What to put on either side of a fireplace is key to enhancing your living room’s design. As a central feature, a fireplace draws attention and sets the tone for the space. Whether you have a traditional wood-burning model or a modern electric fireplace, the choices you make for the surrounding decor can significantly impact your home’s ambiance and aesthetic. From built-in shelving to cozy seating areas, this guide offers strategies to help you create a functional and visually appealing space around your fireplace.
The Importance of Symmetry: Achieving Balance and Harmony in What to Put on Either Side of Fireplace
When deciding what to put on either side of a fireplace, symmetry plays a crucial role in creating a balanced and harmonious look. Symmetry involves arranging elements in a way that mirrors each other on either side of the fireplace. This design principle is not only visually pleasing but also helps to frame the fireplace, whether it’s a classic hearth or an electric fireplace, as the central feature of the room. Whether you’re installing built-in shelving, placing matching armchairs, or hanging identical pieces of artwork, symmetry can help achieve a cohesive and well-organized space.
Why Symmetry Matters in What to Put on Either Side of Fireplace
Symmetry draws the eye toward the fireplace, emphasizing it as the focal point of the room. A symmetrical arrangement helps to balance the visual weight in the space, making the room feel more orderly and less cluttered. This balance is especially important in living rooms with high ceilings or large open spaces, where an asymmetrical design might make the room feel disjointed or chaotic.
How to Achieve Symmetry When Deciding What to Put on Either Side of Fireplace
Achieving symmetry when considering what to put on either side of a fireplace doesn’t necessarily mean that everything has to be identical, but rather that the visual weight and scale of the elements are balanced. For example, if you have a large piece of artwork on one side, you might balance it with a tall bookshelf on the other side. The key is to ensure that the overall look feels harmonious, with each side complementing the other.
Built-In Shelving: A Fusion of Style and Functionality for What to Put on Either Side of Fireplace
One of the most popular answers to the question of what to put on either side of a fireplace is built-in shelving. Built-ins are custom shelving units that are integrated into the wall, providing a seamless and tailored look. These shelves offer both style and functionality, allowing you to display decorative items while also providing storage for books, media, and other essentials.
Benefits of Built-In Shelving as What to Put on Either Side of Fireplace
Built-in shelving adds a sense of permanence and elegance to the room. It’s an ideal solution for homeowners who want to maximize storage without compromising on style. By customizing the shelves to your specific needs, you can create a space that perfectly complements your fireplace—be it a traditional or electric fireplace—and overall decor.
- Increased Storage: Built-in shelves provide ample storage space for books, media, and decorative items. You can also incorporate cabinets at the bottom for hidden storage, keeping the room clutter-free.
- Customization: Built-ins can be designed to match the style of your fireplace and room. Whether you prefer a traditional look with ornate moldings or a modern, minimalist design, built-ins can be tailored to your taste.
- Enhanced Visual Appeal: Built-in shelving frames the fireplace, drawing attention to it as the focal point of the room. The shelves can be styled with a mix of books, artwork, and decor items to create a visually engaging display.
Tips for Styling Built-In Shelves as What to Put on Either Side of Fireplace
Styling built-in shelves is an art form in itself. To create a balanced and aesthetically pleasing display, consider the following tips:
- Vary Heights and Textures: Mix items of different heights and textures to add visual interest. For example, pair tall vases with shorter sculptures, or combine smooth ceramic pieces with rough-textured baskets.
- Use the Rule of Thirds: Arrange items in groups of three to create a balanced look. This could be three books stacked horizontally, three vases of varying heights, or a combination of decor items.
- Incorporate Personal Items: Add personal touches like family photos, heirlooms, or travel souvenirs to make the space feel uniquely yours.
- Play with Color: Use the color palette of the room to guide your shelf decor. For a cohesive look, incorporate items that complement the colors of your walls, furniture, and fireplace surround.
Cozy Seating Areas: Creating an Inviting Atmosphere with What to Put on Either Side of Fireplace
Flanking your fireplace with cozy seating areas is another excellent approach to deciding what to put on either side of a fireplace. By placing comfortable chairs or loveseats on either side of the fireplace, you create intimate spots for relaxation and conversation. This arrangement is particularly effective in larger living rooms, where multiple seating areas can help divide the space into more manageable zones.
Choosing the Right Seating for What to Put on Either Side of Fireplace
The key to creating a cozy seating area is choosing furniture that is both comfortable and visually appealing. Consider the following options:
- Armchairs: A pair of matching armchairs on either side of the fireplace can create a classic, symmetrical look. Choose chairs with plush cushions and supportive backs for maximum comfort.
