Decorating Ideas for a Little Black Wood Stove

Metal Artwork

• Metal artwork pieces are easy to find and often affordable. Look for pieces that include leaves or scenes of nature to decorate a cabin space. Choose something eclectic and funky to jazz up the wall behind the stove in a loft space or apartment. Another option is to look for a piece that combines different colors and types of metal, such as copper, brass and steel, to accentuate the wall and serve as a backdrop that makes the stove stand out.

Wall Fountain

• Combine the elements of fire and water by adding a wall fountain behind the stove. Look for a tall fountain shaped like a panel that has a width that's close to that of the stove. Keep the fountain about 6 inches shorter than the bottom of the stovepipe to allow sufficient clearance. Another alternative is to find two narrow panel-shaped fountains and use them to flank the right and left sides of the stove. Add track lighting from the ceiling or above the fountain to light the fire and water vignette for a nice effect at night.

Wrought Iron Gate

• Use a wrought iron gate to decorate the wall space behind the stove. The height will add a vertical element that blends with the base of the stove and the pipe. Plus, since both structures are metal, they will coordinate well. You might run across a bargain at a salvage yard that only needs a coat of spray paint. You could also skip painting all together and go for a rustic look.

Fireplace Screens and Grates

• Repurpose a fireplace screen or grate as artwork to hang on the wall behind the fireplace. Look for items that have stamped metal designs and decorative treatments. If the screen is hinged, you might unscrew the panels and hang them at different heights. You could even paint the wall behind the stove in a color that contrasts with the main wall color. This will make the assemblage of the stove and grates or screen stand out even more and work together as one cohesive unit.