The Complete Guide to Styling Your Corner Fireplace
A corner fireplace can be a beautiful and charming focal point in any living room. But its unique placement also presents some design challenges. Without careful planning, your corner fireplace could end up feeling isolated or making your furniture layout seem off-balance. The good news is there are many creative ways to style a corner fireplace that play up its best attributes while seamlessly integrating it into your living room's overall aesthetic and function.
From choosing the right furniture arrangements to selecting cozy finishing touches, we have tips to help you style your corner fireplace with elegance and purpose.
Choosing Furniture Layouts and Positions
One of the most important decisions for making a corner fireplace work is figuring out the right furniture layout. This ensures you can enjoy lovely views of the fireplace while also using your space in a functional way. Here are some of our top tips for arranging furniture around a corner fireplace:
Arranging Seating for Optimal Viewing
Think about the kinds of conversations and interactions you want to have around your fireplace when choosing seating. Sectionals or modular seating make it easy to arrange couches and chairs so some seats directly face the fire while others face each other. Bench seating or ottomans can also let you switch up seating arrangements as needed.
Integrating Other Furniture Functions
If your living room serves multiple purposes like TV viewing or reading nooks, be sure to leave room for additional furniture like media centers and bookshelves. Measure carefully so these pieces align cleanly with your main seating areas without impeding flow.
Adapting to Open Floor Plans
For more open floor plans, think about floating furniture away from the corners to help delineate spaces while keeping flow. Large area rugs under seating groups also help define spaces in a more open living room.
Selecting the Focal Point Balance
When styling a corner fireplace, it's important to think about focal points. The fireplace itself will be a natural focal point, but you want to balance and complement it as well. Here are some tips for selecting fireplace focal points:
Fireplace as the Focal Point
Making the actual fireplace a statement can help it stand out. Add visual interest with varied textures and materials on the surround and mantel. You can also decorate it with oversized artwork, ornate mirrors, or a TV mounted above.
Complementary Focal Points
Don't overlook the potential of the walls adjacent to the fireplace. Hang bold artwork or dramatic mirrors here to complement the fireplace. Anchoring furniture like cabinets and shelving units on the adjacent walls also adds focal strength.
Considerations for Adding a TV
Mounting a TV above a corner fireplace is very popular, but consider the viewing angle from your seating areas. An articulating mount can help adjust the angle as needed. And be sure to factor in lighting sources that won't create distracting glare on the TV screen.
Incorporating Texture and Materials
The textures surrounding a corner fireplace greatly impact its overall look and feel. Here are some ideas for bringing in materials that enhance your corner fireplace design:
Fireplace Materials
The fireplace itself offers opportunities for varied textures. Stone, brick, or ceramic tile surrounds create rustic appeal. Wood paneling or mantels add warmth. Use multiple materials like a stone hearth and wood mantel to create visual interest.
Textiles and Rugs
Incorporate plush textiles and natural fiber rugs around the fireplace seating area. Layering suede, wool, linen and velvet add depth and dimension. Area rugs in materials like jute, sisal, or sheepskin also bring texture.
Wall Decor
Consider framing the fireplace with textured wall materials. Wood paneling, brick, or stone offer organic texture. Wallpaper and murals can also add striking visuals. Hang woven tapestries or install shelving for books and decorative objects to finish the look.
Decorating for Cozy Appeal
The final step in styling your corner fireplace is making the surrounding space warm, inviting, and functional. Use these decorating tips to complete the cozy fireplace ambiance:
Accessorizing the Mantel
Decorate your mantel to complement the fireplace surround. Candles, greenery garlands, artwork, and vases create lovely vignettes. Mirrors can also amplify light and the sense of space. Keep accessories minimal for a clean look.
Warm and Inviting Seating Areas
Plush pillows, wool throws, and slipper chairs create ultra-cozy seating around the fireplace. Side tables like ottomans or overturned crates give convenient drink resting spots.
Take full advantage of the dazzling fireplace glow by limiting overhead lighting. Opt instead for stylish lamps, sconces, or pendant lights that provide a soft glow to complement flickering firelight. Dimmer switches help set just the right mood.
Styling a corner fireplace requires thoughtful planning but offers so many exciting design possibilities. As you think through furniture placement, focal points, material textures, and decor accents, you can create a cozy, inviting living room that makes your corner fireplace shine.
Focus on finding layouts and furnishings that maximize the enjoyment of your space. This allows your unique corner fireplace to enhance, rather than complicate, your living room's overall comfort and functionality. With the ideas in this guide, you're sure to end up with a corner fireplace styled to perfection.