The simplest yet most effective way of making guests go from “OK” to “WOW!!” upon seeing your living area, is by adding a fireplace. Like spring after winter, whether you opt for a rustic, traditional, or modern style fireplace, you are guaranteed to add character to your space.
But would you believe us if we told you there is a way to go beyond that, literally making your living area a heaven on earth?
Are you ready for the tea?
By using fireplace decor, you are able to warm up your space even more. In this article, we have outlined various ways of playing around with fireplace décor to create a breath-taking chill spot.
They include the following:
- Create a Theme
- Add Lighting
- Place Pieces of Art
- Contrast it with your wall paint.
- Add a touch of nature
- Add cozy cushions.
- Make It a Book Nook
- Make an Artificial Log Stack
- Re-Tile the Surround
- Dress the Hearth
- Mount a TV above the fireplace
- Add a clock
- Create a Theme
One of the ways you can use fireplace décor to brighten up your space is by creating a theme. For instance, you could decorate your mantel with antique items for a vintage theme. That would create a nostalgic atmosphere fit for unwinding with a cup of coffee or book of choice.
Alternatively, you could choose to use a single color throughout your décor to maintain a matching look which creates a cohesive and uniform atmosphere.
In addition, you can switch the theme seasonally to ensure your fireplace is the focal point regardless of the season. For instance, you could decorate the mantel with floral arrangements during spring and switch it during the festivities to festive decorations
- Add Lighting
Not to take Susan Cain’s quote quite literally, but it is true “Everyone shines when given the right lighting” And so does a fireplace. That said there are different ways you can use lighting to enhance your fireplace’s overall appearance. Firstly, you could opt for candles on the mantle to create a warm ambiance suitable for a relaxed or romantic ambiance. Secondly, you could install accent lighting such as spotlights pointed at your fireplace to enhance its visual appeal by highlighting its textures and colors.
Finally, you could install modern sconce lights by the fireplace, to make it look sophisticated.
- Place Pieces of Art
Pablo Picasso famously said “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life” and that could not be any truer. Pieces of art above your fireplace can be used as an eye-catcher in your space. You could also choose to place multiple small pieces of art on the mantel. Regardless of which way you decide to mount your art around the fireplace, you are certain to get a timeless look.
- Contrast it with your wall paint.
A simple way to improve the appearance of your space if it has a funky wall color is to use a contrasting shade on your fireplace mantel. That will make anything you display on the mantel stand out because it will pop against the background.
- Add a touch of nature
Naturally, humans are drawn to nature. So why not bring a piece of nature indoors to elevate your fireplace? You can do that by placing plants in a pot or flowers in a vase on the mantel. The benefit of that is not just visual appeal but studies show plants indoors, improve your focus, and reduce depressive moods and anxiety. Regardless of the season indoor plants will never look out of place.
- Add cozy cushions
To make the sitting area around your fireplace cozier consider adding cushions. That would make your sitting area more welcoming, especially during the colder seasons.
7. Make It a Book Nook
If you have a dormant fireplace turning the firebox into a book shelf is an ingenious way to make your fireplace still stand out. To do that, begin by lining the bottom of the firebox with magazines to cover the soot-stained hearth. Once you have prepared the floor area, stack your firebox with books to create a bookshelf within the firebox.
- Make an Artificial Log Stack
Another way of decorating an unused fireplace is using it as a log stack. However, the downside of that is having bugs around your living spaces, that have made a home in the wood pile. To solve that you can use artificial wood in the log stack. Instead of using real wood, you can use painted brick to resemble real wood.
- Re-Tile the Surround
Consider retiling your surround if your current one is damaged or out of date. New tiles will give your space a fresh and updated look enough to make it pass as new. Furthermore, tiles come in all sorts of patterns and colors ensuring you find one that suits your desired theme.
- Dress the Hearth
The hearth and its surroundings are often ignored when it comes to decorating a fireplace. Another impressive trick to improve the overall appearance of a fireplace is dressing up the fireplace floor area (hearth). Alternatively, you could place a decorative custom rug in front of the fireplace to make it warmer and cozier.
- Mount a TV above the fireplace
A TV and a fireplace are up there in the “duos Hall of Fame”. Mounting your TV above a fireplace and surrounding it with furniture will offer amazing aesthetics, and optimal visibility and save you some space especially if you are working with limited space. Whilst mounting a TV above a fireplace ensure you adhere to clearance guidance to avoid heat damaging your TV.
- Add a clock
No pun intended, here is a timeless way to make your fireplace look amazing. Simply, add a clock on top of it. Whether you opt for an oversized or tabletop clock you will be able to enhance your space and also tell time while at it.
Conclusion
Like the wave of a magic wand, fireplace décor instantly transforms your living space into a magical cozy area. By following the ideas, we have explored in this article, you will be able to elevate your living space to a top-tier level. The beauty of fireplace decor lies not only in its visual appeal but also in its ability to improve focus and reduce depressive moods. Whether you opt for the nostalgic charm of vintage pieces, or the soothing ambiance of candlelight, adding décor to your fireplace will make it the focal point that reflects your style and personality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why are fireplaces so soothing?
Generally, we get a sense of internal relaxation when watching the fire. Research shows that our mind is naturally drawn to flames and the longer we stare the more we get consumed and forget the ups and downs of life. In that state, all our anxiety is lost.
Benefits of sitting by a fireplace
Sitting by a fireplace not only offers visual appeal but also decreases blood pressure, increases connection, and relaxes our mind and body
How do you use space around a fireplace?
The most common ways of using the space around a fireplace include adding, bookcases, cabinets, and asymmetrical floating shelves.
What decor can you put on a fireplace?
Well, there are endless options of what you can put on your fireplace mantel. You can put a mirror, art, or family photos above it. Alternatively, you can place a pair of wall sconces, candlesticks, clocks, or vases.
What is a fireplace in a living room used for?
You can place a fireplace in the living room to make it the focal point. Other than that you can use a fireplace to create a relaxing ambiance and provide warmth.
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