux finishes like marbled paint or rust.
The wooden beams are able to serve as the focal point of any fireplace. They can be used to highlight the mantel without the need for a fire. They can be used to highlight the mantel without a burning fire.
Whatever method of installation you decide to use, make sure that your wood or steel beams are adequately protected from the consequences of fire. Both types of material can become brittle and weaken when exposed to extreme heat, but both can be reinforced with a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant sprays on I-beams made of steel. These products can be found at a variety of home improvement stores.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tiles can be used to create a striking effect as surrounds for fireplaces. Its shape instantly enhances the space while blending with any style of decor, from traditional to modern. Selecting a matte finish for the tiles is the best way to keep that sleek and polished look while adding some color to make the fireplace pop.
Hex tiles can be customised with a variety of textures for an individualized appearance. Stone-look tile is a popular choice that gives the room an old-fashioned, 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 room. These tiles feature a glossy and smooth finish that is a beautiful reflection of light and brightens the room.
The right tile pattern can elevate the look of a 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 an artistic look to the space, while balancing the contemporary organic style fireplace with the overall design of the room.
If you're unsure about taking a risk on a patterns in your home, a fireplace is an ideal 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 give the room a sophisticated but playful energy. The hexagonal shapes are shaped like cubes, creating a lively layout. The deep brown color creates an inviting and warm aesthetic that complements the industrial style.
Another way to make a statement with your fireplace is to select tiles that look like the appearance of brick or another familiar material. This texture 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 change the look without spending a fortune. A lot of these options are heat resistant and therefore safe for the fireplace and able to stick to the existing wall. This herringbone peel and stick tile is an excellent option that will add an elegant look to any living space, while also blending beautifully with traditional furnishings.
Paint the Mantel
If a fireplace in a wall has a brick surround, the best method to minimize its appearance is by giving it a fresh coat of paint. The mantel can be painted with a different hue to give it a more cosy and spirited look. A new color of paint can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the color scheme of the room or pick something bold.
If the mantel is made of wood take a look at it to find gouges, cracks and nicks. Fill in the dents with wood putty if they are small enough. Allow it to dry for the time recommended. Sand the surface with 100-grit paper to roughen it before painting. Clean the surface with a damp cloth in order to remove any remaining dirt or dust.
While white is a popular option for fireplaces and walls, the right shade can make your mantel stand out. For ideas, take a take a look at the wood trim on your bookcases, mouldings, and walls. Do they have the same shade as your mantel? Or is it a darker or lighter shade? If the latter, pick an appropriate color to keep the room looking well-balanced.
Cover the area around you by using sheets or a dropcloth prior to when you begin painting. Remove any decorations or showpieces that might have been placed above the mantel. Remove any ornaments or photos that are on or around the brick fireplace. After the mantel has been cleaned, take a damp cloth and wipe it clean to remove any dust or soot.
Apply a basecoat with the brush or roller to your mantel. The semi-gloss paint lasts and stain-resistant, so your mantel can stand up to the heat of the fireplace, as well as other items that are placed on it. Let the primer dry in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations before moving on to the main body of your fireplace's wall.
While brick is an attractive feature of a fireplace wall, it can be heavy and dark in color. Painting the mantel a light or neutral color will make it appear more lively and more inviting to guests. If you decide to choose a light hue, think about pairing it with a earthy-toned piece of artwork or a large mirror above it to balance the look.