Living room fireplace ideas – 35 ways to create a focal point (2023)

Nothing welcomes in the cosy hygge vibes quite like a crackling fire. Traditionally, the fireplace was the focal point of a living room layout, although in modern time's it's been replaced by the TV...

Creative living room fireplace ideas can totally transform your lounge, anchoring the space whatever the season and bringing warmth in winter. Whether you restore an old fireplace, put a new one in where one was missing, or just fake it til you make it, there are lots of ways to make sure your fireplace commands attention.

Even if you don't have a functioning fire, a facing (the mantel and frame) styled with stacked logs, candles, plants and artwork can still make a decorative statement, in your living room.

Living room fireplace ideas

1. Fake it with a facing and accent colour

If you don't have a fireplace, you could purchase a facing, at Screwfix (opens in new tab) or B&Q and distract with a bold accent colour. As shown above, with some bright colour on the walls, fairy lights, artwork and candles, you can make the impression of a fireplace without an actual roaring fire.

This is an affordable way to create a faux fireplace, costing around £200. It's a relatively easy way to improve the flow of the room when designing a living room. And it offers lots of opportunities for styling/faffing with the mantlepiece as the seasons change.

2. Source a second-hand fireplace

Why not restore an old fireplace? Keep an eye out on Facebook Marketplace and Freecycle and you might be able to bag one for free, so it'll only cost you time and the price of some paint and DIY tools.

Speaking to Ideal Home, DIY lover and former Girls Aloud star Kimberley Walsh (opens in new tab) said she was surprised at how easy this was to do. She bought one from a second-hand flea market and completely restored it, building up the fluting and reshaping some of it, before priming, sanding and repainting it.

'At first, I thought there's no way I'm going to make this look any good, and actually it wasn't as hard as I thought,' she shares. 'There are so many tutorials online now if you're unsure of how to do things. It's in our main living area because it's a really lovely Victorian high ceilinged room, but the fireplace they had must have been put in when the original one was taken out and it just didn't give it the credit it deserved.'

3. Make it centre-stage and conceal the TV

A large chimney breast, white abstract artwork and dark paint make a big statement here, and the TV simply disappears. 'Whether you're a TV-over-the-fireplace or art-over-the-fireplacekind of girl, adding a centrepiecewith heightandvisual weight is the best way to create a focal point,' say Jennaand Mariana at Interior Fox (opens in new tab).

'Often times we have open recesses on either side of the chimney breast so take every opportunity to use this space by adding built-inshelving or bookcases.A fireplace also needs to be grounded for maximumvisual impact so if you don'thave a hearth, create one using tiles or stacks of books/plants.'

4. Opt for a textural look

This fireplace has a gorgeous boho look with loads of natural textures, and it's sure to look radiant and inviting once lit. You've got the painted wood panelled walls, marble, natural wooden candle stands, the stone of the Buddha, ceramic jars and a beaded light fitting. All of these tactile materials have been skillfully layered on top of what may have been a fairly plain and ordinary marble fireplace and hearth.

5. Add a touch of royalcore

Elevate your traditional fireplace by taking inspiration from Bridgerton-inspired royalcore. Pale blue walls, gold-framed mirrors and artwork, DIY wall panelling ideas and a mix of old and new in terms of furniture and soft furnishings will take a fireplace to a new level.

6. Make a statement with a modern design

Create a wow moment with a modern, electric fire as part of your open-plan living room ideas. The fire cut out of the wall here means there's still a divide between the different areas but it also creates a sense of space, ideal for entertaining.

7. Update the chimney breast with geometric tiles

Bring personality and a chic Parisian cafe style with some monochrome tiles like these from Walls and Floors (opens in new tab). They've got a subtle matte finish and can be arranged in various ways, be it checkerboard or your own unique pattern.

8. Embrace symmetry

If you want your living room to be a calming place to unwind, think about symmetry when coming up with living room fireplace ideas. Arrange wood either side of the fireplace in neat columns, cluster candles and arrange plants and artwork so there's a feeling of balance that's easy on the eye.

9. Make a statement with colour blocking

Colour lovers, don't neglect your fireplace! It's a prime opportunity to inject some fun colour, and we're loving the combination of bright green, yellow and pink here, tied together with a geometric rug. A fresh lick of paint is always a winner if you want to shake things up without spending too much money.

