How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A wall fireplace can give your living room a focal point that demands attention. There are a variety of models available so you need to pick one that meets your requirements.
Some of the most important features are the heat output as well as the appearance and controls. If you’re not familiar with these features, it’s best to seek out an expert to help you pick the right model.
Molded Squares
This living room needed an overhaul to the fireplace due to its outdated stone surround and dull walls. With a few tweaks to the design, the new look is bright and eye-catching and makes the hearth an important central feature in the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel and contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the appearance of the façade, while the gray shelves below contrast. The fireplace’s facade is accentuated by a few changes in color.
Base cap moldings and trim pieces are paired to create a simple yet effective way to frame the fireplace with a tile surround. Select a trim style that contrasts with or matches your other trim elements like the thick casing around windows and doors, to tie the look together. If you’re looking for a more high-end, elegant style, you can use fluted trim to create the illusion that there is a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse look.
Creating an accent wall with wainscoting is an effective way to add character to any room. The same method can be employed to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards instead, consider using a paneled material such as tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard to create a striking appearance.
Brick is another non-combustible option for the fireplace surround. It comes in a variety of styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace in red is a classic option for cottage-style or Craft-Revival-style homes. A rustic-look brick can also be used to add a rustic touch to a traditional decor.
When incorporating brick in a fireplace design, you’ll need to be sure your hearth extends 16-18 inches from the opening for the fireplace and that your surround is 8-12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you choose is compliant with all local and national construction codes for safety.
Open shelving is a great way to store books and other things, but too many can make a mess of the fireplace. The homeowners of this family room created the wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the look without overwhelming the open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Reclaimed wood beams that have a rustic style make a great fireplace wall. They bring a timeless appeal to any house. Reclaimed wood beams come from barns, stables and other demolished buildings. Each beam is unique and has its own distinct history. Reclaimed wood can be used in conjunction with wide plank ceiling panels for a fully rustic design or as accents to modern kitchens. They have the typical marks of barn wood, including nail holes and mortise pockets, plus a natural patina that enhances their durability.
Scour architectural salvage yards and flea markets for reclaimed wood elements that can be used as a mantel or accent wall. The natural tone of pine used as a backdrop for the traditional living room surround and mantel evokes the feeling of a cozy country getaway. The knotty imperfections give it a rustic feel and complement the simple lines in the beaded-board wainscoting on the wall of the fireplace. A pair of nature-inspired sconces and a painting of a landscape above the mantel enhance the rustic charm of this space.
Repurposed wood beams can be an eye-catching statement to any room in your home. They can be stained to match your current design or carved to create an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a more modern look, or covered with faux finishes like marbling paint or rust.
wooden fireplaces beams can be used as a focal point for any kind of fireplace. They can be used to highlight the mantel without the need for a fire. They can also be used to highlight the mantel without a flame burning.
No matter which method you choose to install your beams, make sure that they are adequately protected against the effects of fire. Both types of materials can become brittle and weaken in the presence of extreme heat, however both can be reinforced with a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant sprayed on steel I-beams. These products are available in a wide variety of home improvement stores.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tile can create a dramatic statement when used as a fireplace surround. Its shape instantly brightens up the space and is a perfect match for any decor choice, from traditional to modern. The choice of an elegant matte finish for the tiles is the best way to keep that neat and polished look, while also adding some color to make the fireplace stand out.
Hex tiles also work well with various textures to create a more individual look. Stone-look tile is a popular option that lends the space an authentic, rustic look and is a great match with natural materials like wood. marble fireplaces-look tile is another timeless option that provides an elegant and luxurious aesthetic to the space. These tiles have an elegant and glossy surface that reflect light beautifully and brightens the space.
The appropriate tile pattern can improve the design 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 adds a unique a handcrafted appeal that balances the organic modern style of the fireplace, and the overall modern design of the room.
If you’re not sure about making a design risk in your home, the fireplace is a great place to play around with a bold design. It can be a bit intimidating for other rooms. This geometric tile with its black grout gives the room an elegant and playful look. The hexagonal shapes fit together like cubes to create a fascinating layout, while the dark brown color creates an inviting and warm aesthetic that works with the industrial decor in this space.
Tiles that resemble brick or other common materials is another option to create an impact with your fireplace. This pattern-based tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance as brick but is much simpler to clean and maintain.
If you’re hesitant to make a major overhaul of your fireplace’s surround, think about applying a peel-and-stick tile to refresh the appearance without breaking the bank. These options are heat-resistant and therefore suitable for fireplaces and able stick to existing surfaces. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a fantastic option to add style to any room. It also looks great with traditional furniture.
Paint the Mantel
When a wall fireplace has an existing brick surround, the best way to downplay its appearance is by giving it fresh coats of paint. Painting the mantel a different color also adds warmth and personality to the space. If you decide to match it to the color scheme of your room or go for something bold and striking, a fresh paint color can make your fireplace stand out as a showstopper.
If your mantel is made of wood, inspect it first for cracks, gouges, and nicks. If the dents are small enough 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 in order to take off any remaining dirt or dust.
white fireplace is a popular color for fireplaces and walls. However, the right shade will make your fireplace stand out. Look at the other trims, moldings, and bookcases around your home for inspiration. Do they use the same color as your mantel, or is it a darker or lighter shade? If the latter, choose a color that coordinates well to keep the space looking well-balanced.
Make sure you cover the area around you by using sheets or a dropcloth before you begin painting. Clean the mantel, taking out any decorations or showpieces that may be hung above it. Take away any ornaments or pictures that are around or on your brick fireplace. When the mantel is clean and clean, wipe it with a a damp cloth to clean off any dust or soot that has accumulated.
Apply a basecoat using a roller or brush to your mantel. The semi-gloss paint is durable and stain resistant, so your mantel will be able to withstand the heat of your fireplace, as well as other objects that are placed on it. Allow the primer to completely dry, according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.
While brick is a beautiful feature of a fireplace’s wall, it can be quite heavy and dark in color. The mantel painted with in a neutral or light shade can make it look brighter and more inviting to guests. If you decide to go with a light hue, think about pairing it with an earthy-toned piece of artwork or a mirror that is large above it to create a balanced look.