The fireplace is often the focal point of a living room or family room. It provides warmth and comfort on chilly evenings, and it can also be a beautiful decorative element in your home. But when it comes to decorating the area around the fireplace, many people are not sure what to put there. Should you leave it empty, or should you add some accessories? If so, what do you put on either side of a fireplace? Let’s explore some ideas that can help you answer these questions.
What to put on either side of a fireplace
1. Lighting:
When it comes to decorating the area around the fireplace, lighting is an important element. A pair of matching sconces on either side of the fireplace can add both function and beauty to the space. They can provide extra lighting for reading or relaxing in the evening, and they can also add a touch of elegance to your decor.
2. Mirrors:
Mirrors are another great accessory to add to the area around your fireplace. They can create the illusion of more space in the room and reflect light to brighten up the space. For an easy fireplace mantel decorating idea, hang a mirror in the middle and a sconce on either side. This will anchor the mantel and create a balanced look.
3. Artwork:
If you have a large fireplace with plenty of wall space around it, why not showcase some of your favorite artwork? You can hang a piece of art on either side of the fireplace, or create a gallery wall with several pieces. This will add color and personality to your decor and create a focal point for the room.
4. Plants:
Another great idea for decorating the area around your fireplace is to add some plants. Depending on the size of your fireplace, you can place a large potted plant on either side or group several smaller plants together. This will add some natural beauty to your decor and can also help purify the air in your home.
5. Vases and candlesticks:
For a more traditional look, you can also add vases and candlesticks to the area around your fireplace. This is a classic way to decorate a mantel, and it can look beautiful in any home. Anchor the mantel with a larger vase in front of the mirror and fill in with smaller accessories, such as vases, candlesticks, and decorative objects.
6. Bookshelves:
If you have a built-in bookshelf on either side of the fireplace, you’re in luck! This is the perfect opportunity to create a beautiful display of your favorite books, decorative objects, and artwork. You can also add lighting to the shelves to make them even more eye-catching.
Tips for decorating the area around your fireplace
– Keep it balanced. Whether you’re adding sconces, artwork, or plants, be sure to create a balanced look on either side of the fireplace. This will create a sense of harmony and calm in the space.
– Mix textures and materials. When decorating around your fireplace, it’s important to mix different textures and materials to create visual interest. For example, you might use a combination of wood, metal, and ceramics to create a balanced look.
– Consider the scale. The size of your accessories and artwork should be appropriate for the size of your fireplace. If you have a large fireplace, you’ll need larger accessories to create a sense of proportion.
– Use color wisely. If you’re using colorful accessories or artwork, be sure to balance them out with neutrals. For example, you might pair colorful vases with white or black candlesticks to create a balanced look.
Conclusion
Decorating the area around your fireplace can be a fun and creative process. Whether you decide to add lighting, artwork, plants, or vases and candlesticks, there are endless possibilities for creating a beautiful and functional display. By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be able to create a balanced look that suits your personal style and enhances the beauty of your home.
FAQ
What can I put on my wall around my fireplace?
A fireplace is often the focal point of a living room, and it’s important to decorate the wall around the fireplace in a way that complements the beauty of the fireplace and the room as a whole. There are many things that you can put on your wall around the fireplace, depending on your personal taste and the overall style of the room.
One popular option for decorating the wall around a fireplace is to hang a mirror above it. A mirror can help to reflect the light and warmth from the fire, making the room feel brighter and cozier. Plus, a mirror can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the space. You could choose a large, ornate mirror that fills the wall above the fireplace, or a series of smaller mirrors arranged in a pattern.
Another option is to hang art above the fireplace. Artwork can be a great way to express your personality and add color and texture to the room. You could choose a large, statement piece that draws the eye to the fireplace, or a collection of smaller pieces arranged in a gallery wall. Consider choosing art that features warm colors or subjects that relate to the fireplace, such as landscapes or still life paintings with candles or fire.
Family photos are also a popular choice for the wall around a fireplace. Hanging photos of loved ones can make the space feel more personal and welcoming. You could create a photo gallery wall with a mix of family photos and artwork, or choose one or two large family portraits to hang above the fireplace.
If you want to add some additional light to the room, consider using a pair of wall sconces on either side of the fireplace. This can create a warm and cozy atmosphere, and sconces come in a variety of styles to suit any decor. Candlesticks, clocks, and vases are other decorative options for the wall around a fireplace.
There are many things you can put on your wall around the fireplace, from mirrors and art to family photos, wall sconces and decorative objects. Consider your personal style, the overall decor of the room, and any functional considerations, such as adding extra light or creating a cozy atmosphere, when choosing how to decorate the space around your fireplace.
Do both sides of fireplace have to match?
When designing a living space that features a fireplace, one of the design considerations that often comes up is whether both sides of the fireplace have to match. The answer to this question is largely dependent on personal preferences and the overall design of your living space.
