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How to Decorate a Chimney Wall

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20 Fireplace Decor Ideas That'll Light Up Your Living Room

Even non-working fireplaces can cash in on these design tricks.

fireplace wood TV cover

BRIAN WOODCOCK

Your fireplace functions as the heart of your home. What's a cozy, fall day without crackling logs and a warm blanket? But if your chimney can't handle the heat, there are still plenty of ways to decorate a non-working fireplace. These decor ideas dress up the mantle and hearth without relying on fire, so the centerpiece of your living room can always look its best year-round.

Find inspiration on using the niche as a mini bookcase or hiding a TV above the fireplace — no eyesores here. Since your fireplace serves as the focal point for the whole space, take it as a opportunity to showcase beloved artwork or antiques. Ready to roll up your sleeves and get started on a weekend DIY project? Painting over red brick will make your hearth feel more modern, or give a wood mantel a fresh coat in a new color. Your fireplace can wear both neutral and bright hues equally, so go ahead and try something new. Feel free to fill it with something other than logs, too. Books, plants, and prints can all find a home here. Just vacuum up any soot and lay down a drop cloth to protect precious goods before tucking them inside. As for up top, placing vases, mirrors, or candles will go a long way, so don't forget about the finishing touches. Get ready to enjoy your new hangout spot, and don't miss these other living room decor ideas to complete the makeover.

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Hide the TV

At this Mississippi farmhouse, wood doors cover up the TV screen when not in use. The top came from salvaged paving bricks and the homeowner painted the floral canvases herself.

SHOP TV CABINETS

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Mount Pretty Plates

Use the wall space above your mantel to show off favorite pieces of china. There's no need to own a full set — even mismatched settings picked up at antiques shops and tag sales over the years can shine on their own.

SHOP PLATE HANGERS

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Pile Birch Logs

The silvery bark functions as its own decor even if you have no intention of ever burning it. A tobacco basket up above adds another rustic touch.

SHOP BIRCH LOGS

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Bring in Tall Branches

Big sprigs of greenery punch up this cool, white living room. Snip fresh foliage from the backyard and fill a tall vase for instant visual interest.

SHOP VASES

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Group Neutral Accessories

Assorted prints and found objects look cohesive in shades of white, beige, and black. Who says you need frames that match?

SHOP FRAMES

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Lean a Mirror

A solid-wood mantel and a gilded fireplace screen contrast perfectly with modern white-painted wood and brick. For a laid-back look, rest a sturdy mirror against the wall — no hammer required.

SHOP MIRRORS

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Showcase Bud Vases

A seasonal assortment of fresh flowers brightens up any space, but you could go the dried or faux route for bouquets that last all year-long. (How cute are those mini pitchers, though?)

SHOP VASES

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Paint It Black

A pitch-dark paint job showcases architectural features against bright white walls. Artwork in the same color scheme accentuates the contrast.

SHOP PAINT

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Ditch Red Brick

Steal a trick from this sunny home and refresh dated brick with a coat of cream paint. Hello, instant mood booster.

SHOP PAINT

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Swap in a Basket

It's both storage and decor. Tall branches poking out of pitchers and a framed chalkboard message round out the mantel.

SHOP BASKETS

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Create an Illusion

An oversized mirror fakes an extra window by establishing a bright focal point. A framed family photo and fluffy cotton stems fill out the rest of the tableau.

SHOP MIRRORS

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Distress It

A weathered finish adds charm to this little library. Coat with a chalky, matte paint before roughing with sandpaper.

SHOP PAINT

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Display Collectibles

You deck out the mantel, so why not the hearth? Use an eclectic mix of vintage and new finds in various materials, like metal candlesticks and an artsy stone bust.

SHOP CANDLE HOLDERS

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Pile in the Greenery

An empty hearth comes alive with an indoor garden. Arrange an array of mismatched pots, in many shapes and sizes, filled with hearty (and low-maintenance!) succulents or ferns.

SHOP SUCCULENTS

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"Hang" Artwork

If you don't have enough wall space to show off your favorite pieces, you'll love this trick: Lean framed art within the fireplace. Just make sure it's big enough so it doesn't disappear against the interior.

SHOP VINTAGE ART

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Light It Up

Candles in different sizes, shapes, and containers create a gentle flickering glow, or go the worry-free route by using flameless LED lights instead.

SHOP CANDLES

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Keep It Fresh

Bright whites look at right home in this beach house. Subtle texture, like the tiled backsplash around the hearth and patterned pillows, keeps things interesting.

SHOP PILLOWS

Health Editor Caroline is the Health Editor at GoodHousekeeping.com covering nutrition, fitness, wellness, and other lifestyle news.

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How to Decorate a Chimney Wall

Source: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/decorating-ideas/tips/g1212/fireplace-decor-designs/