Three Reasons Why You're Wall Fireplace Is Broken (And How To Repair It)

How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can give your living space a focal point that demands attention. There are a variety of designs available, however, so it is important to find one that is suitable for your needs.

The heat output, controls, and the design are among the most important features. If you're unfamiliar with these features, it's best to hire an expert to help you select the right model.

Molded Squares

This living room needed a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its outdated stone surround and boring walls. The new design is bright, eye-catching and makes this hearth the main focal point of the room. A whitewashed mantel and modern artwork above modernize the fireplace facade while contrasting with the gray shelves below. A few minor changes in color will also make the fireplace stand out from the wall, which enhances the charm of this fireplace design.

Base cap molding and thin trim pieces combine to form a simple, yet effective, method to frame the tile fireplace surround. To tie the look together select a trim design to match or contrast with your other trim elements like thick casings around windows and doors. If you're looking for a more elegant, luxurious look, you can consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of an actual mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse-style.

Accent walls with wainscoting are a common method of adding character to the interior of a room. The same method can be used to frame a fireplace. Try a paneled option like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard instead plank boards to create a dramatic look.

Another non-combustible material you can use to create a fireplace surround is brick, which is available in many different styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace with red is a popular choice for cottage-style or Craft-Revival-style homes. The rustic-look brick is an option that could be a good fit with more traditional country-style decor.

When you incorporate brick into a fireplace design, you'll want to ensure that your hearth extends 16-18 inches from the opening of the firebox and that the surround extends 8-12 inches in all directions. Make sure the material you choose conforms to all construction codes for security.

Open shelving is a great option to store books and other things however, too many shelves can make a mess of a fireplace. The owners of this family room designed the wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding in order to enhance the look without overwhelming the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic appearance make a great fireplace wall. They bring a timeless appeal to any house. Reclaimed beams of wood are made from old barns, stalls, and other buildings that have been destroyed. Each beam has its own story. Reclaimed wood can be used as an accent in modern kitchens or wide planks to give an authentic look. They are characterized by the typical marks of barn wood, like nail holes and mortise pockets and natural patina that increases their durability.

Scour salvage yards for architectural salvage as well as flea markets to find reclaimed wood elements to repurpose as a mantel or accent wall. For example, the earthy shade of pine that highlights the traditional mantel and surround is reminiscent of a cozy rural retreat. Its knotty imperfections give it a rustic feel and complement the simple lines in the beaded-board wainscoting on the wall of the fireplace. A pair of sconces inspired by nature and a painting of a landscape above the mantel add to the rustic ambiance of the room.

Repurposed wooden beams can make an attractive accent to any room in your home. They can be stained to match your current design or carved to create an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a more contemporary appearance or covered with faux finishes such as marbling paint or rust.

Wooden beams can serve as a focal point in any kind of fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel without the need for a fire. They can also be used to highlight a mantel without a fire burning.

Whatever method of installation you decide to use, make sure that your wood or steel beams are adequately protected from the potential consequences of fire. Both materials can be hard and brittle when heated to extreme temperatures. However they can be strengthened with a layer of fire-resistant drywall. These products can be found in most home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can make an impact when used as an accent for your fireplace. Its shape instantly brightens up the room and complements any decor, whether contemporary or traditional. Selecting an elegant matte finish for the tiles is the best way to keep that neat and polished look while adding some contrast to make the fireplace sparkle.

Hex tiles can be customised with a variety of textures for an individual look. Stone-look tiles are a popular choice that give the room an old-fashioned, rustic feel. They also go well with natural materials, such as wood. Marble-look tile is another classic option that gives an elegant and luxurious aesthetic to the space. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting the light and brightening the space.

The right tile pattern can elevate the entire look of the fireplace. For  ethanol fireplaces , the ribbed tile on this fireplace by @lorenapulichinodesign creates an interesting visual element that pairs beautifully with the smooth, thick mantel. The patterned tile adds a unique the look of a hand-crafted piece that balances the contemporary organic style of the fireplace, and the overall contemporary design of the room.

If you're not sure about making a design risk in your home The fireplace is a great spot to experiment with a bold design. It could be intimidating for other areas. This geometric tile with its black grout gives the room an elegant and playful look. The hexagonal shapes work as cubes to create an exciting layout, while the dark brown color provides an inviting and warm aesthetic that works with the industrial decor in this space.

Tiles that resemble brick or other materials you are familiar with is another option to create an impact with your fireplace. This textured tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look as brick but is much simpler to maintain and clean.

If you're not ready commit to a full-scale remodel of your fireplace's surround, consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to update the look without spending a fortune. These options are heat-resistant which makes them suitable for fireplaces and can be bonded to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is a great option that will add a sense of elegance to any living space, and will look great with traditional furnishings.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the most effective method to hide the brick surround of a wall-mounted fireplace. The mantel can be painted a different colour to add warmth and personality. A new color of paint can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the scheme of color in the room or pick something striking.

If your mantel is constructed from wood, first check it for cracks, nicks and gouges. If the dents are small enough to be able to handle then fill them with wood putty and let it set for the recommended amount of time. Before painting you can sand the surface 100-grit sandpaper in order to rough it up. To get rid of any debris or dirt, wipe down the surfaces you have sanded with a damp cloth.

While white is a popular option for fireplaces and walls but the right color can make your mantel stand out. For inspiration, examine the wood trims on your bookcases, mouldings, and walls. Do they use the same hue as your mantel or is it a lighter or darker hue? If you choose the latter option, pick a color that will work well with the other colors in the room to ensure it looks balanced.

Cover the area around you by using sheets or a dropcloth prior to when you begin painting. Remove any decorative items or showpieces that might have been placed over the mantel. Take away any ornaments or pictures that are around or on the fireplace made of brick. Once the mantel is cleaned, use a damp cloth and wipe it down to remove any dust or soot.

Apply a basecoat with a roller or brush to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish lasts and stain-resistant, ensuring that your mantel will stand up well to the heat from the fireplace, as well as other items placed on it. Allow the primer to completely dry, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, before you begin painting the main wall of the fireplace.

While the brick is a striking feature of a fireplace wall, it can be quite heavy and dark in hue. Paint the mantel with the light or neutral color to make it appear lighter and more inviting. If you opt for a light shade for your mantel, match it with a piece of art with earthy tones or a large mirror to complement the look.