How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A fireplace in the wall will make your living space an attractive focal point. There are numerous models to choose from and you must pick one that is suitable for your needs.
The output of heat, the controls, and the appearance are just a few of the important features. If you're not familiar with these features, it's best to hire an expert to help you choose the right model.
Molded Squares
A worn-out stone fireplace surround and bland walls left this living space in need of a drastic fireplace makeover. The new style is vibrant, attractive and makes this hearth the main focal point of the room. A whitewashed mantel for the fireplace and contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the appearance of the façade and the shelves in gray below provide a stark contrast. The fireplace's exterior is enhanced by a few color variations.
Base cap moldings and trim pieces are combined to create a simple yet effective way to frame the fireplace with a tile surround. To tie the look together pick a trim style to contrast or match your other trim elements like thick casing around doors and windows. If you're looking to create an elegant, premium look, consider using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of an actual mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic farmhouse look.
Accent walls with wainscoting are an extremely popular way to add personality to the interior of a room. The same method can be employed to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled option such as tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard in place of plank boards to create a dramatic effect.
Another non-combustible material you can use to create an enclosure for your fireplace is brick, which comes in many different styles and colors. A traditional red brick fireplace is a traditional choice for Craft Revival-style or cottage-style homes. A rustic-look brick can also be used to complement a traditional country decor.
When you incorporate brick into your fireplace design, it is important to be sure your hearth extends 16 to 18 inches from the firebox opening and that your surround reaches 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the material you select is safe and conforms to all codes of the local and national level.
Open shelving can be excellent for storing books and other things. However the presence of too many shelves can obstruct the appearance of a fireplace. The owners of this living room have created a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding in order to enhance the look without overwhelming the open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Rustic reclaimed wooden beams are the perfect frame for a fireplace on the wall. They are timeless and beautiful to any house. Reclaimed wood beams are sourced from barns, stables and other demolished buildings. Each beam carries with it its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used as a decorative element in modern kitchens or with wide plank paneling to create a rustic look. They have the typical markings of barn wood, including mortise and nail holes, plus a natural patina that enhances their durability.
Scour architectural salvage yards and flea markets to find reclaimed wood elements to repurpose as a mantel or accent wall. For instance the earthy color of pine that highlights the traditional mantel and surround is reminiscent of the feeling of a rustic, cozy retreat. The knotty imperfections create a rustic appearance and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting on the fireplace's wall. The rustic warmth of the room is accentuated by a pair of nature-inspired wall sconces and a landscape picture above the mantel.
Repurposed wooden beams will bring a unique look to any room. They can be stained to match your current design or carved to create an antique appearance. They can also be painted to give modern appearance or covered with faux finishes, such as marbled or rust paint.
Wooden beams can serve as a focal point for any kind of fireplace. They can be placed above a freestanding gas or
electric fireplace or ventless fireplace or they can be incorporated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can also be used to highlight the mantel with no fire 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 material are susceptible to becoming brittle and weakening in the presence of extreme heat, however both are able to be strengthened with a layer of
fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant sprays on steel I-beams. These products are sold in a wide variety of stores for home improvement.
White fireplace Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tiles can be used to create a striking effect as surrounds for fireplaces. Its shape instantly enhances the space while blending with any style of decor, from traditional to modern. The choice of an elegant matte finish for the tiles is ideal to maintain that clean and polished look while adding some contrast to make the
fireplace pop.
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 old-fashioned, rustic feel and is a great match with natural materials like wood. Marble-look tile is a timeless option that adds an elegant and luxurious appearance to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles sparkles beautifully, reflecting light and brightening up the room.
The right tile pattern can elevate the entire design 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 adds a unique a handcrafted appeal that balances the organic modern style of the fireplace and the contemporary style of the room.
If you're not sure about taking a risk with patterns in your home, a fireplace can be the perfect place to test out a bold pattern that might be intimidating in other parts of your home. The geometric tile with its black grout provides this area with an elegant and playful look. The hexagonal shapes fit like cubes to create an exciting layout. The dark brown color provides this space with an inviting, warm look that goes well with the industrial style.
Another option to make a statement with your fireplace is to use tiles that look like the appearance of brick or another popular material. This textured tile, made by LA Designer Affair, has the same look as brick, but with the benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.
If you're hesitant to take on a complete remodel of your fireplace's surround, consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to change the appearance without costing you a fortune. These tiles are resistant to heat and therefore suitable for fireplaces and can be bonded to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is an excellent alternative that will add an elegant look to any living space, while also blending beautifully with traditional furnishings.
Paint the Mantel
A fresh coat of paint is the most effective method to cover the brick surround on an unwall-mounted fireplace. The mantel can be painted in a different hue to add warmth and personality. It doesn't matter if you choose to match it to the decor's color scheme or go for something bold, a new paint color can make your fireplace stand out as a stunning feature.
If your mantel is wood, inspect it first for gouges, cracks, and scratches. If the dents aren't enough to be handled then fill them with wood putty and allow it to set for the appropriate amount of time. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it up before painting. Wipe the surface that has been sanded using a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or dust.