10. Arrange furniture to embrace the fire

Rearranging your furniture so that key pieces are angled towards the fire is a way to make your fire demand attention, without spending any money. 'Arrange your furniture so it embraces the fireplace rather than avoiding it,’ says Sally Denning, Interiors Stylist, @Blackshorestyle (opens in new tab). You don't have to totally compromise your view of the TV but a few small tweaks, and shuffling sofa legs a little will help make sure the fireplace stands out.

11. Style a mantel like a pro

'Symmetrical mantels – with say, an identical lamp at each end – can feel very formal,' comments interior designer Nicki Bamford-Bowes (opens in new tab). 'Great in certain spaces and situations such as a dining room or a grand hallway. However, to create a more relaxed vibe in spaces such as a lounge, I prefer a more informal, asymmetrical mantel.' Play around with arranging vases, artwork, seasonal foliage, and plenty of candles for ambient light, which is essential for achieving cosy living room ideas.

12. Make a feature of a chimney breast wall

‘Try painting the fireplace in a contrasting colour to walls, wallpapering all walls or alcoves except the chimney breast,' suggests Ruth Mottershead, Creative Director, Little Greene (opens in new tab). 'Or opting for floor-to-ceiling colour, enveloping the fire surround and chimney breast just leaving the dark fireplace or decorative tiles to become a room’s feature highlight.’

13. Keep it simple for a contemporary design

‘An inset stove gives the illusion of a “window of fire”,’ says Declan Kingsley-Walsh, Managing Director, Morsø UK (opens in new tab). 'So keep things minimal to let the fire remain centre stage.'

This style of living room fireplace ideas works in just about any space, contemporary or traditional, as it just depends how you dress it. it's a great option for small living room ideas, too, because it doesn't overly distract the eye and take over the space.

14. Make a modern fireplace the focal point

In a contemporary layout embrace the freedom to upsize. Make a big impact, quite literally, with an oversized fireplace design within your modern living room ideas.

‘Glass panels on stoves are now bigger and wider, so you can really enjoy the beauty of a log fire, compared to more trad designs,’ says Declan from Morso.

‘Stoves can be placed almost anywhere as long as the requirements of the stove are met and there’s a flue, which means focal points are moving away from the traditional fireplace.’

15. Welcome wallpaper to frame a fireplace

Draw attention to the fire within the living room fireplace ideas by framing the surround with a decorative paper. ‘Adding living room wallpaper ideas to the chimney breast in an otherwise muted scheme highlights it and create an element of surprise,' suggests Ruth from Little Greene.

16. Give an original fireplace a makeover

With the right materials you can upcycle anything and design a living room to perfection. ‘Most fireplaces are made from varnished wood, cast iron, tiles or stone, so if you are looking to paint it – and a contrasting colour always helps highlight this architectural feature – then use a coat of an all-surface primer,' advises Ruth from Little Greene.

'If you have a highly sculptural or cast-iron fireplace, then paint the walls and the fireplace itself the same colour – this reduces the powerful nature of the ironwork or shape but allows the detail to show through by the highlights and shadows that are displayed as light falls on it.’

17. Style a fireplace seasonally

‘Style your living room fireplace ideas with the season,’ says Interiors Stylist Sally. ‘For spring and summer, pop candles into the grate or add seasonal foliage. As you head into autumn, stack with logs – they are great for adding texture and can be moved to a log basket to one side come winter.’

18. Don't overpower the wood-burner

‘For a contemporary stove, try to keep the area around minimal with a neutral palette,' says Declan from Morso. 'This allows the stove’s warm, dancing flames to be the focal point. For more traditional stoves, expose the original brick or go for decorative tiles to create a warm, homely look for rustic living room ideas.'

19. Make your facing pop

Not sure what to do with that tired old wooden surround on your living room fireplace ideas? If you are feeling brave, painting it a bright colour will make it sing. Try to pick out your chosen colour in accents such as cushions and rugs, and smaller pieces of upcycled furniture for a more cohesive look.

