How to Decorate Walls Beside Fireplace – 15 Wall Decorating Ideas

Want to add some personality to your walls? Here are four creative ideas for decorating walls beside your fireplace!

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Architect and online interior designer

Updated 9 min read

In this post
  1. 1Add a Statement Wallpaper to your Living Room
  2. 2Add Artwork or Family Photos to Enhance the Space
  3. 3Install a Bookshelf or Floating Shelves to the Wall
  4. 4Decorate with the Rule of Three
  5. 5Use Statement Sconces in your Design
  6. 6Add Pendant Lights to the Walls and Frame the Fireplace
  7. 7Flank your Fireplace with Statement Floor Lamps
  8. 8Focus on the Mantel
  9. 9Attach a Full Mirror
  10. 10Put up Window Treatments
  11. 11Decorate with Pet-friendly Houseplants and Flowers
  12. 12Flank the Fireplace with Pet-friendly Trees
  13. 13Matching Vases
  14. 14Paint the Walls in a Bold Accent Color
  15. 15Flank Fireplace with Matching Consoles or Cabinets
  16. FAQ
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Most living rooms are designed around a fireplace, making it the room’s focal point. Therefore, it’s important to make good use of the space surrounding and adjacent to it. When we look at a fireplace, our eyes are drawn to the space immediately on each side of it.

This is why the walls on either side of the fireplace are a great way to draw the eye and make a statement, whether through the use of wallpaper in a specific pattern and style, the addition of artwork or family photos, the placement of bookshelves, the use of wall lights, or the attachment of a fancy mirror.

By taking advantage of this prime real estate, we can create a living room that is both stylish and inviting. This blog post will show you 15 of our favorite ways to decorate walls beside a fireplace.

1.- Add a Statement Wallpaper to your Living Room 

Fireplaces are often the focal point of a room, so it makes sense to decorate the area around them. One way to do this is by adding wallpaper in a specific pattern and style. This can help to add visual interest and make the space more inviting.

There are many different ways to decorate a fireplace, so take some time to explore all of the options. You may also want to consider adding side tables or other pieces of furniture to complete the look.

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2.- Add Artwork or Family Photos to Enhance the Space

Placing artwork or photos on the side walls can also greatly add visual interest to a room. In addition to being an elegant way to fill empty space, side wall decor can also help to balance a room’s overall look.

For example, side wall decor can help create a more balanced and coordinated look when placed opposite a fireplace. Whether you choose art, photos, or another type of wall decor, adding decorations to your side walls is a great way to add style and personality to your home.

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3.- Install a Bookshelf or Floating Shelves to the Wall

This can provide both function and decoration, and it is a great way to make use of empty wall space. If you choose this option, be sure to consider the height of the shelving unit so that it doesn’t overpower the fireplace.

You may also want to consider adding a few decorative items to the shelves, such as vases, candles, or books. This can help to create a more inviting and stylish space.

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4.- Decorate with the Rule of Three

When decorating your shelves or mantle, it’s important to remember the rule of three. This rule states that objects should be grouped in odd numbers, preferably three. This creates a more visually appealing and balanced look.

So, when decorating your shelves or mantle, be sure to group items in threes, and this will create a more pleasing and inviting space.

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5.- Use Statement Sconces in your Design

Statement sconces are a great way to add decoration to walls that might otherwise be empty space. They can be placed on either side of a fireplace or even on a wall that’s not adjacent to the fireplace. And because they come in such a wide range of styles, you’re sure to find something that fits your decorating style.

Sconces can also be a great way to add decoration to a room without taking up too much space. If you have a small home or apartment, you might not have room for a lot of big pieces of furniture. But you can still make the most of your space by using sconces to decorate your walls.

Plus, they offer the added benefit of providing extra light when you need it. So if you’re looking for ideas on how to decorate your walls, consider using statement sconces. You might be surprised at how much they can add to your home.

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6.- Add Pendant Lights to the Walls and Frame the Fireplace

Pendant lights are a great way to frame the fireplace and add decoration to the walls on either side. They can be hung at different heights to create visual interest, and they come in a variety of styles to suit any home.

They can be placed on either side of the fireplace to add symmetry, or they can be used to highlight other pieces of wall decor. Lanterns are another popular choice for fireplace wall decor.

They can be placed on the mantle or hung from the ceiling, and they add a touch of elegance to any room. Whatever your style, there are many ways to decorate the walls around your fireplace.

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7.- Flank your Fireplace with Statement Floor Lamps

Consider flanking it with a pair of statement floor lamps. Not only will this add a touch of style to your space, but it can also help to brighten up the room and make it feel more inviting. Plus, it’s a great way to take advantage of empty wall space.

When choosing lamps, make sure to pick ones that complement the overall style of your home. For example, opt for classic floor lamps with fabric shades if you have a traditional fireplace. If you want something more modern, look for sleek and minimalist designs made from metals like brass or steel.

