8 Dos and Don’ts for Decorating a Fireplace

Even if you live somewhere that’s sunny and warm year-round, you have to admit that the winter season is all about curling up next to a roaring fireplace. (After all, even those who live near a beach or desert deserve to get a little cozy.) But while the lively flames inside might be the main attraction of any hearth—be it a wood-burning setup or electronic option—a fireplace can be fashionable and functional in equal measure. And, believe it or not, you don’t have to dress your mantel in festive garland to have your fireplace looking sharp.

Want to give your hearth a major style upgrade but don’t know where to begin? You’ve come to the right place. Since there’s a fine line between fireplace decor that is chic and cheesy, we tapped a few West Coast designers to share their top decorating tips and tricks to having your fireplace shine at full wattage.

Design by Nureed Saeed; Photo by Christopher Stark

Do: Find Your Focal Point

While a fireplace with a mantel is a great opportunity to place framed photos, vases, or a few candlesticks, those without might feel bare and awkward. However, if you have a mantel-free fireplace, why not turn the wall above as a gallery moment?

“Focus on a large piece of art or mirror to create a sense of drama and balance to the fireplace,” says designer Nureed Saeed, who splits time in California and New Jersey. “Styling the hearth becomes just as important but my rule is sometimes less is more when dealing with a tall, dramatic fireplace.” 

Not only does the embellished mirror here provide a “wow” moment, but the reflective surface also bounces light around the room to create the illusion of a larger space.

Design by Rosanna Bassford/Memmo Interiors; Photo by Laura Flippen

Don’t: Create Clutter

That said, if you do have a mantel, it can be all too tempting to load it up with a bunch of decor. To rack up the style points, Rosanna Bassford of Memmo Interiors in Silicon Valley encourages you to practice restraint. “Don’t clutter up the mantel with tchotchkes,” she explains. “Let your artwork or fireplace surround shine.” In this living space, Bassford let the veining on the marble slab take center stage—proving that less is often more.

Design by Katelyn De Spain/MakeHouse Design; Photo by Charlotte Lea

Do: Embrace Asymmetry

Instead of packing your fireplace mantel with a bunch of stuff, Katelyn De Spain prefers to take an asymmetrical approach. “Keep things minimal with a statement art piece—either large or a combination of medium and small—and add a few unique candle holders,” the owner and principal designer of MakeHouse Design. “Complete the look with a sculptural vase and simple greenery.” Not only does the asymmetry of this setup offer plenty of visual intrigue, but it also creates a built-in negative space to keep your mantel from feeling too crowded.

Design by Linda Hayslett/LH.Designs; Photo by Lauren Taylor

Don’t: Settle for Unused Candles

A set of tapered candles might be an excellent way to give your fireplace an extra glow, designer Linda Hayslett says to tread lightly. “Nothing says ‘why bother?’ like dusty, unlit candles,” the Los Angeles designer explains. “Either light them up or let them go.” Not sure if you’ll actually use your mantelplace candles? Add a few for a week or so and see if you ever set them ablaze. If they remain unlit, it’s time to give them a heave-ho.

Design by Linda Hayslett/LH.Designs; Photo by Lauren Taylor

Do: Make Things Pop

Why let your fireplace blend in when it was born to stand out? Hayslett embraces her bold streak by painting the fireplace a contrasting color from the rest of the crisp white room. The gray hearth acts as a visual exclamation point—proving just how transformative a fresh coat of paint can be.

Design by Emily Henderson; Photo by Zeke Ruelas

Don’t: Overlook Non-Working Fireplaces

Just because a fireplace doesn’t produce a roaring flame doesn’t mean it should be put on the backburner. In fact, a non-working hearth is rife with decorating possibilities. Case in point: This setup by Emily Henderson, which houses a stack of magazines and a vase.

Design by Emily Henderson; Photo by Zeke Ruelas

Do: Consider the Rest of the Room

You might want to make your fireplace stand out, but that doesn’t mean you should overlook the rest of your space. “It’s important to play with vertical height on a fireplace mantle or the area above,” Henderson mentions. “It makes the room feel taller and defines the whole area as a more impactful focal point.” Here, the Portland designer played up this living room’s ultra-high ceilings by placing a vertical duet of paintings above the fireplace.