20 Fun Facts About Wall Fireplace

How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace in the wall will provide your living space with an attractive focal point. There are many models available and you must pick one that is suitable for your needs.

Some of the most important features include the heat output along with the appearance and controls. If you're not aware of these elements, it's best to seek out a professional to help you select the best model.

Molded Squares

A dull stone fireplace and dull walls left this living space in need of a drastic fireplace makeover. With a few tweaks to the design the new look is vibrant and attractive, making the hearth a centerpiece in the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel as well as contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the exterior, while the gray shelves below provide a stark contrast. A few changes in color will also make the fireplace stand apart from the wall, enhancing the beauty of this fireplace design.

Base cap moldings and trim pieces are combined to create a simple, yet effective way to frame a fireplace surround made of tile. Choose a style of trim that contrasts with or complements the other trim elements, such as the thick casing around doors and windows to create a cohesive look. If you're looking to create an elegant, luxurious look, you can consider using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of a mantel. If you want a more rustic farmhouse style, choose to use dentil trim instead.

Making an accent wall using wainscoting is a popular method to add character to any room. The same technique can be used to frame a fireplace. Try a paneled option like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard in place of plank boards to create a dramatic appearance.

Another non-combustible option you can use to create an enclosure for your fireplace is brick, which comes in a variety of styles and colors. A classic red brick fireplace is perfect for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. The rustic-look brick is an alternative that is able to blend with a more traditional, country decor.

When incorporating brick into your fireplace design, it is important to ensure that your hearth extends 16-18 inches from the opening for the fireplace and that your surround is 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you choose is compliant with all local and national building codes to ensure security.

Open shelving can be an ideal way to store books and other objects. However, too many shelves can overwhelm the look of a fireplace. For this family room the homeowners designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding that enhances the look of the new fireplace, without obscuring the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic appearance are perfect for a fireplace wall. They bring a timeless appeal to any home. Reclaimed wood beams come from barns, stables and other buildings that were demolished. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used as an accent in modern kitchens or wide plank paneling to create an authentic look. They are characterized by barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes plus a natural aging that increases their longevity.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage as well as flea markets for reclaimed wooden elements to repurpose as a mantel or accent wall. For instance the earthy color of pine that accents this traditional living room mantel and surround evokes the feeling of a rustic, cozy retreat. The knotty imperfections of the wood emphasize the hand-crafted look and compliment the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which surrounds the fireplace's wall. The rustic warmth of this space is enhanced by a pair of nature-inspired wall sconces and an image of a landscape above the mantel.

Repurposed wooden beams can add a unique touch to any room. They can be stained to match your current design or carved to create an antique look. They can be painted to give them a more contemporary 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 set above a freestanding gas, ventless or electric fire - sites, fireplace, or incorporated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can be used to illuminate the mantel, without burning fire.

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 can become brittle and weaken in the face of extreme heat, but both can be strengthened by a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant that is sprayed on steel I-beams. These products can be found in most home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a dramatic effect as an accent for fireplaces. Its design instantly brightens the room and complements any style, whether modern or traditional. The choice of a matte finish for the tiles is ideal to keep that neat and polished look, while also adding some contrast to make the fireplace sparkle.

Hex tiles also work well with different textures for a more customized appearance. Stone-look tile is a popular choice that gives the room a classic, rustic feel while blending beautifully with natural materials such as wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tiles, which adds an elegant and luxurious appearance to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting sunlight and brightening the room.

The right tile pattern can elevate a fireplace's design. 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 whole space the look of a hand-crafted piece that balances the contemporary organic style of the fireplace and the overall modern design of the room.

If you're not sure about taking a risk on a pattern in your home, a fireplace is an excellent place to try out a bold pattern which could be intimidating in other areas of the house. This geometric tile (here's a similar option) with its black grout lines give the room a sophisticated but fun energy. The hexagonal shapes resemble cubes to create a stimulating layout. The deep brown color provides this space with an inviting and warm aesthetic that is perfect for industrial decor.

Tiles that look like brick or other materials you are familiar with is another option to create an impact on your fireplace. This textured tile, from LA Designer Affair, has an identical look to traditional brick but with the added benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.

Consider using a peel-and stick tile to upgrade your fireplace surround without breaking the bank. Many of these options are resistant to heat, making them safe for fireplaces electric and able to stick to the existing surface. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great option that will bring a sense of elegance to any living space while coordinating beautifully with traditional furnishings.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace on the wall has an existing brick surround, the most effective method to minimize its appearance is with an update of the paint. The mantel's paint color also adds warmth and character to the room. A new paint color can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the color scheme of the room or choose something striking.

If your mantel is constructed from wood, first check it for cracks, nicks, and gouges. If the dents aren't large enough to handle 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. Wipe down the sanded surface with a damp cloth to take off any remaining dirt or dust.

White is a popular color for walls and fireplaces. However the right shade can make your fireplace stand out. Check out the other wood trim, moldings and bookcases in your home for inspiration. Does your mantel match in shade as theirs or is it darker or lighter? If the latter, pick the color that is well-matched to keep the look well-balanced.

Protect the area around you with sheets or a dropcloth before you begin painting. Remove any ornaments or display pieces that were hung above the mantel. Remove any ornaments or pictures that are on or around the brick fireplace. After the mantel has been cleaned, take a damp cloth and wipe it clean to get rid of any soot or dust.

Apply a basecoat using a roller or brush to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish lasts and stain-resistant, so your mantel will hold up well to the heat of the fireplace and any other items placed on it. Let the primer dry, in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer before you begin painting the main wall of the fireplace.

While the brick is a striking feature of a fireplace's wall, it can be heavy and dark in hue. Paint the mantel with an unassuming color or neutral to make it appear brighter and more inviting. If you opt for an unassuming color for your mantel, you can pair it with a piece art with earthy tones or a large wall mirror to balance out the overall look.