Fireplaces are not only interesting from an architectural and decorative standpoint, but they also serve as a warm and welcoming focal point in the home.
You can add a fireplace to any home, including your condo if you want to.
But you may be stuck for ideas on how to decorate and use the space that the fireplace gives (see also ‘Faux Fireplace Ideas‘).
If you’re on the hunt for some inspiration, then you’ve come to the right place!
Whether you have a stunning fireplace that is permanently installed in the living room during the colder months or have a decorative fireplace that is pretty but does not function, we have the design idea for you!
We have made this list of the top 16 design tips that, when applied to your fireplace, will make it appear to be both classic and fashionable, regardless of the season.
From elaborate masonry to over-the-top marble and contemporary mantels, these fireplaces have it all.
Dark paint can be somber but surprising. If you want to make a brick fireplace seem new again, consider giving it a coat of dark paint. It gives off an air of sophistication, elegance, and cleanliness, especially since darker paint hides soot!
The same color scheme can be used across the whole space to make the room feel cohesive. A mirror with an aged finish adds to the gloomy atmosphere while still reflecting light.
Candles Instead Of A Fireplace
If you don’t have a functioning fireplace in your condo that doesn’t mean that you have to be without flame.
You can use your empty fireplace space to showcase a variety of candles to create the same kind of traditional and comfortable atmosphere that you would get from a blazing fire.
To achieve the illusion of flickering flames and the aroma of a forest, try grouping together some candles with a pine scent.
Install A Modern Wood Buring Fireplace
If you want to preserve the architecture in your condo (especially if it is older) but the fireplace is a bit lackluster, then you may want to switch out the fireplace unit for a more modern one.
You can install a brand-new (but styled after an old) wood-burning stove that gives off the appearance of a real fire while removing the danger of interior smoke that would be caused by a brick fireplace.
Make The Fireplace A Point Of Conversation In The Room
If you have the space in the living room, you could add a wide sofa shaped like a semicircle that curves around the fire.
This is a terrific way to make sure that no one will have to battle over a good view of the fireplace and that everyone gets a good dose of heat from it. It also is a good conversation starter.
Fake A Fireplace
There’s the chance that your condo will not have a fireplace in it, especially if it’s a hotter part of the country that would hardly ever need the extra heat. If you still want the look of a fireplace though, you can easily fake having one.
You can give the impression that there is a fireplace in the room by positioning a tall console table against the center wall of the room and then piling wood on top of it to simulate the appearance of a genuine fireplace.
Build A Shelf Above The Fire
For a bit of extra storage space as well as a good design feature, you could build a mantle or shelf above the fireplace. For even more style points you could make it a floating shelf.
Try to make the mantle match the rest of the room, so if you have a lot of dark wood elements, make the shelf out of dark wood as well.
This shelf can be decorated however you like, but it is an excellent place to display family pictures and other items that are important to you.
Get Cozy
Seating should be arranged so that guests face the fireplace for maximum coziness. This is the kind of space that makes you want to snuggle up and stay there all day, every day, especially if you add a lot of soft blankets and cushions to the mix!
Hidden Fireplace
There is no need to go any further for ideas on how to construct an ultra-modern fireplace. You could get a fireplace that is built in a way that makes it flush with the wall, creating the appearance that it is not even there.
Don’t Forget To Add Some Art
Take notes if you enjoy decorating with an eclectic mix of items. Even if you have a lot of strange items that don’t seem to go together, they can come together in a mix of unexpected coziness.
All of the contrasts in color can work very well together.
Embrace Color
While your fireplace design might be straightforward, the area around it can be given some extra texture and dimension thanks to the use of colorful and cheery artwork, which also contributes to the refined and approachable air in the room.
The All-White Look
A cool all-white vibe is one that many people enjoy. If you want to take it a step further you could even paint the firewood white (so long as don’t intend to burn this wood).
Add some silver touches to the white mantle to make this area stand out more than it would otherwise. This also helps to break up the room a little bit.
Highlight Components Of The Building
Even a small built-in fireplace can make a powerful punch in terms of aesthetics. Whilst the overall look is one of modest constraint, the home overwhelms with its abundance of light and connection to the countryside if you work with what you have.
This is a great example of how a traditional fireplace can be updated to seem modern.
Abstract Artwork
Simply propping up some abstract artwork on the mantel will give the room a simple yet sophisticated look. This exemplifies the laid-back allure that you may want to give off in your condo.
Make It The Center Of Attention
No matter where the fireplace is located in your condo, even if it is in the bathroom, you can still make it the focal point of the room. Adorn it with candles and artwork just like you would in any other room in the house.
It will provide the perfect atmosphere for luxurious and soothing bubble baths.
Showcase Your Favorite Plants
There is no reason why your fireplace can’t have any value if it is not a functioning unit. You could spruce up the area by adding a huge planter filled with vibrant flowers in the spot where firewood would normally be stored.
This will add a pop of color and a touch of nature to the space.
Put A TV Above It
us a warm fireplace and a television, and we won’t need anything else. By adding a TV above the fireplace, you can make the space feel both formal and ready for entertaining without having to make any sacrifices.
When you have visitors around, you could conceal the television by sliding this piece of artwork over it.
Summary
There are almost endless ways to design and decorate a fireplace in your condo. Try out a few of the ideas above to see what works for you and your style.
Hi, I am Stevie Morris. As a qualified electrician, I have installed countless electric fires and worked on projects with all types of fireplaces, including wood burning, bioethanol, and gas installations.
By working hands-on with different brands, you quickly become an expert on the best fireplaces and those you should avoid.
My family also owns the largest online retailer of fire pits and outdoor fireplaces in the UK. Although not part of the family business, I regularly help when needed.
I hope you can benefit from my experience and impartiality, which I have gained from installing fireplaces and seeing the family's fire pit business grow.
