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60 Must-See Fireplace Wall Ideas

60 Must-See Fireplace Wall Ideas

  • Trendey / Décor Ideas
  • by — Kari Apted

“A house with no fireplace is a house without a heart.” – Gladys Taber

A fireplace is definitely the heart of any room, but without a beautiful fireplace wall, it’s simply a heat source. The materials and decorations you place around your fireplace can turn it from a boring feature to the room’s gorgeous centerpiece.

Brick, tile, marble, or stone—all are excellent fireplace wall ideas and can be designed to coordinate with any style of home decor. Look through our gallery of stunning fireplace wall ideas for inspiration on updating the heart of your home.

Contents

1. Brick

A classic brick fireplace heats millions of homes around the world. What can you do if you tire of looking at your existing fireplace brick? Paint is one of the easiest ways to update a brick fireplace surround. Thin the paint with water and whitewash the bricks if you prefer a more subtle application.

Brick Fireplace Wall Ideas -doxey_days

Source: @doxey_days via Instagram

Brick Fireplace Wall Ideas -modernretrosoul

Source: @modernretrosoul via Instagram

Brick Fireplace Wall Ideas -ourlittlechapel

Source: @ourlittlechapel via Instagram

Brick Fireplace Wall Ideas -raakhomedesigns

Source: @raakhomedesigns via Instagram

Virtually any type of mantel will work in front of a brick fireplace surround. A thick, reclaimed wood beam is a classic mantel idea, especially with rustic or cottage decor. Update your fireplace screen to further enhance your brick fireplace’s appearance.

2. Concrete

Concrete is a fireplace idea whose time has come. Perfectly subtle paired with minimalist decor, smooth grey concrete makes a fabulous modern fireplace surround. It is possible to DIY a concrete fireplace wall, but if you’re new to working with concrete, it’s probably best to hire a contractor.

Concrete Fireplace Wall Ideas -artistic_finishes

Source: @artistic_finishes via Instagram

Concrete Fireplace Wall Ideas -clbarchitects

Source: @clbarchitects via Instagram

Concrete Fireplace Wall Ideas -dreamcastdesign

Source: @dreamcastdesign via Instagram

Concrete Fireplace Wall Ideas -hard_topix

Source: @hard_topix via Instagram

Concrete Fireplace Wall Ideas -landclanadventures

Source: @landclanadventures via Instagram

Concrete Fireplace Wall Ideas -planinteriors

Source: @planinteriors via Instagram

Concrete Fireplace Wall Ideas -surfacedesign.ca

Source: @surfacedesign.ca via Instagram

Concrete Fireplace Wall Ideas 2 -surfacedesign.ca

Source: @surfacedesign.ca via Instagram

Concrete fireplace walls can be tinted practically any color and finished with different types of glazes for a unique room accent. Make sure your contractor uses a heat-resistant type of concrete for the walls and hearth.

Concrete blocks and panels are also great materials for building an outdoor fireplace. Whether you want a basic fire pit or a full exterior fireplace wall, concrete is an excellent choice.

3. Contemporary

Contemporary fireplace ideas are currently trending, focusing on bold and modern designs. Clean, frameless openings and smooth finishes fit the contemporary definition whether they’re used on traditional or linear fireplace models.

Contemporary Fireplace Wall Ideas -kandqinteriors

Source: @kandqinteriors via Instagram

The linear fireplace represents contemporary trends in both living areas and bedrooms. As the name suggests, linear fireplaces have an elongated shape that can range from 3 feet to over 20 feet in length. Because they are fueled by natural gas, they can be installed without a chimney. Many contemporary fireplace inserts have two sides so they can be viewed from adjoining rooms.

4. DIY

A DIY fireplace makeover may be easier than you think. Update a brick or stone veneer with a layer of paint or stain, cover it with stucco for an all-new texture on your hearth and walls. Replacing the fireplace mantel is usually simple for someone with intermediate DIY skills. If your home includes farmhouse decor, build a fireplace surround out of wood planks.

DIY Fireplace Wall Ideas -cassandra_pernitsch

Source: @cassandra_pernitsch via Instagram

DIY Fireplace Wall Ideas -dash_of_white

Source: @dash_of_white via Instagram

DIY Fireplace Wall Ideas -emilyjcanterbury

Source: @emilyjcanterbury via Instagram

DIY Fireplace Wall Ideas -jilldunnfit

Source: @jilldunnfit via Instagram

DIY Fireplace Wall Ideas -mi.islandhome

Source: @mi.islandhome via Instagram

DIY Fireplace Wall Ideas -nykie_designs

Source: @nykie_designs via Instagram

DIY Fireplace Wall Ideas -palm_trees_and_plywood

Source: @palm_trees_and_plywood via Instagram

What if you really want a fireplace feature wall, but your home doesn’t have a fireplace? One option is to build a faux fireplace in the middle of your longest wall. Watch this video to see what one couple did to create an amazing electric fireplace wall in their living room:

5. With TV

Many homeowners choose to install a TV above the fireplace. It makes sense as it creates a singular focal point for the room. You must follow the directions in your fireplace manual to protect your TV from heat damage.

