57 Stunning Fireplace Decorating Ideas to Transform Your Living Space

Your fireplace has the power to become the most captivating focal point in your entire home.

Whether you’re working with a traditional brick hearth or a sleek modern design, the right decorating approach can completely transform your space.

Let’s explore creative ways to style your fireplace that will make every room feel warm, inviting, and absolutely gorgeous.

01. Create a Bold Statement with Patterned Tiles

Credit: Design by Judith Balis Interiors / Photo by Allison Corona

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You’ll love how black-and-white patterned tiles instantly elevate your fireplace from ordinary to extraordinary.

This timeless design choice pairs beautifully with a chunky painted mantel and built-in shelving. The geometric patterns add visual interest while maintaining that classic elegance you’re after.

02. Embrace the Beauty of Curved Architecture

Credit: Photo by Lara Kimmerer

A cylindrical fireplace creates stunning drama that highlights your room’s unique architectural features.

This curved design works especially well in spacious living areas where you want to create distinct conversation zones. The flowing lines add sophistication while maintaining that cozy gathering spot you love.

03. Go Big with Double-Sided Drama

Credit: Design by Michelle Gerson Interiors / Photo by Brittany Ambridge

You can maximize your fireplace’s impact by choosing a floor-to-ceiling double-sided design covered in warm wood slats.

This approach creates a natural room divider while adding incredible texture and warmth to your space. The recessed frame adds subtle detail that keeps things interesting.

04. Celebrate Original Exposed Brick Character

Credit: Design by Emilie Fournet Interiors / Photo by Kasia Fizser

Your original exposed brick fireplace is pure gold – it brings authentic character and historical charm that money can’t buy.

Even if you don’t use it for burning wood, treat it as the natural focal point it deserves to be. That weathered brick tells a story.

05. Add Drama with Wallpapered Built-Ins

Credit: Design by Caroline Andréoni Interior Design / Photo by Sophie Lloyd

You can refresh your classic fireplace by incorporating moody wallpaper tones in surrounding built-in shelving.

Try deep blues and blacks for sophisticated contrast, then add a smaller mirror above the mantel for a modern twist on traditional French design elements.

06. Soften Brick with Fresh Paint

Credit: Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Photo by Margaret Austin Photo

Painting your brick fireplace in soft white creates a clean, textured look that brightens your entire space.

This works especially well in midcentury modern homes where you want that fireplace to complement rather than compete with other design elements in your room.

07. Make a Statement with Dark Wood Stain

Credit: Design by Kibler & Kirch / Photo by Lucy Call

A rich, dark wood stain on your mantel creates incredible presence and pops beautifully against crisp white walls.

You can customize the look with unique mirrors made from natural materials like salvaged wood, then add personal touches with antique books and meaningful sculptures.

08. Transform Spaces with Oversized Art

Credit: Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Styling by Hilary Robertson / Photo by Erin Kelly

Large-scale artwork above your fireplace creates instant impact and lets you express your personality through bold imagery.

This approach works wonderfully in kids’ rooms where you can choose fun, energetic pieces that inspire creativity while keeping the mantel free for treasured objects.

09. Achieve Modern Elegance with Glass Fronts

Credit: Design by Atelier Davis / Photo by Heidi Harris

A sleek glass-front fireplace with matching charcoal gray surroundings creates that clean, contemporary look you’re craving.

Add sculptural metallic wall accents to bring in visual interest without overwhelming the minimalist aesthetic. This style works perfectly in modern homes.

10. Create Warmth with Whitewashed Brick

Credit: Jessica Nelson Design / Carina Skrobecki Photography

Whitewashed brick adds beautiful texture while perfectly complementing your modern farmhouse style and muted color palette.

Pair it with chunky pale wood mantels and floating shelves to create that cozy, lived-in feeling. You can flank your fireplace with built-ins, sconces, or tall planters for balance.

11. Cleverly Disguise Your Television

Credit: Design by Brexton Cole Interiors

If you must mount your TV above the fireplace, invest in a Frame TV that displays art when not in use.