- Loveseats: If you have more space, a loveseat can add a touch of luxury and comfort. Loveseats are ideal for couples who want to snuggle up by the fire or for families who need extra seating.
- Window Seats: If your fireplace is flanked by windows, consider adding a built-in window seat. This provides a cozy nook for reading or relaxing while taking advantage of natural light.
Enhancing the Seating Area with What to Put on Either Side of Fireplace
Once you’ve chosen your seating, you can enhance the area with additional elements that add comfort and style:
- Throw Pillows and Blankets: Soft, plush throw pillows and blankets can make the seating area feel even more inviting. Choose fabrics that complement the room’s color scheme and add a touch of warmth.
- Side Tables: A small side table between two chairs or next to a loveseat provides a convenient spot for a cup of coffee, a book, or decorative items like candles and plants.
- Rugs: A cozy area rug beneath the seating area can anchor the space and add warmth underfoot. Choose a rug that complements the room’s decor and fits the scale of the seating arrangement.
Artwork and Mirrors: Reflecting Light and Adding Personality to What to Put on Either Side of Fireplace
Hanging artwork or mirrors on the walls adjacent to your fireplace is another great idea when thinking about what to put on either side of a fireplace. These elements can either complement the style of your fireplace or create an interesting contrast that draws the eye.
Choosing the Right Artwork for What to Put on Either Side of Fireplace
Artwork can be a powerful statement piece that defines the room’s style and sets the tone for the decor. When choosing artwork to hang on either side of the fireplace, consider the following tips:
- Scale and Proportion: The size of the artwork should be proportional to the size of the wall and the fireplace. Large walls can accommodate oversized pieces, while smaller spaces may require more modest-sized artwork.
- Color Palette: Choose artwork that reflects the colors in your room’s decor. This will help to create a cohesive look and tie the space together.
- Subject Matter: The subject matter of the artwork should resonate with your personal taste and the overall theme of the room. Whether you prefer abstract pieces, landscapes, or portraits, make sure the artwork speaks to you.
Incorporating Mirrors as What to Put on Either Side of Fireplace
Mirrors are another excellent option for flanking a fireplace, especially in smaller rooms where you want to create the illusion of more space. Mirrors reflect light, making the room feel brighter and more open. They also add a touch of elegance and sophistication.
- Framing the Mirror: The frame of the mirror should complement the style of your fireplace and room. For a traditional look, choose a mirror with an ornate, gilded frame. For a more modern aesthetic, opt for a simple, sleek frame.
- Placement: Hang mirrors at eye level to maximize their reflective qualities. If you’re hanging two mirrors, one on either side of the fireplace, ensure they are at the same height to maintain symmetry.
Greenery and Natural Elements: Bringing the Outdoors In as What to Put on Either Side of Fireplace
Incorporating greenery and natural elements into your living room decor is a wonderful idea when considering what to put on either side of a fireplace. Plants, flowers, and even small trees can add a touch of nature to your space, softening the look of a traditional or electric fireplace and bringing a sense of freshness and vitality.
Selecting the Right Plants for What to Put on Either Side of Fireplace
When choosing plants to place on either side of your fireplace, consider the following factors:
- Size: The size of the plant should be proportional to the space available. Larger plants or small trees can create a bold statement, while smaller potted plants can add subtle touches of greenery.
- Light Requirements: Consider the amount of natural light the area receives. Some plants, like succulents and cacti, thrive in bright light, while others, like ferns and snake plants, prefer lower light conditions.
- Maintenance: Choose plants that match your level of commitment. If you have a green thumb, you might enjoy caring for more delicate plants. If you prefer low-maintenance options, consider hardy plants like ZZ plants or artificial plants.
Styling with Greenery as What to Put on Either Side of Fireplace
Once you’ve selected your plants, consider how to style them in the space:
- Plant Stands: Use plant stands to elevate smaller plants, creating varying heights and adding visual interest to the room.
- Decorative Pots: Choose pots that complement the decor of the room. Ceramic, terracotta, or metal pots can add texture and color to the space.
- Groupings: Grouping plants together can create a lush, garden-like feel. Combine plants with different shapes, sizes, and textures for a dynamic display.
Custom Cabinetry: Hidden Storage with a Seamless Look for What to Put on Either Side of Fireplace
For homeowners who value a clean, streamlined look, custom cabinetry on either side of the fireplace can be an ideal solution when deciding what to put on either side of a fireplace. Custom cabinets provide hidden storage for items like DVDs, games, or even firewood, helping to maintain an organized and clutter-free living room. These cabinets can be designed to blend seamlessly with the fireplace surround, creating a cohesive and polished look.
