20 Fun Informational Facts About Wall Fireplace

How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace will provide your living space with an attractive focal point. There are many different designs available, however, so it is important to find one that will meet your requirements.

The heat output, controls and the appearance are just a few of the important features. If you're not familiar with these features, it's recommended to seek out an expert to help you select the right model.

Molded Squares

A dull stone fireplace and dull walls made this living space in need of a drastic fireplace makeover. With a few tweaks to the design, the new look is vibrant and striking making the hearth a central feature in the room. A whitewashed mantel for the fireplace and contemporary art above the fireplace modernize the appearance of the façade and the shelves in gray below contrast. A few minor changes in color also help the facade stand out from the wall, adding the charm of this fireplace design.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces join to form a simple, yet effective, method to frame the tile fireplace surround. Select a trim style that contrasts with or complements your other trim elements, for example, the thick casing around doors and windows, to make the look more cohesive. If you prefer a more elegant, high-end look, use fluted trim to create the illusion that there is a mantel. For a more rustic, farmhouse style, use dentil trim instead.

Wainscoting accent walls is a common method of adding the look of rooms. The same technique can be used to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards you can try a paneled product like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard to create a striking appearance.

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

If you are incorporating brick in a fireplace design, it is important to be sure your hearth is 16 to 18 inches from the firebox opening and that your surround reaches 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Make sure the brick you select is safe and meets all codes of the local and national level.

Open shelving can be excellent for storing books and other items. However having too many shelves can obstruct the look of the fireplace. For this family room, the homeowners designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to enhance the appearance of the fireplace without overwhelming the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams that have a rustic style are ideal for a fireplace wall. They are timeless and beautiful to any home. Reclaimed wood beams are reclaimed from barns, stalls, and other buildings that have been destroyed. Each beam carries with it its own unique history. Reclaimed wood can be used as a feature in modern kitchens or wide planks to give a rustic look. They have the typical barn wood markings, such as mortise and nail holes as well as a natural aging process which increases their longevity.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea markets to find reclaimed wood elements to repurpose as a mantel or accent wall. The earthy tone of pine used as a backdrop for this traditional living room's surround and mantel evokes a cozy country retreat. Its knotty imperfections give it a rustic look and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that is on the fireplace wall. The rustic warmth of the room is accentuated by a pair of natural-inspired wall sconces and a landscape picture above the mantel.

Repurposed wood beams will give a unique appearance to any room. They can be stained to match your existing decor or carved for an antique look. They can also be painted to give a more contemporary appearance, or they can be covered with faux finishes, such as rust or marbled paint.

The wooden beams can serve as the focal feature of any fireplace. They can be placed above a freestanding gas or electric or ventless fireplace or incorporated into a stone or brick fireplace. They can be used to illuminate the mantel without burning fire.

Whatever method you choose to install your beams, ensure that they are protected adequately from the effects of fire. Both materials can be brittle in extreme heat. However, they can be strengthened by a layer fire-resistant drywall. These products are available in most home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tiles can be used to create a striking effect as an accent for fireplaces. Its shape instantly enhances the space while complementing any style of decor from modern to traditional. Selecting a matte finish for the tiles is the best way to keep that neat and polished look, while adding some color to make the fireplace sparkle.

Hex tiles also work well with a variety of texture choices for a more customized appearance. Stone-look tile is a popular option that gives the space an authentic, rustic look while pairing beautifully with natural materials like wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tile, which adds an elegant and luxurious look to the space. These tiles have a smooth and glossy finish that reflects light beautifully and enhances the space.

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

If you're not sure about taking a risk with a pattern in your home the fireplace is a great place to play around with an imposing design. It could be a bit intimidating for other rooms. This geometric tile with its black grout provides this area with an elegant and playful look. The hexagonal shapes fit together like cubes to create a fascinating layout, while the deep brown color provides an inviting and warm look that complements the industrial décor in this room.

Tiles that look like brick or other common materials is another way to make an impact with your fireplace. The textured tile, which is made by LA Designer Affair, has an identical look to brick, but has the benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.

Consider using a peel-and-stick tile to modernize your fireplace surround without spending a fortune. Many of these options are heat resistant and therefore safe for fireplaces electric and able to stick to the existing wall. 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

A fresh coat of paint is the ideal method to cover the brick surround on the wall of a fireplace suite. Paint the mantel in a different hue also adds warmth and character to the space. Whether you choose to match it with the color scheme of your room or go for something bold or bold, a new color will make your fireplace stand out as a stunning feature.

If your mantel is made of wood, first inspect it for cracks, nicks, and gouges. If the dents aren't enough to be handled then 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 in order to rough it up. To get rid of any dirt or debris, wipe down the surfaces that have been sanded with a damp cloth.

While white is a popular choice for walls and fireplaces but the right color can make your mantel stand out. Look at the other wood trims, moldings, and bookcases in your home to get ideas. Does your mantel match in color as theirs, or is it darker or lighter? If you opt for the latter option, select one that blends well with the other hues in the room to keep it looking balanced.

Before you start painting, cover the area around you with a drop cloth or sheets. Clean the mantel and remove any showpieces or decorations that are hanging over it. If your fireplace electric is brick, get rid of any pictures or ornaments that are placed on or within it. Once the mantel has been cleaned, use a damp cloth and wipe it clean to remove any soot or dust.

Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with a brush or roller. The semi-gloss paint is durable and stain-resistant, so your mantel will stand up to the heat of the fireplace stove, as well as other items that are placed on it. Let the primer completely dry, according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.

While brick is an attractive feature of a fireplace's wall it can be a bit heavy and dark in color. Painting the mantel an even or light color can make it look brighter and more inviting for guests. If you choose a light color for your mantel, you can pair it with a piece of artwork in earthy tones, or a large wall mirror to complete the overall look.