Fireplace Wall Ideas With TV -dwellingsinc

Source: @dwellingsinc via Instagram

Fireplace Wall Ideas With TV -generationscustomcabinetry

Source: @generationscustomcabinetry via Instagram

Fireplace Wall Ideas With TV -mother_daughter.interiors

Source: @mother_daughter.interiors via Instagram

Fireplace Wall Ideas With TV -thephillipsfarmhouse

Source: @thephillipsfarmhouse via Instagram

Pay attention to scale when choosing a TV to hang over the living room or bedroom fireplace. A screen that’s too large may dwarf the fireplace itself, while a small screen may look completely out of balance.

6. Herringbone

Named after the look of a herring fish skeleton, a herringbone pattern is one that is made up of V-shaped parallel lines. Unlike a chevron pattern, where each “v” ends in a point, the ends of herringbone planks are cut at a 90 degree angle.

Herringbone Fireplace Wall Ideas -darby.dreamhouse

Source: @darby.dreamhouse via Instagram

Herringbone Fireplace Wall Ideas -fixitright_handyman

Source: @fixitright_handyman via Instagram

Herringbone Fireplace Wall Ideas -floor_creations_inc

Source: @floor_creations_inc via Instagram

Herringbone Fireplace Wall Ideas -unlockedpotentiall

Source: @unlockedpotentiall via Instagram

Both herringbone and chevron patterns are great fireplace tile ideas when you want something a little outside the norm. Rectangular marble tile, painted shiplap planks, and bricks are all traditional fireplace materials to arrange in a herringbone pattern.

7. Mantel

A great fireplace mantel adds to your fireplace design and provides a shelf to hold candles, matches, framed photos, and holiday garlands. Plan how grand or how basic your mantel design will be based on which room it’s in and your plans to use it. A simple wooden mantel shelf may be enough in the kitchen or dining room, but a living room fireplace may call for a large mantel with columns.

Mantel Fireplace Wall Ideas -amotherdesigner

Source: @amotherdesigner via Instagram

Mantel Fireplace Wall Ideas -inpursuitofwhatishome

Source: @inpursuitofwhatishome via Instagram

Mantel Fireplace Wall Ideas -modern_woodwork

Source: @modern_woodwork via Instagram

Mantel Fireplace Wall Ideas -ourhome_114

Source: @ourhome_114 via Instagram

Mantel Fireplace Wall Ideas -thomasmachinteriors

Source: @thomasmachinteriors via Instagram

Contemporary fireplace ideas may eliminate the mantel altogether. Since modern decor is focused on minimalism, a decorated fireplace mantel may be too much for a modern styled room. However, if you have a TV mounted over the fireplace, you’ll want a mantel to help shield the screen from excessive heat exposure.

Read more: 59 Fireplace Mantel Ideas

8. Marble

Go with timeless marble if you want to create a truly elegant fireplace statement. A white fireplace with a marble surround will need frequent cleaning if it’s wood burning, therefore a gas fireplace might be more suitable for a light color scheme.

Marble Fireplace Wall Ideas -mykitchens_ottawa

Source: @mykitchens_ottawa via Instagram

Marble Fireplace Wall Ideas -ultimatestonechicago

Source: @ultimatestonechicago via Instagram

Black marble makes a dramatic statement and is a suitable material around a wood burning fireplace. Marble is available in a wide range of colors and with great variations in its veining sizes and patterns. If you love the look of marble, but a real marble stone fireplace is beyond your budget, marble tiles or even faux marble panels may provide a similar look.

9. Modern

Modern design is clean and linear with an uncluttered minimalist vibe. These are the goals you should have when deciding what kind of wall fireplace and hearth to include in a modern interior.

Modern Fireplace Wall Ideas -anna_homedesign

Source: @anna_homedesign via Instagram

Modern Fireplace Wall Ideas -eyohdesign

Source: @eyohdesign via Instagram

Modern Fireplace Wall Ideas -fiftyshadesofhome

Source: @fiftyshadesofhome via Instagram

Modern Fireplace Wall Ideas -rapsha_homes

Source: @rapsha_homes via Instagram

Modern Fireplace Wall Ideas -renovatingbungalow73

Source: @renovatingbungalow73 via Instagram

If your home already has a fireplace that isn’t modern enough for your taste, consider the following modern fireplace remodel ideas:

  • Use paint to make a black or white brick fireplace out of an old red one. 
  • Replace rustic stone veneer with smooth concrete panels.
  • Remove the traditional fireplace and replace it with a linear gas fireplace.

10. Rustic

Every rustic lodge has a fireplace and your rustic-styled home should follow the lead. An organic quarry stone fireplace warms up a rustic room while bringing outdoor elements inside. Brick and stacked stone are great materials to surround a rustic fireplace, extending it into an entire accent wall feature.

