The fireplace is often the heart of a living room, providing warmth and a natural focal point. But when it comes to decorating the space above it, things can get tricky. You want something that looks good but doesn’t take away from the fireplace itself. How do you strike the right balance?
This spot catches attention the moment someone enters the room, so choosing the right decor is key to making the entire space feel complete. Too bare, and the room can feel empty. Too much, and it distracts from the fireplace’s charm. So, what should you do?
I asked top interior designers to share their best tips for decorating above the fireplace in modern living rooms. From bold art pieces to sleek mirrors, their advice will help you find the perfect look. And yes, they’ll even tell you if putting a TV up there is a good idea or not!
Why Choosing the Right Decor Above the Fireplace Matters
Why does choosing decor for above the fireplace matter? The fireplace is often the main focal point of a living room, so the decor you pick can either enhance the room’s design or make it feel off. It’s like adding the perfect accessory to complete an outfit—it ties everything together.
Image by megbrackpool
For example, I once helped a client with a stunning fireplace, but the space above it was completely empty. The room felt unfinished. Once we added a beautiful piece of art that matched the room’s colors, the space came alive, and everything looked more balanced.
Choosing the right decor is also about making the space personal and functional. Maybe you want a mirror to brighten the room or artwork that reflects your style. Whatever you choose, it should add warmth and character to the space. The right piece can truly transform your living room into a more inviting and stylish space.
Accentuate Without Distracting
David Silva emphasizes that the fireplace should stay the main focus, saying, “My first recommendation would be to make sure the decor does not distract from the real focal point—the fireplace. I’ve seen many beautiful fireplaces go to waste because there are too many distracting decorations around them, such as intricate paintings or elaborate plants. Instead, all of the fireplace decor should fit the existing color palettes and textures.
Second, I would suggest something rounded, like a simple wall clock or mirror. Almost all fireplaces have a very angular look with hard lines and corners. Circular decorations help balance this look, making the fireplace stand out even more and easing a space that would otherwise feel too rigid.
Image by alicelaneinteriors
Lastly, I would try to add some personality to the mix. I’ve decorated a house for someone who loves music, so we put some of his favorite albums on the mantel since his music setup was right next to the fireplace. It’s easy for modern spaces to feel cold and lifeless, so adding a subtle bit of personality makes it much more inviting for yourself and your guests.” – David Silva, Interior Designer, HomRem LLC.
In other words, the decor should complement the fireplace, not overshadow it.
One way to do this is by using rounded decor, like mirrors or clocks, to balance the sharp lines of most fireplaces. This adds a softer, more balanced look to the space.
In one of David’s projects, he added personal touches by displaying a client’s favorite albums, which reflected their love for music. This made the room feel more personal and inviting, rather than cold and empty.
When choosing your fireplace decor, think about how it adds to the room’s overall feel. A few simple, thoughtful items can make the fireplace stand out even more, without stealing the spotlight.
Bold Art and Sculptural Elements
Aleena Khan suggests going bold with statement artwork to reflect personal style and elevate the room. She says, “My top three recommendations for selecting decor to place above a fireplace in a modern living room are:
- Statement Artwork: Choose a large, bold piece of art that reflects your personal style and complements the room’s color scheme. This creates a focal point and adds a sophisticated touch to the space.
- Sculptural Elements: Incorporate sculptural objects, such as a striking vase or a contemporary sculpture, to add dimension and visual interest. These pieces can serve as conversation starters and enhance the modern aesthetic.
- Floating Shelves: Install sleek, floating shelves to display curated collections or decorative items. This adds both functionality and a modern edge, allowing for flexible styling and easy updates.
Image by cestesdesign
In a recent project, I transformed a living room by installing a large abstract painting above the fireplace, paired with minimalistic floating shelves that showcased a curated selection of modern vases and sculptural pieces. This combination not only created a dynamic focal point but also added depth and sophistication to the room, dramatically elevating its overall aesthetic” – Aleena Khan, Creative Director and Design Specialist, Aleena Yousuf
Consider how bold art or sculptural elements could transform your space. Could a statement piece above the fireplace bring your room to life?