This way you avoid that glaring black rectangle disrupting your carefully curated room design. Your space will look intentional and polished even when you’re binge-watching your favorite shows.

12. Brighten Spaces with Vibrant Artwork

Credit: Design by Kibler & Kirch / Gibeon Photography

Bold, colorful paintings above your mantel can tie together accent colors throughout your entire room beautifully.

Try vibrant bird artwork or nature scenes that complement tile work and add that Arts and Crafts touch to contemporary great rooms. Color creates energy and joy.

13. Create Drama with Veined Marble

Credit: Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Tessa Neustadt

Dramatic black marble with striking veining transforms your fireplace into a show-stopping focal point that commands attention.

This works especially well in Art Deco-inspired spaces where you can add gallery walls of black-and-white photography for that sophisticated, graphic modern touch.

14. Embrace Color on Your Fireplace Wall

Credit: deVOL Kitchens

Painting your chimney wall in unexpected colors like cotton candy pink creates a dreamy, eccentric atmosphere that’s absolutely charming.

Pair bold wall colors with vintage art, antique lighting, and colorful tile backsplashes for a space that feels uniquely yours and full of personality.

15. Balance Stone and Wood with Color

Credit: Design by JLF Architects and Natasha Wallis Interior Design / Photo by Audrey Hall

Large-scale paintings with primary colors help break up expansive stone and wood surfaces in vaulted living spaces.

This approach adds visual weight and interest to balance the natural materials while creating a striking focal point that draws the eye upward beautifully.

16. Highlight Architecture with Black Paint

Credit: Urbanology Designs / Matti Gresham Photography

Painting your chimney wall black creates dramatic contrast while highlighting unique architectural features like pitched rooflines.

This contemporary approach mixes black, white, and natural wood seamlessly for a modern look that feels both bold and sophisticated in your living space.

17. Design Custom Three-Dimensional Walls

Credit: Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Reid Rolls

A custom concrete skim-coat fireplace wall with graphic three-dimensional detailing creates incredible visual impact in modern living rooms.

Fill your off-season firebox with oversized pottery vessels or sculptural objects to maintain that artistic focal point even when fires aren’t burning.

18. Add Pops of Color with Mantel Styling

Credit: Design by Emilie Fournet Interiors / Photo by Kasia Fiszer

Colorful glass accessories and candles in striking cobalt blue create beautiful contrast against classic marble and ironwork fireplaces.

Layer these vibrant accents with simple round mirrors and complement gold-toned elements throughout your room for a cohesive, sophisticated look that feels fresh.

19. Layer Multiple Pieces of Artwork

Credit: Erin Williamson Design

Stacking framed artwork with small sculptures on wide mantels gives your eye something interesting to focus on year-round.

This layered approach works especially well with midcentury modern fireplaces where you want to add visual interest without overwhelming the clean lines.

20. Embrace Rustic Stone Charm

Credit: Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Tessa Neustadt

Vintage metal wood-burning inserts inside rustic stone fireplaces add both practicality and retro charm to cabin-style interiors.

This combination works beautifully with whitewashed rustic chic design elements throughout your space, creating authentic character that feels timeless and welcoming.

21. Make Graphics Pop with Zigzag Patterns

Credit: Design by Studio Peake

Black-and-white zigzag tile surrounds add zingy graphic energy to classic white wood fireplaces in spacious living areas.

This bold pattern choice brings modern visual interest while maintaining the timeless appeal of traditional fireplace design. It’s perfect for eclectic decorating styles.

22. Incorporate Timeless Vintage Elements

Credit: Fantastic Frank

Classic Swedish tiled wood-burning stoves bring both decorative beauty and functional warmth to modern neutral-toned living spaces.

These vintage pieces add authentic charm that transcends trends and time, creating focal points that feel both historical and perfectly suited to contemporary interiors.

23. Celebrate Nature with Wildlife Motifs

Credit: WRJ Design / Photo by Tuck Fauntleroy

Massive granite fireplaces topped with chunky wood mantels create perfect backdrops for bronze wildlife sculptures and nature-inspired artwork.

