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10 Fireplace Ideas to Transform Your Living Room Decor
A fireplace is the natural heart of a living room, even when it is not lit. These 10 fireplace ideas to transform your living room decor show how to refresh the surround, style the mantel and arrange the room around it.
Fireplace surround options
| Item | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Painted brick | Fresh, budget-friendly update |
| Limewash | Soft, chalky, old-world texture |
| Stone | Rustic and substantial |
| Tile | Pattern and colour in a small area |
| Plaster | Smooth, modern and minimal |
The surround
- Paint the brick white or warm cream for a fresh look.
- Try limewash for a soft, aged texture.
- Clad the surround in patterned tile for a focal point.
The mantel
- Fit a chunky reclaimed wood mantel.
- Hang a round or arched statement mirror above it.
- Style the mantel in odd-numbered groupings of candles, vases and books.
Around the fireplace
- Build shelving or cabinets either side for balance.
- Arrange seating to face the fire, with a rug to anchor it.
- Store logs in a woven basket or a built-in niche.
- Change the mantel with the seasons using greenery or dried stems.
Tip: Keep candles, greenery and textiles well away from an open fire, use a fireguard if children or pets are around, have the chimney swept regularly, fit a carbon monoxide alarm in the room, and use heat-resistant paint on the firebox surround.
FAQ
How do I make my fireplace the focal point?
Point seating towards it, add a statement mirror or art above, and keep the mantel styling simple.
Can I paint a brick fireplace?
Yes, use a masonry primer and heat-resistant paint, and avoid painting inside the firebox.
How do I decorate a fireplace I never use?
Fill the firebox with candles or stacked logs and style the mantel as a display shelf.
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