Are you redecorating and need help deciding what to do on either side of your fireplace? Well, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together this guide to help you plan your wall decor.
Here’s a list of great options for decorating either side of your fireplace:
- Accent Wall
- Mirrors
- Art
- Shelves
- Knick-Knacks
- Furniture
- Combination
You can use one or several of these options to spruce up the area around your fireplace. Keep reading to learn more about how to apply each of these choices.
We sometimes include affiliate links and curated AI content to highlight top design styles.
Why Should You Decorate The Walls Around Your Fireplace?
Leaving the walls around your fireplace bare will result in a drab and boring space. Using art, knick-knacks, and other decor will brighten up the room and add interest to the area. With the proper furnishings, you can turn the room into a magazine-ready space that looks professionally decorated.
1. Accent Wall
Use paint, wallpaper, or tile to create an accent wall highlighting both sides of the fireplace. It can add a great deal of color and visual appeal to the area. Choose something bright and colorful for a bold statement or something simple yet decorative for an elegant feeling.
Orainege Herringbone Wallpaper
This simple wallpaper won’t detract from the rest of the decor in the room, but its design adds some excitement to the space.
Click here to see this wallpaper on Amazon.
2. Mirrors
Mirrors are a great way to add depth and intrigue to a wall. They help to make rooms seem larger and brighter with their reflective surface, and they’re are a classy addition to any wall. Choose large hanging or standingmirrors, so they don’t seem minimal next to the fireplace.
First Time & Co. Arched Mirror
This large mirror is the perfect option to place on one or both sides of your fireplace. The fancy woodwork adds interest and charm, while the mirrored glass gives the impression of a larger, brighter space.
Click here to see this mirror on Amazon.
3. Art
Hang art on the walls around your fireplace to add color and beauty to the room. You can choose photography or paintings to fit your personal taste. Take advantage of the color scheme of your room and try to select art that will complement the space.
AmericanFlat Wall Art Set
This set of six framed wall art prints will add an exciting pop of color to your room, and they can be hung in exciting patterns.
Click here to see this art on Amazon.
4. Shelves
Install floating shelves or use freestanding bookshelves to add a display feature to the area and increase your storage space. Put one on each side to keep things symmetrical. Use it to store books, sculptures, knickk-knacks, or an assortment of decorative items.
IRONCK Ladder Shelf
This shelf is an ideal option for use on either side of a fireplace. It has five shelves for display or storage.
Click here to check this shelf out on Amazon.
5. Knick-Knacks
Use colorful or elegant decorations to add color and personality to your fireplace area. You can include miniature pieces of fine art sculptures or your favorite yard sale finds. Place them on shelves or tables and use them to incorporate your personal taste into the room.
Yangmei Ceramic Bird
This miniature sculpture is a lovely option for adding a bit of color to your space.
Click here to see this figurine on Amazon.
6. Furniture
Use console tables, curios, or even chairs to add practicality and ornamentation to the space on the sides of your fireplace. Use your furniture choice to display decor or add seating to the room in a fashionable way.
Convenience Concepts Console Table
This console table is perfect for displaying your favorite pieces, and it’s available in multiple colors.
Click here to take a look at this console table on Amazon.
7. Combination
Use a combination of several or all of these options to create a beautiful and intricate area. Put shelving on each side, add wall art or mirrors above it, and add seating and extra decor. A mix of these options can make the area feel like a totally new space.
Yaheetech Faux Leather Accent Chair
This two-pack of faux leather chairs will give your room a luxurious look.
Click here to check out these chairs on Amazon.
How To Hang Art or Mirrors On Either Side of Fireplace?
Choose one large piece to hang on each side of the fireplace, or use several small to medium-sized pieces to create a group collage. Try to remain consistent with coloring and theme to create a uniform look.
You can also get funky with the frames and use different sizes, shapes, and colors to demonstrate variety or hierarchy.
How To Install Shelves On Either Side Of A Fireplace?
Use stand-alone shelves for the easiest installation. Floating shelves can also be installed quickly and provide a clean aesthetic. For floating shelves, make sure that the shelves are even on both sides of the fireplace to ensure it is symmetrical.
Herncptar Floating Shelves
This set of four shelves is an excellent option for the walls on the sides of a fireplace.
Click here to see these shelves on Amazon.
Should You Paint Your Fireplace?
Yes, painting your fireplace is a distinctive way to revive it with a modern touch. The most important thing to remember when painting your fireplace is to use a great primer, so the brick or stone doesn’t bleed through. Use this as a low-cost method to create a whole new look for your room.
Can You Paint Tiled Fireplaces?
Yes, you can paint tiled fireplaces just as well as stone or brick. Make sure you use a good primer before you begin applying paint. The paint should be applied with a roller in thin and even coats to ensure complete coverage and a professional look.
Kilz Primer
This primer is perfect for stubborn surfaces and provides excellent coverage.
Click here to see this primer on Amazon.
What To Put In Front Of The Fireplace?
If you’re looking for something to place in front of the fireplace to add decor, consider using fireplace tools or a wood basket to complete the aesthetic. You can also display seasonal items like pumpkins, foliage, flowers, or a basket of pinecones.
If the fireplace is active, remember to avoid using anything flammable or to move it before lighting a fire.
Doeworks Log Rack
This adorable log rack is a great way to display your logs in a more decoratively.
Click here to take a look at this log rack on Amazon.
Should You Hang Your Television Over Wood Burning Fireplaces?
If your fireplace is active and is used, you should not mount a television above it. Electronics do not perform well when exposed to additional heat, and you could end up severely damaging your television.
If your fireplace is fake or never lit, it should be fine to hang your television there.
Can You Hang A Television Over Electric Fireplaces?
It is generally safe to hang your television over electric fireplaces since they do not throw as much heat as gas or wood-burning ones. Many electric fireplaces are equipped with cool touch technology for safety around pets and children.
Can You Hang A Television Over Gas Fireplaces?
Gas fireplaces throw quite a bit of heat, so like wood-burning fireplaces, you should avoid mounting a television above it unless it is not used.
Some methods will reduce the risk of damaging heat from reaching your television, like adding a mantle, but they are not a certainty, and there is still some risk.
Use your best judgement and take steps to avoid damage if you decide to mount your television over your fireplace.
In Conclusion
Now that you know how to spruce up the area around your fireplace, you’re ready to start getting your plans together and collecting your new decor.
Don’t forget to consider the color scheme you already have established in the room and build off it, unless you are doing a complete overhaul. Have fun decorating and enjoy your new space.
If you want to learn more about your fireplace, it’s parts, and how to use it, read our article “What Are The Parts Of A Fireplace?”
If you have an electric fireplace and want to hang your television over it, read our article “How Much Space Between Electric Fireplace And TV?”