Rustic Fireplace Wall Ideas -j_hut92

Source: @j_hut92 via Instagram

Rustic Fireplace Wall Ideas -liggero51

Source: @liggero51 via Instagram

Rustic Fireplace Wall Ideas -ourpennsylvaniafarmhouse

Source: @ourpennsylvaniafarmhouse via Instagram

A simple wood mantel is probably the best choice in a rustic cottage or cabin. Stained wood paneling around the fireplace is another good way to turn a basic wall or corner fireplace into a lodge-worthy rustic accent.

11. Shiplap

Shiplap is everywhere these days, and fireplace walls are no exception. Made popular through the explosion of farmhouse style, these horizontal wood planks add a lot of texture and charm to any room.

Shiplap Fireplace Wall Ideas -red.barn_farmhouse

Source: @red.barn_farmhouse via Instagram

Shiplap Fireplace Wall Ideas -suitsandsawdust

Source: @suitsandsawdust via Instagram

Shiplap Fireplace Wall Ideas -thewillowwindow

Source: @thewillowwindow via Instagram

Shiplap is usually painted white, but may be intentionally distressed or even left bare. Completely veer beyond expectations by painting your fireplace shiplap walls deep navy blue or even black. These dark colors add a modern twist to traditional farmhouse style.

12. Stone

Stone fireplaces are just as popular as brick and can be designed to meld with any type of interior design. Natural stone comes in a huge range of colors, from light to dark, and you can find fireplace stone finishes in nearly any hue.

Stone Fireplace Wall Ideas -cassiefrenchdesigns

Source: @cassiefrenchdesigns via Instagram

Stone Fireplace Wall Ideas -solunapazdesign

Source: @solunapazdesign via Instagram

Stone Fireplace Wall Ideas -vivianrobinsdesign

Source: @vivianrobinsdesign via Instagram

Stone also provides multiple options for texture and sheen. Matte finish stone tiles, such as travertine, are great outdoor fireplace ideas. Inside, you may prefer glass-like polished granite or even a vertical arrangement of rectangular-cut flagstone.

13. Tile

Tile fireplace walls are common in Tuscan, Spanish, and other Mediterranean-style homes. Hand-painted tile is a colorful accent when applied around the fireplace opening and on the hearth.

Tile Fireplace Wall Ideas -al3xdomenici

Source: @al3xdomenici via Instagram

Tile Fireplace Wall Ideas -compton_tile

Source: @compton_tile via Instagram

Tile Fireplace Wall Ideas -greendoorhomestaging

Source: @greendoorhomestaging via Instagram

Tile Fireplace Wall Ideas -lvlprollc

Source: @lvlprollc via Instagram

Tile Fireplace Wall Ideas -mama.zmajo

Source: @mama.zmajo via Instagram

Tile Fireplace Wall Ideas -uniikdesign

Source: @uniikdesign via Instagram

Solid color architectural tiles are a great fireproof choice for all kinds of fireplace surrounds. Get creative with tile shapes, considering everything from squares, to hexagons, to arabesque configurations.

14. Wood

Wood is an economical alternative to stone and tile, and an easy way to update the walls surrounding your fireplace. Horizontal shiplap is a trendy way to add texture and interest to your fireplace, and you can mix it up by nailing the planks in a vertical or herringbone pattern.

Wood Fireplace Wall Ideas -dinakupfer

Source: @dinakupfer via Instagram

Wood Fireplace Wall Ideas -ezmountain.woodworking

Source: @ezmountain.woodworking via Instagram

Wood Fireplace Wall Ideas -francois_modernfarmhouse

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Wood Fireplace Wall Ideas -sabrina_louise_c

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Wood Fireplace Wall Ideas -sapphireandmain

Source: @sapphireandmain via Instagram

Wood panels, columns, and coffered walls are all beautiful ways to draw attention to the fireplace in a room with traditional decor. Rough wood planks or logs are excellent accents in a rustic home.

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Fireplace Wall FAQs

Can you put a TV on the wall above an open fire?

Yes, although it may seem questionable given the amount of heat a fireplace radiates. Protect your TV by directing the heat away from it. There are three primary ways to achieve this:

  • Build a recessed alcove for the TV.
  • Install a wide, thick mantel.
  • Purchase a fireplace insert with a fan to blow heat out into the room.
What can I put on my fireplace walls?

If you don’t hang a TV over your fireplace, any number of decorative accents will do. A large mirror can make your room appear brighter and larger, while a wreath adds a botanical accent. Use the walls surrounding your fireplace to showcase favorite artwork or family photos.

Kari Apted

Writer

Kari Apted is an Atlanta-based freelance writer who has been educating and entertaining readers for over 15 years.

Kari Apted is an Atlanta-based freelance writer who has been educating and entertaining readers for over 15 years.

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