Continue animal themes throughout your room with hide rugs and wildlife portraits to create cohesive rustic modern design that celebrates your local landscape.

24. Go Bold with Graphic Patterned Tiles

Credit: Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Reid Rolls

Striking graphic patterned tile fireplaces become stunning focal points in rooms with dark wood ceiling beams and rich furnishings.

Balance bold tile patterns with aged bronze lighting, leather furniture, and velvet seating to create sophisticated spaces that feel both dramatic and inviting.

25. Transform Non-Working Fireplaces with Plants

Credit: Design by Sarah & Sons Interiors / Photo by Sarah Szwajkos

Paint your non-working fireplace the same color as surrounding walls to create seamless, cohesive design throughout your dining room.

Fill the empty firebox with leafy green plants that add life and natural beauty while cleverly disguising the unused space with gorgeous living decor.

26. Embrace Sleek Linear Design

Credit: Louis Duncan-He Designs / Photo by Heather Dunbar

Contemporary linear fireplaces complement minimalist white walls perfectly without overwhelming your clean modern aesthetic when unlit.

These sleek designs add subtle warmth and visual interest when fires are burning while practically disappearing into your decor when not in use.

27. Layer Multiple Floral Design Elements

Credit: Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Alexandra Ribar

Create romantic dining spaces by layering floral carved surrounds, black-and-white floral tiles, and vine-decorated mirror frames together beautifully.

Add large-scale floral wallpaper and fresh flower arrangements on your mantel to complete this garden-inspired look that feels feminine and elegant.

28. Add Warmth with Wood-Burning Stoves

Credit: Jessie Tobias Design / Photo by Sarah Szwajkos

Handsome black wood-burning stoves positioned on side walls blend seamlessly with clean modern lines and contemporary furnishings.

These practical heating solutions add cozy warmth while maintaining the sleek aesthetic you love in modern living spaces without overwhelming your design.

29. Celebrate Local Landscapes with Photography

Credit: Envi Interior Design / Photo by Audrey Hall

Large-scale black-and-white landscape photography depicting local scenery creates meaningful connections between your interior and exterior environments.

Add built-in recessed firewood storage and contemporary sculptures by local artists to create spaces that truly reflect your regional character and personal style.

30. Add Glamour with Metallic Accents

Credit: Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Erin Kelly

Ornate gilded mirrors and shiny bronze antique fireplace screens bring glamorous touches to minimalist all-white living rooms.

These metallic accents add warmth and luxury without overwhelming your clean aesthetic, creating perfect balance between simplicity and sophisticated elegance in your space.

31. Blend Old and New with Vintage Refreshes

Credit: Design by Brexton Cole Interiors

Refresh 1920s Tudor fireplaces with matte black paint and star-patterned tiles for stunning contemporary updates that honor original architecture.

Layer art and objects on your mantelpiece that juxtapose old and new elements with intentional touches of playful kitsch for personality.

32. Add Whimsy with Hand-Drawn Art

Credit: Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Styling by Hilary Robertson / Photo by Erin Kelly

Simple penciled line drawings above your fireplace add surprising homemade touches that feel personal and unexpected in well-appointed rooms.

This playful approach brings warmth and character to neutral-toned living spaces while showcasing your creative side in the most charming way possible.

33. Display Collections on Floating Shelves

Credit: Louis Duncan-He Designs / Eymeric Wilding Photography

Transform your fireplace wall into a graphic high-contrast display area for vinyl collections or books using floating shelves.

Layer artwork with vintage-style mirrors on your mantel to give your fireplace presence while allowing your personal collections to become the real stars.

34. Combine Function with Style in Firewood Storage

Credit: Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

Tall fireplace wall niches stacked with firewood serve dual purposes as both practical storage and decorative architectural elements.

Add framed prints above your firebox to complete the look while keeping focus on amazing views through large picture windows nearby.

35. Anchor Large Spaces with Black Paint

Credit: Laquita Tate Interior Styling + Design

Painting tall brick fireplaces in matte charcoal black creates strong anchoring elements in spacious, light-filled living rooms.

