11 Ways To Completely Revamp Your Wall Fireplace

How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can give your living space an element of interest that demands attention. There are numerous models to choose from and you must pick one that suits your needs.

Some of the most important features include the output of heat, the appearance and the controls. If you're unfamiliar with these features, it's best to seek out an expert to assist you in choosing the best model.

Molded Squares

A dull stone fireplace surround and bland walls made this living space in need of a drastic fireplace makeover. With a few tweaks to the design, the new look is bright and eye-catching, making this hearth a central feature in the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel and contemporary art above the fireplace modernizes the exterior while the shelves that are gray below are a contrast. The fireplace facade is enhanced by a few changes in color.

Base cap moldings and trim pieces are paired to create a simple yet effective method of framing a fireplace surround made of tile. To tie the look together, choose a trim style to contrast or match your other trim elements such as thick casing around windows and doors. If you're looking for an elegant, premium look, you can consider using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse-style.

Wainscoting accent walls is a popular method to add character to the interior of a room. The same technique can be used to frame the fireplace. Try a paneled option like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard in place of plank boards to create a dramatic effect.

Brick is another non-combustible option for the fireplace surround. It comes in a variety of styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace in red is a popular choice for cottage-style or Craft-Revival-style homes. A rustic-looking brick can be used to add a rustic touch to a traditional decor.

When incorporating brick into your fireplace design, it is important to be sure your hearth extends 16 to 18 inches from the opening for the fireplace and that your surround reaches 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you choose is safe and meets all codes of the local and national level.

Open shelving is an ideal way to store books and other objects. However having too many shelves can overwhelm the appearance of a fireplace. The homeowners of this family room designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to improve the look of the room without overwhelming open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams that have a rustic style are perfect for a fireplace wall fires. They add timeless beauty to any home. Reclaimed wood beams come from barns, stables and other demolished buildings. Each beam has its own unique story. Reclaimed wood can be used conjunction with wide plank ceiling panels for a completely rustic look or as an accent to modern kitchens. They are characterized by barn wood markings like mortise and nail holes plus a natural aging that improves their durability.

Scour architectural salvage yards and flea markets for reclaimed wooden elements to use for a mantel or an accent wall. For instance the earthy hue of pine that highlights this traditional living room mantel and surround creates an idyllic rural setting. The knotty imperfections create a rustic appearance, and they complement the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting on the wall of the fireplace. The rustic warmth of this room is enhanced by a pair of natural-inspired wall sconces, as well as an image of a landscape above the mantel.

Repurposed wooden beams can provide an eye-catching statement to any room in your home. They can be left in their natural state or stained to complement your current 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 be used as the focal feature of any fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel, even without a fire burning. They can also be used to highlight a mantel without a fire burning.

Whatever method of installation you decide to use be sure that your wood or steel beams are protected from the consequences of fire. Both types of material can become brittle and weaken when exposed to extreme heat, however both are able to be strengthened with a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant sprayed on I-beams made of steel. These products are available at most home improvement shops.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can make an impact when used as a fireplace surround. Its shape instantly enhances the space while complementing any style of decor from modern to traditional. The choice of a matte finish for the tiles is a great way to maintain that clean and polished look, while also adding some color to make the fireplace sparkle.

Hex tiles can also be combined with different textures for a more customized appearance. Stone-look tiles are a popular choice that gives the room an authentic, classic look. They also go well with natural materials like wood. Marble-look tile is a classic option that gives an elegant and luxurious aesthetic to the room. These tiles have a smooth and glossy finish that is a beautiful reflection of light and brightens the room.

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

If you're not sure about making a design risk in your home the fireplace is a great spot to test a bold design. It could be a bit intimidating for other rooms. This geometric tile with its black grout provides this area with an elegant, yet fun feel. The hexagonal shapes fit like cubes to create an exciting layout. The dark brown color creates a warm, inviting aesthetic that complements the industrial decor.

Tile that looks like brick or other materials you are familiar with is another way to make an impact on your fireplace suites. This pattern-based tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance to traditional brick, but is much easier to clean and maintain.

If you're not ready make a major overhaul of your fireplace's surround, consider using a peel and stick tile to refresh the look without costing you a fortune. These options are heat-resistant which makes them suitable for fireplaces as well as able to adhere to existing surfaces. This peel and stick herringbone tile is an excellent option to add style to any room. It also coordinates beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace in a wall has a brick surround, the most effective way to downplay its appearance is to give it an update of the paint. The mantel's paint color also adds warmth and character to the room. It doesn't matter if you choose to match it with the decor's color scheme or opt for something striking, a new paint color makes your fireplace stand out as a showpiece.

If your mantel is constructed of wood, first inspect it for cracks, nicks and gouges. If the dents are small enough to be able to handle, fill them with wood putty and allow it to set for the recommended amount of time. Before painting, sand the surface with 100-grit sandpaper to roughen it up. Wipe down the sanded surface with a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or debris.

White is a popular color for walls and Fireplaces Electric. However the right shade can make your fireplace stand out. For inspiration, take a look at the wood trims on your bookcases, moldings and walls. Does your mantel have the same shade as theirs or is it lighter or darker? If you decide to go with the latter, choose a color that will work well with the other colors in the room to keep it looking balanced.

Before you begin painting, protect the surrounding area with a drop cloth or sheets. Clear off the mantel, taking out any decorative pieces or displays that might be hanging above it. If your fireplace is brick, get rid of any pictures or ornaments that are placed on or within it. Once the mantel is cleaned, use a damp cloth and wipe it down to remove any soot or dust.

Apply a basecoat with the brush or roller to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish is durable and stain-resistant, so your mantel is able to stand up well to the heat of the fireplace, as well as other items that are placed on it. Let the primer dry in accordance with the guidelines of the manufacturer before moving onto the main body of your fireplace's wall.

The brick may be heavy in both weight and color. Paint the mantel with the light or neutral color to make it appear more vibrant and more inviting. If you decide to choose the lighter hue, think about pairing it with an earthy-toned piece of artwork or a mirror that is large above it to balance the look.