Harmonize Art with Room Scheme (Maggie Stephens)
Maggie Stephens emphasizes that scale is crucial when selecting decor for above the fireplace. She advises, “Unless it’s the only option, I never put a television over the fireplace. Instead, I opt for a beautiful mirror, wall decor, or statement art. Scale is very important over a fireplace because you want the feature piece to be large enough to be viewed from a distance, but not so large that it overwhelms the actual fireplace. Two-thirds or three-quarters of the width of the mantel is a good rule of thumb.
When choosing art, I do take the color scheme of the room into consideration, but only by echoing a single color or shape—the goal is to harmonize, not fade into the rest of the design.
At a client project where we changed the fireplace surround and the decor above, I swapped out the mirror the client had with an original painting by a local artist. The mirror itself was fine, but it reflected a view down the hallway, which was not interesting. Art there created a focal point as you walked down the hallway toward the room. “ – Maggie Stephens, Interior Designer, Maggie Stephens Interiors, LLC
Image by av.home
Finding the right size ensures the decor complements, rather than dominates, the fireplace.
When choosing artwork, it’s also important to consider how it fits with the room’s color scheme. Maggie suggests echoing a single color or shape from the room to harmonize the decor without blending too much into the background. The goal is to create balance, not fade into the room.
Next time you’re thinking about what to hang above your fireplace, ask yourself: Is the piece the right size? Does it tie into the room’s color scheme without taking over? With these small adjustments, you can find the perfect balance that elevates your room’s design while keeping things visually interesting.
Timeless Mirrors and Abstract Art
Rachel Blindauer suggests using mirrors for their versatility and ability to brighten up a room. “The fireplace serves as a focal point and a cozy gathering spot for family and friends. The following are three decor recommendations I have done to seamlessly blend with a modern living room’s style and elevate its visual appeal.
- Mirrors – Mirrors are timeless and versatile decor pieces that can work wonders above a fireplace in a modern living room. They not only create an illusion of a larger space but also reflect natural light, making the room appear brighter and more inviting. Opt for a sleek and minimalistic mirror with a clean frame, such as a round or rectangular shape, to complement the modern aesthetic. Additionally, consider choosing a mirror with unique design elements, such as geometric shapes or metallic accents, to add a touch of contemporary flair.
Image by my.millennium.maison
- Abstract Art – Incorporating abstract art above the fireplace can be a bold and captivating choice for a modern living room. Select a piece that complements the color scheme and style of the room while evoking a sense of intrigue and creativity. An oversized abstract painting or a collection of smaller abstract art pieces arranged in a gallery-style display can serve as the focal point above the fireplace. Choose vibrant and contrasting colors to create a striking visual impact or opt for a monochromatic palette to maintain a more refined and minimalist look.
- Mantle with Tall Decorative Items – Mantles provide an excellent opportunity to display tall decorative items and add depth above the fireplace. Decorative items such as sculptures, small potted plants, or curated collections of books can add texture, depth, and visual interest. Ensure proper balance and symmetry when arranging the items on the mantle for a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing display. Consider incorporating a mix of scale and organic/geometric shapes to create an intriguing juxtaposition.
These three decor recommendations—a large abstract painting, mirrored wall decor, and floating shelves with decorative items—will provide a contemporary and visually appealing touch to a modern living room with a fireplace. Just ensure you consider the existing color scheme, overall style, and personal preferences when selecting decor for the space.” – Rachel Blindauer, Principal Interior Designer, Rachel Blindauer Interior Design
A mirror can make your room feel bigger and more open.
To add texture and depth, Rachel suggests using tall decorative items on the mantel, such as sculptures or plants. This helps give the fireplace area more dimension and visual appeal.
Rachel has used this combination of mirrors, abstract art, and decorative items to create a modern yet inviting look in many of her projects. Think about whether a mirror or abstract art could bring that perfect finishing touch to your fireplace decor.
Consider Scale and Viewing Angles
Melissa Campbell stresses the importance of choosing decor that fits the room’s size and is visible from different angles.
She says, “When looking at the available space above a fireplace, with or without a mantel, always consider the scale of the room, viewing angle, as well as color. If you have 20-foot ceilings, the piece (or pieces) over the fireplace needs to be large enough to not feel swallowed in the room, and vice versa for lower ceilings.
