How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace in the wall can be your living room a focal point that demands attention. There are many models available so you need to pick one that meets your requirements.

Some of the most important features are the heat output, the appearance and the controls. If you're not aware of these features, it's best to seek out an expert to help you select the right model.

Molded Squares

A worn-out stone fireplace and dull walls left this living space in need of a drastic fireplace revamp. With a few design tweaks, the new look is bright and striking making this hearth a focal point in the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel as well as contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the facade, while the gray shelves below provide a stark contrast. A few color changes can also help the fireplace stand out from the wall, adding the beauty of this tabletop fireplace design.

Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces are combined to create a simple, yet effective way to frame a fireplace surround made of tile. To connect the look select a trim design to match or contrast with the other trim elements like thick casing around doors and windows. If you're looking for a more elegant, high-end style, think about using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of an actual mantel. For a more rustic farmhouse look, you can choose to use dentil trim instead.

Accent walls with wainscoting are a common method of adding personality to rooms. The same method can be used to frame a fireplace. Instead of using plank boards instead, consider a paneled product like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard to create a dramatic look.

Another non-combustible option you can create a fireplace surround is brick, which is available in many different styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace in red is a classic option for cottage-style or Craft-Revival-style homes. A rustic-looking brick can be used to enhance a traditional country style.

If you are planning to incorporate brick into the design of your fireplace, make 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. Make sure your chosen material conforms to all national and local construction codes for safety.

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

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wood fireplaces beams are the perfect frame for a fireplace on the wall. They are timeless and beautiful to any home. Reclaimed wood beams come from barns, stables and other demolished buildings. Each beam has its own unique history. Reclaimed wood can be used as a decorative element in modern kitchens, or with wide planks of paneling to create an authentic look. They feature the usual barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes, plus a natural aging that increases their durability.

Scour architectural salvage yards and flea markets for reclaimed wood elements to use for a mantel or an accent wall. The earthy tone of pine used as a backdrop for this traditional living room mantel and surround evokes the feeling of a cozy country getaway. Its knotty imperfections emphasize the hand-crafted appearance and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that surrounds the fireplace's wall. The rustic warmth of the room is enhanced by a pair of natural-inspired wall sconces, and an image of a landscape above the mantel.

Repurposed wooden beams will give a unique appearance to any room. They can be left as is or stained to complement your existing decor or distressed and carved to give them an antique look. They can be painted to give them a more modern look or covered with faux finishes like marbling paint or rust.

The wooden beams can serve as the focal element of any fireplace. They can be placed over a freestanding gas, electric or ventless fireplace or be integrated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can also be used to highlight a mantel without a fire burning.

Whatever method you choose to install your beams, make sure that they are protected adequately from the effects of fire. Both materials can become fragile in extreme heat. However, they can be strengthened by a layer of fire-resistant drywall. These products can be found at most home improvement shops.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can create an impressive statement when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens the space while blending with any style of decor from traditional to modern. The matte finish is ideal to create a polished and sleek appearance, while also adding a pop of contrast to make the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles also work well with different textures to create a more individual look. Stone-look tiles are a popular choice that gives the space an old-fashioned, rustic feel. They also look great with natural materials like wood. Marble-look tile is another timeless option that provides an elegant and luxurious look to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting sunlight and brightening the space.

The proper tile pattern can improve the entire look 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 a handcrafted look to the space, balancing the modern organic style fireplace with the overall style of the room.

If you're not sure about putting your faith in a patterns in your home, a fireplace is an excellent place to try out a bold pattern that could be a bit intimidating in other areas of the house. The geometric tile with its black grout provides this area with an elegant, yet fun feel. The hexagonal shapes fit together like cubes to create a fascinating layout, while the deep brown color biofireplace provides an inviting and warm aesthetic that complements the industrial decor in this space.

Tile that looks like brick or other materials you are familiar with is another option to create an impact on your fireplace. This texture tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance to brick, however, it is much easier to clean and maintain.

Consider using a peel-and-stick tile to modernize your fireplace surround without costing you a dime. These options are heat-resistant and therefore suitable for fireplaces shop and can stick to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is an excellent alternative that will add an elegant feel to any living space while coordinating beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

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

If your mantel is made of wood, first inspect it for cracks, nicks and gouges. Fill in the dents with wood putty, if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the time recommended. Before painting, sand the surface with 100-grit sandpaper to roughen it up. Wipe the surface that has been sanded with a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or dust.

While white is a popular choice for fireplaces and walls, the right shade can make your mantel stand out. For inspiration, take a look at the trims of wood on your bookcases, moldings, and walls. Do they use the same color as your mantel or is it a lighter or a darker hue? If you opt for the latter option, pick one that blends well with the other shades in the room to ensure it looks balanced.

Protect the area around you with a dropcloth or sheets before you begin painting. Clear off the mantel, taking out any showpieces or decorations that may be hung above it. Take away any ornaments or pictures placed around or on the fireplace made of brick. When the mantel is clean then wipe it clean with a a damp cloth to clean off any soot or dust that has built up.

Apply a basecoat with brushes or rollers to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish lasts and stain-resistant, ensuring that your mantel is able to stand up well to the heat of the fireplace and any other objects placed on it. Allow the primer to completely dry, in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer, before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.

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