How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A wall fireplace will make your living space an attractive focal feature. There are numerous models to choose from and you must pick one that is suitable for your needs.
The most significant features are the heat output, the appearance and the controls. If you're not familiar with these elements, it's best to hire a professional to help you pick the right model.
Molded Squares
This living room needed an overhaul to the fireplace due to its outdated stone surround and dull walls. The new style is bright, appealing and makes this hearth the center of the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel and contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the facade, while the gray shelves below are a contrast. The fireplace's facade is accentuated by a few color variations.
Base cap molding and thin trim pieces join to form a simple, yet effective way to frame the fireplace surround. Choose a style of trim that contrasts with or matches your other trim elements like the thick casing around doors and windows to create a cohesive look. If you're looking for an elegant, premium look, you can consider using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to create the illusion of a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse look.
Making an accent wall using wainscoting is an effective way to add character any room. The same technique can be used to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled option like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard instead plank boards to create a dramatic look.
Brick is another non-combustible option for the fireplace surround. It is available in various styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace with red is a popular choice for cottage-style or Craft Revival style homes. Rustic-style brick is another option that could be a good fit with more traditional country decor.
If you're planning to incorporate brick into the design of your fireplace be sure that your hearth is 16 to 18 inches away from the opening of the firebox, and the surround is between 8 and 12 inches wide in all directions. Be sure that the material you choose is safe and conforms to all local and national codes.
Open shelves are a great way to store books and other things, but too many can overwhelm the look of the fireplace. The homeowners of this living room have created the wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the look without overwhelming open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic appearance make a great fireplace wall. They add timeless beauty to any house. Reclaimed wood beams are sourced from old barns, stables and other buildings that were demolished. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can also be used as a feature in modern kitchens, or with wide planks of paneling to create a rustic 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 salvage yards for architectural salvage as well as flea markets to find reclaimed wood elements to repurpose for a mantel or an accent wall. For instance the earthy color of pine that accentuates this traditional living room mantel and surround is reminiscent of an idyllic rural setting. The knotty imperfections give it a rustic feel and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting on the fireplace wall. The rustic warmth of this room is accentuated by a pair inspired by nature
wall mount fireplaces sconces, as well as a landscape image above the mantel.
Repurposed wooden beams can make an attractive accent to any room in your home. They can be stained to match your current decor or carved for an antique look. They can also be painted to give a more contemporary appearance, or they can be covered with faux finishes like marbled or rust paint.
Wooden beams can be used as a focal point for any kind of fireplace. They can be placed over a freestanding gas, ventless or
Electric fireplace Mantels fireplace, or they can be incorporated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can be used to accent the mantel without a flame burning.
No matter which method you choose to put in your beams, make sure that they are protected adequately from the effects of fire. Both types of materials are susceptible to becoming brittle and weakening in the presence of extreme heat, however both are able to be strengthened with a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant sprays on steel I-beams. These products can be found at most home improvement shops.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tiles can be used to create a dramatic effect as a surround for a fireplace. Its shape instantly enhances the space while complementing any style of decor from modern to traditional. Selecting a matte finish for the tiles is the best way to keep that sleek and polished look, while adding some contrast to make the fireplace sparkle.
Hex tiles can be customised by a variety of textures to create an individual look. Stone-look tiles are a popular choice that gives the room an authentic, classic look. They also look great with natural materials such as wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tiles that provides a luxurious and elegant aesthetic to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting light and brightening 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 provides the appearance of a hand-crafted space, while balancing the contemporary organic style fireplace with the overall design of the room.
If you're not sure about taking a risk with design in your home, a fireplace is an excellent place to try out a bold design that might be a bit intimidating in other areas of your home. This geometric tile with its black grout gives the room an elegant and playful look. The hexagonal shapes resemble cubes to create a stimulating layout. The deep brown hue creates an inviting, warm look that is perfect for industrial decor.
Tiles that look like brick or other materials you are familiar with is another way to create an impact on your fireplace. This pattern-based tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look to traditional brick, but is much simpler to maintain and clean.
If you're not ready to commit to a full-scale remodel of your fireplace's surround, consider applying a peel and stick tile to change the look without breaking the bank. A majority of these options are heat-resistant, making them safe for fireplaces and able to be affixed to the existing surface. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great option that will add an elegant feel to any living space while also blending beautifully with traditional furniture.
Paint the Mantel
A fresh coat of paint is the most effective method to cover the brick surround on the wall of a
electric fireplace mantels. The mantel can be painted in a different colour to give it a more cosy and spirited look. A new paint color
Electric Fireplace Mantels can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the overall color scheme of the room or pick something bold.
If your mantel is made of wood, you should first examine it for cracks, nicks and gouges. If the dents aren't enough to be handled Fill them in with wood putty and allow it to set for the recommended amount of time. Before painting you can sand the surface 100-grit sandpaper in order to rough it up. To remove any debris or dirt wipe the surfaces that have been sanded with a damp cloth.
While white is a popular choice for walls and fireplaces The right shade can really help your mantel stand out.