How to Decorate a Fireplace: 9 Tips for Decorating a Fireplace

A fireplace can be the perfect focal point for your living room, dining room, or home office. Consider these fireplace decor ideas to make your fireplace a show-stopping centerpiece that matches your interior design style.

1. 1. The modern fireplace: Modern fireplace mantel decor is minimalist and sleek—after all, modern interior design is all about clean lines and functionality. Keep the color palette neutral and consider hanging a single piece of modern wall art above the fireplace. Built-in bookshelves on either side would be a great option for storing books, records, or firewood. The key is to let carefully curated functional items double as home decor.
2. 2. The farmhouse fireplace: Farmhouse style uses natural materials and vintage decor to create a rustic and country-style home. A white fireplace provides the ideal backdrop for the farmhouse aesthetic. Stone fireplace surrounds work well, too. If you have a brick fireplace, consider painting it white or another neutral paint color. Some farmhouse mantel decor ideas include incorporating found or distressed materials, such as wooden candle holders or antique sconces. Consider incorporating natural elements, such as topiaries filled with vibrant greenery.
3. 3. The boho fireplace: Boho design is all about letting your laid-back, free spirit shine. Consider painting your fireplace surround a neutral color—such as white, cream, or even black—to let your decor set the color scheme. A gallery wall that mixes wall art and family photos above the fireplace mantle will add a personal touch while feeling eclectic and bold. Flowing houseplants—such as pothos plants—make for stunning boho mantel additions. Candlesticks of varying heights will make your mantel feel cozy and inviting all year round.

There are many ways to decorate your fireplace to suit your style.

1. 1. Hang art. You can hang a single piece of art over the fireplace, or create a small gallery wall.
2. 2. Decorate with candles. Candlesticks of varying heights placed in groups on either side of the mantle will draw the eye upward and create visual interest. You can even place candleholders inside a non-operational fireplace to add a touch of ambiance and warmth.
3. 3. Celebrate seasons. Your fireplace mantel is the perfect centerpiece for displaying seasonal decor. Consider adding pumpkins and gourds during autumn and garland and twinkle lights during winter.
4. 4. Use the fireplace as off-season book storage. When the summer months take wood-burning fireplaces out of commission, consider stacking hardcover books or magazines on the hearth to create an interesting focal point.
5. 5. Stack up birch logs. Give your faux fireplace a wood-burning feel by stacking birch logs inside the hearth.
6. 6. Place a mirror on the mantel. Mirrors make your living room look larger and reflect more sunlight throughout the room.
7. 7. Paint your red brick fireplace. Red brick can be beautiful, but it's not always the best backdrop to showcase your design ideas. For a neutral look, go with white or cream paint colors. For a dramatic look, paint it black or a dark jewel tone.
8. 8. Use your hearth for blanket storage. Make use of space inside a non-operational fireplace by placing a large wicker basket for blankets inside the hearth.
9. 9. Pile in the pillows. Create a cozy nook on a non-operational hearth by piling up throw pillows or floor pillows. This will give your guests (and pets) a laid-back spot for relaxing.

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