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8.- Focus on the Mantel

The mantel is one of the most important features of a fireplace, so it’s important to make good use of the space. When decorating your mantel, be sure to keep the rule of three in mind. Group items in threes and use a variety of different textures and colors to create visual interest.

Some popular items to include on a mantel are vases, candles, clocks, and photos. You can also use the space to display a collection of items, such as antique teacups or vintage keys.

Whatever you choose to put on your mantel, be sure to arrange it in a way that looks pleasing and inviting. This will help to create a warm and inviting space that your family and friends will love.

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9.- Attach a Full Mirror

Hanging a full-length mirror on the wall beside the fireplace is a great way to add both function and style to the room. The mirror will reflect the fire’s light, and it can also help make the room feel more spacious.

And, when paired with the right decor, a mirror can even help to create a focal point of its own. So, if you’re looking for a creative way to update your fireplace wall, hang a mirror! You’ll love the results.

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10.- Put up Window Treatments

Window treatments are a great way to add some extra style and flair to your space. They can also help to direct the eye around the room, making it appear more open and inviting. Plus, they offer many practical benefits, like protecting your furniture from the sun’s harmful rays and helping keep your home cool in the summer months.

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11.- Decorate with Pet-friendly Houseplants and Flowers

Another option is to use pet-friendly houseplants and flowers to create a beautiful and inviting display. Although they may not seem the most obvious choice, plants can make great wall decor.

They add color and life to a room and can help soften the hard lines of a fireplace. Plus, they offer some added benefits for pet owners. Certain plants can help to purify the air or act as natural insect repellents, making them a welcome addition to any home.

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12.- Flank the Fireplace with Pet-friendly Trees

To really make a fireplace stand out, flank it with pet-friendly trees. Trees can add height and visual interest to any space and can also help improve air quality. Not to mention, they’re a great way to show off your love of animals. Whether you choose real or artificial trees, they’ll definitely add personality to your home.

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13.- Matching Vases

An interesting way to add visual interest to a wall is to hang a pair of vases on either side of the fireplace. This creates a symmetrical look that can be both eye-catching and stylish. Vases also provide an opportunity to incorporate color into your decor, whether you choose vibrant blooms or simple greenery.

In addition, vases can be used to highlight other elements in the room, such as artworks or photographs. By considering all of these factors, you can easily find the perfect vases to decorate your walls and take your home décor to the next level.

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14.- Paint the Walls in a Bold Accent Color

If you’re looking for a way to really make a statement, consider painting the walls in a bold accent color. This will help to create a focal point and draw the eye to the fireplace. Plus, it can help to make the room feel more vibrant and alive.

When choosing a paint color, consider the overall aesthetic of the room. If you want a more subdued look, opt for a neutral hue. But if you’re feeling adventurous, go for a bolder shade. Either way, you’ll love the results.

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15.- Flank Fireplace with Matching Consoles or Cabinets

One way to add even more visual interest to a fireplace is to flank it with matching consoles or cabinets. This creates a symmetrical look that can really help to make a statement. Not only does this look great, but it can also be a great way to add extra storage to your room.

If you have many decorations you want to display, this can be a great way to do it. Just make sure that you don’t overcrowd the space, or it will start to look cluttered. With a little bit of planning, you can use your fireplace as the perfect opportunity to create a stunning display in your home.

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FAQ

How do you decorate the area around a fireplace?

There are many ways to decorate the walls around a fireplace. You can use wallpaper in a specific pattern or style, add artwork or family photos, place bookshelves, use wall lights, attach a mirror, or position furniture in a way that creates a focal point.

What should I put around my fireplace?

First, you’ll want to make sure that whatever you choose complements the style of your fireplace. If you have a more traditional fireplace, you might want to consider hanging a mirror or a piece of artwork above it. If you have a more contemporary fireplace, you might want to consider shelving or placing a TV on the wall beside it.

How can I make my corner fireplace look good?

One easy way is to simply decorate the walls on either side of the fireplace. This can be done with wallpaper in a specific pattern and style, the addition of artwork or family photos, the placement of bookshelves, the use of wall lights, the attachment of a fancy mirror, or the positioning of furniture. Whatever you do, make sure it complements the overall aesthetic of your living room.

How can I make my fireplace more attractive?

Fireplaces are often the focal point of a room, so it’s important to make good use of the space surrounding and adjacent to it. One way to do this is by decorating the walls on either side of the fireplace. This can be done in a variety of ways, depending on your personal style and the look you’re going for.  

How can I make my fireplace more attractive?

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Meet the author

Written by an architect.

Julio Arco is a passionate architect with years of experience in architecture, interior design, urban design, and housing. He studied at prestigious universities across North America and Europe.

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