Think carefully about your colour choice. If you have a cool neutral like grey on the walls, pick a strong sunshine yellow, teal blue or fuchsia pink. If you are working with a warmer neutral, try an on-trend brick or terracotta red, a sage or olive green or even plum.

20. Go grey all over

One way to make a fireplace feel less old fashioned or obtrusive is to paint it in an on-trend, colour, and to also us that colour on the wall behind. This cocooning grey living room idea is on trend, and makes this mantel feel smart. It's also light enough that you don't lose the fine details of any carved details.

21. Make sure it's to scale

This is important if you are choosing a replacement mantelpiece, or installing a new fireplace where one didn't previously exist. 'If you have lots of space and high ceilings, you may wish to opt for a tall fireplace with an overhanging mantel, an ornate overmantel and a wide hearth extension,' advises Owen from Renaissance London.

'If your space is smaller, such as in a bathroom or guest bedroom, you may wish to opt for something more flush to the wall. Focus the detail on ornate jambs or tiles around the grate.'

22. Turn a chimney breast into a home office

Here's a very smart solution for a defunct fireplace – turn it into a desk or dressing table. Deeper wardrobes sit in the alcoves created by the flue, while attaching a shelf to the chimney breast makes an instant workspace or beauty bar. And the hearth becomes a place to tuck in a stool – it's the home office you've always wanted, but takes up barely any space.

23. Pare back a disused fireplace

Turn a simple hole in the wall into a stunning feature that reflects the style of your property. For coastal living room ideas, look to rustic materials. Raw concrete cavity and a stone base are a great starting point.

24. Use reclaimed wood for authenticity

A big open hearth and flue might look authentic, but they are also rather impractical. In country living room ideas, consider sealing off the flue so there are no draughts, and instead using an efficient wood burner as they do a far better job of emitting heat directly into the room that an open fire wood.

A simple reclaimed beam is a rustic alternative to a traditional mantelpiece, while still nodding to the age of the house.

25. Fake it in a new build with this instant fix

Though it's not true of all new builds, some can feel a little bereft of features. So if you are looking for a focal point to replace the TV, a fireplace surround like this one from Next could be the retro-fit solution you've been looking for. It will fit against a flat wall for an instant feature, and you can add your choice of electric stove or hearth to complete the look.

Buy now: Jefferson fireplace surround, £525, Next (opens in new tab)

26. Keep things elegant with marble

Marble is the perfect choice for a fireplace. It is resistant to heat and fire, meaning you can light the fire all winter long without worrying about any damage. Marble is perfect for creating a sleek modern look. It can be expensive, but the versatility and longevity of marble makes it is a great investment.

27. Add character with exposed brick

If you have inherited a fireplace already fitted with a heating element, rather than tearing it out immediately check to see if it is still safe to use and work with it.

This old heating element and exposed brick fireplace add character to this otherwise modern living room. It is a lovely focal point that offers a nod to the history of the house.

28. Create a modern, industrial look

Has your original fireplace been ripped out? It's relatively affordable to commission your own in cast concrete, for a surround that has all the character or marble or stone without the expense. Pops of orange will fire up neutral living room ideas when the stove itself isn't flickering.

29. Match your fireplace to your walls

Fireplaces can sometimes stand out for all the wrong reasons. So if you want yours to blend in, paint it to match the walls around it. This is particularly effective if you go for a deep colour rather than a pale neutral. Pick out the tone in soft furnishings but make sure there's enough 'light' to contrast with the shad to avoid overkill.

30. Work in a wood-burning stove

Fireplace alcove not in use? Install a log burning stove. It will create wonderfully cosy centrepiece and will heat the whole area. Be sure to enlist the help of a trained contractor who will make sure the structure is safe and built to the latest regulations.

The results as seen here in this quaint country living room are stunning and can be enjoyed from all angles of the room. ‘Whether your living room is big or small, a wood-burning stove always makes it cosy' says Declan from Morso.

31. Dress an inglenook

Large open fireplaces, or Inglenooks as they are often known, are the ultimate indulgence for cottage-style homes. They were originally used in houses to cook, and for people to gather in for extra warmth but these days they are purely decorative and atmospheric.

Their grand appearance is the epitome of rustic cosiness and looks the part amongst beamed ceilings and comfortable sofas. You need to have sufficient permanent ventilation into the room to ensure that the fire can work safely with a good draught up the flue.