Traditionally, fireplaces have been designed to be symmetrical. In this case, the features on both sides of the fireplace mirror each other. For example, if one side of the fireplace has a mantle, the other side will have a mantle as well. Similarly, if one side of the fireplace has shelves or built-ins, the other side will have the same features.
However, in modern interior design, there are no hard and fast rules for what you can and cannot do with your fireplace. The overall design aesthetic of your living space will play a big role in determining whether or not both sides of your fireplace need to match.
For instance, if you have a more traditional style of home decor, it might make sense to have both sides of the fireplace match. This can give your living room a classic, elegant look that is timeless.
On the other hand, if you have a modern interior design aesthetic, you might want to consider a more asymmetrical approach. In this case, you could have built-ins or shelves built on just one side of the fireplace. This not only adds visual interest to the space but can also be a practical solution for storage or displaying your favorite décor items.
The decision of whether or not both sides of your fireplace have to match is up to you. Consider your personal design preferences, as well as the overall look and feel of your living space, when making this decision.
What are the sides of a fireplace called?
The sides of a fireplace are known as the surround, which includes all the parts that make up the fireplace except for the firebox. This includes the mantelpiece and side supports, which are typically made of wood, marble, or granite. The mantelpiece is the shelf above the fireplace that serves as a decorative frame for the firebox and provides a place to display photos, artwork, or other objects. Side supports, also known as jambs, are the vertical elements on either side of the mantelpiece that support the shelf.
The surround of a fireplace can also include other elements such as a hearth, which is the floor of the fireplace that extends out into the room, and a fireback, which is a decorative panel placed at the back of the firebox to protect the masonry from heat and reflect heat back into the room.
The surround of a fireplace plays an important role in both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the fireplace. It provides a space for decorative elements, while also protecting the surrounding walls and creating a barrier between the fire and the room.
Should fireplace be lighter or darker than walls?
If you are looking to create a statement piece in your living room, having a fireplace as the centerpiece is a great option. However, when it comes to choosing the color of the fireplace, several factors should be considered to ensure that the result is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also functional.
When deciding whether the fireplace should be lighter or darker than your walls, it is vital to consider the color scheme of the room. You want your fireplace to stand out and not blend in with the walls. If you have light-colored walls, a dark-colored fireplace could create an appealing contrast that will make your fireplace the focus of attention. Similarly, if you have dark walls, a light-colored fireplace can bring a fresh and contrasting look to the room.
A lighter fireplace can also make the room feel more spacious as it reflects light. This can help to create a cozy and comfortable atmosphere, especially in smaller spaces. On the other hand, darker fireplaces can give a sense of warmth and coziness, making them a suitable choice for large rooms.
Another factor to consider when choosing the contrasting shade for your fireplace is the material used to construct it. The type of stone or brick used on the fireplace will influence the color palette you choose. If your fireplace has a rustic look, a darker color will highlight the rough edges and textures of your material choice. However, if you have a sleek and modern fireplace, light colors can bring out the clean lines and minimalist style.
When deciding whether to make your fireplace lighter or darker, you should consider your personal preferences, the color scheme of your room, the size of the space, and the material used to construct the fireplace. By taking all these factors into account, you can ensure that your fireplace becomes an eye-catching focal point that complements the overall decor of your living room.
Can two wood burning fireplaces share the same flue?
When it comes to wood burning fireplaces, one of the most common questions people ask is whether two of them can share the same flue. Although it would be convenient to have multiple fireplaces in a house that share the same flue, it’s not recommended due to safety risks.
When a wood burning fireplace is in use, the flue is responsible for venting harmful gases and smoke out of the house. If two fireplaces share the same flue, it can lead to several problems. Firstly, it can cause an insufficient draft, which happens when two fireplaces are trying to use the same flue at the same time. This can cause smoke to back up into the house, which is not only unpleasant but also dangerous.
Secondly, sharing the same flue can also cause creosote buildup. Creosote is a black, tar-like substance that builds up inside the flue over time. Although it’s a normal byproduct of wood burning, it’s highly flammable and can cause chimney fires. If two fireplaces share the same flue, it increases the likelihood of excessive creosote buildup which can lead to a chimney fire.
To avoid these problems, it is advisable to install individual flue liners for each fireplace if you need to run multiple fireplaces in one chimney. A flue liner is a clay or metal conduit that lines the chimney and provides a separate path for the combustion gases from each fireplace. By using individual flue liners for each fireplace, you can ensure that the draft is adequate, and the risk of creosote buildup and chimney fires is minimized.
While it’s not recommended for two wood burning fireplaces to share the same flue, it is possible to install individual flue liners for each fireplace. By doing so, you can enjoy multiple fireplaces in one home while minimizing risks of smoke and fire hazards.