This dramatic color choice provides perfect contrast for touches of green and gold throughout your space while creating sophisticated focal points that command attention.

36. Balance Rustic and Refined Elements

Credit: Design by JLF Architects and Natasha Wallis Interior Design / Photo by Lucy Call

Contrast floor-to-ceiling glass windows with artisanal stacked stone fireplace walls for stunning juxtaposition of materials and textures.

Add reclaimed wood mantels and oil paintings from personal art collections to bring warmth and character to these dramatic architectural statements.

37. Warm Up Classic Designs with Metals

Credit: Kasey Fitzgerald Design / Photo by Allison Corona

Layer warm gold-toned metal candlesticks, vintage-style mirrors, and art objects to add richness to classic white wood fireplaces.

These metallic accents bring warmth and luxury to traditional marble surrounds while creating beautiful contrast against crisp white backgrounds throughout your room.

38. Create Authentic Midcentury Modern Vibes

Credit: Design by Maestri Studio / Photo by Nathan Schroder

Monumental stone wall fireplaces paired with authentic vintage furniture create genuine midcentury modern atmospheres that feel timelessly sophisticated.

This combination of natural stone and period-appropriate furnishings gives your room that authentic retro feel that looks like it’s been perfect forever.

39. Keep Corner Fireplaces Simple and Elegant

Credit: Austin Gray Design Group / Photo by Lara Kimmerer

When your fireplace isn’t the main focal point, keep the wall above it simple and unadorned for clean design.

This approach works especially well in primary bedroom suites where you want attention focused on beautiful wallpaper and paint treatments elsewhere.

40. Add Character with Textured Wall Finishes

Credit: Louis Duncan-He Designs / Photo by Genevieve Renee

Custom gas fireplaces with textured colored walls create unique central focuses that showcase your personal style and creativity beautifully.

Add built-in shelving on either side and layer colorful landscape photography on top for spaces that feel original and thoughtfully designed.

41. Craft Your Own Stylish Firewood Storage

Credit: Ursula Carmona of Home Made By Carmona

DIY log holders filled with carefully arranged firewood create cozy focal points even when your fire isn’t actually burning.

Add assortments of pillar candles in your firebox corners to maintain that warm, inviting atmosphere throughout the seasons when you’re not using wood.

42. Connect Indoor Spaces to Outdoor Surroundings

Credit: WRJ Design / Photo by Tuck Fauntleroy

Hang artwork that references your local landscape, like barn paintings that echo the agricultural architecture in your area.

This approach creates meaningful connections between your interior design and the natural environment outside your windows, making your space feel authentically rooted.

43. Blend Modern and Traditional Elements

Credit: Design by Emilie Fournet Interiors / Photo by Caitlin Mogridge

Paint original non-working fireplaces in bold royal blue to make them stand out against modern wall treatments beautifully.

Build closets seamlessly around these architectural features to create natural focal points opposite beds that feel comforting and visually grounding.

44. Embrace Earthy Brown Color Palettes

Credit: Design by Tyler Karu Design and Interiors / Photo by Erin Little

Glossy cinnamon-colored hexagonal tiles on fireplaces tie beautifully with earthy brown finishes found throughout Spanish Colonial style interiors.

This warm color approach creates cohesive design schemes that feel rich, inviting, and perfectly suited to vintage-inspired decorating styles you love.

45. Create Moody Atmospheres with Dark Colors

Credit: Design by Caroline Andréoni Interior Design / Photo by Sophie Lloyd

Covering classic French fireplaces in the same matte black paint used on walls and ceilings makes them nearly disappear.

This sophisticated approach creates enveloping, moody atmospheres where architectural elements blend seamlessly into the overall design rather than competing for attention.

46. Add Sculptural Elements with Topiaries

Credit: AHG Interiors

Trio arrangements of topiaries on your mantel create sculptural touches that bring natural beauty indoors year-round.

Pair these living accessories with landscape paintings that add earthy colors and visual depth to create mantels that feel both elegant and connected to nature.

