Millions of homes have fireplaces, but many of those fireplaces look identical, or even boring. If you want your fireplace to truly add to your living room, or serve as a conversation piece, you’ll want it to stand out as a unique fixture.
What steps can you take to make sure your fireplace stands out and appeals to everyone, including you?
Choose the Right Fireplace (or Fireplace Insert)
Your first job is to start with the right fireplace. If you don’t have a fireplace in your home currently, you may be able to design one entirely from scratch. If you already have a fireplace in place and you aren’t happy with it, you might consider gutting it and replacing it, or using a fireplace insert to take advantage of the structure you already have.
In any case, as you make your decision, you’ll need to explore these important options:
- Type. There are many different types of fireplaces and fireplace inserts available today. When most people think of a fireplace, they think of a typical, wood burning fireplace, and these fireplaces are still widely available. If you’re interested in the smells, sounds, and other visceral experiences of being next to a fire, it’s your best option, but if you’re interested in something that burns cleaner and more efficiently, you might consider an electric or a gas fireplace. Electric and gas fireplaces are more efficient and versatile, but they don’t have the same nostalgic appeal or warm charm as a traditional fireplace. Within each category, you’ll also have a wide range of options to choose from, so explore them carefully and pick the right fit for your needs.
- Mantel aesthetics. Most fireplace installations also come with a mantel, which should give you a wide range of stylistic and decoration options. The area surrounding your fireplace can be built and upgraded in a wide variety of ways, giving you a practically infinite range of customization potential.
- Other options. There are countless other options for your fireplace as well. You can choose the right accessories, apply a screen or a set of doors, and even add lighting to make your fireplace pop in the middle of your living room.
Consider Possible Upgrades
If you have a fireplace already and you’re not interested in getting a new one, there are several possible upgrades that are available to you:
- Retiling or refinishing. In some cases, it may make sense to retile or refinish the surrounding area. Adding brick or stone can give it a more natural look, but these are far from your only options.
- Glass doors. A set of glass fireplace doors can also make your fireplace look more modern and sleek. They’re relatively inexpensive and easy to install, but they can make your fireplace safer and more aesthetically appealing.
- Stone veneers. You may also be interested in applying stone veneers to the surrounding areas. Stone veneer walls can make your fireplace more radiant and striking, while simultaneously making your entire space more interesting and inviting.
- Built-in shelves. It’s also possible to add built-in shelves to your fireplace area. This can greatly expand your range of potential decorations and future improvements.
Decorate
You can also make your fireplace stand out with proper decoration.
Consider these options:
- A mirror. One option is to include a large mirror above your fireplace. It’s a relatively simple choice that can instantly make your room feel bigger, and it won’t require much upkeep on your part.
- A piece of art. You may also decide to highlight your fireplace by affiliating it with a piece of art. You can hang a large painting above the mantel in whatever style you choose, or place a sculpture on top of the mantel to draw the eye.
- Books. If you have shelves available, or ample space on the mantel, you can include some of your favorite books. It’s a way to show off your taste and make the fireplace area feel like a closer personal fit.
- Plants. Another option is to include indoor plants on and around your fireplace. These plants can function as a sharp visual contrast, and they can even boost your mood just by being around.
- Collectible items. Do you have any unique collections or sentimental items that you could put on display? The top of your mantel could be the perfect place for them.
- An area rug. You can also highlight the fireplace and make the room feel fuller and cozier by choosing the right area rug for the space.
Making a fireplace stand out comes with tough decisions, in part because there are so many potentially useful and beautiful options. You’ll need to explore your options carefully and consider the broader aesthetic of your home if you want to find the right fit.
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