Gather 'Round the Hearth: Décor Ideas for Fireplace & Mantel

When the snow is falling, and temperatures outside have plummeted, is there anything sweeter than cozying up around a warm, crackling fireplace? We certainly don’t think so. It’s a source of warmth, comfort, and peace when conditions outside are…shall we say, less than ideal.

And, not to mention, they’re a great heat source when your furnace needs a break. Unfortunately, with the upkeep and work that goes into their maintenance, many fireplaces—especially wood-burning fireplaces—sit sadly extinguished, falling far short of their towering potential.

If you’re fortunate to have a working fireplace in your home, be it wood-burning or gas-powered, we encourage you to take full advantage by making it the stylistic focal point of your space. Even if your fireplace is strictly decorative, you still have ample opportunity to create a design-focused centerpiece with a similar ambience.

Here, we’ve gathered some fireplace-focused style inspiration (and maintenance tips), as well as a few ideas for those more dated hearths in need of a modern makeover.

Fireplace Fashion

The overall vibe of your fireplace has everything to do with the era of your home. Whether you’re working with a more traditional hearth found in early-century builds, something from the mid-to-late century, or one that’s more 21st-century modern, the way you style it should highlight its original features.

For a mantel, consider a symmetrical approach to your décor, perhaps using a central focal point like this mirror or a large piece of art. Or, you can go a different route with small vignettes, which can be a few different decorative items of differing shape and size grouped together to form smaller focal points. Just find what you want to showcase—whether it be a plant, a cool vase, some matching candlesticks, or some top antique finds—and start testing out arrangements until you find something that you like.

And remember that your decorative possibilities don’t stop at the mantel. That area in front of your fireplace has opportunities for eye-catching decor as well. If there isn’t one already built in, consider placing a screen in front of the fireplace. You can go traditional and simple, or ornate and unique, but either way, a screen adds another dimension to your fireplace design.

Maybe it’s an antique wood mantel, or perhaps, the outdated color of brick around your fireplace—in either case, giving your hearth a modern facelift, complete with a fresh coat of paint, can do wonders for your space. You can go bright and modern with a whitewash, or go bold with black (or some other monochrome in a more colorful shade). Whatever direction you want to go in, this Better Homes & Gardens guide has all the tips you need on giving your fireplace a proper paint job.

How are you decorating your fireplace this holiday season? Post your photo on Facebook or Instagram and tag @LLFlooringOfficial for a chance to be featured on our page!

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