7 Things About Wall Fireplace You’ll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing

How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A fireplace on the wall can create your living room an attractive focal point that requires 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 as well as the appearance and controls. If you’re not familiar with these elements, it’s best to hire an expert to help you pick the right model.

Molded Squares

A worn-out stone fireplace surround and bland walls left this living space in need of a major fireplace revamp. The new look is bright, appealing and makes the hearth the focal point of the room. A whitewashed fireplace mantel and contemporary art above the fireplace modernizes the facade while the shelves that are gray below provide a stark contrast. A few color changes also help the facade stand out from the wall, enhancing the beauty of this fireplace design.

Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces create a simple, yet efficient way to frame the fireplace with a tile surround. To connect the look select a trim design to contrast or match the other trim elements, like thick casings around doors and windows. If you’re looking for an elegant, luxurious look, you can consider using fluted trim around the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of a real mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse style.

Accent walls with wainscoting are an extremely popular way to add character to the interior of a room. The same technique can also be used to frame a fireplace. Instead of using plank boards you can try a paneled material like beadboard or tongue-and-groove cedar siding to create a striking look.

Another non-combustible material you can build the fireplace surround is brick, which comes in many different styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace in red is a traditional choice for Craft Revival-style or cottage-style homes. Rustic-look brick is also an option that could be a good fit with more traditional country-style decor.

When incorporating brick in a fireplace design, you’ll need 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 material you choose is safe and conforms to all national and local codes.

Open shelving is a great way to store books and other things however, too many shelves can overwhelm the look of a fireplace. The owners of this family room designed a wall to ceiling limestone cladding to improve the look of the room without overpowering open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wood beams make the ideal frame for a fireplace on the wall. They add a timeless beauty to any house. Reclaimed wood beams come from old barns, stables and other demolished structures. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can also be used as an accent in modern kitchens, or with wide planks of paneling to create an authentic look. They are characterized by the typical markings of barn wood, such as mortise and nail holes, plus natural patina that increases their durability.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage as well as flea markets for reclaimed wooden elements to repurpose as a mantel or accent wall. For example the earthy hue of pine that accents the traditional mantel and surround creates an idyllic rural setting. The knotty imperfections of the wood give it a rustic look and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting on the fireplace’s wall. The rustic warmth of the room is accentuated by a pair inspired by nature wall sconces, and 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 as-is or stained to match the decor of your home, or they can be cut and distressed to create an antique appearance. They can also be painted for modern appearance, or they can be covered with faux finishes like marbled paint or rust.

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

Whichever method you decide to use to mount your beams, make sure that they are protected adequately from the effects of fire. Both types of material are susceptible to becoming brittle and weakening when exposed to extreme heat, but both can be reinforced with 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 shops.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can make an impressive statement when used as a fireplace surround. Its shape instantly brightens the space while blending with any style of decor, from traditional to modern. The choice of an elegant matte finish for the tiles is a great way to keep that neat and polished look, while also adding some color to make the fireplace sparkle.

Hex tiles can also be combined with various textures to create a more individual look. Stone-look tile is a popular choice that gives the room a classic, rustic feel while blending beautifully with natural materials like wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tile, which adds an elegant and luxurious appearance to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting light and brightening up 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 a handcrafted look to the space, balancing the modern organic style fireplace with the overall design of the room.

If you’re unsure about taking a risk with patterns in your home, a fireplace is the perfect place to test out a bold design that might be intimidating in other areas of the house. This geometric tile with its black grout gives the room an elegant and playful look. The hexagonal shapes resemble cubes to create a stimulating layout. The dark brown color creates an inviting and warm aesthetic that is perfect for industrial decor.

Tiles that resemble brick or other materials you are familiar with is another way to make an impact on your fireplace. This textured tile, from LA Designer Affair, has the same look as brick, but has the added benefit of being much easier to clean and maintain.

If you’re not ready to take on a complete remodel of your fireplace’s surround, think about applying a peel and stick tile to update the appearance without breaking the bank. These options are heat-resistant, making them suitable for fireplaces as well as able to stick to existing surfaces. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a great option for adding the look of a room. It also looks great with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace in a wall has an existing brick surround, the best way to downplay its appearance is with fresh coats of paint. The mantel can be painted with a different colour to add warmth and character. A new paint color can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the scheme of color in the room or choose something striking.

If your mantel is made of wood take a look at it to find gouges, cracks and scratches. Fill in the dents using wood putty, if they’re small enough. Allow it to dry for the amount of time recommended. Sand the surface with 100-grit paper to roughen it up prior to painting. Clean the surface using a damp cloth to remove any remaining dirt or dust.

While white is a popular option for fireplaces and walls, the right shade can really make your fireplace stand out. For ideas, take a take a look at the wood trim on your bookcases, mouldings, and walls. Do they use the same shade as your mantel, or is it a darker or lighter hue? If you opt for the latter, choose the color that works well with the other colors in the room to keep it looking balanced.

Cover the area around you with sheets or a dropcloth before you begin painting. Clean the mantel and remove any showpieces or decorations that may be hung above it. If your fireplace is made of brick, take away any pictures or ornaments that are on or around it. Once the mantel has been cleaned, you can use a damp cloth and wipe it clean to remove any soot or dust.

Apply a basecoat with the brush or roller to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish is long-lasting and fireplacesandstove.com stain-resistant, ensuring that your mantel is able to stand up well to the heat from the fireplace as well as any other objects placed on it. Let the primer dry, according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.

The brick can be quite heavy in color and weight. Paint the mantel in the light or neutral color to make it appear lighter and more inviting. If you choose a light color for your mantel, match it with a piece art with earthy tones or a large wall mirror to complete the look.