How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A wall fireplace can give your living room a focal point that demands attention. There are many models available and you must pick one that is suitable for your needs.
The output of heat, the controls, and the design are some of the most important features. If you’re not aware of these elements, it’s best to seek out an expert to help you select the best model.
Molded Squares
The living room in this house needed an impressive fireplace overhaul due to its stale stone surround and boring walls. The new design is vibrant, attractive and makes the hearth the main focal point of the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel as well as contemporary art above the fireplace modernizes the appearance of the façade, while the gray shelves below are a contrast. A few minor changes in color can also help the fireplace stand out from the wall, enhancing the charm of this fireplace design.
Base cap molding and thin trim pieces join to form a simple, yet effective way to frame your fireplace surround. Choose a trim style that contrasts with or matches the other trim elements, like the thick casing around windows and doors, to make the look more cohesive. If you’re looking for an elegant, high-end look, consider using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of an actual mantel. For a more rustic, farmhouse style, opt for dentil trim instead.
The idea of creating an accent wall using wainscoting is a common way to add character any room. The same method can be employed to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards, however, try a paneled material like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard to create a dramatic look.
Brick is another non-combustible option for the fireplace surround. It comes in a variety of styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace with red is a classic option for cottage-style or Craft-Revival-style homes. A rustic-looking brick could be used to add a rustic touch to a traditional decor.
If you want to incorporate brick into your fireplace design ensure that your hearth measures 16 to 18 inches from the opening of the fireplace and the surround is 8-12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you select is safe and meets all local and national codes.
Open shelving can be a great way of storing books and other things. However, too many shelves can overwhelm the appearance of a fireplace. The homeowners of this living room have created the wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the look without overpowering open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic appearance make a great fireplace electric wall fireplace. They are timeless and beautiful to any house. Reclaimed wood beams are sourced from barns, stables and other buildings that were demolished. Each beam has its own distinct story. Reclaimed wood can also be used as a feature in modern kitchens or with wide planks to give an authentic look. They feature the typical markings of barn wood, like nail holes and mortise pockets as well as a natural patina that enhances their durability.
Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets for reclaimed wooden elements to repurpose as a mantel or accent wall. For instance the earthy color of pine that highlights this traditional living room mantel and surround creates an idyllic rural setting. The knotty imperfections in the wood accent a hand-hewn look and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which surrounds the fireplace’s wall. A pair of sconces with a natural theme and a landscape-themed painting over the mantel add to the rustic ambiance of this space.
Repurposed wooden beams will add a unique touch to any room. They can be stained to match your existing decor or carved to give an antique appearance. They can also be painted to give modern appearance or covered with faux finishes like marbled paint or rust.
The wooden beams can serve as the central element of any fireplace. They can be used to highlight the mantel without any fire burning. They can be used to accent the mantel without a flame burning.
Whichever method you decide to use to mount your beams, make sure that they are protected adequately from the effects of fire. Both types of materials can become brittle and weaken in the face of extreme heat, but both can be strengthened by a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant that is sprayed on steel I-beams. These products are available at a variety of stores for home improvement.
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 decor, traditional or modern. The matte finish is perfect for a polished and clean look while adding contrast to make the fireplace pop.
Hex tiles can be customized by a variety of textures to create an individualized look. Stone-look tile is a very popular choice that gives the room an old-fashioned, rustic feel while pairing beautifully with natural materials such as wood. Marble-look tiles are another classic option that gives an elegant and luxurious aesthetic to the space. These tiles have a smooth and glossy finish that reflect light beautifully and enhances the space.
The proper tile pattern can improve 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 patterned tile adds an artistic look to the space, balancing the modern organic style fireplace with the overall design of the room.
If you’re unsure about putting your faith in a patterns in your home, a fireplace is an ideal place to test out a bold style that could be intimidating in other parts of the house. This geometric tile with its black grout gives this space an elegant and playful look. The hexagonal shapes are arranged like cubes for a stimulating layout, and the dark brown hue creates a warm and inviting aesthetic that complements the industrial décor in the room.
Tiles that resemble brick or other common materials is another way to make an impact with 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 hesitant to make a major overhaul of your fireplace surround, consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to update the appearance without breaking the bank. These tiles are heat-resistant, making them suitable for fireplaces as well as able to stick to existing surfaces. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a fantastic option for adding the look of a room. It also coordinates beautifully with traditional furniture.
Paint the Mantel
If a fireplace on the wall has a brick surround, the most effective way to disguise its appearance is by giving it a fresh coat of paint. The mantel can be painted with a different colour to add warmth and character. It doesn’t matter if you choose to match it with the room’s color scheme or go for something bold, a new paint color makes your fireplace stand out as a showpiece.
If your mantel is made of wood, first inspect it for cracks, nicks and gouges. If the dents aren’t enough to be able to handle, 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 get rid of any dirt or debris, wipe down the sanded surfaces with a damp cloth.
While white is a popular choice for fireplaces and walls, the right shade can make your mantel stand out. For ideas, take a look at the wood trim on your bookcases, moldings, and walls. Do they have the same color as your mantel, or is it a lighter or a darker hue? If you choose the latter, choose one that blends well with the other colors in the room to keep it looking balanced.
Before you start painting, cover the area surrounding you with drop cloth or sheets. Remove any ornaments or display pieces that may have been hung over the mantel. If your fireplace is made of brick, products take away any ornaments or pictures that are on or within the fireplace. Once the mantel is cleaned, use a damp cloth and wipe it clean to remove any soot or dust.
Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with either a roller or brush. The semi-gloss finish is long-lasting and stain-resistant, which means that your mantel will hold up well to the heat generated by the fireplace as well as any other items placed on it. Allow the primer to completely dry, according to the manufacturer’s instructions, before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.
While brick is a beautiful feature of a fireplace wall, it can be a bit heavy and dark in color. Paint the mantel in an unassuming color or neutral to make it appear brighter and more inviting. If you choose to paint it the lighter hue, think about using it in conjunction with an earthy toned artwork or a large mirror over it to create a balanced look.