How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A wall fireplace can provide your living space with an eye-catching focal area. There are a variety of models available and you must pick one that suits your needs.
The heat output, the controls, and the design are among the most important features. If you’re not familiar with these elements, it’s recommended to consult a professional to help you choose the right model.
Molded Squares
A dull stone fireplace surround and bland walls left this living space in need of a drastic fireplace suite makeover. The new design is bright, eye-catching and makes the hearth the main focal point of the room. A whitewashed mantel and contemporary artwork above modernize the fireplace facade while contrasted with the gray shelves below. A few changes in color also help the facade stand apart from the wall, enhancing the appeal of this fireplace design.
Base cap molding and thin trim pieces join to create a simple yet effective, method to frame the fireplace surround. To connect the look pick a trim style to match or contrast with the other trim elements, like thick casings around doors and windows. If you want an elegant, high-end style, you can use fluted trim to give the illusion 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 a room. The same technique can also be used to frame a fireplace. Consider a paneled material like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard in place of plank boards to create a dramatic look.
Another non-combustible option you can use to create the fireplace surround is brick, which comes in many different styles and colors. A classic red brick fireplace is perfect for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. A rustic-looking brick can be used to complement a traditional country decor.
When you incorporate brick into a fireplace design, you’ll need to ensure that your hearth is 16 to 18 inches from the opening for the fireplace and that your surround reaches 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the material you choose is safe and conforms to all codes of the local and national level.
Open shelving can be a great way of storing books and other items. However, too many shelves can obstruct the look of a fireplace. The owners of this family room designed the wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the look without overwhelming the open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Rustic reclaimed wood beams make the perfect frame for a wall fireplace. They are timeless and beautiful to any house. Reclaimed wood beams originate from old barns, stables and other demolished buildings. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can also be used as a decorative element in modern kitchens or wide plank paneling to create an authentic look. They have the typical barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes, as well as a natural aging process that increases their durability.
Scour architectural salvage yards and flea markets for reclaimed wood elements to use for a mantel or an accent wall. For instance, the earthy shade of pine that highlights the traditional mantel and surround creates an idyllic rural setting. 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 is a part of the fireplace’s wall. The rustic warmth of this room is enhanced by a pair of natural-inspired wall sconces and a landscape picture above the mantel.
Repurposed wood beams can be an eye-catching statement to any room in your home. They can be left as-is or stained to match your current decor, or they can be cut and biofireplace (Iridescent-ant-fx3c2h.mystrikingly.com) distressed to create an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a more contemporary appearance or covered with faux finishes such as rust or marbling paint.
Wooden beams can serve as a focal point for any kind of fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel, even without a fire burning. They can be used to illuminate the mantel, without burning fire.
Whichever method you choose to install your beams, make sure that they are adequately protected from the effects of fire. Both materials can become brittle in extreme heat. However they can be strengthened by a layer of electric fire-resistant drywall. These products can be found at most home improvement shops.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tiles can be used to create a dramatic effect as surrounds for fireplaces. Its shape instantly brightens the space while blending with any style of decor from traditional to modern. The matte finish is ideal for a sleek and polished look while adding contrast 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 lends the space an authentic, rustic look while pairing beautifully with natural materials like wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tiles, which adds a luxurious and elegant aesthetic to the room. These tiles have an elegant and glossy surface 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 gives the whole space an artistic look that balances the modern organic style of the fireplace, and the overall modern design of the room.
If you’re unsure about taking a risk on a design in your home, a fireplace is an excellent place to try out a bold design that 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 lively energy. The hexagonal shapes resemble cubes, creating a lively layout. The dark brown color provides this space with an inviting and warm aesthetic that goes well with the industrial style.
Another way to make a statement with your fireplace is to choose tiles that have the look of brick or a similar material. The textured tile, which is made by LA Designer Affair, has the same look as brick, but with the added benefit of being much easier to clean and maintain.
Consider using a peel-and-stick tile to modernize your fireplace’s surround without costing you a dime. Many of these options are heat resistant and therefore suitable for use in the fireplace and able to be affixed to the existing wall. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great option that will add an elegant look to any living space while coordinating beautifully with traditional furniture.
Paint the Mantel
A fresh coat of paint is the ideal way to hide a brick surround on a wall-mounted fireplace. The mantel can be painted in a different colour to add warmth and character. Whether you choose to match it with the decor’s color scheme or go for something bold and striking, a fresh paint color fires can make your fireplace stand out as a stunning feature.
If your mantel is made of wood, first inspect it for cracks, nicks and gouges. Fill in the dents with wood putty, if they’re small enough. Allow it to dry for the amount of time recommended. Before painting paint, sand the surface using 100-grit sandpaper to roughen it up. To remove any debris or dirt wipe the sanded surfaces with a damp cloth.
White is a favorite color for fireplaces and walls. But, the right shade will make your fireplace stand out. Check out the other trims, moldings, and bookcases in your home to get ideas. Does your mantel match in shade as theirs or is it darker or lighter? If the latter, choose a color that coordinates well to keep the look balanced.
Before you begin painting, protect the area surrounding you with drop cloth or sheets. Remove the mantel, taking out any decorations or showpieces that are hanging over it. If your fireplace is brick, remove any pictures or ornaments that are placed on or around it. Once the mantel is empty, wipe it down with the help of a damp cloth to wipe off any soot or dust that has accumulated.
Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel using a brush or roller. The semi-gloss paint is long-lasting and stain-resistant, so your mantel will be able to be able to withstand the heat of your electric fireplace, and any other items placed on it. Allow the primer to dry according to the guidelines of the manufacturer before moving on to the main part of your fireplace’s wall.
The brick can be quite heavy in color and weight. Paint the mantel in a light color or neutral to make it appear lighter and more inviting. If you decide to choose an unassuming color for your mantel, you can pair it with a work of art with earthy tones or a large mirror to complement the look.