How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A fireplace in the wall can be your living space an element of interest that demands attention. There are many different designs available however, it is essential to choose one that will meet your requirements.
Some of the most important features include the heat output along with the appearance and controls. If you're unfamiliar with these features, it's best to hire an expert to help you choose the best model.
Molded Squares
This living room needed a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its old-fashioned stone surround and dull walls. With a few tweaks to the design, the new look is bright and eye-catching, making this hearth a central feature in the room. A whitewashed mantel and contemporary artwork above the fireplace's facade modernize it while contrasting with the shelves in gray below. The fireplace's facade is accentuated by a few color variations.
Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces create a simple yet effective way to frame the fireplace with a tile surround. To tie the look together select a trim design to contrast with or complement the other trim elements such as thick casing around doors and windows. If you're looking for a more elegant, premium look, you can consider using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of a mantel. If you want a more rustic farmhouse look, use dentil trim instead.
Accent walls with wainscoting are an extremely popular way to add personality to the interior of a room. The same method can be used to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards, instead, consider a paneled product like beadboard or tongue-and-groove cedar siding to create a striking appearance.
Brick is another non-combustible option for a fireplace surround. It is available in different styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace with red is a popular choice for cottage-style or Craft-Revival-style homes. A rustic-look brick can also be used to complement a traditional country decor.
If you are planning to incorporate brick into your fireplace design be sure that your hearth is 16-18 inches from the opening of the firebox and your surround is 8-12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the material you choose is compliant with all national and local construction codes for security.
Open shelving is an ideal way to store books and other things. However having too many shelves can obstruct the appearance of the fireplace. The homeowners of this family room designed a wall to ceiling limestone cladding to elevate the design without overwhelming the open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Rustic reclaimed wooden beams are the ideal frame for a fireplace on the wall. They bring a timeless appeal to any home. Reclaimed wood beams are sourced from old stables, barns and other demolished structures. Each beam has its own unique story. Reclaimed
wood fireplace can be used in combination with wide plank ceiling paneling for a completely rustic look or as a decorative element to modern kitchens. They feature the typical marks of barn wood, like nail holes and mortise pockets as well as natural patina that increases their durability.
Search architectural salvage yards and flea market for reclaimed wooden elements to repurpose into a mantel. For instance, the earthy shade of pine that accents this traditional living room mantel and surround is reminiscent of a cozy rural retreat. Its knotty imperfections emphasize the hand-crafted look and compliment the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that borders the fireplace wall. A pair of sconces with a natural theme and a painting of a landscape above the mantel enhance the rustic charm of this space.
Repurposed wooden beams will give a unique appearance to any space. They can be stained to match your existing decor or carved for an antique look. They can also be painted for modern appearance, or they can be covered with faux finishes like rust or marbled paint.
Wooden beams can be used as a focal point for any type of fireplace. They can be placed above a freestanding gas, ventless or
electric fireplace, or be integrated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can be used to illuminate the mantel without burning fire.
No matter which method you choose to put in your beams, ensure that they are adequately protected against the effects of fire. Both types of material can be brittle and weaken in the presence of extreme heat, however both are able to be strengthened with a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant that is sprayed on steel I-beams. These products are sold at most home improvement stores.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tile can make a dramatic statement when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens the room and complements any style, whether traditional or modern. Choosing matte finishes for the tiles is a great way to keep that sleek and polished look, while also adding some color to make the fireplace pop.
Hex tiles can be customized with a variety of textures for a more personalized appearance. Stone-look tile is a popular choice that gives the space an old-fashioned, rustic feel and is a great match with natural materials such as
wood fireplaces. Another timeless option is marble-look tiles, which adds an elegant and luxurious appearance to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting the light and brightening 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 adds a unique the look of a hand-crafted piece that balances the organic
modern fireplace style of the fireplace, and the overall modern design of the room.
If you're unsure about taking a pattern risk in your home the fireplace is a great place to test an imposing design. It might be intimidating for other areas. This geometric tile (here's another option) with its black grout lines gives the room a sophisticated but fun energy. The hexagonal shapes work like cubes for a stimulating layout, and the dark brown color creates an inviting and warm look that works with the industrial décor in this space.
Another way to make an impact with your fireplace is to use tiles that look like the appearance of brick or another familiar material. This texture tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look as brick however, it is much easier to maintain and clean.
If you're hesitant to make a major overhaul of your fireplace's surround, think about applying a peel-and-stick tile to update the look without costing you a fortune. These tiles are resistant to heat which makes them suitable for fireplaces as well as able to be bonded to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great alternative that will add an elegant look to any living space, while coordinating beautifully with traditional furnishings.
Paint the Mantel
A fresh coat of paint is the best method to cover the brick surround on an unwall-mounted fireplace. The mantel can be painted a different colour to add warmth and character. A new paint color can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the color scheme of the room or pick something striking.
If your mantel is made of
wood fireplaces, first inspect it for cracks, nicks and gouges. Fill in the dents using wood putty if they are small enough. Allow it to dry for the time recommended. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it before painting. Clean the surface with a damp cloth in order to remove any remaining dirt or dust.
White is a popular shade for walls and fireplaces. However the right shade will make your mantel really stand out.
