How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A wall fireplace can give your living room a focal point that demands attention. There are numerous designs available, however, so it is essential to choose one that will meet your requirements.
The most significant features include the output of heat as well as the appearance and controls. If you're not familiar with these features, it's recommended to consult a professional to help you select the right model.
Molded Squares
This living room needed an impressive fireplace overhaul due to its old-fashioned stone surround and bland walls. With a few design tweaks, the new look is bright and attractive making this hearth a centerpiece in the room. A whitewashed mantel for the fireplace and contemporary art above the fireplace modernizes the exterior while the shelves that are gray below contrast. The fireplace facade is enhanced by a few color variations.
Base cap molding and thin trim pieces are combined to create a simple, yet effective, method to frame your fireplace surround. To connect the look, choose a trim style to contrast or match your other trim elements such as thick casing around windows and doors. If you're looking to create an elegant, luxurious style, think about using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of a mantel. If you want a more rustic farmhouse look, you can choose to use dentil trim instead.
Creating an accent wall with wainscoting is a popular way to add character any room. The same technique can be used to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards, you can try a paneled product like beadboard or tongue-andgroove cedar siding to create a striking look.
Brick is another non-combustible option to use as a fireplace surround. It is available 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. The rustic-look brick is an option that could be a good fit with more traditional country decor.
If you want to incorporate brick into the design of your fireplace ensure that your hearth is 16 to 18 inches away from the opening of the fireplace and the surround is 8-12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you choose conforms to all national and local building codes for safety.
Open shelving is an ideal way to store books and other objects. However, too many shelves can overwhelm the appearance of a fireplace. For this family room homeowners built a
wall fires-to ceiling limestone cladding to elevate the look of the new fireplace without overwhelming the open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Rustic reclaimed wooden beams are the perfect frame for a
wall fireplace. They are timeless and beautiful to any home. Reclaimed wood beams originate from barns, stables and other buildings that were demolished. Each beam has its own unique story. Reclaimed wood can be used in combination with wide plank ceiling paneling to create a rustic look or as an accent to modern kitchens. They are characterized by the typical markings of barn wood, such as nail holes and mortise pockets 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. The earthy tone of pine used to accent this traditional living room surround and mantel creates an intimate country retreat. Its 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 enhanced by a pair of natural-inspired wall sconces and a landscape image above the mantel.
Repurposed wooden beams can provide an eye-catching statement to any room in your home. They can be stained to match your current decor or carved to give an antique appearance. They can also be painted for a more contemporary appearance or covered with faux finishes like rust or marbled paint.
The wooden beams can be used as the focal feature of any fireplace. They can be used to highlight the mantel without the need for a fire. They can be used to accent the mantel without a flame burning.
Whatever method of installation you choose be sure that your steel or wood beams are protected from the potential effects of fire. Both materials can be brittle and weaken when exposed to extreme heat, however both can be strengthened by a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant that is sprayed on I-beams made of steel. These products can be found at most home improvement stores.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tiles can be utilized to create a dramatic effect as a surround for a fireplace. Its design instantly brightens the room and complements any decor, contemporary or traditional. Selecting matte finishes for the tiles is the best way to keep that sleek and polished look, while also adding some color to make the fireplace sparkle.
Hex tiles can also be used with different textures for a more customized appearance. Stone-look tile is a popular choice that gives the room an old-fashioned, rustic feel and is a great match with natural materials such as wood.
marble fireplace-look tile is a timeless option that adds an elegant and luxurious appearance to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting the light and brightening up the space.
The right tile pattern can elevate the overall 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 gives the entire room a an artistic look that balances the organic modern style of the fireplace, and the contemporary style of the room.
If you are unsure of taking a pattern risk in your home, the fireplace is the perfect place to play around with an imposing design. It can be a bit intimidating for other rooms. This geometric tile (here's another option) with its black grout lines give this space a sophisticated yet playful energy. The hexagonal shapes are shaped like cubes to create an exciting layout. The dark brown color gives this space an inviting, warm look that goes well with the industrial style.
Tile that looks like brick or other common materials is another way to create an impact with your fireplace. This textured tile, from LA Designer Affair, has a similar look to traditional brick but with the added benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.
If you're not ready to take on a complete remodel of your fireplace's surround, consider using a peel and stick tile to refresh the look without spending a fortune. These tiles are heat-resistant, making them suitable for
fireplaces and can be bonded to existing surfaces. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a great option for adding the look of a room. It also coordinates beautifully with traditional furniture.
Paint the Mantel
A fresh coat of paint is the ideal method to hide the brick surround on the wall of a fireplace. Paint the mantel in a different color also adds warmth and personality to the space. A new paint color can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the scheme of color in the room or pick something striking.
If your mantel is made of wood, you should first examine it for cracks, nicks, and gouges. If the dents are small enough to be able to handle then fill them with wood putty and let it set for the appropriate amount of time. Before painting you can sand the surface 100-grit sandpaper in order to rough it up. Wipe the surface that has been sanded with a damp cloth to remove any remaining dirt or debris.
White is a popular color for walls and fireplaces. But, the right shade will make your fireplace stand out.