What To Put on Either Side of the Fireplace? (9 Ideas)

Last Updated on October 29, 2022 by Jason Nguyen

When it comes to decorating your home, the fireplace is often a focal point. But what should you put on either side of the fireplace? There are many options, but we will discuss some of our favorites in this blog post.

Whether you want to showcase your favorite photos or add a touch of seasonal decor, there is something for everyone! Keep reading for more ideas.

What To Put on Either Side of the Fireplace?

1. Accent Wall.

accent wall with fireplace

If you have a fireplace, you probably have an accent wall. An accent wall is a great way to add interest to a room, and it’s especially effective if the wall is adjacent to the fireplace.

There are a few reasons why you might want to put an accent wall on either side of the fireplace.

First, it can help to create a sense of balance in the room. If the fireplace is the main focal point, then putting an accent wall on either side can help to create a more balanced look.

Second, it can help to make the room appear more symmetrical. If you have a fireplace that is off-center, then putting an accent wall on either side can help to create a more symmetrical look.

Third, it can help to add depth to the room. If the room is small, then adding an accent wall on either side of the fireplace can help to make it appear more spacious.

2. Artwork.

artwork with fireplace

Functionally, it creates a sense of balance and can help to anchor the fireplace as the focal point in the room. Aesthetically, it can add interest and visual appeal, helping to make the fireplace an even more eye-catching feature.

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing artwork for either side of the fireplace. First, consider the size and shape of the artwork in relation to the fireplace itself. The artwork should be proportional to the fireplace – too small and it will look lost, too large and it will overwhelm the space.

Second, think about the colors in the artwork. They should complement the colors of the room and the fireplace itself. If the room is fairly neutral, you can go with brighter, more colorful artwork. If the room has a lot of color already, stick to more muted or neutral tones in the artwork.

Third, consider the style of the room and fireplace when selecting artwork. If the room is very traditional, look for artwork with classic subject matter and traditional frames. If the room is more contemporary, abstract or modern artwork may be a better fit.

Finally, don’t forget about the practicalities of hanging artwork near a fireplace. Make sure the frames are made of materials that can withstand heat, and avoid hanging anything directly above the fireplace itself where it could get damaged by heat or smoke.

3. Bookshelf

bookshelf with fireplace 1

Bookcases are an attractive and functional way to add storage and style to any room. When placed on either side of a fireplace, they can help balance the look of the space and provide a place to store books, magazines, and other items.

Bookcases come in a variety of styles, so it’s easy to find one that complements the other furniture in the room.

For a traditional look, choose a bookcase with classic lines and plenty of storage space. If you’re looking for something more modern, consider a floating shelf or a bookshelf with glass doors.

4. Family Photos

family photos with fireplace

If you have a fireplace, you probably have wondered what to put on either side of it. Family photos are a great option! They add personal touches to your home and can make any room feel more inviting.

When choosing family photos for your mantel, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, consider the size of your mantel. You’ll want to choose photos that are small enough to fit comfortably on either side of the fireplace without looking cramped.

Second, think about the overall style of your home. If you have a more modern aesthetic, you may want to choose clean-lined black and white photos. If your home is more traditional, you may want to go for vintage-inspired photos with ornate frames.

Finally, and most importantly, choose photos that make you happy! After all, your home should be a reflection of your personal style and taste.

5. Furniture

furniture beside fireplace

The most important thing to remember when placing furniture around a fireplace is that the arrangement should be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The fireplace should be the focal point of the room, so the furniture should be arranged in a way that complements it.

There are a few different ways to arrange furniture around a fireplace. One option is to place a sofa or chairs in a semi-circle around the fireplace. This arrangement creates an intimate seating area that is perfect for conversation.

Another option is to place a coffee table in front of the fireplace with chairs on either side. This arrangement is great for entertaining because it provides a convenient place to set drinks and food.

6. Knick-Knacks

They are small, usually inexpensive items that are used to decorate a home. Most knick-knacks are not very functional, but they can add a lot of personality to a room.

If you have a fireplace in your home, you may be wondering what to put on either side of it. Knick-knacks are a great option! Here are a few ideas:

-Paintings or photographs

-Small sculptures

-Vases

Candles

-Books

7. Mirrors

mirrors beside fireplace

The right side of the fireplace is ideal for hanging a mirror. Mirrors reflect light and make a space feel brighter and more open. They can also help to create the illusion of a larger room.

