How to Decorate a Large Wall Over a Fireplace

Fireplace Wall

A fireplace is the focal point of a room. They add warmth and are even a selling feature. The fireplace might have been one of the reasons you chose your apartment or home. If you have a large TV in your room, the fireplace can get lost. You can decorate the large wall over the fireplace to draw attention back to where it should be.

Things You'll Need

• Paint
• Artwork
• Personal Collections

Instructions

Decorate a Fireplace Wall

1. Continue your building materials onto the wall. Your fireplace might be made out of stone or granite. Continue this material onto the large wall over the fireplace. This prevents the wall from being chopped up. It will add height to your space and serve as a focal point.

2. Spruce up your TV. You may want a formal living room while your spouse wants a comfortable place to watch TV. You probably don't want the TV to be the focal point of your room. Many builders make nooks over the fireplace to place TVs. Bridge the gap between decorating and functionality by making your TV beautiful. Build an elaborate wood frame around your flat screen so it looks like a piece of artwork.

3. Beware of mirrors. Hanging a large mirror might seem like it will take up the right amount of space on your fireplace wall. Depending on the height of the fireplace people may not be able to see into the mirror. In older homes, the large wall over the fireplace is often taken up entirely by mirror. Place wood trim around the mirror so it looks more contemporary.

4. Go with a traditional look. When you think of how to decorate the wall over the fireplace, you probably think of hanging artwork. This adds a splash of color to the wall while showcasing your personal style. A large painting will add more drama to your wall than a smaller piece. It will also be in scale against an expansive open space. If you live in an apartment, you might not be allowed to hang artwork. Lean your painting against your mantel to add art in a rental.

5. Add in storage space. This will make your room seem more like a modern den or library. If you have a large wall over the fireplace, then hire a contractor to build shelves across the area. This allows you to showcase your books and small picture frames.

6. Use wall treatments. Your fireplace might not have a mantel. It may get lost in the room. Make the fireplace wall the focus of the room. Paint this wall a different color--such as red or purple--to draw the eye to the fireplace. You can decorate the wall above the fireplace by wallpapering it. This adds texture to the room without being overwhelming. When you decide to remove the paper, it will be a smaller project than having to take down an entire room of wallpaper.

7. Layer your accessories. Whatever you place on your mantle will help decorate the wall. Use different heights of accessories. Place candles on large candle sticks or pedestals so they don't get lost. Put like items together so they tell a story.

References

• Fireplace Decorating