So , You've Bought Wall Fireplace ... Now What?

How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace will give your living room an eye-catching focal point. There are many models available so you need to 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 aspects, it is best to seek out an expert to help pick the right model.

Molded Squares

A worn-out stone fireplace surround and dull walls made this living space in need of a drastic fireplace overhaul. With a few design tweaks, the new look is fresh and attractive making the hearth an important focal point in the room. A whitewashed mantel and modern artwork above modernize the fireplace facade while contrasting with the shelves in gray below. The fireplace facade is enhanced by a few color changes.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces are combined to form a simple, yet effective, method to frame the fireplace surround. To tie the look together select a trim design to match or contrast with your other trim elements such as thick casing around windows and doors. If you're looking to create an elegant, premium look, you can consider using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of an actual mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse style.

Accent walls with wainscoting are a popular method to add personality to the interior of a room. The same technique can also be used to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards however, try using a paneled material such as beadboard or tongue-and-groove cedar siding to create a dramatic look.

Brick is another non-combustible option for the fireplace suite surround. It comes in a variety of styles and colors. A traditional red brick fireplace is a traditional choice for cottage-style or Craft-Revival-style homes. The rustic-look brick is an option that could be a good fit with more traditional country-style decor.

If you are incorporating brick into a fireplace design, it is important to be sure your hearth extends 16-18 inches from the firebox opening and that your surround is 8-12 inches in all directions. Be sure that the brick you select is safe and meets all codes of the local and national level.

Open shelving is a great way of storing books and other things. However, too many shelves can ruin the appearance of a fireplace. The owners of this family room designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to improve the look of the room without overwhelming the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look are perfect for a fireplace wall. They bring a timeless appeal to any house. Reclaimed wood beams come from old barns, stables and other demolished structures. Each beam has its own distinct history. Reclaimed wood can be used combination with wide plank ceiling panels to create a rustic look or as accents to modern kitchens. They feature the typical marks of barn wood, such as mortise and nail holes as well as natural patinas that increase their durability.

Scour architectural salvage yards and flea markets for reclaimed wooden elements to use as a mantel or accent wall. For example the earthy color of pine that accentuates the traditional living room mantel and surround is reminiscent of the feeling of a rustic, cozy retreat. Its knotty imperfections emphasize a hand-hewn look and complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which is a part of the fireplace's wall. The rustic warmth of this room is accentuated by a pair inspired by nature wall sconces, and a landscape picture above the mantel.

Repurposed wood beams can be an attractive feature to any room in your home. They can be left as is or stained to complement your existing decor or carved and distressed for an antique look. They can be painted to give them a more modern look or covered with faux finishes such as marbling paint or rust.

The wooden beams can serve as the focal feature of any fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel, even without the need for a fire. They can be used to enhance the mantel, without burning fire.

Whatever method you choose to put in your beams, ensure that they are adequately protected from the effects of fire. Both materials can be brittle in extreme heat. However, they can be strengthened with a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products can be found in a wide variety of stores for home improvement.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can make a dramatic statement when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens up the space and is a perfect match for any style of decor, from traditional to modern. Choosing an elegant matte finish for the tiles is ideal to keep that neat and polished look, while adding some contrast that makes the tabletop fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can also be combined with a variety of texture choices for a more customized appearance. Stone-look tiles are a popular choice that gives the space an old-fashioned, rustic feel. They also pair beautifully with natural materials such as wood. Another timeless option is marble fireplaces-look tiles that adds a luxurious and elegant aesthetic to the room. These tiles have a glossy and smooth finish that reflects light beautifully and enhances the space.

The proper tile pattern can improve 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 on the tile gives the whole space a handcrafted appeal that balances the organic modern style of the fireplace and the overall contemporary design of the room.

If you're unsure about putting your faith in a pattern in your home, a fireplace is an excellent place to try out a bold pattern 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 fit like cubes to create a stimulating layout. The deep brown color gives this space a warm, inviting aesthetic that complements the industrial style.

Another method of making a statement with your fireplace is to select tiles that have the look of brick or another popular material. This textured tile, made by LA Designer Affair, has a similar look to traditional brick but with the benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.

If you're not ready take on a complete remodel of your fireplace's surround, think about applying a peel and stick tile to update the appearance without spending a fortune. A majority of these options are heat-resistant which means they are suitable for use in the fireplace and able to stick to the existing wall. This peel and stick herringbone tile is an excellent option to add the look of a room. It also coordinates beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the most effective method to cover the brick surround on an unwall-mounted fireplace. Painting the mantel a different color can also add warmth and character to the room. Whether you choose to match it with the room's color scheme or opt for something striking, a new paint color 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. If the dents are small enough to be handled then fill them with wood putty and let it set for the appropriate amount of time. Before painting, sand the surface with 100-grit sandpaper in order to rough it up. Wipe down the sanded surface with a damp cloth to take off any remaining dirt or dust.

White is a popular shade for walls and fireplaces wooden (official website). But, the right shade will make your fireplace stand out. Take a look at the wood trims, moldings, and bookcases around your home for inspiration. Do they have the same hue as your mantel, or is it a lighter or a darker hue? If the latter, choose a color that coordinates well to keep the room looking well-balanced.

Before you start painting, cover the area surrounding you with drop cloth or sheets. Clear off the mantel, taking out any decorations or showpieces that might be hanging above it. If your fireplace is brick, get rid of any ornaments or pictures that are located on or within the fireplace. Once the mantel has been cleared, wipe it down with a damp cloth to clean off any soot or dust that has accumulated.

Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with the use of a roller or brush. The semi-gloss finish is durable and stain-resistant, ensuring that your mantel will stand up well to the heat from the fireplace and any other items that are placed on it. Let the primer completely dry, in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer, before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.

While brick is a striking feature of a fireplace's wall it can be heavy and dark in color. Paint the mantel with a light or neutral color will make it appear more lively and more welcoming to guests. If you choose to paint it a light color, consider pairing it with an earthy-toned piece of art or a large mirror over it to balance the look.