Are you wondering how to highlight the beauty of your fireplace? Maybe you've come across striking wallpaper designs but aren't sure how to use them to bring out your fireplace’s charm.

Fireplaces are already natural focal points. But the right wallpaper can frame that feature, lift the space, and tie the whole room together. Whether you’re after balance, calm, or something with a bit of energy, there’s a wallpaper out there that will work.

Let’s explore some favourite ideas.

Can You Put Wallpaper Around a Fireplace?

Yes, you can wallpaper around a fireplace, but choose your materials carefully.

Some wallpapers are made from flammable fibres or polymers. That doesn't mean you need specialist wallpaper, but you should take care with application.

Keep in mind:

• Avoid loose edges or overlaps near the fire.
• Don’t block ventilation ducts.
• Use a fireguard to prevent contact with flames.

If your wallpaper is firmly applied and your fireplace is ventilated correctly, most designs are perfectly safe. If you’re worried about soot, bioethanol fireplaces might be worth exploring. They produce no smoke, no ash, and make decorating easier.

Tips for Choosing a Feature Wallpaper

A wipeable surface will help with maintenance, especially if your fireplace is in regular use. But if you spot soot on your wallpaper, it might be time to get the chimney checked: poor draw could be the cause.

Some people build the entire room’s colour palette around their chosen wallpaper. If you’re using a bold pattern, pull softer tones from the design for your furniture and flooring. That way, everything feels coordinated, even when the wallpaper is the star.

How to Wallpaper a Chimney Breast

Source: living4media.pl

There are two common approaches, and the right one depends on the type of wallpaper you’re using.

Option 1: Centralise the pattern.

Measure the centre of the chimney breast and line it up with the focal point of your wallpaper design. Then paper outward from the middle.

Option 2: Centralise the seam.

Instead of using the design’s centre, align two wallpaper seams with the centre of the fireplace. It’s often easier with abstract or repeat patterns.

In both cases, press the seams firmly with a roller to keep things smooth.

1. Maximalise the Chimney

Gone are the days of plain walls and beige everything. Now it’s big prints, bold contrasts, and expressive design.

Wallpaper lets you bring drama to your room without the permanence of paint. A large floral or geometric pattern focused on the chimney breast adds character and helps draw the eye straight to the fire.

If the rest of the room stays simple, even a bold wallpaper won’t feel overpowering.

2. Highlight the Facing Above the Fireplace

Source: homebuilding.co.uk

If full coverage feels like too much, try applying wallpaper just to the facing above your fire.

Pair it with paint in a complementary shade for the surrounding walls. This lets the wallpaper sing while keeping the room calm and balanced.

This approach works especially well with premium or patterned papers, you get the impact without blowing the budget.

3. Use Wallpaper on Shelving Panels

The empty wall space beside chimney breasts is ideal for built-in shelves. And the back of those shelves? That’s your secret weapon.

Papering just the rear panels adds a touch of colour or pattern behind your books, plants or ornaments. It’s an unexpected detail that adds polish and personality.

And since it uses very little paper, it’s a great low-risk design move.

Thinking of switching to a fireplace that’s easy to style around? Bioethanol models offer clean lines, no chimney, and more design freedom.

4. Frame the Wallpaper with Panelling

If you’re not quite ready to go bold, consider framing your wallpaper with wooden panels.

Use moulding to build simple frames on or beside your fireplace, and paper inside them. Choose a soft neutral paint to surround the wallpaper and balance the look.

This trick makes even loud patterns feel curated. And if you change your mind later, it’s easy to swap the paper out.

5. Paint the Chimney Breast to Complement the Wallpaper

Source: helenklloyd.com

For a softer approach, wallpaper the walls beside the chimney breast and keep the breast itself painted.

Choose a colour that echoes one of the tones in your wallpaper. This keeps the overall scheme tied together while letting the chimney breast feel like its own feature.

If your fireplace sits flush against the wall, this trick can help it stand out without needing structural changes.

6. Create a Feature Wall Behind a Freestanding Fire

No chimney breast? No problem.

Freestanding fireplaces, especially bioethanol models, can sit wherever suits your layout. So why not pick your wall first, and build your design around it?

Wallpaper makes a fantastic backdrop. Think nature prints, cityscapes or soft metallics, something that sets the tone for the whole space.

Want the freedom to move your fireplace? Explore freestanding bioethanol models and see what’s possible.

7. Wallpaper the Entire Room

Source: housebeautiful.com

Who says wallpaper has to stay on one wall?

If your chosen pattern isn’t too heavy, try wrapping the whole room, fireplace included. This creates a cohesive feel and stops the chimney breast from feeling like it was added on later.

Try:

• Natural textures for warmth
• Metallic prints for luxury
• Soft tones for a calming effect

Done right, full-room wallpaper can feel sophisticated and serene.

8. Build a Chimney Breast with Stud Walls

If your room lacks a natural fireplace, build one. A simple stud wall can form a chimney breast: ideal for styling, even if you don’t need a working flue.

Pair it with a bioethanol fireplace, which burns clean and needs no chimney. You get real flame, easy installation, and total styling freedom.

Learn how bioethanol fireplaces work and why they’re ideal for feature wall designs.

9. Wallpaper the Fireplace Recess

A chimney breast with an empty recess doesn’t have to go to waste.

Line the inside with wallpaper to create a small, styled nook. Add plants, candles or logs for a natural, layered effect. It’s a great way to add visual depth, even without a working fire.

This approach blends decoration with function and turns unused space into a design moment.

Make Your Fireplace More Attractive with Wallpaper

​​Wallpaper offers an easy way to elevate your fireplace, from subtle styling to statement designs. And with the right approach, you can frame your fire beautifully without losing balance in the room.

If you're planning a refresh, remember that bioethanol fireplaces work well with almost any style. No soot, no smoke, and no need for a chimney: just real flame and a clean, flexible design.

Take a look at our most popular bioethanol fireplace styles and get inspired.