15 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Be Ignoring Wall Fireplace

How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can give your living room an eye-catching focal point. There are numerous models to choose from and you must pick one that meets your requirements.

The most significant features are the heat output, the appearance and the controls. If you're not familiar with these elements, it's recommended to consult an expert to help select the best model.

Molded Squares

A dull stone fireplace and dull walls left this living space in need of a drastic fireplace overhaul. The new design is vibrant, attractive and makes the hearth the focal point of the room. A whitewashed fireplace and contemporary artwork above modernize the facade of the fireplace and contrast with the shelves in gray below. A few minor changes in color can also help the fireplace stand out from the wall, enhancing the charm of this fireplace design.

Base cap moldings and trim pieces are combined to create a simple, yet efficient way to frame the fireplace with a tile surround. To bring the design together select a trim design to contrast or match your other trim elements like thick casing around doors and windows. If you prefer an elegant, high-end style, choose a fluted trim to create the illusion of a mantel. For a more rustic farmhouse look, opt for dentil trim instead.

Wainscoting accent walls is a popular method to add character to the interior of a room. The same method can be employed to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards you can try a paneled material like beadboard or tongue-and-groove cedar siding to create a striking appearance.

Another non-combustible material you can build a fireplace surround is brick, which comes in a variety of styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace with red accents is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. A rustic-look brick can also be used to complement a traditional country decor.

If you want to incorporate brick into the design of your fireplace ensure that your hearth is 16 to 18 inches from the opening of the fireplace and cheap fireplaces your surround is 8 to 12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you choose conforms to all local and national building codes for security.

Open shelving is an ideal way to store books and other things. However the presence of too many shelves can ruin the look of a fireplace. The owners of this family room created a wall to ceiling limestone cladding in order to enhance the look without overwhelming open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic appearance are perfect for a fireplace wall. They add timeless beauty to any home. Reclaimed wood beams come from barns, stables and other demolished buildings. Each beam has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used in conjunction with wide plank ceiling paneling for a fully rustic design or as an accent to modern kitchens. They have the typical barn wood markings, like mortise and nail holes plus a natural aging which increases their durability.

Find salvage yards for architectural elements and flea market for reclaimed wood elements to transform into a mantel. The natural tone of pine used to accent the traditional living room surround and mantel evokes an intimate country retreat. Its knotty imperfections create a rustic appearance 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 can be an attractive accent to any room in your home. They can be left in their natural state or stained to match your existing decor, or they can be carved and distressed for an antique look. They can be painted to give them a modern look or covered with faux finishes such as rust or marbling paint.

Wooden beams can be used as a focal point in any kind of fireplace. They can be positioned above a freestanding gas or electric firesuite or ventless fireplace or they can be incorporated into a stone or brick electric fireplace. They can be used to illuminate the mantel without burning ethonal fire.

No matter which method you decide to use to mount your beams, make sure that they are protected adequately from the effects of fire. Both types of materials can be brittle and weaken in the presence of extreme heat, however both can be reinforced with a layer of bioethanol fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant that is sprayed on steel I-beams. These products are sold at most home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can make an impact when used as a fireplace surround. Its design instantly brightens the room and complements any decor, whether modern or traditional. The matte finish is ideal for a polished and clean appearance while adding a splash of contrast to make the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles can be customized by a variety of textures to create an individual appearance. Stone-look tile is a very popular choice that lends the space an authentic, rustic look while pairing beautifully with natural materials such as wood. Marble-look tile is a timeless option that adds an elegant and luxurious aesthetic to the room. These tiles feature a glossy and smooth finish that is a beautiful reflection of light and enhances the space.

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 pattern on the tile gives the whole space the look of a hand-crafted piece that balances the contemporary organic style of the fireplace with the overall modern design of the room.

If you're unsure about taking a risk with patterns in your home, a fireplace is an ideal place to test out a bold style which could be intimidating in other parts of your home. This geometric tile with its black grout gives the room an elegant yet playful feel. The hexagonal shapes fit together like cubes to create a fascinating layout, while the deep brown hue creates an inviting and warm aesthetic that is a perfect match for the industrial decor in the room.

Another method of making an impact with your fireplace is to select tiles that look like the appearance of brick or another familiar material. This textured tile, from LA Designer Affair, has an identical look to 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 surround, consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to change the appearance without breaking the bank. A majority of these options are heat-resistant and therefore safe for the fireplace and able to stick to the existing wall. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great alternative that will add an elegant look to any living space while coordinating beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace in a wall has an existing brick surround, the best method to minimize its appearance is to give it fresh coats of paint. The mantel can be painted with a different color to add warmth and personality. A new color of paint can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the color scheme of the room or pick something bold.

If the mantel is made of wood take a look at it to find gouges, cracks and nicks. If the dents are small enough to handle then fill them with wood putty and allow it to set for the recommended amount of time. Before painting paint, sand the surface using 100-grit sandpaper to roughen it up. To remove any debris or dirt wipe the sanded surfaces with a damp cloth.

While white is a popular choice for electric fireplaces and walls The right shade can really make your fireplace stand out. Look at the other wood trim, moldings and bookcases in your home for inspiration. Does your mantel match in color as theirs, or is it darker or lighter? If you decide to go with the latter, choose the color that works well with the other colors in the room to keep it looking balanced.

Before you start painting, protect the area around you with a drop cloth or sheets. Clear off the mantel and remove any decorations or showpieces that may be hung above it. Take away any ornaments or pictures that are on or around the brick fireplace. After the mantel has been cleaned, you can use a damp cloth and wipe it clean to remove any soot or dust.

Apply a basecoat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel with either a roller or brush. The semi-gloss paint is long-lasting and stain resistant, so your mantel will be able to withstand the heat of the fireplace as well as any other objects that are placed on it. Let the primer completely dry, according to the manufacturer’s instructions, before you begin painting the main wall of the fireplace.

While brick is a striking feature of a fireplace wall, it can be heavy and dark in shade. Paint the mantel with the light or neutral color to make it appear brighter and more inviting. If you decide to choose a light shade for your mantel, pair it with a work of art in earthy tones or a large mirror to complete the overall look.