Although it's supposedly summer, the fickle British weather means our fires may be lit even in the height of June. And regardless of whether it's lit or not, the fireplace stays present all year round. A well dressed fireplace has the potential to create a sanctuary that you’ll want to settle down in after a long day at work. Your living room should be a place that exudes warmth, relaxation and well-being. And your mantle is often the focal point - but how can you give it that special spark?
Focus Fireplaces
Focus fireplaces are a great way to make your mantle the main feature of your living space. It can be a little hard to find the perfect balance utilising empty space, layering mantel decor, and making the most of the mantelpiece shelf.
Feature Wall Styling
The first step is to try and fill the ‘dead space’ on the wall above the fireplace. Hanging or leaning a mirror is the perfect way to take away that feeling of an empty fireplace. Mirrors in any living space whilst being a visual interest, also add natural light to the room and open spaces up. They make spaces feel bigger, brighter, and lighter, which is perfect in the winter months when there’s little natural light coming in. The general rule to choosing a mirror for your fireplace wall is to choose a frame that’s at least ⅔ of the size of the mantel. Too big will take away the feature of the hearth, and too little will get lost and look unbalanced. Choosing an interesting frame, rather than a square, can also add an extra interest point to your feature fireplace wall. The Bibury Reclaimed Wood Arched Mirror, for example, would be a captivating accent, without distracting too much from the fireplace. The last thing to check is the mirror reflection. The mirror won’t be as effective if it reflects a dark wall, or an unorganised shelving unit.
Bibury Reclaimed Wood Arched Mirror
To Style in Symmetry or Balanced Asymmetry?
Now that you’ve styled your fireplace wall, it’s time to move onto the fireplace itself. Considering firstly simplicity, and secondly symmetry or balanced asymmetry is the key to avoiding overcrowding. Balanced asymmetry can essentially be achieved by adding the same number or sized products to each side, without them being the same product. You can also mix elements of symmetry and balanced asymmetry above and below the fireplace. Think about balancing visual weights, and creating decor groupings. Avoid filling your fireplace with lots of mismatched ornaments.
Fireplace Plants
Large, interesting decor can fill up space whilst avoiding an over cluttered look, particularly fireplace plants. A large floor vase is also a great opportunity to implement some easy, but effective seasonal updates in your living space. As the seasons pass, you can change the greenery in your floor vase. Artificial plants and stems make seasonal updates that little bit easier, and can be brought out year after year. Adding a ‘living element’, whether it be real or faux, also stops the space feeling so static and square.
Ornaments for the Fireplace
Adding ornaments, sculptures and candles are the final touch to your mantelpiece decor. They are an opportunity to bring in character, personality and tie together colour themes or home decor styles. Our favourite ornaments for the fireplace are those that are multifunctional. The Ceramic Acorn Storage Jar is both charming decor, and a stylish storage space to pop your matches, and other fireside essentials.
Sitting by a lit fire is proven to relax you, and even lower your blood pressure. Adding candles in the fireplace adds an extra layer of soft, warm lighting to further exude an ambient, charming mood. Larger lanterns, such as the Alfie Brass Grid Lantern make a great striking focal point below your fireplace. Smaller tea light holders such as the Pippa Glass Candle Holders for elegant symmetry on the mantelpiece shelf.
Fireside Accompaniments
Now that you’ve styled your fireplace, and it’s dressed to impress, the final step is to consider some fireside accessories. Log baskets and fire tool companion sets are essentials for fireplace maintenance and organisation. They can also add to the overall style in a room, whether you want to add to a rustic mantelpiece or simply add some natural contrasting elements to the space.
The Theodore Circular Iron Log Carrier is a striking addition to your fireside, fitting in all home decor styles. Coordinating metals alongside your fireplace with a log carrier, large black lanterns and fireside companion sets makes for a cohesive and eye-catching hearth all year round.
It's Time to Style Your Fireplace
So, now you know how to make your fireplace a beautiful focus point in your living space. Start by filling empty space on the wall and create a feature wall. The most effective way to do this is by adding a simple, yet charming wall mirror. Next, think about how you're going to balance your fireplace with symmetrical and asymmetrical styling. For larger features, consider adding a large floor vase with some faux flowers. Complement larger features with smaller fireplace ornaments, candles and lanterns. Finally, add a cohesive collection of fireside accessories such as basket log holders, or companion sets.
