How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A wall fireplace can give your living space an attractive focal point that requires attention. There are numerous models available but it is crucial to choose one that meets your needs.
Some of the most important features are the heat output along with the appearance and controls. If you're not aware of these features, it's best to consult a professional to help you choose the best model.
Molded Squares
The living room in this house needed an impressive fireplace overhaul due to its old-fashioned stone surround and boring walls. The new design is bright, eye-catching and makes this hearth the main focal point of the room. A whitewashed fireplace and contemporary artwork above the fireplace's facade modernize it while contrasted with the gray shelves below. The fireplace's exterior is enhanced by a few changes in color.
Base cap moldings and trim pieces are paired to create a simple yet efficient way to frame the fireplace with a tile surround. Choose a trim style that contrasts with or complements your other trim elements such as the thick casing around doors and windows to tie the look together. If you're looking for an elegant, high-end look, consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of an actual mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse style.
The idea of creating an accent wall using wainscoting is an effective way to add character to any room. The same method can be used to frame the fireplace. Consider a paneled material like tongue-and groove cedar siding or beadboard instead of plank boards to create a dramatic appearance.
Another non-combustible material you can use to build the fireplace surround is brick, which comes in many different styles and colors. A traditional red brick fireplace is a popular 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-style decor.
If you're planning to incorporate brick into your fireplace design, make sure that your hearth is 16 to 18 inches from the opening of the firebox and your surround is between 8 and 12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you choose is compliant with all building codes for safety.
Open shelving is a great way to store books and other things However, too many shelves could overwhelm the look of a fireplace. The homeowners of this family room created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding in order to improve the look of the room without overwhelming 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 come from barns, stables and other buildings that were demolished. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can also be used as a decorative element in modern kitchens, or with wide plank paneling to create an authentic appearance. They have the typical barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes, and a natural aging process that improves their longevity.
Look through salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets for reclaimed wood elements to repurpose into a mantel. For example the earthy hue of pine that highlights the traditional mantel and surround creates a cozy rural retreat. The knotty imperfections of the wood give it a rustic look, and they complement the simple lines in the beaded-board wainscoting on the wall of the fireplace. A pair of sconces with a natural theme and a landscape-themed painting above the mantel add to the rustic charm of the space.
Repurposed wooden beams can add a unique touch to any space. They can be left as-is or stained to match your existing decor or distressed and carved to give them an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a more contemporary look or covered with faux finishes such as rust or marbling paint.
Wooden beams can be used as a focal point in any type of fireplace. They can be placed above a freestanding gas, ventless or electric fireplace or they can be incorporated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can be used to illuminate the mantel, without burning fire.
Whichever method you decide to use to mount your beams, ensure that they are protected adequately from the effects of fire. Both materials are susceptible to becoming fragile in extreme heat. However, they can be strengthened by a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products are available in a wide variety of home improvement stores.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tile can make a dramatic statement when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its shape instantly enhances the space while blending with any decor style, from traditional to modern. Selecting matte finishes for the tiles is the best way to maintain that clean and polished look, while adding some color to make the fireplace stand out.
Hex tiles can also be used with a variety of texture choices for a more personalized look. Stone-look tile is a very popular choice that gives the room a classic, rustic feel while blending beautifully with natural materials like wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tile that provides a luxurious and elegant aesthetic to the room. These tiles feature a glossy and smooth finish that reflects light beautifully and brightens the room.
The proper tile pattern can enhance 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 patterned tile adds a handcrafted look to the space, while balancing the contemporary natural style fireplace with the overall design of the room.
If you're unsure about taking a risk with design in your home, a fireplace can be an ideal place to test out a bold pattern that might be intimidating in other parts of the house. This geometric tile (here's an alternative) with its black grout lines give this room a sophisticated and lively energy. The hexagonal shapes work like cubes to create a fascinating layout, while the deep brown color creates a warm and inviting aesthetic that works with the industrial decor in this room.
Tiles that resemble brick or other materials you are familiar with is another way to create an impact on your fireplace. This texture tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look to traditional brick, but is much easier to maintain and clean.
Consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to update your fireplace surround without spending a fortune. Many of these options are heat-resistant which means they are safe for fireplaces and able to be affixed to the existing stone. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a great option for adding the look of a room. It also coordinates beautifully with traditional furniture.
Paint the Mantel
A fresh coat of paint is the ideal method to cover a brick surround on an unwall-mounted fireplace. Paint the mantel in a different hue also adds warmth and character to the space. A new color of paint can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the overall color scheme of the room or pick something striking.
If your mantel is constructed from wood, first check it for cracks, nicks and gouges. If the dents are small enough to be able to handle 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 in order to rough it up. Clean the surface with a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or dust.
While white is a popular color for walls and fireplaces but the right color can make your mantel stand out. For inspiration, examine the wood trims on your bookcases, mouldings and walls. Do they use the same hue as your mantel, or is it a lighter or darker shade? If the latter, choose an appropriate color to keep the look balanced.
Before you begin painting, cover the area surrounding you with drop cloth or sheets. Clean the mantel, taking out any showpieces or decorations that might be hanging above it. If your fireplace is brick, remove any pictures or ornaments that are on or around it. Once the mantel has been cleared, wipe it down with a damp cloth to clean off any dust or soot that has built up.
Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with a brush or roller. The semi-gloss paint lasts and stain-resistant, which means your mantel will be able to withstand the heat of your fireplace, as well as other items that are placed on it. Let the primer dry in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer prior to moving on to the main body of your fireplace's wall.
While the brick is a beautiful feature of a fireplace wall, it can be heavy and dark in shade. Paint the mantel with a light color or neutral to make it appear brighter and more inviting. If you choose a light color for your mantel, you can pair it with a piece artwork in earthy tones, or a large wall mirror to complete the look.