Even if winter is your least favorite season, it's hard to deny how cozy a fireplace can be. A decorative fireplace can be the perfect centerpiece for a living room, adding endless warmth and a focal point for your space.
Whether you already have a fireplace and are in need of new ways to adorn it or you're considering adding one to your room—very much worth it, in our opinion—there are many different looks and styles to provide something for every taste.
From brick to tile, wood-burning to purely decorative, we've rounded up our favorite fireplace ideas to add a ton of visual interest and warmth to any room in your house.
01of 50
Add a Lot of Plants
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If your fireplace is solely decorative or you want a way to adorn the fireplace during the summer months, filling the space with lots of greenery is a great idea. Plants can add a sense of calming energy to your room, and a fireplace mantel is the perfect perch for those non-pet-safe plants.
02of 50
Paint it Green
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While we love a neutral mantel as much as the next home decorator, consider giving your fireplace a makeover with a fresh coat of paint. This earthy sage green is a lovely way to ground the entire space and add an unexpected hint of color.
03of 50
Fill it With Books
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Looking for another way to fill a fireplace that isn't operational? This book-filled fireplace is a great choice for bibliophiles. Pick your favorite books and create a collage within the fireplace.
04of 50
Add a Mirror
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One of the most elegant ways to decorate a mantel is by placing a mirror directly above the fireplace. Not only does this fill that awkward space, but it can open up your room and add more natural light by way of the added reflections.
05of 50
Pick a Colorful Brick
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Who says tile is just for the bathroom? Here, a stunning blue tiled fireplace helps to add a ton of personality to this reading room.
06of 50
Swap it For an Insert
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A wood-burning fireplace is great, but a wood-burning stove has the added benefit of warming up your entire house. Swapping out your fireplace for a stove is a great way to save on heating bills and add a rustic flair to your space.
07of 50
Go for Vintage
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This Victorian-style fireplace is sure to be a conversation starter in any home. If you're lucky enough to have a house with period details like these, don't hide them—embrace them.
08of 50
Go for Stone
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Want to recreate a cozy cabin vibe all year long? A white-washed stone hearth like this one is a great way to add a rustic feel without creating a dark or heavy space.
09of 50
Rethink Your Layout
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Not everyone loves a TV over the fireplace. Instead, consider mounting the TV against a perpendicular wall so that your fireplace is still the focal point of the room.
10of 50
Add Wooden Balls
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We love this tiled fireplace look that features a stack of wooden spheres inside the fireplace to give it texture and visual interest. This is a great alternative to faux wood if your fireplace is decorative only.
11of 50
Go Modern
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Allow your fireplace to play well with the rest of your house (and the decor in it). If your taste trends toward the modern and streamlined, opt for an insert that doesn't feel cluttered or bulky.
12of 50
Paint it White
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While we love stone fireplaces in the right setting, they can sometimes feel outdated. By painting the stone fireplace white, this room got an instant makeover and looks light and airy.
13of 50
Keep the Brick
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On the other hand, don't reach for the paintbrush every time. Natural brick can feel earthy and warm in many homes, and we love the Southwestern vibe it gives off here.
14of 50
Warm Up High Ceilings
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Have high ceilings? A fireplace is a great way to help add warmth to a large, spacious room and make it feel cozier and more welcoming.
15of 50
Make it Pop
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Painting the rest of the room a rich, moody color is a great way to make your fireplace pop out and instantly become the centerpiece of your space.
16of 50
Let the Sun Shine
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This light-filled sunroom is the perfect spot for a fireplace. During the day, the large windows allow tons of natural light to enter the space, while at night a cozy fireplace provides warmth all year long.
17of 50
Add Built-Ins
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Looking for a way to add more character to your home? Adding built-in bookshelves to either side of a fireplace is a great way to extend your storage space and add more personality.
18of 50
Paint it Black
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Painting your brick fireplace black instantly adds depth to your room. Keep the rest of the walls bright to provide a lovely contrast against the dark brick.
19of 50
Add Chevron Stripes
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Tiling the inside of your fireplace with a chevron pattern is a great way to update the space and give it a more modern feel.
20of 50
Make a Dining Room Cozier
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A traditional mantel and fireplace in a dining room create a more elegant look that's perfect for dinner parties and formal events.
21of 50
Add the Right Lighting
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A fireplace can add a warm glow to your living room, but a well-decorated living room needs many light sources. Place table lamps on a mantel to add extra lighting in the room.
22of 50
Pick a Monochrome Palette
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Here, various shades of white and black help to define a serene and peaceful space. The white fireplace blends in beautifully with the crisp couches and wall hues.
23of 50
Make it Sleek
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Rethink the traditional fireplace and opt for a horizontal version instead. This sleek, modern fireplace adds a warm glow when it's on, but almost blends in with the rest of the wall when it's not. This is perfect for spaces where a standard fireplace just doesn't fit the aesthetic.
24of 50
Keep it Traditional
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If you have a home with period details, hang a portrait over your fireplace to give your space a modern traditional vibe. If a portrait isn't your thing, any large oil painting can add a time-honored and elegant look.
25of 50
Go for Gas
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If lugging in firewood and stoking a fire all night doesn't sound like your cup of tea, consider swapping out a wood-burning fireplace for a gas insert, which is easier to maintain and manage.
