15 Chic, Cozy Fireplace Decorating Ideas

By Elizabeth Swanson
September 11, 2019
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Pernille Loof
Use these mantle decorating tips to create a beautiful and comforting space you'll want to curl up next to all season long.
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Pernille Loof

If there's one design feature just about every homeowner covets, it's a fireplace. A hearth serves as the perfect inviting spot for family and friends to gather around—especially when it's chilly. Whether or not it's actually functional is beside the point; there's just something about a fireplace that that instantly adds warmth and polish to a home. Similar to a well-curated bookshelf, the bare ledge of a mantle begs to be adorned with favorite odds and ends. "I love decorating my fireplace mantel with plants and interesting art objects," says California-based artist and designer Lindsay Hollinger. "The brick mantel in my home, Casa Joshua Tree, has become where I keep all of my beloved tiny cactus pots. It's the centerpiece of my house, so it's important that it's decorated with beautiful and meaningful items."

These items include one-of-a-kind, natural elements like driftwood or crystals (they add color accents, she says), artwork, family photos, collectibles, and vases with gorgeous blooms. But utilitarian pieces can also serve as decorative objects. For example, Hollinger stores firewood in a cute and sturdy canvas tote, which also makes it handy for trips to the wood pile during winter.

"A good set of modern tools and a little broom are handy to have, too," Hollinger says. "You look at them even when not using the fireplace, so it's important they look beautiful." A cozy rug and floor pillows placed around the hearth will usher in some major hygge and create an intimate setting to host friends for a fun night in. Here, we share a our favorite mantle décor tips and shopping picks to light up your fireplace.

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Extend Your Space

Courtesy of Anthropologie

Hang a mirror over the mantel to bounce light around the room and create the illusion of space. Go for an ornate gold mirror for a luxurious feel, or for a more minimal look try a modern round mirror.

Anthropologie "Gleaming Primrose" Mirror, from $448, anthropologie.com.

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Play with Height and Add Ambience

Courtesy of Floral Society

Taller items like taper candles draw the eye up while adding instant elegance. Place a candle stick on each side of your mantle for a symmetrical look.

The Floral Society Taper Candles, $38 for six candles, food52.com.

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Bring the Drama

Courtesy of Pottery Barn

Tall branches look stunning on a mantle and add height. Have various size vases and planters on hand to display your branches and blooms.

Pottery Barn "Camille" Metal Planters, $249-$349, potterybarn.com.

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Display Special Books

Courtesy of Juniper Books

Beautiful books can get hidden on a bookshelf. Spotlight a favorite collection—we love this classic children's set!—on a mantel to give it the attention it deserves.

Puffin Complete Book Set, $220, juniperbooks.com. 

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Find Aesthetically Pleasing Tools

Courtesy of Williams Sonoma

This hand welded tool set (which includes poker, tongs, shovel, broom, and stand) is as functional as it is stunning—the perfect score!

Williams Sonoma "Sinclair" Tool Set, $295, williams-sonoma.com.

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Store Logs Stylishly

Courtesy of Custom Leathercraft

A simple—but genius!—canvas log carrier will add a rustic elegance to your fireplace aesthetic.

CLC Custom Leathercraft "C390" Canvas Log Carrier, $14.29, amazon.com.

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Add Texture with a Wooly Throw

Courtesy of H&M

There's nothing like snuggling besides a fire on a chilly night. Store a few cozy blankets in a pretty basket by your fireplace for easy access.

H&M Wool Blend Throw, $49.99, hm.com.

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Lay Down a Plush Rug

Courtesy of Lorena Canals

Rugs add to the snug vibe you're going for. This option isn't too precious—you can throw it in the wash whenever it needs a good cleaning.

Lorena Canals "Air" Washable Rug, $349, lorenacanals.us.

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Layer Rugs

Courtesy of the Citizenery

One rug is great, but if you really want to increase the coziness in your space, add another. We like to layer a soft sheepskin over another rug for an extra comfy look. This one was ethically sourced.

The Citizenry Sheepskin Rug, $165, the-citizenry.com.

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Add Extra Seating

Courtesy of Fragments Identity

Everyone wants to gather around the fireplace, but if you don't have enough seating, cushions are the next best option. Mix and match a few of these large floor pillows for supreme comfort—they come in a variety of patterns.

Fragments Identity Berber Handwoven Kilim Wool Pillow, From $295, onekingslane.com.

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Clean Up in Style

Courtesy of Broom Chick

Who knew a broom could be beautiful? These deserve to be displayed—and, of course, will come in handy around the hearth.

Broom Chick "Turkey Wing" Hand Broom, $26, etsy.com. 

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Decorate with Nature

Courtesy of the Sill

Plants on the mantel are always a good idea. But a word of warning: "When you're putting plants around the mantle, be careful about heat emanating from the fireplace, damaging the plants or causing a fire hazard. I always move pots a safe distance away from the fireplace when in use," Hollinger says.

The Sill Pilea Peperomioides, $32, thesill.com.

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Hang Art

Courtesy of Minted

As an alternative to a mirror, use your mantle to display a piece of your favorite art like this bold, geometric piece. For a more causal look lean it again the wall instead of hanging.

Angel Walker for Minted "Geo Abstract" Art Print, from $21, minted.com.

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Find an Alternative to a Fire

Courtesy of Pottery Barn

Logs aren't the only way to light a fire in the fireplace: Candles work, too. They'll look especially elegant placed in a candle holder like this one.

Pottery Barn Fireplace Candle Holder, $99, potterybarn.com.

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Display a Chic Basket

Photography by Rocky Luten & Ty Mecham

A chic basket by the hearth is perfect for housing cozy blankets and even logs of wood.

Olli Ella Mosey Basket, $59, food52.com.

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By Elizabeth Swanson