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The fireplace often serves as the focal point and gathering space of a living room. Whether you have a vintage-inspired brick fireplace, an electric fireplace that feels minimal and modern or a decorative non-working fireplace, it's fun to fill the surrounding area with beautiful elements that represent you. You may choose to adorn a hearth with beloved artwork, plants or a collection of mirrors, or decide to start a DIY project (like giving your bricks a fresh coat of paint). No matter your personal style or level of ambition, we've rounded up beautiful fireplace decorating ideas that work all year round.
Above the fireplace, go for vases, artwork and sculptural elements that mesh well with your design style. Plus, brainstorm creative ways to distract from your TV if your fireplace doubles as a TV stand. Don't forget that inside the fireplace doesn't have to be reserved for logs — you can go for a decorative tile pattern, then fill it with plants, books, lanterns or even a candelabra. If you're really feeling inspired, it's surprisingly simple to retile or paint an existing fireplace — or even learn how to build your own faux fireplace.
Swapping fireplace decor is a great way to transition your living room design through different seasons, from fall and Christmas to spring and summer. Go for festive greens and cozy textures for a Christmas mantel, and bright hues and fresh flowers when the weather starts to warm up. The choice is yours!
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1
Stack Gold Mirrors
Whether you go for a modern or vintage style, mirrors on the mantel add depth and dimension to a living space. Mix different shapes, sizes and styles to create a striking focal point.
RELATED: 12 Affordable Vintage-Inspired Gold Mirrors to Shop Online
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2
Find Where Vintage Meets Modern
Breathe new life into a dated brick fireplace by adding a white wood surround over top. Fill it with fresh flowers and greenery, then layer in an antique-style painting — like interior designer Francesca Grace does here.
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3
Go for Blues
Paint your entire fireplace a cozy shade, like this deep blue. Then paint the walls a complementary shade and pick up a matching armchair. To serve as a focal point, fill a nearby closet with firewood and add a dried citrus garland.
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4
Take a Maximalist Approach
Here, Tamarra Younis of Union of Art Interiors fills a mantel with playful pieces — from the collection of antique-inspired vases to the oversized mirror and the two wall sconces that flank it.
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5
Layer in Textures
Straying away from traditional fireplace design, interior designer Michelle Boudreau uses intriguing color, texture and shape to turn this fireplace into a statement piece.
RELATED: Budget-Friendly DIY Home Decor Ideas for an Instant Refresh
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6
Build in Firewood Storage
Create a long, vertical space and fill it with firewood. Sure it's functional, but firewood can also double as decor — especially when it serves as the contrast in a completely blue built-in.
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7
Maintain Fresh White Tiles
Go for crisp white walls and bright fireplace hearth tiles, then pair it with a large gold mirror and a few sculptural pieces — as designer Velinda Hellen does here.
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8
Hide the TV
At this Mississippi farmhouse, wood doors cover up the TV screen when not in use. The top came from salvaged paving bricks and the homeowner painted the floral canvases herself.
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9
Surround Your Space With Wallpaper
Here, Kirsten Blazek of A1000XBetter pairs a black fireplace with deep, whimsical wallpaper — which makes the whole space feel larger and more cohesive.
RELATED: Latest Wallpaper Trends That Designers Are Loving for 2023
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10
Decorate Outdoors
Turn your outdoor fireplace into the focal point of your patio. Go for neutral, yet striking colors and patterns — like these metallic tiles inside the fireplace.
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11
Bring in Tall Branches
Big sprigs of greenery punch up this cool, white living room. Snip fresh foliage from the backyard and fill a tall vase for instant visual interest.
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12
Have a Monochrome Moment
Find a beautiful hue and paint your walls, trim and fireplace (the bricks and surround) to create a chic accent wall. Here, a nature-inspired green does the trick, but the options are endless.
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13
Pile in the Greenery
An empty hearth comes alive with an indoor garden. Arrange an array of mismatched pots, in many shapes and sizes, filled with hearty (and low-maintenance!) succulents or ferns.
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14
Bring in Geometric Patterns
Instead of going for simple tiles, try bold geometric shapes. From the blue trim to the geometric fireplace tiles, this bright interior is full of depth and dimension.
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15
Play With Contrast
Pair a dark, glossy wall color with a bright white fireplace surround to create intrigue in your space. Here, interior designer Anne Hepfer continues the look with a white armchair and cobalt blue ottoman.
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16
Showcase Bud Vases
A seasonal assortment of fresh flowers brightens up any space, but you could go the dried or faux route for bouquets that last all year-long. (How cute are those mini pitchers, though?)
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17
Create a Nautical Feel
If you're thinking about sticking with a decor theme, like a nautical one, fill a mantel with carefully sourced pieces. Here, there's a ship (plus a matching painting above the mantel), binoculars and a vintage set of oars.
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18
Paint It Black
A pitch-dark paint job showcases architectural features against bright white walls. Artwork in the same color scheme accentuates the contrast.
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19
Modern European Vibes
Decorate a floating wood shelf with faux pampas grass stem, then layer in vintage-inspired candlesticks — which look as though they are floating in space.
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20
Keep Things Cozy
From the warm white lanterns and fresh green garland to the natural bricks, this adorable living room has a warm, winter feel that works well for the colder season.
RELATED: Easy Holiday Hanging Hacks to Simplify Last-Minute Decorating
