Fireplace Ideas to Decorate Your Living Room (Updated for 2024)

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Your fireplace is the focal point of your living room, which affects the interior design and layout of your furniture and décor. Decorating a fireplace can be challenging because many people find themselves over or under-decorating the space. Below are some fireplace ideas for a well-decorated living room add sufficient dimension, personality and interest to this focal point. 

1. Decorate the Mantel 

The mantel is prime real estate for your home décor favorites. You should decorate it in a way that makes the area more inviting while ensuring it blends with your interior design aesthetic. 

Before you start placing random decor items on and around your mantle, you must consider the architectural style, materials, paint colors and texture of the fireplace.

Here are a few unique and creative fireplace ideas for decorating the mantel:

• Get festive: Decorate your mantel with garland and seasonal décor during the holidays. Candle holders, vases and small sculptures add a personal flair.
• Add commemorative pieces: Decorate with photos and displays from loved ones. Collectible art can also tie the space together. 
• Make an accent wall: Apply limewash or veneer to the brick. Textured paints and metallic wall finishes create a good contrast against other walls. 
• Use live plants: Place potted greenery on the ledge. These florals can improve your aesthetic and your wellbeing.

2. Hang Decorative Mirrors

Mirrors can add dimension to your room and elevate your space. If you hang a mirror opposite a window, you can create more natural light in your living room. They also add depth to a small space, making it look larger than it is and creating a more inviting atmosphere. 

You can get an oversized mirror to make a statement above your mantel. Another option is to decorate with smaller mirrors for a cozier feel. Here are a few key aspects to consider when choosing decorative mirrors for your fireplace:

• Add contrast: Have a classic rectangular fireplace? Hanging round, oval or abstract mirrors can ease the edges and improve its overall look.
• Lean the looking glass: Try to slant and rest mirrors on the mantel to add height or dimension to the space. 
• Use framed mirrors: Metal gold or silver framed mirrors offer a sleek or polished look. Meanwhile, wood frames for rustic and traditional interior design styles. If you have multiple reflectors, make sure the outlines match one another. 

3. Angle Your Furniture

Angle your furniture toward your fireplace to add an intimate feel to your room. If you hang your television above your mantle, you’ll want to arrange the seating so you can comfortably view it. 

An ideal spot for your furniture is about two to three feet from the fireplace to ensure it doesn’t get too hot or too cold. Another great idea is to create an L shape with your furniture for a more intimate feel to your living room that deviates a little from the fireplace. 

If your fireplace isn’t in the center of your living room, you can create a cozy corner with your furniture surrounding it to fashion a nook around it. You can also use your fireplace as a divider that creates different zones, such as an entertainment area and another one for lounging. 

4. Add Some Bookshelves 

Bookshelves can bring any mundane room to life with additional shelves for decorations or books. Adding bookshelves is one of the best fireplace ideas to enhances the depth and dimension of the entire wall. Fill them with whatever you like, but ensure they match the vibe you choose for your mantel. 

For small living rooms, ensure enough natural light hits your bookshelves so they don’t cramp the room or overwhelm your walls. You can paint the bookshelves in a color that matches the surrounding walls or add a layer of decor with patterned wallpaper in the backing.

5. Play With Patterns

Replace your fireplace frame or paint the tile of your fireplace to make it stand out or blend in. Soft neutral colors will go with any vibe you choose for your living room. Bold prints and patterns can emphasize your fireplace and ensure that it remains the room’s focal point. 

You can use patterns on your rugs, furniture, and fireplace that contrast or complement the background to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Some best practices when choosing the right patterns for your fireplace include:

• Use textured paint or wallpaper: These types of changes can centralize your fireplace like a frame. You can use muted colors to ensure flames will still stand out.
• Frame your favorite wallpaper prints: Placing big floral prints, gaudy color contrasts and complex geometrics in a frame above your fireplace can take it to the next level.
• Paint the chimney breast: Pick out colors that complement the room’s colors. If the whole space is warm, keep the theme up with reds, orange and yellows. That way, it stays cohesive all year round.

6. Add Extra Storage

Add extra storage around and above the mantle to make your fireplace area more functional. Use floating shelves that hold decor pieces and functional items like lighters to create an open and light feel. 

Floor-to-ceiling built-ins create a seamless, streamlined and modern look that allows you to store a variety of items. Symmetrical storage space on either side of the fireplace creates a more traditional look, while asymmetrical storage space helps maximize your available space.

You can add interest by adding shelving or built-in storage on one side of the fireplace and a long, vertical space for firewood storage. Fill the space with firewood logs that make it easy to light up your fireplace and add texture and an earthy aesthetic to the space. 

Have Fun Decorating a Room With a Fireplace

These fireplace ideas can transform your home into a haven for you to enjoy. Apply the tips above to elevate the aesthetic of your home and make your living space with a fireplace more inviting and comfortable. You can even combine most of these like angling your furniture, hanging decorative mirrors and playing with patterns to create a space that you’ll want to spend more time in. 

Original Publish Date 2/19/2023 — Updated 11/19/2024