Are You Getting The Most From Your Wall Fireplace

How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace in the wall will make your living space an attractive focal feature. There are many different designs available but it is important to find one that meets your needs.

Some of the most important features are the heat output along with the appearance and controls. If you aren't familiar with these features, it's best to seek out a professional to help you pick the right model.

Molded Squares

This living room needed an impressive fireplace overhaul due to its outdated stone surround and dull walls. The new look is bright, appealing and makes this hearth the main focal point of the room. A whitewashed mantel and contemporary artwork above the fireplace's facade modernize it while contrasting with the gray shelves below. A few minor changes in color can also help the fireplace stand apart from the wall, enhancing the charm of this fireplace design.

Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces are paired to make a simple but efficient way to frame a fireplace inserts surround made of tile. To tie the look together, choose a trim style to contrast or match the other trim elements such as thick casing around doors and windows. If you want a more high-end, elegant look, use fluted trim to give the illusion of a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic farmhouse look.

Accent walls with wainscoting are a popular method to add personality to the interior of a room. The same method can be used to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled option like tongue-and groove cedar siding or beadboard instead of plank boards to create a dramatic effect.

Another non-combustible material you can use to build an enclosure for your fireplace is brick, which is available in a variety of styles and colors. A traditional red brick fireplace is a classic option for cottage-style or Craft-Revival-style homes. Rustic-look brick is also an alternative that is able to blend with a more traditional, country-style decor.

If you are planning to incorporate brick into your fireplace design be sure that your hearth measures 16 to 18 inches away from the opening of the firebox, and the surround is 8-12 inches wide in all directions. Be sure that the material you choose complies with all national and local building codes for safety.

Open shelving can be a great way of storing books and other items. However, too many shelves can ruin 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 the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic appearance make a great fireplace wall. They add a timeless beauty to any house. Reclaimed wood beams come from old barns, stables and other demolished structures. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can also be used as an accent in modern kitchens or with wide planks of paneling to create an authentic look. They are characterized by the typical marks of barn wood, such as nail holes and mortise pockets as well as natural patinas that increase their durability.

Look through salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets for wood pieces that you can repurpose into a mantel. For example the earthy hue of pine that highlights the traditional living room mantel and surround creates the feeling of a rustic, cozy retreat. Its knotty imperfections give it a rustic feel, and they complement the simple lines in the beaded-board wainscoting that is on the wall of the fireplace. A pair of sconces inspired by nature and a landscape-themed painting over the mantel add to the rustic charm of this space.

Repurposed fireplaces wooden beams can bring a unique look to any room. They can be stained to match your existing decor or carved for an antique look. They can also be painted for a more contemporary appearance or covered with faux finishes like marbled or rust paint.

The wooden beams can be used as the central point of any fireplace. They can be set above a freestanding gas or ventless or electric fireplace, or incorporated 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 steel or wood beams are adequately protected from the possible consequences of fire. Both materials can become hard and brittle when heated to extreme temperatures. However, they can be strengthened with a layer of fire-resistant drywall. These products can be found in most home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can make an impressive statement when used as a fireplace surround. Its shape instantly brightens the space and is a perfect match for any style, whether contemporary or traditional. Choosing matte finishes for the tiles is the best way to keep that sleek and polished look while adding some contrast that makes the fireplace sparkle.

Hex tiles can be customized with a variety textures for an individual appearance. Stone-look tile is a popular option that lends the space a classic, rustic feel while blending beautifully with natural materials like wood. Marble-look tiles are another timeless option that provides an elegant and luxurious aesthetic to the space. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting sunlight and brightening the space.

The perfect tile pattern can enhance the entire look of the 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 pattern of the tile gives the whole space a handcrafted appeal that balances the organic modern style of the fireplace, and the overall modern design of the room.

If you're unsure about taking a risk on a pattern in your home, a fireplace is the perfect place to test out a bold pattern that might be intimidating in other areas of the house. The geometric tile with its black grout gives the room an elegant, yet fun feel. The hexagonal shapes resemble cubes, creating a lively layout. The deep brown hue creates a warm, inviting aesthetic that complements the industrial decor.

Tiles that look like brick or other familiar materials is another option to create an impact on your fireplace. This textured tile, made by LA Designer Affair, has a similar look to brick, but with the benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.

If you're not ready to take on a complete remodel of your fireplace surround, consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to change the appearance without breaking the bank. These tiles are resistant to heat, making them suitable for electric fireplaces as well as able to be bonded to existing surfaces. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a great option for adding elegance to any room. It also coordinates beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the ideal method to hide a brick surround on a wall-mounted fireplace. The mantel can be painted a different color to add warmth and personality. A new color of paint can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the color scheme of the room or pick something bold.

If the mantel is made of wood be sure to check it for cracks, gouges, and nicks. If the dents are small enough to be handled then fill them with wood putty and allow it to set for the recommended amount of time. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it prior to painting. To remove any debris or dirt, wipe down the surfaces you have sanded with a damp cloth.

While white is a popular choice for ethanol fireplaces and walls, the right shade can really make your fireplace stand out. Look at the other trims, moldings, and bookcases in your home for inspiration. Does your mantel match in color as theirs or is it darker or lighter? If the latter, choose an appropriate color to keep the space looking balanced.

Cover the area around you by using sheets or a dropcloth before you begin painting. Remove any decorations or showpieces that might have been placed above the mantel. Take away any ornaments or pictures that are around or on your brick fireplace. Once the mantel is cleaned, use a damp cloth and wipe it down to remove any dust or soot.

Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with the use of a roller or brush. The semi-gloss paint is durable and stain resistant, so your mantel will be able to be able to withstand the heat of your fireplace, as well as 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 wall.

While brick is an attractive feature of a fireplace wall, it can be heavy and Electric Firesuite dark in hue. Paint the mantel in an unassuming color or neutral to make it appear lighter and more inviting. If you decide to go with the lighter hue, think about using it in conjunction with an earthy toned piece of art or a mirror that is large above it to create a balanced look.