Be sure to learn how to clean and maintain your chimney and heating stove in time for winter.

32. Personalise the mantlepiece

Ever wondered where the living room furniture pointed before the days of the TV? Although many have been neglected or ripped out completely, the fireplace is gaining gravitas once more thanks to our current love of all things heritage.

Whether offering a place for your wine glass at a party to perching a family portrait, the mantel itself has long reflected each era of design. Use a bare mantel to display your favourite objects – a sure fire (get it?!) way to cheer you up on a dull, dreary day.

Select specific items to make more of a statement – oversized letters to spell out kid’s names looks great, or use the wall above to position a large scale print and leave the mantle free.

33. Fill in the gaps with logs

Fill an unused fireplace with log storage ideas for an eye-catching display. Fire wood is making a rustic style statement this season. Stacked and styled with an interior designer’s eye, the storage of this humble heat source is also the ‘hot’ new way to bring a textural element into the winter home.

34. Light up your fire

An exposed brick chimney breast is a popular decorative fireplace style right now. It demands attention, adds texture and lends itself well to not only rustic but modern schemes as it gives a nod to the industrial trend.

It particularly looks the part in this relaxed living room as creates a focal point and balances the eclectic scheme. If your fireplace is not in use, light up the hearth with a quirky novelty LED letter light as an extra highlight.

35. Adorn your fireplace with foraged foliage

Give those Sunday afternoon walks extra purpose by taking the opportunity to forage in the hedgerows for pretty foliage to adorn your fireplace. Slip your secateurs in your pocket and be on the look-out for ivy, rose hips, eucalyptus, yew and box cuttings. As well as looking pretty, they'll double as kindling.

The time honoured and traditional fireplace was once a necessity to heat a room, but in today's world they can be seen as more of a comforting indulgence and delight. From artificial gas and electric fires to rustic wood burners and roaring open inglenooks, there is certainly a style and type to suit every style of living room, bedroom, kitchen or even bathroom.

How do you arrange a living room with a fireplace in the middle?

'Try to position your seating in a way that surrounds the hearth, whilst still angled towards the TV,' says Sam Hood, co-founder and chief creative officer at AMARA (opens in new tab). 'This will give you the best of both worlds, embracing both the modern and traditional focal points.'

Should I buy a restoredfireplaceor reproduction fireplace?

A beautiful fireplace might be a must-have now, but it's a sad fact that in the 1970s and 1980s, homeowners couldn't rip them out fast enough. That's left many older homes lacking their original living room fireplace ideas. So if you want to reinstate them, is it best to seek out an old fireplace, salvaged from a property of a similar age, or to buy new?

'Restoration can be a hugely gratifying and challenging process, from sourcing to installation, but the result is a true piece of history amongst the fabric of your home,' says Owen from Renaissance London. 'Alternatively, specifying a reproduction fireplace gives you the freedom to create something entirely new. It can be made to look old while incorporating all the detail and personalisation you could wish for.'

How do I make my fireplace a year-round feature?

'During the summer, a stove or fire remains a functional design element that boosts the aesthetics of any space, even though it’s not in regular use,' points out Declan from Morso. 'Keep logs and fireside tools close by to your living room fireplace ideas – whatever the season – they add interest and make the stove feel homely all year round.’

'For non-working fireplaces with open cavities, use a heap of white candles at different heights,' says Interior Fox. 'You can light them and it creates a nice glow mimickinga fire. Another affordable option is stacking books and plants neatly to create differentheights within the cavity.Don't forget about the mantel! Candles, ornaments, and small vases with greenery can do wonders for an empty mantel.'

Do fireplaces cause pollution?

While we love the cosy element that a wood-burning living room fireplace ideas bring, we also acknowledge the Clean Air Strategy 2019 (opens in new tab), which set about the reduction of emissions at home to protect the environment and the nation's health.

According to the Government website, burning wood and coal in open fires and stoves makes up 38% of the UK’s primary emissions of fine particulate matter. The Clean Air Strategy 2019 set out plans to legislate to prohibit the sale of the most polluting fuels, ensuring only the cleanest stoves would be available for sale by 2022.