Stylish Fireplace Top Designs

A fireplace serves as the heart of a home, radiating warmth and gathering families together. The area above the fireplace mantel presents a fantastic opportunity to exhibit your personal style. With the right decor choices, you can create an eye-catching focal point that brings character and visual interest to your living space.

When decorating above your fireplace, the options are endless. You can opt for traditional artwork, an ornate mirror, or modern shelving to showcase cherished items. Plants and greenery also add life and vibrancy. To narrow down your decor decisions, take time to think about your interior design style and the overall look you want to achieve. The fireplace decor you choose should harmonize with the rest of the room.

Fireplace Top Decor Essentials

Certain decor elements lend themselves particularly well to fireplace tops. Here are some of the most popular and effective choices:

• Mantels: Mantels provide perfect platforms for displaying art, mirrors, greenery and collections. For a coordinated look, select a mantel made of wood, stone or brick that complements your fireplace materials.
• Artwork: Paintings, prints, tapestries and sculptures become striking focal points above fireplaces. Opt for large-scale pieces that make a bold statement.
• Mirrors: Mirrors visually expand small spaces and reflect light. Hang one alone or flank the fireplace with a pair of mirrors.
• Candles: Strategically placed candles add flicker and warmth. Use varying heights and mixes of tapers, pillars and votives.
• Plants: Houseplants and fresh flowers bring nature indoors. Greenery options include succulents, ferns, orchids and mini trees.
• Rugs: Layering a rug in front of the fireplace defines the space and adds coziness.
• Fireplace screens: Ornate screens provide an elegant accent and protect from flying embers.

Mantel Decor Ideas

The mantel serves as the perfect shelf for showing off decorative objects. When styling your mantel, limit your display to 1-3 groupings so it doesn't feel cluttered. Some mantel decor ideas include:

• Wooden crates for displaying books or floral arrangements
• Photo ledges to exhibit family photos or artwork
• Shelves for displaying collected treasures
• Lanterns and vases as sculptural accents
• Frames and mirrors for visual interest
• Garlands and wreaths during the holidays

Aim for a balanced mantel display with decor scaled appropriately. The items should not overpower the size of the fireplace. Curate a cohesive collection of decor in coordinating colors and materials. Then make adjustments until you are pleased with the styling.

Artwork Options

Hanging a striking piece of artwork above the fireplace makes a gorgeous focal point. Consider these types of artwork:

• Paintings: A large-scale painting commands attention. Choose colorful abstract pieces or classic landscapes.
• Prints: Affordable prints come in unlimited color and style options to match your decor.
• Tapestries: Boho-inspired woven tapestries add an eclectic, textural element.
• Sculptures: Metal, glass or wire sculptures provide modern allure.

When selecting artwork, ensure it fits the horizontal space above the fireplace. The piece should be proportional without appearing too small or overwhelming. For visual balance, choose artwork that aligns with the fireplace shape and size.

Stylish Mirror Placement

Mirrors effectively amplify light and create the illusion of a larger space - making them excellent fireplace topper choices. Consider these mirror placement ideas:

• Above Mantel: Hang a large mirror in place of artwork for a classic look.
• Flanking Fireplace: Position tall rectangular mirrors on either side of the fireplace.
• On Side Walls: Place mirrors on the walls flanking the fireplace to reflect light.

When selecting a mirror, ensure it complements the size of the fireplace and surrounding furniture. Also, consider the frame style. Choose something simple and unobtrusive or an ornate frame that contributes to the room's character.

Candle Tips

Groupings of candles create a warm glow perfect for dressing up a fireplace. Follow these candle decor tips:

• Use varying heights and sizes for interest.
• Mix pillar, taper, tealight and votive candles.
• Incorporate candlesticks, lanterns and glass hurricanes.
• Display candles on mantels, hearths and side tables.

Avoid placing candles too close to walls or drapery. When lit, keep a watchful eye on open flames. Battery-operated candles provide flickering ambiance without fire risk.

Greenery for Freshness

Incorporating lush greenery instantly livens up a fireplace. Indoor plants bring the outdoors inside by naturally cleansing air. Try these plant varieties:

• Succulents: Easy-care succulents thrive in warm, dry fireplace zones.
• Flowering Plants: Vibrant orchids, bromeliads and anthuriums add pops of color.
• Hanging Plants: Let vines from philodendrons, pothos or spider plants trail down the mantel.
• Ferns: The soft, delicate look of ferns contrasts beautifully with stone or wood.
• Trees: Mini palms, ficus trees and citrus trees infuse freshness.

Place plants in fireproof cachepots secured on mantels, hearths or side tables. Water plantings regularly and provide adequate sunlight for thriving growth.

Cozy Rug Styles

An area rug positioned in front of the fireplace defines the space and adds warmth underfoot. Consider these rug options:

• Florals: Vintage-inspired floral rugs complement traditional spaces.
• Geometrics: Graphic rugs with triangles, chevrons and dots work in modern rooms.
• Solids: Wool, jute or cotton rugs in beige, navy or gray provide a neutral base.
• Patterned: Persian-style rugs offer timeless beauty.
• Furry: For luxe comfort, choose a plush sheepskin or faux fur rug.

Determine the size rug needed to fit the space while allowing adequate walking room. Layer rug textures, patterns and colors that enhance your interior design theme.

Unique Fireplace Screens

Fireplace screens provide a practical barrier against flying sparks. They also lend artistic style with designs like:

• Ironwork: Intricate black wrought iron screens offer vintage allure.
• Stained Glass: Colorful stained glass panels cast a rainbow glow.
• Woven: Natural fiber screens have an earthy feel.
• Antique: Ornately carved antique screens brim with character.

Choose fireplace screens in materials and patterns suiting your decor. Use screens year-round as decorative accents or seasonal displays. In summer, fill the screen with birch logs or river rocks. For winter, lean the screen against the fireplace showcasing pinecones, poinsettias and glittery snowflakes.