If you have a small fireplace, hanging a mirror on the wall above it can help to make the room seem larger.

For a more dramatic look, try hanging a large mirror on the wall opposite the fireplace. This will reflect the flames and make the room feel more spacious.

8. Pot Plant

pot plants beside fireplace

The pot plant is a great way to add some greenery to your home, and they can also help purify the air. But what do you put on either side of the fireplace? Here are a few ideas.

On one side of the fireplace, you could put a potted plant. This would add some color and life to the room. You could also put a vase with fresh flowers on this side.

9. Wallpaper

wallpaper beside fireplace

Wallpaper is a covering for the walls of a room, typically consisting of paper that has been coated with a design or pattern in order to add color or texture.

It is one of the most popular ways to decorate a room, and can be used in any number of styles, from traditional to contemporary.

When it comes to choosing what to put on either side of the fireplace, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you want to make sure that the wallpaper is appropriate for the style of the room.

If you have a traditional fireplace, then you will want to choose a wallpaper that is also traditional in design. If you have a more modern fireplace, then you can be more adventurous with your choice of wallpaper.

Second, you want to make sure that the wallpaper is the right size for the space. You don’t want it to be too small or too big. If it’s too small, it will look out of place and if it’s too big, it will overwhelm the space.

And finally, you want to make sure that the wallpaper you choose complements the other elements in the room. If you have a lot of patterns and colors going on, then you will want to choose a wallpaper that is more subtle in design. Conversely, if the room is fairly simple in design, then you can choose a wallpaper that is more bold and dramatic.

How do you decorate on either side of a fireplace?

There are many ways to decorate on either side of a fireplace. One way is to hang artwork on the walls. Another way is to place decorations on the mantelpiece. You could also put candles or plants on either side of the fireplace. Whatever you choose, make sure it looks balanced and symmetrical.

What do you put on either side of Mantle?

On either side of Mantle, you can put any type of decoration that you want. This includes things like pictures, mirrors, or even shelves. It is completely up to you what you put on either side of Mantle. Just make sure that whatever you choose goes well with the rest of the room’s decor.

How do you decorate the area around a fireplace?

There are many ways to decorate the area around a fireplace. Some people choose to hang pictures or other artwork above the mantelpiece, while others opt for vases or candles.

It really depends on your personal taste and style. You could also consider adding shelving on either side of the fireplace to display more decorative items.

How many items should be on a fireplace mantel?

The answer to this question depends on the size of the mantel and the surrounding decoration. If the mantel is small, then it is best to keep the number of items limited to three or four.

If the mantel is larger, then you can increase the number of items accordingly. The most important thing is to create a balanced and pleasing arrangement.

Do both sides of fireplace have to match?

It is not necessary to have both sides of the fireplace match. You can mix and match different materials, or even use two different colors.

The important thing is that the overall look is cohesive and fits with the rest of the room. If you’re unsure, consult with a professional designer or contractor who can help you achieve the look you’re going for.

Should you put a mirror or a picture above a fireplace?

It really depends on what look you are going for in your home. If you want a more traditional feel, then a mirror is a great choice.

Mirrors reflect light and can make a room feel brighter and more open. They can also help to create the illusion of more space. However, if you are going for a more modern look, then a picture may be a better choice.

Pictures can add color and interest to a room, and they can be changed out easily if you want to change the look of your space. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide what will work best in your home.

Should you put TV over fireplace?

There’s no right or wrong answer to this question – it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some people love the look of a TV above a fireplace, while others find it distracting or unattractive.

If you do decide to put your TV over your fireplace, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to create a cohesive and stylish look.

Make sure the TV is the right size for the space. A too-small TV will look out of place, while a too-large TV may overpower the fireplace.

Ensure there’s enough ventilation. Heat from the fireplace can damage your TV, so it’s important to make sure there’s enough space around the TV for air to circulate.

Consider the viewing angle. When you’re seated in your usual spot, will the TV be at a comfortable viewing angle? If not, you may want to reconsider your placement.

Think about the cords. Clutter can ruin even the most stylish of setups, so make sure all cords are neatly hidden away.

Conclusion

There are many ways to style the space around your fireplace, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, there are a few general guidelines that can help you create a balanced and cohesive look.

When choosing what to put on either side of the fireplace, consider scale, proportion, and symmetry. Additionally, think about how the items will work together aesthetically and functionally.

With a little planning and thought, you can create a beautiful and inviting space that you and your family will enjoy for years to come.