Adding a little something extra to your fireplace can take it from basic to beautiful. With some small upgrades and accessories, you can create a fireplace display that becomes a stunning focal point in your home. Here are some ideas for giving your fireplace a boost with just a little extra style.
Mantels and Surrounds
An easy way to upgrade your fireplace is to install a mantel or surround. Mantels and surrounds frame the fireplace, providing an anchor for decorating and adding visual interest.
Wood Mantels
Wood mantels are a classic choice that naturally complements brick or stone fireplaces. The style of the mantel can set the tone for the whole room, from rustic beams to intricate carved designs. When choosing a mantel depth, make sure it’s proportional to the size of the firebox so the fireplace doesn’t get overwhelmed.
Stone and Brick Surrounds
Stone and brick surrounds are lovely additions to existing masonry fireplaces. The surround mimics the materials already present in the fireplace, helping it stand out as a stunning feature. For a bold statement, opt for a contrasting stone or brick color.
Tile Surrounds
Tile surrounds offer tons of design flexibility; pick a material like marble or slate and choose a pattern that suits your style. Tiles allow you to get creative with colors, shapes, and textures while also being durable and easy to clean. Arrange subway tiles vertically, or go for a geometric design.
Painted Surrounds
Don’t overlook the power of paint when it comes to fireplace surrounds. A fresh coat of paint in a color that complements your decor, like navy blue, soft green, or crisp white, can revive a dated or worn surround. Paint is also a budget-friendly way to refresh mantels and brick.
Decorative Fireplace Screens and Tools
Screens and fireplace tool sets instantly elevate the look of your hearth. Pick accessories with finishes and styles that match the rest of your living room decor.
Decorative Fire Screens
Fire screens provide a barrier that prevents embers from escaping while still letting you enjoy the ambiance of an open flame. Look for screens with decorative mesh patterns or opt for a sleek, minimalist style in materials like stainless steel, wrought iron, or bronze.
Matching Tool Sets
A set of matching poker, broom, and shovel finishes the whole fireplace look. Display them upright in a stand or hang them on hooks on the side of the mantel. Choices like black wrought iron, copper, or wooden handles complement traditional hearths, while streamlined stainless steel and brushed nickel suit contemporary spaces.
Hearth Décor and Details
The hearth, mantel, and surround offer ideal spots to stylishly show off fireplace accents.
Candles
Groupings of candles in various sizes and heights provide gorgeous flickering light around the fireplace. Place them directly on the hearth or on candle stands and lanterns for more dramatic effect. Candles shows off the texture of your mantel display.
Artwork Above the Mantel
Artfully arranged artwork makes use of the vertical space above the fireplace. Place coordinating pieces like framed botanical prints or a series of photography or paintings. For a bold accent, opt for one large statement piece in a colorful or metallic frame.
Mirrors Above the Mantel
Mirrors reflect light and make spaces feel larger, creating the illusion of a bigger room. They also beautifully bounce the glow of firelight. Choose a geometrically shaped mirror or antique-inspired one for extra style.
Natural Elements
Natural objects like driftwood, stone sculptures, starfish, shells, and air plants add organic texture. Display them on the mantel or arrange them elsewhere on the hearth for unique personality.
Personal Touches
Add special meaning to your fireplace with personal artifacts, like travel souvenirs, family photos, beloved books, or your child’s artwork. Grouped together, they make heartwarming accents.
Fireplace Mantel and Shelf Décor
The flat surface of the mantel lends itself beautifully to displaying decorative objects. A few styling tricks can take your vignette from ordinary to extraordinary.
Books
Books help convey a sense of sophistication. Stack horizontally with just the spines showing or display a combination of vertical and horizontal arrangements. Mix in objects like bookends or small plants for extra depth.
Trays
Trays elegantly corral smaller decorative items like candles, figurines, ceramic vases, shells, and more. Choose a tray with a lip to secure contents in place. Opt for a material like wood, metal, or stone that fits your decor style.
Flower Arrangements and Plants
Fresh or dried flower arrangements add a vibrant pop of color and texture. For longevity, select plants like succulents, air plants, or eucalyptus that thrive without frequent watering. Use ceramic or glass vases so condensation doesn’t damage the mantel.
Sculptural and Unique Items
Display eye-catching unique pieces like sculptures, geodes, artwork, or decorative bowls. This is a great place to showcase meaningful souvenirs and travel finds. Place taller items towards the back and lower items in front so everything is visible.
Fireplace Maintenance for Safety
While accentuating your fireplace’s style, don’t neglect necessary maintenance for safe function. Conduct regular chimney inspections and sweeps as needed to remove dangerous buildup of creosote and soot. Check for issues like damaged bricks or mortar cracks. Ensure screens fit securely to keep sparks from escaping. Provide proper ventilation so carbon monoxide doesn’t accumulate. Practice fire safety by keeping the surrounding areas clutter-free and only burning recommended materials. With some simple care, your fabulous fireplace will give you many cozy, stylish years of service.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fireplace Decor
What size art should I place above my fireplace mantel?
Choose artwork that is about 2/3 the width of your mantel to maintain good proportion. Taller art tends to work better than wide landscape oriented pieces. Make sure artwork doesn’t extend past the edges of the mantel.
How high should I hang art above the mantel?
Standard guidelines recommend hanging art so the center point is about 8-12 inches above the mantel. However, feel free to adjust up or down based on the size of your artwork and the overall look you want. Higher gives a bolder impact.
What can I use to decorate my mantel without catching fire?
Opt for heat-resistant decorative materials like metal, stone, brick, tile, glass, or wood. Avoid plastics and wax-based objects like candles that could melt. Combustible materials like paper and fabric are also risky. Use flameless candles instead.
What are good fireplace mantel decorating ideas on a budget?
Inexpensive ways to decorate your mantel include using items you already own like books, photos, art, baskets, and candle holders. For new décor, try baskets, greenery, inexpensive prints, mirrors, and unique flea market finds.
How do I decorate the wall above my fireplace?
Popular options include a large piece of art, an oversized mirror, or shelving to display decorative objects. You can also do a gallery wall with a collection of framed art. Floating shelves work nicely for TVs. Accent the wall with sconces or wall lamps.
How do I make my fireplace cozy?
Use plush pillows and soft textured blankets to create a comfy seating area facing the fireplace. Candles, warm lighting, and natural elements like wood or stone also boost the cozy ambiance. Finally, running an actual fire adds delightful warmth and glow.
Should I decorate my fireplace for Christmas?
Absolutely! The fireplace makes a perfect backdrop for holiday decor. Classic Christmas accents like garlands, stockings, pinecones, candles, and red berries complement most fireplace styles. Just take care when using combustible materials near open flames.
What can I put on my fireplace for fall?
Natural fall materials like dried leaves, acorns, mini pumpkins, gourds, and stalks of wheat create lovely fall fireplace vignettes. Also incorporate fir branches, pinecones, berries, eucalyptus, and sunflowers. Lanterns, plaids, and wooden signs reinforce the seasonal theme.
How do I decorate an unused fireplace?
An unused fireplace still provides wonderful decor potential. Add LED flame lights for ambiance without heat. Candles, evergreen garlands, artwork, baskets, and seasonal touches make excellent accents. You can even fill it with decorative wood or potted plants.
Conclusion
With the right combination of style and function, your fireplace can become a beautiful centerpiece that you enjoy all year long. Start by upgrading mundane details like surrounds and screens. Incorporate decorative accessories that reflect your taste and personality. A bit of maintenance and proper safety go a long way. Use your creativity to make your hearth a source of comfort and décor inspiration. A fireplace is wonderful on its own, but a little something extra makes it truly special.
