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Even if winter is your least favorite season, it's hard to deny how cozy a fireplace can be. A decorative fireplace can be the perfect centerpiece for a living room, adding endless warmth and a focal point for your space.
Whether you already have a fireplace and are in need of new ways to adorn it or you're considering adding one to your room—very much worth it, in our opinion—there are many different looks and styles to provide something for every taste.
From brick to tile, wood-burning to purely decorative, we've rounded up our favorite fireplace ideas to add a ton of visual interest and warmth to any room in your house.
Add a Lot of Plants
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If your fireplace is solely decorative or you want a way to adorn the fireplace during the summer months, filling the space with lots of greenery is a great idea. Plants can add a sense of calming energy to your room, and a fireplace mantel is the perfect perch for those non-pet-safe plants.
Pick a Colorful Brick
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Who says tile is just for the bathroom? Here, a stunning blue tiled fireplace helps to add a ton of personality to this reading room.
Rethink Your Layout
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Not everyone loves a TV over the fireplace. Instead, consider mounting the TV against a perpendicular wall so that your fireplace is still the focal point of the room.
Keep the Brick
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On the other hand, don't reach for the paintbrush every time. Natural brick can feel earthy and warm in many homes, and we love the Southwestern vibe it gives off here.
Make a Dining Room Cozier
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A traditional mantel and fireplace in a dining room create a more elegant look that's perfect for dinner parties and formal events.
Keep it Traditional
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If you have a home with period details, hang a portrait over your fireplace to give your space a modern traditional vibe. If a portrait isn't your thing, any large oil painting can add a time-honored and elegant look.
Add Warmth to a Bedroom
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A fireplace isn't just for the living room. Create the perfect bedroom layout by adding a fireplace to your master suite. Not only does it add some cozy ambiance, but it can keep your room comfortable all winter long.
Decorate for the Holidays
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One clear benefit of a fireplace? It provides the perect perch for your holiday decor. Lay garland or hang stockings to add that seasonal cheer.
Install Sconces
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Few lighting fixtures upgrade a space as well and as quickly as a well-placed sconce. Hang a sconce on either end of your fireplace to add cozy-yet-elegant lighting and upgrade your fireplace without even touching it.