How to Decorate Around a Corner Fireplace

Corner fireplace with a mantel
  • 1-20 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 0-5,000

Decorating around a corner fireplace can present somewhat of a conundrum for some decorators. However, it can be used as a focal point in the design of your room just as a fireplace situated against a straight wall. You can achieve this effect in a number of ways.

1. Group Your Furniture Around the Fireplace

For a corner fireplace, place the couch next to the fireplace and a loveseat adjacent to the couch. "Round out" the grouping by placing two chairs next to the loveseat across from the couch. Place an end table between the two chairs and a coffee table in the middle of the arrangement. This type of grouping works out well in bigger living areas and invites social interaction and conversation in the area of the fireplace.

2. Hang Artwork Above the Mantel

Depending on your decor, hang artwork above the fireplace that complements the theme.

3. Place a Rug in Front of the Fireplace

Autumn colors on a rug

Rugs set boundaries. A rug before a fireplace then distinguishes it as a separate area.

4. Make Use of Plants

Plants always look good in corners. Make use of plants then by placing them on the mantle of your corner fireplace.

5. Paint the Walls Around the Fireplace a Darker or Brighter Hue

Make the fireplace the focal point of your room. Paint the adjacent walls in neutral shades, such as ivory or tan, while painting the walls around the fireplace in a complementary shade that is deeper or brighter. Depending on your decor, use lime green or a darker blue, for instance, in contemporary settings, or rust or hunter green for country schemes.

6. Hang a Wreath Above the Mantel

Again, before hanging a wreath above the fireplace, you'll want to find one that goes with your decor. Wreaths are often well-received in decorating themes that are country, shabby-chic or traditional. For example, a wreath made of dried flowers would be a nice accent for a country look. Or a wreath made of rosemary, lavender, eucalyptus, or cedar is an ideal touch for a more traditional setting.

7. Make Use of Large Vases

copper pitcher full of flowers

Large vases can also be set next to the fireplace. Choose a large brass vase with a dried flower arrangement or oversized pottery made of ceramic or clay.

8. Decorate the Mantel with Candles

Candles enhance a corner mantel too. Select candle holders made of brass for traditional decors or iron or wood votives for homes with contemporary styling. Include a lantern-look for a rustic design.

9. Use the Mantel as a Shelf

Shelve some old books across the mantel of the fireplace. They lend a homey accent and call attention to the area as a place to relax and read.

10. Include Silk Flowers

Silk flowers can be used to good advantage too. For a country look, add sunflowers made of silk or choose calla lilies for a modern decor.

11. Add a Flat-screen TV

If your room is larger, highlight the area around the fireplace by affixing a flat-screen TV up high next to the hearth. Angle the TV so it can be seen from various points in the room.

12. Hang a Large Plate over the Mantel

A large plate with a design or picture also can be used over a corner fireplace. Or hang a grouping of smaller plates.