How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A wall fireplace will give your living room an eye-catching focal point. There are a variety of models available, so you should choose one that meets your requirements.
Some of the most important features include the output of heat along with the appearance and controls. If you're not familiar with these features, it's best to consult a professional to assist you in choosing the right model.
Molded Squares
A worn-out stone fireplace surround and dull walls made this living space in need of a dramatic fireplace revamp. With a few design tweaks the new look is fresh and striking making the hearth a focal point in the room. A whitewashed mantel and contemporary artwork above the fireplace's facade modernize it while contrasting with the gray shelves below. A few color changes will also make the fireplace stand out from the wall, which enhances the appeal of this fireplace design.
Base cap moldings and trim pieces are combined to create a simple yet effective way to frame a tile fireplace surround. Choose a trim style that is in contrast with or matches your other trim elements such as the thick casing around doors and windows to create a cohesive look. If you're looking to create an elegant, high-end look, you can consider using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of a mantel. For a more rustic farmhouse look, you can use dentil trim instead.
Wainscoting accent walls is a popular method to add the look of rooms. The same method can be employed to frame the fireplace. Consider a paneled material such as tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard in place of plank boards to create a dramatic look.
Another non-combustible option you can build the fireplace surround is brick, which is available in a variety of styles and colors. A traditional brick
fireplace inserts in red is a popular choice for cottage-style or Craft Revival style homes. Rustic-style brick is another option that could be a good fit with more traditional country-style decor.
If you are planning to incorporate brick into the design of your fireplace ensure that your hearth is 16 to 18 inches away from the opening of the firebox, and the surround is between 8 and 12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you choose is safe and complies with all national and local codes.
Open shelving is an ideal way to store books and other things. However, too many shelves can ruin the look of a fireplace. For this family room, homeowners built a wall-to ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the design of the new fireplace, without obscuring the open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look make a great fireplace wall. They add a timeless look to any house. Reclaimed wood beams are reclaimed from barns, stalls, and other buildings that were removed. Each beam has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used as a feature in modern kitchens, or with wide planks to give an authentic appearance. They are characterized by barn wood markings like mortise and nail holes, and a natural aging process which increases their longevity.
Search architectural salvage yards and flea market for wood pieces that you can make into a fireplace. The rustic tone of pine used as a backdrop for the traditional living room mantel and surround evokes the feeling of a cozy country getaway. 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 that borders the fireplace's wall. A pair of sconces with a natural theme and a painting of a landscape above the mantel add to the rustic coziness of the space.
Repurposed wood beams will add a unique touch to any space. They can be stained to match your current decor or carved for an antique look. They can be painted to give them a more modern appearance or covered with faux finishes like rust or marbling paint.
Wooden beams can serve as a focal point for any type of fireplace. They can be placed above a freestanding gas or ventless or
electric fireplaces fireplace or be integrated into a stone or brick fireplace. They can also be used to highlight the mantel without a flame burning.
Regardless of which method of installation you choose, make sure that your wood or steel beams are adequately protected from the possible consequences of fire. Both types of material are susceptible to becoming brittle and weakening in the presence of extreme heat, but both are able to be strengthened with a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant that is sprayed on steel I-beams. These products can be found in most home improvement stores.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tiles can be utilized to create a dramatic effect as an accent for fireplaces. Its design instantly brightens the room and can be incorporated into any decor, traditional or modern. The matte finish is ideal for a sleek and polished appearance while adding a splash of contrast to make the fireplace pop.
Hex tiles also work well with a variety of texture choices to create a more individual look. Stone-look tile is a popular choice that gives the room an authentic, rustic look while blending beautifully with natural materials such as wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tile, which adds a luxurious and elegant aesthetic to the room. These tiles feature an elegant and glossy surface that reflects light beautifully and brightens the space.
The right tile pattern can elevate a fireplace's design. 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 an artistic look that balances the modern organic style of the fireplace with the contemporary style 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 design which could be intimidating in other areas of the house. This geometric tile (here's another option) with its black grout lines give the room a sophisticated but playful energy. The hexagonal shapes are arranged like cubes to create a fascinating layout, while the dark brown color creates a warm and inviting aesthetic that is a perfect match for the industrial décor in this room.
Another method of making a statement with your fireplace is to choose tiles that have the look of brick or another familiar material. This texture tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look to traditional brick, but is much easier to clean and maintain.
Consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to modernize your fireplace's surround without costing you a dime. Many of these options are resistant to heat, making them suitable for use in the fireplace and able to be affixed to the existing
stone fireplaces. This peel and stick herringbone tile is an excellent option for adding style to any room. It also coordinates beautifully with traditional furniture.
Paint the Mantel
If a fireplace on the wall has an existing brick surround, the best way to downplay its appearance is to give it fresh coats of paint. Paint the mantel in a different color also adds warmth and character to the space. Whether you choose to match it with the decor's color scheme or opt for something more striking, a new paint color will make your fireplace stand out as a showpiece.
If the mantel is made of wood take a look at it to find cracks, gouges, and nicks. If the dents aren't enough to handle then fill them with wood putty and allow it to set for the appropriate amount of time. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it up prior to painting. Clean the surface using a damp cloth to remove any remaining dirt or dust.
White is a favorite color for
fireplaces wooden and walls. But the right shade can make your mantel really stand out. For inspiration, examine the wood trim on your bookcases, moldings and walls. Does your mantel match in color as theirs or is it lighter or darker? If the latter, pick a color that coordinates well to keep the look balanced.
Before you begin painting, cover the surrounding area with a drop cloth or sheets. Clear off the mantel, taking out any decorative pieces or displays that might be hanging above it. Take away any ornaments or pictures that are around or on the fireplace made of brick. Once the mantel has been cleared then wipe it clean with a the help of a damp cloth to wipe off any soot or dust that has built up.
Apply a basecoat with brushes or rollers to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish is long-lasting and stain-resistant, ensuring that your mantel will hold up well to the heat from the fireplace as well as any other items placed on it. Let the primer completely dry, in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer, before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.
While brick is a striking feature of a fireplace's wall, it can be a bit heavy and dark in color. Paint the mantel with an unassuming color or neutral to make it appear more vibrant and more inviting. If you decide to go with a light hue, think about using it in conjunction with an earthy toned piece of artwork or a large mirror above it to balance the look.