47. Perfect Neutral Layering Techniques

Credit: Finding Lovely

Patterned tile surrounds in subtle floral motifs refresh primary bedroom fireplaces while maintaining light, neutral color palettes throughout.

Layer decorative mirrors, artwork, and objects on your mantel to create finished looks that feel carefully curated but never overly formal or stuffy.

48. Choose Streamlined Contemporary Accessories

Credit: Folding Chair Design Co. / Photo by Jenn Verrier

Marble surrounds paired with modern bronze wall sconces and wavy round mirrors add contemporary sophistication to airy living spaces.

These streamlined choices create cohesive modern aesthetics while bringing in metallic accents that warm up cool stone surfaces beautifully throughout your room.

49. Create Subtle Pattern with Directional Tiles

Credit: Ashley Montgomery Design

Black herringbone tiles laid horizontally inside white painted brick fireplaces add subtle variation while maintaining neutral color schemes.

Top with chunky raw wood mantels and muted landscape paintings to bring warmth and natural elements into your carefully balanced design palette.

50. Design Safe Spaces for Children

Credit: Design by Curated Nest Interiors / Jacob Snavely Photography

Non-working fireplaces in kids’ bedrooms become purely decorative focal points with gold-toned mirrors and plants for safety.

Add fluffy sheepskin rugs in front to create cozy reading nooks that give all the warm vibes without any fire hazards for little ones.

51. Enhance Rustic Character with Skim Coating

Credit: Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Amy Neunsinger

Gray concrete skim coats over existing brick fireplaces create handmade textures that enhance rustic cabin atmospheres beautifully.

Fill fireplace niches with decorative busts or sculptures to add eclectic personality while maintaining that authentic, lived-in feeling you’re creating.

52. Combine Multiple Textures and Materials

Credit: Designed by Michael Keck for Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

Intricate tile surrounds on fireboxes combined with smooth stucco walls create authentic-feeling designs with beautiful material contrasts.

Add dark-stained wood pedestals and decorative niches filled with art objects to bring in additional textures that make spaces feel rich and layered.

53. Use Mirrors to Reflect Light and Space

Credit: Urbanology Designs / Matti Gresham Photography

Tall arched mirrors with slim frames above gray fireplaces bring eyes upward in high-ceilinged living rooms beautifully.

This approach reflects natural light and garden views while making your space feel larger and brighter throughout the day and evening hours.

54. Celebrate Original Historic Materials

Credit: Home Consultant

Original brick fireplace walls in historic homes set authentic tones that require no additional decoration to make stunning statements.

These monumental features complement wide plank floors and dark ceiling beams for warm, genuine character that feels timelessly beautiful and historically significant.

55. Incorporate Living Elements with Plant Ledges

Credit: Louis Duncan-He Designs / Eymeric Wilding Photography

Small staggered plant ledges on either side of stacked stone fireplaces add notes of greenery to mineral facades beautifully.

Fill these architectural features with trailing plants that soften hard surfaces while bringing life and natural movement into your midcentury modern-inspired spaces.

56. Draw Eyes Upward with Vertical Arrangements

Credit: Design by Curated Nest Interiors / Jacob Snavely Photography

Series of identically framed pictures hung above fireplaces draw attention upward toward showstopping architectural ceiling details.

This vertical arrangement technique works especially well when you want to highlight beautiful moldings, beams, or other overhead features in your room.

57. Showcase Unique Vintage Finds

Credit: Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

Colorful framed paintings paired with blackened antique metal fireplace screens add originality to vintage wood and brick fireplaces.

These one-of-a-kind pieces complement adjoining stained glass windows and other architectural details while showcasing your personal collecting style and interests.

Final Thoughts

Your fireplace truly has the potential to become the heart of your home when you approach it with creativity and intention.

Whether you’re working with exposed brick, sleek modern lines, or anything in between, the key is choosing elements that reflect your personal style while enhancing your room’s overall atmosphere.

Remember that the best fireplace designs feel authentic to your space and lifestyle, creating gathering spots that invite conversation and connection year-round.