20 Fun Infographics About Wall Fireplace

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, it is essential to choose one that meets your needs.

Some of the most important features include the output of heat as well as the appearance and controls. If you're unfamiliar with these features, it's recommended to consult a professional to help you select the best model.

Molded Squares

This living room needed an impressive fireplace overhaul due to its old-fashioned stone fireplaces surround and boring walls. The new style is bright, eye-catching and makes the hearth the main focal point of the room. A whitewashed fireplace and contemporary artwork above modernize the fireplace facade while contrasting with the shelves in gray below. A few color changes can also help the fireplace stand out from the wall, enhancing the appeal of this fireplace design.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces are combined to create a simple, yet effective, method to frame the fireplace surround. To bring the design together pick a trim style to contrast with or complement the other trim elements like thick casing around windows and doors. If you're looking for a more elegant, high-end look, 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.

Accent walls with wainscoting are a popular method to add the look of rooms. The same method can be used to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards however, try a paneled product like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard to create a striking appearance.

Brick is another non-combustible option to use as the fireplace surround. It is available in various styles and colors. A traditional red brick fireplace is a traditional choice for cottage-style or Craft Revival style homes. A rustic-look brick can also be used to enhance a traditional country style.

If you want to incorporate brick into your fireplace design ensure that your hearth is 16 to 18 inches away from the opening of the firebox, and the surround is 8 to 12 inches wide in all directions. Make sure the material you select is safe and conforms to all national and local codes.

Open shelves are a great way to store books and other items However, too many shelves could overwhelm the look of a fireplace. The owners of this family room designed a wall to ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the look without overpowering open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wood beams are the perfect frame for a wall fireplace. They add a timeless look to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood are reclaimed from barns, stalls, and other buildings that were destroyed. Each beam is unique and has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used as an accent in modern kitchens, or with wide planks of paneling to create a rustic look. They are characterized by the typical markings of barn wood, like nail holes and mortise pockets, plus a natural patina that enhances their durability.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage as well as flea markets to find reclaimed wood elements that can be used for a mantel or an accent wall. For example, the earthy shade of pine that highlights this traditional living room mantel and surround is reminiscent of the feeling of a rustic, cozy retreat. Its knotty imperfections give it a rustic feel and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that is on the fireplace's wall. The rustic warmth of this space is enhanced by a pair of natural-inspired wall sconces, as well as a landscape picture above the mantel.

Repurposed Wooden Fireplaces beams can provide an attractive accent to any room in your home. 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 also be painted to give modern appearance, or they can be covered with faux finishes like rust or marbled paint.

The wooden beams are able to serve as the central point of any fireplace. They can be positioned above a freestanding gas or ventless or electric fireplace or they can be incorporated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can be used to highlight the mantel without a burning fire.

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

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a striking effect as a surround for a fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens up the space while blending with any style of decor, from traditional to modern. Selecting matte finishes for the tiles is the best way to keep that neat and polished look while adding some contrast that makes the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can also be combined with various textures for a more personalized look. Stone-look tiles are a popular choice that give the room an old-fashioned, rustic feel. They also look great with natural materials like wood. Marble-look tiles are another timeless option that provides an elegant and luxurious look to the space. These tiles have a smooth and glossy finish that is a beautiful reflection of light and brightens the space.

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 patterned tile gives the whole space an artistic look that balances the modern fireplace organic style of the fireplace and the overall contemporary design of the room.

If you're not sure about taking a risk with design in your home, a fireplace is an excellent place to try out a bold design that might be intimidating in other parts of the house. The geometric tile with its black grout gives this space an elegant, yet fun feel. The hexagonal shapes resemble cubes to create an exciting layout. The dark brown color creates a warm, inviting aesthetic that complements the industrial style.

Another option to make a statement with your fireplace is to select tiles that have the look of brick or another popular material. This textured tile, from LA Designer Affair, has an identical look to brick, but has the added benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.

If you're not ready to make a major overhaul of your fireplace surround, consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to change the look without costing you a fortune. A lot of these options are heat resistant which means they are safe for the fireplace and able to be affixed to the existing wall. 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 on the wall has an existing brick surround, the most effective method to minimize its appearance is to give it a fresh coat of paint. Painting the mantel a different color also adds warmth and personality to the space. A new color of paint can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the overall color scheme of the room or choose something bold.

If the mantel is made of wood be sure to check it for gouges, cracks, and nicks. Fill in the dents with wood putty if they are small enough. Allow it to dry for the amount of time recommended. Sand the surface with 100-grit paper to roughen it up before painting. Wipe the surface that has been sanded with a damp cloth to remove any remaining dirt or debris.

White is a popular shade for walls and fireplaces. However the right shade will make your fireplace stand out. For ideas, take a look at the trims of wood on your bookcases, mouldings, and walls. Do they have the same shade as your mantel? Or is it a darker or lighter shade? If the latter, pick a color that coordinates well to keep the room looking balanced.

Before you begin painting, protect the area around you with a drop cloth or sheets. Remove the mantel and remove any decorative pieces or displays that might be hanging above it. If your fireplace is made of brick, take away any pictures or ornaments that are placed on or within it. Once the mantel is cleaned, take a damp cloth and wipe it clean to remove any dust or soot.

Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel using the use of a roller or brush. The semi-gloss finish lasts and stain-resistant, which means that your mantel will stand up well to the heat generated by the fireplace as well as any other items that are placed on it. Allow the primer to dry in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer prior to moving onto the main part of your fireplace's wall.

The brick can be quite heavy in both weight and color. Paint the mantel with a light color or neutral to make it appear lighter and more inviting. If you decide to choose a light color, consider pairing it with an earthy-toned artwork or a large mirror above it to balance the look.