26of 50
Add a Basket
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Filling your fireplace with a large woven basket not only fills up a fireplace when its not in use, but gives you a landing pad for throws and pillows too.
27of 50
Add Warmth to a Bedroom
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A fireplace isn't just for the living room. Create the perfect bedroom layout by adding a fireplace to your primary suite. Not only does it add some cozy ambiance, but it can keep your room comfortable all winter long.
Primary Suite
The term “Primary Suite” is now widely used to describe the largest bedroom in the home with an en suite bath, as it better reflects the space’s purpose. Many realtors, architects, interior designers, and the Real Estate Standards Association have recognized the potentially discriminatory connotations in the term “Master.” Read more about our Diversity and Inclusion Pledge.
28of 50
Add Birch Logs
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One easy and classic way to fill a fireplace when it's not in use is to use birch logs. This adds a warm, earthy feel even when the fire isn't lit. This is a great way to style your fireplace throughout summer, too.
29of 50
Decorate the Mantel
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While a bare mantel can feel minimalistic and clean, a mantel with an array of objects and decorative pieces can lend a lovely eclectic feel to any living space. Add a hint of maximalism to provide visual interest to any fireplace.
30of 50
Lean a Painting
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Another great way to fill the space above the fireplace is with a large painting. But instead of hanging the picture, lean it against the wall. Since no nails or adhesives are necessary, this is a great idea if you want to mix up the decor often.
31of 50
Keep it Rustic
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This living room with a reclaimed wood mantel and exposed beams is giving us major modern rustic vibes. Add various textures and textiles via throws and pillows throughout the room to create the ultimate cozy space.
32of 50
Match the Colors
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Use various shades of the same color throughout the living room and on the mantel to create a layered, monochromatic color scheme. When done correctly, a monochromatic room can feel larger and more dimensional.
33of 50
Hang a TV
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While there are two camps when it comes to hanging the TV over the fireplace, in some layouts there isn't another choice. Just be cognizant of the height (and you may need to tilt your screen, depending on how large your fireplace is).
34of 50
Place the TV to the Side
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Don't want to mount the TV over the fireplace? Instead, place it to the side of the fireplace where it almost blends in with its surroundings and isn't the focal point of your room.
35of 50
Go for All Marble
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While some stone or marble fireplaces are on the rustic side, this smooth stone is the perfect way to make marble feel elegant and modern. This look pairs well with streamlined furniture and crisp lines.
36of 50
Add a Chandelier
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The perfect way to elevate your fireplace look is by adding a stunning oversized chandelier to act as a second focal point for the room. Make sure the look and feel of the light fixture pairs well with your fireplace to create the best flow.
37of 50
Keep it Neutral
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A painted brick fireplace plays very well with neutral tones throughout the space. If you have heavy, rich colors such as brown leathers and natural woods, a crisp white fireplace can pair beautifully.
38of 50
Decorate for the Holidays
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One clear benefit of a fireplace? It provides the perect perch for your holiday decor. Lay garland or hang stockings to add that seasonal cheer.
39of 50
Make it Blend In
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If you have a fireplace that's a little outdated or simply doesn't work with the rest of the room, paint it the same color as the wall to make it almost disappear.
40of 50
Paint the Built-Ins
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Paint the built-ins around the fireplace the same color as your mantel to help create a seamless space with loads of character.
41of 50
Add a Bouquet
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Decorate the mantel with a large bouquet of flowers. Either real or high-quality faux can complete a room and make it feel purposeful.
42of 50
Opt for Earthy Colors
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A fireplace already lends a natural feel, so why not add in more earthy tones? Stick with beiges, grays and olives to keep your living space warm and inviting. Add in various textures throughout the furniture and accents to keep the room interesting.
43of 50
Create a Game Zone
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Upgrade your game room with a fireplace. This cozy, kid-friendly entertainment room is perfect for family game nights throughout the cold months.
44of 50
Keep it Colorful
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If a neutral space isn't for you, let your fireplace act as a canvas for a colorful and eclectic living room. Mix in bright throw pillows, colorful artwork and bold bouquets to brighten up any living area.
45of 50
Decorate With Steer Heads
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Mounting steer heads above your fireplace is a great way to add a rustic, country-inspired feel to your space. You can easily find replicas if the real thing is not your style.
46of 50
Install Sconces
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Few lighting fixtures upgrade a space as well and as quickly as a well-placed sconce. Hang a sconce on either end of your fireplace to add cozy-yet-elegant lighting and upgrade your fireplace without even touching it.
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Add Lots of Art
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While your fireplace is definitely the focal point of the room, you can use it as an opportunity to add a variety of pieces of art throughout. From large paintings to sculptures, adorn the space around your fireplace with elegant artwork for a classy look.
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Opt for a Stove
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A standalone wood-burning stove not only heats up your room, but it gives off a vintage vibe that can make you feel like you're on a weekend getaway all year long.
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Keep it Small
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Don't have a lot of room for a fireplace? This minimal, modern stove is perfect for small spaces that need a bit of warmth and ambiance. Though you don't get a mantel to decorate, you can add colorful artwork around the stove to highlight it.
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Keep it Simple
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Sometimes the best fireplace decor is the simplest. Adorn your fireplace with a pair of matching sconces and an abstract piece of art for a simple but classic look and feel. When paired with understated furniture, a simple mantel can be the perfect entryway or living room accent.