Designing Custom Cabinetry for What to Put on Either Side of Fireplace
Custom cabinetry can be tailored to meet your specific storage needs and design preferences. Consider the following when planning your custom cabinets:
- Functionality: Determine what items you need to store and design the cabinetry accordingly. You might include shelves for books and media, cabinets for hidden storage, or open shelving for decorative displays.
- Style: The style of the cabinetry should complement the overall design of the room. For a traditional look, consider cabinetry with raised panel doors and decorative moldings. For a modern aesthetic, opt for sleek, flat-panel doors with minimal hardware.
- Materials: Choose materials that match the quality and finish of your fireplace surround. Wood, painted MDF, or even metal can be used to create a custom look that enhances the room’s decor.
Maximizing Storage with What to Put on Either Side of Fireplace
Custom cabinetry offers the opportunity to maximize storage in your living room without sacrificing style. Consider incorporating the following features:
- Pull-Out Drawers: Drawers can be used to store smaller items like remote controls, coasters, or magazines. Soft-close mechanisms add a touch of luxury and prevent slamming.
- Adjustable Shelves: Adjustable shelves allow you to customize the height of each shelf to accommodate items of varying sizes.
- Cabinet Lighting: Adding lighting inside the cabinets can enhance the display of decorative items and create a warm, inviting ambiance.
FAQs: What to Put on Either Side of Fireplace
What are the best items to place on either side of a fireplace?
The best items to place on either side of a fireplace depend on the room’s style, size, and your personal preferences. Popular options include built-in shelving, cozy seating areas, artwork or mirrors, greenery, and custom cabinetry. Each option offers unique benefits, from adding storage and seating to enhancing the room’s visual appeal.
Why is symmetry important when decorating around a fireplace?
Symmetry is important because it creates a balanced and harmonious look that draws attention to the fireplace as the focal point of the room. A symmetrical arrangement ensures that the decor on either side of the fireplace is visually balanced, creating a cohesive and orderly appearance.
How can I make a small living room feel larger with fireplace decor?
To make a small living room feel larger, use mirrors on either side of the fireplace to reflect light and create the illusion of more space. Additionally, opt for light-colored furniture and decor, and keep the area uncluttered by using built-in shelving or custom cabinetry to maximize storage.
What are the benefits of incorporating greenery around a fireplace?
Greenery adds a natural, calming element to the room and can help soften the look of a traditional or electric fireplace. Plants also improve indoor air quality and contribute to a relaxing atmosphere. For low-maintenance options, consider using artificial plants or choosing hardy plants that require minimal care.
Who would benefit the most from custom cabinetry around a fireplace?
Homeowners who value a clean, clutter-free living space would benefit the most from custom cabinetry around a fireplace. Custom cabinets provide hidden storage, helping to keep the room organized and tidy. This option is especially beneficial in smaller homes or apartments where storage space is limited.
Statistics and Data on What to Put on Either Side of Fireplace
According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), 60% of homebuyers consider a fireplace to be a desirable or essential feature in a home. Additionally, research shows that well-designed living rooms, including thoughtful decisions on what to put on either side of a fireplace, can increase a home’s resale value by up to 12%. This underscores the importance of not only having a fireplace but also enhancing its surrounding area to maximize the appeal and value of your home.
Transform Your Living Space
Deciding what to put on either side of a fireplace is key to transforming your living space into a warm, inviting haven. Your fireplace can be more than just a source of heat—it can be the heart of your home, where thoughtful design meets comfort and functionality.
By carefully choosing what to put on either side of your fireplace, you can create a space that not only enhances the room’s aesthetics but also serves practical needs. Imagine built-in shelves that frame your fireplace perfectly, offering both storage and a display area for your favorite decor. Or picture a pair of cozy armchairs inviting you to relax by the fire, turning the space into a spot for conversation and connection.
Whether you’re decorating around a traditional fireplace or a sleek, modern electric fireplace, these thoughtful design choices can make your fireplace the focal point of your home. By incorporating greenery, custom cabinetry, and well-chosen artwork or mirrors, you can create a balanced and harmonious look that elevates the entire room.
So, are you ready to make your fireplace the centerpiece it deserves to be? Start by exploring our curated selection of the best wall-mounted electric fireplaces. With the right elements on either side of your fireplace, you’ll not only enhance the functionality of your living space but also create a beautiful, welcoming environment that reflects your style and meets your needs. Don’t just imagine the perfect living room—create it with thoughtful attention to what you put on either side of your fireplace.