In an open floor plan, any artwork or accessories over a fireplace could be seen from multiple vantage points, so you want to ensure that objects are in the best lighting (while avoiding glare) and the subject matter makes sense from the viewing perspectives. I have had prized pieces of artwork installed at the end of a hall or in an open stairwell instead of over the fireplace, because they could not be fully appreciated unless seen from 25 to 30 feet away.
Image by edwardian_seaside_home
Lastly, when introducing bolder colors through accents, artwork, or accessories over a fireplace can be a great opportunity for immediate impact. Since this area is usually a focal point, incorporating splashes of non-neutral hues here can help tie in pillows, rugs, and other decor throughout the space.” – Melissa Campbell, Principal, Discerning Designs LLC
The size of the decor should match the room’s proportions to keep everything balanced.
It’s also important to think about how the decor looks from various spots in the room. In an open floor plan, artwork or accessories over the fireplace should be viewable from multiple angles and lighting conditions.
When choosing decor for above your fireplace, consider: Does it match the room’s scale? Will it look good from all angles? These small details can make a big difference in how your room feels.
Theme-Driven Decor Choices
Ron Dayan emphasizes that the overall theme of a room should guide what you place above the fireplace. He explains, “Where many decorators and homeowners opt for the typical mirrors, art, or TV above the fireplace, the first consideration must be the theme of the room and the design goal. Once defined, it’ll lead to the ultimate. In a Malibu project, we placed horizontal walnut wood boards, separated by LED lights, set above a stainless steel fireplace. This assembly combined metal softened by the wood, which was accented by the light.” – RON DAYAN, Chief Designer, Beverly Hills Interiors
Image by nestingwithgrace
The result was a balanced look that tied the whole room together with a modern, yet warm, aesthetic.
The key takeaway here is to always consider the room’s theme first. What vibe are you going for—cozy and rustic, or sleek and modern? Let that vision guide your fireplace decor choices. Whether it’s wood accents for warmth or minimalist art for a clean look, the right decor will naturally fall into place when it fits with the room’s style.
Safety and Aesthetic Considerations
Christopher Tapia highlights the importance of safety when placing decor above a fireplace, especially for items like artwork. “After considering the minimum clearances to combustibles, here are three simple recommendations for choosing decor to place above a fireplace in a modern living room:
- Large Art Piece: Choose a single bold piece of artwork. It should complement the room’s colors and serve as a striking focal point.
- Mirror: A large mirror can make the room feel more spacious and brighter. It also reflects light, adding warmth to the space.
- Group of Small Items: Arrange small decorations, such as candles, vases, or plants. Grouping them together creates a balanced and visually interesting display.
Image by studiomcgee
In one project, we placed a large modern painting above the fireplace in a minimalist living room. The artwork’s vibrant colors matched the furniture, transforming the room into a stylish, cohesive space. However, the client wanted the painting closer to the fireplace. To meet safety requirements, we installed a non-combustible mantel between the painting and the fireplace to deflect heat, ensuring both aesthetics and safety were maintained.” – Christopher Tapia, Founder, Luxury Fire
When decorating your fireplace, think about whether your decor can handle the heat and still look good. With some planning, you can achieve both safety and style effortlessly.
Conclusion
Each expert shared great ideas for decorating above the fireplace while keeping it the main focus. David Silva suggested avoiding clutter and using rounded decor for balance. Aleena Khan recommended bold art and sculptures to make a statement, and Maggie Stephens talked about choosing the right size for your space.
Rachel Blindauer encouraged using mirrors and abstract art to brighten the room, while Melissa Campbell focused on scale and viewing angles. Ron Dayan reminded us to match decor with the room’s theme, and Christopher Tapia highlighted the importance of safety with fireplace decor.
Image by ourvictorianmoneypit
These tips show that decorating above your fireplace isn’t just about filling space—it’s about making your living room look and feel better. Whether you choose art, a mirror, or personal items, the right choices can transform your space.
When decorating your fireplace, think about these expert ideas. What fits your style and space? Use their advice to make your fireplace the centerpiece of your room. Happy decorating!
If you love these ideas, don’t forget to pin the above image to your “Home and Garden” board.
