A fireplace is often the centerpiece of a living room, but if you feel like your fireplace doesn't quite fit in with the rest of your decor, an accent wall can help improve its look and feel.
A fireplace wall is the perfect canvas for an accent wall! When it comes to choosing the best colors, consider the existing aesthetic of the room. If you're looking for a timeless and classic look, neutrals like beige, gray, or white can be perfect.
But what if you have a large wall with a fireplace in the middle? Decorating a large wall can be intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. From artwork and mirrors to shelving and decor, there are countless ways to decorate a large wall.
Take a look below to discover how a fireplace accent wall can help transform your average room and bring your decor to life.
Incorporate Natural Stone
To enhance the visual appeal of your living space, incorporate natural stone for the fireplace accent wall. Ideal for modern living rooms, the stone veneer or full-depth stone creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Complement room décor with a grey leather ottoman, black mirror, or a feather tree, ensuring a cohesive aesthetic.
Use Reclaimed Wood
Create a rustic, cozy ambiance with reclaimed wood on your fireplace accent wall. Recommended for modern living rooms, distressed-finish wood adds character, while a wooden box for logs and green plant in front of the fireplace add a touch of nature. Combine with beige curtains and tan leather couch to complete the look.
Bold Color Choices
Make a statement with bold, contrasting colors on your fireplace accent wall for a striking focal point. Suitable for cozy, black and white-themed living rooms, enhance the space with a black coffee table and metal floor lamp. Accessorize with a blue side table and knitted blanket, maintaining a balanced color scheme.
Install Floating Shelves
Maximize storage and display space with floating shelves on your fireplace accent wall. Ideal for modern living rooms and white-themed spaces, shelves in varying lengths and colors add visual interest. Showcase favorite items, books, and glassware, while pairing with a plush white couch, black leather couch, or metallic chandelier to elevate elegance.
Feature a Large Mirror
Add depth and light to your room with a large mirror above the fireplace. Choose a striking frame that complements the room's style for a cozy living room with blue walls. Enhance the overall aesthetic with a gold statue, ornate chandelier, or deer statue, creating a luxurious and sophisticated atmosphere.
Incorporate Metal Accents
Introduce metal accents to your fireplace wall for an industrial or modern flair. Ideal for warm, contemporary living rooms, enhance the space with metal tiles, wall art, or a metal fireplace screen. Accessorize with a black and white image, potted tree, and grey chair, ensuring a tranquil, inviting space.
Consider Wallpaper Patterns
Elevate your fireplace accent wall with patterned wallpaper that complements your room's aesthetic. Best suited for elegant living rooms with a focus on sophisticated design, surround the fireplace with paintings and a marble coffee table. Add greenery with a potted plant, creating depth and personality in the space.
Tiled Fireplace Surround
Upgrade your fireplace with a unique tile surround for an accent wall that reflects your personal style. Ideal for modern living rooms with a black fireplace, accessorize with green chairs, a wooden table, and a white table lamp. Arrange logs in the fireplace and add a touch of charm with a turntable and black square on the windowsill.
Incorporate Built-in Cabinetry
Add storage and visual appeal with built-in cabinetry on either side of your fireplace. Perfect for spacious living rooms, use glass-front cabinets or open shelving to display books and decorative items. Complement the room with a beige couch, brown leather chair, and wooden paneling to create a harmonious, rustic vibe.
Mix Textures and Materials
Combine textures and materials for a unique fireplace accent wall as an eye-catching focal point. Mix wood, stone, metal, or tile to achieve dynamic visual interest in a modern living room. Complete the space with a vase of flowers, a TV mounted above the fireplace, and stylish black furniture.
Create a Gallery Wall
To add a personalized touch to your living space, create a gallery wall above your fireplace. Perfect for a cozy family room, choose eclectic frames and sizes for your art or family photos. Include a plush, velvet couch and unique decorative elements for an inviting atmosphere. Tip: Balance color and themes when choosing your frame layout.
Incorporate a Vertical Garden
Incorporate a vertical garden in your living room to bring nature indoors and enhance your fireplace area. Ideal for modern spaces, use wall-mounted planters and low-light plants. Add a comfortable seating area, a stylish coffee table, and a dining zone nearby for a lush, inviting environment. Bonus tip: Mix different greens to create a vibrant plant wall.
Add a Modern Touch with Concrete
Upgrade your living room's aesthetic by using a concrete fireplace accent wall for a contemporary, minimalist vibe. Pick between a smooth polished finish or textured industrial look, depending on your preferred style. Complement with white furniture, a round coffee table, and sleek lighting fixtures for the perfect modern space.
Extend Mantel to Ceiling
Create a dramatic focal point in your living room by extending the fireplace mantel to the ceiling. Opt for the same material as your mantel or a contrasting one for added interest. Enhance the area with a neutral color scheme, wooden flooring, and touches of greenery. Keep furniture minimal for a classy, modern look.
Geometric Patterns and Shapes
For a modern and eye-catching design, incorporate geometric patterns and shapes on your fireplace accent wall. Use paint, wallpaper, or tiles to achieve the desired look. Pair with a plush couch, rattan accents, and unique decorative elements for a cozy and visually appealing living room.
Integrate Lighting Elements
Illuminate your fireplace accent wall with lighting elements like sconces or LED strip lights, showcasing artwork or architectural details. Great for grand living rooms, accompany with comfortable and luxurious furniture, ornate mirrors, and vintage-inspired decorative pieces for a sophisticated atmosphere.
Incorporate a Niche or Alcove
Add an alcove or niche to your fireplace accent wall for a touch of elegance. Display a piece of art, sculpture or vase of flowers in the space. Use marble materials, modern furniture and a cohesive color scheme to create a stunning contemporary living area.
Use a Textured Paint Technique
Give your fireplace accent wall a unique look with a textured paint technique like sponge painting or a faux finish. Ideal for modern homes, add a cozy seating arrangement, incorporate natural light, and greenery to create a warm and inviting environment.
Integrate a TV into the Design
Construct a cohesive entertainment area by mounting your TV above or beside the fireplace. Recessed wall mounts or custom-built frames blend seamlessly. Use a black and white color scheme, minimalist furniture, and stylish accessories for a chic and cozy ambiance.
Add a Sculptural Element
Enhance your fireplace accent wall with a sculptural element like a large metal or wooden art piece for depth and interest. Suitable for stylish living rooms, select a piece that complements the overall décor, and infuse black and gold color schemes for an opulent atmosphere.
Caroline Patterson
Caroline is a young, New York-based interior designer and home decor writer, obsessed with textiles and designer furniture. Backed with rigorous training from a prestigious design school, as well as a profound understanding of material quality and fabric care, she offers spot-on advice on how to furnish your place with reliable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing pieces.
