A corner fireplace can seem like an interior design conundrum. With its awkward positioning and architectural angles, it’s easy for a corner fireplace to end up looking isolated, unbalanced, or generally underwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be that way! With some strategic decorating decisions, you can transform even the most challenging corner fireplace into a stunning focal point that brings coziness and visual interest to the whole room.
In this post, we’ll walk through the best tips and ideas to make the most of a troublesome corner fireplace. From working with the existing architecture to adding eye-catching mantel decor, we’ve got you covered with actionable solutions to common corner fireplace decorating problems.
Balance Out the Space
One of the biggest issues with corner fireplaces is a lack of balance. With all the visual weight shifted to one area of the room, things can start to feel off-kilter pretty quickly. Luckily, there are a few easy ways to improve the overall symmetry and flow of your space.
Use Oversized Furnishings
An excellent place to start is by using larger furniture pieces and accessories to provide balance on adjacent or opposite walls. For example, placing a roomy sectional or a set of oversized accent chairs on the walls perpendicular to the fireplace will help anchor them and take some of the visual focus away from just the fireplace area.
Similarly, a long console table behind a sofa, a large coffee table, or an expansive area rug can also help make the room feel more proportional. Incorporate these scaling up strategies throughout the space.
Hang Wall Art
Don’t forget the vertical surfaces! Hanging wall art, mirrors, tapestries or macrame wall hangings on the other walls in the room is another great way to provide balance. Create a collage wall or striking gallery arrangement to instantly draw attention away from the corner.
Incorporate Textures
Texture is your friend when working with off-kilter corner fireplaces. Incorporating varied textures throughout the whole space helps add depth and dimension. Layer rugs, introduce pillows and throws with different fabric qualities, and generally avoid sleek, shiny surfaces. The mix of textures adds needed visual interest.
Fireplace Design
Don’t forget to assess the look of the actual fireplace as well. A dated or underwhelming fireplace design can drag down the whole corner’s aesthetic. Take some time to upgrade the fireplace itself for a more polished and purposeful look.
Update Fireplace Materials
Swap out old or dingy fireplace materials for fresh stone, exposed brick, reclaimed wood or ceramic tile. The style you choose, whether modern, farmhouse or traditional, sets the tone for the whole room. Distressed wood makes for a very different look than sleek marble!
Consider painting dated tile or bricks white for a clean, modern refresh. Or go bold with a deep green or navy surround. Whatever you choose, pick materials that tie into the overall room’s color palette and design aesthetic.
Remodel for a New Look
If you’re willing and able to take on a remodel, changing the shape and style of your corner fireplace can make a huge impact. Upgrade the doors to built-in cabinetry or bookcases for handy storage. Swap out a dated screen for a sleek iron or glass model.
Reconfigure the opening size or add special touches like a hearth or built-in bench seating. Consulting an interior designer or contractor opens up even more possibilities for taking your lackluster corner fireplace from basic to beautiful.
Mantel Decor
Your fireplace mantel serves as the perfect staging area for eye-catching styling. Dress up a plain corner fireplace by layering gorgeous decorative items along the mantel and hearth.
Layer Textures and Heights
Start by gathering an eclectic mix of accessories in different shapes, sizes and materials. Wicker baskets, glass vases, ceramic garden stools, rolled blankets–anything goes! The mix of metal, wood, ceramic and woven textures brings lots of visual interest.
Next, creatively arrange items across the mantel, intentionally varying heights and positions. Asymmetrical arrangements feel the most dynamic. Play with balance–a large basket on one end balancing several smaller objets. Finish by weaving in meaningful personal artifacts, like family photos in mismatched frames.
Light It Up
Definitely take advantage of the fireplace’s architecture by incorporating lighting options. Cluster an odd number of glass votive candleholders and candles along the mantel or add adjustable sconces on the surrounding walls. Consider hanging a statement light fixture above if the ceiling is high enough.
Just take proper safety precautions with open flames near combustible materials. Keep wicks trimmed, and don’t leave lit candles unattended.
Style for Seasons
Refresh your mantel with new seasonal or holiday styling. Come winter, a garland of faux pine boughs dotted with red berries instantly invokes hygge. Fill hurricane vases with ornament-adorned birch branches for festive flair. Or go modern with a sleek garland of oversized baubles.
The options for mantel holiday decor are endless. The same goes for year-round seasonal updates. Rotate in hurricane vases overflowing with blooms in cheerful spring colors or gourds and mini pumpkins for fall. Have fun playing with different looks!
Add Vertical Interest
Most corner fireplaces have ample vertical space above and around them. Take advantage of awkward negative space by purposefully drawing the eye upwards.
Use Mirrors or Art Above Fireplace
Hanging an oversized mirror or piece of artwork immediately helps anchor the fireplace within the corner by filling visual space. Just be sure the piece is large enough to balance the proportions. An art print or mirror should be at least 2/3 the size of the fireplace opening. Hang it high enough so mantel decor doesn’t obscure it.
Flank with Shelving
Squeeze in shelving or built-in cabinetry, if possible, on either side of the chimneypiece. Add doors for concealed storage or open shelves to display collected items. Continuing finishes like fireplace stone or woodwork maintains flow. Style sparingly with baskets, books and decorative pottery.
With a bit of creativity and a few tactical tweaks, even the most awkward corner fireplace can be totally transformed into a warm, welcoming focal point. Start by addressing any underlying spatial and symmetry issues in the surrounding space. Update the fireplace itself as needed to complement your home’s aesthetic. Then really have fun playing up the mantel and hearth with loads of texture and holiday cheer!
Hopefully these ideas have sparked inspiration for maximizing your own challenging corner fireplace. Breathe new life into unused areas and turn them into statement-making spaces loved by all–no interior design degree required!
