10 Living Room Arrangement Ideas with Fireplace: Creative and Functional Ways to Arrange Your Living Room Around a Fireplace

Over my 10+ years as an interior designer, I’ve noticed that living rooms with fireplaces have a certain charm—but also a unique challenge. These days, with open-concept layouts and a focus on comfort, arranging furniture around a fireplace isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about making the space truly work for you. And trust me, small spaces in particular spark the most creative solutions. In this article, I’ll share 10 living room arrangement ideas with a fireplace, blending my own real-life experiences and expert-backed design principles.

1. Symmetrical Seating Around the Hearth

My Take: I once worked on a cozy urban condo where symmetry made all the difference. We placed two identical loveseats opposite each other, both facing the fireplace. It instantly felt balanced and inviting.

Pros: Creates a harmonious, formal feel; makes the fireplace the clear focal point. According to the American Society of Interior Designers, symmetry can increase perceived order and calm in a room.

Cons: Can feel too formal for some, and you may sacrifice flexibility in seating arrangements.

Tip: Use matching side tables and lamps for a pulled-together look.

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2. L-Shaped Sofa Configuration

My Take: In one recent project, an L-shaped layout released significantly more floor space for circulation. This works especially well in small living rooms with fireplaces tucked into a corner, allowing clear conversation zones. We even tested it in our L-shaped layout release more space mockup tool before finalizing.

Pros: Maximizes seating, defines areas in open layouts; great for TV and fireplace visibility.

Cons: May block windows or pathways if not carefully measured; larger sectional sofas can be tricky to move.

Case Note: Measure twice—especially the “return” of the L—to avoid awkward overlaps.

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3. Floating Furniture Away from the Walls

My Take: I love floating sofas closer to the fireplace with a console table behind. It makes even large rooms feel more intimate around the hearth.

Pros: Creates a cozy conversation area; adds space behind for storage or display.

Cons: Not ideal for extremely narrow rooms; may require longer cable runs for lamps or electronics.

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4. Incorporating a Reading Nook

My Take: One client adored reading, so we set up a comfy armchair and floor lamp angled toward both the fireplace and a window. It became her favorite “hygge corner.”

Pros: Utilizes underused corners; turns the space into a multifunctional haven.

Cons: Adds extra furniture which can crowd a small room; may shift focus away from main seating.

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5. Dual Focal Points with TV and Fireplace

My Take: The TV-fireplace combo is a modern classic. In one lake house project, stacking the TV above the fireplace saved space and preserved the view.

Pros: Efficient use of vertical space; clear gathering focus for family activities.

Cons: Not all fireplaces can handle TV heat—check manufacturer specs; ergonomic neck angles matter.

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6. Round Seating Cluster

My Take: A circular rug anchored four swivel chairs around a round coffee table in a mountain cabin I designed. Everyone could face the fire and each other—perfect for game nights.

Pros: Encourages interaction; easy to rotate seating toward different views.

Cons: Can limit lounging positions; round rugs need careful scaling to room size.

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7. Accent Walls to Frame the Fireplace

My Take: In a recent remodel, we used a dark shiplap wall behind the fireplace to make it pop, then complemented it with warm textures throughout. More than décor, it subtly guided how people sat and faced the hearth.

Pros: Defines the focal point; works with many styles from rustic to modern farmhouse.

Cons: Overly bold walls can dominate a small room; trends in finishes may date faster.

Design Tip: Try materials that double as texture and color, like reclaimed wood.

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8. Open Flow to Dining or Kitchen

My Take: In an open floor plan, aligning the sofa so it doesn’t block sight lines to the kitchen makes the space feel larger. We achieved an airy connection where the fireplace anchored one end of the visual axis, much like in our open flow plan inspiration gallery.

Pros: Encourages social interaction between zones; light flows through spaces.

Cons: Less wall space for storage or art; noise can travel more easily.

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9. Layered Lighting Around the Hearth

My Take: Lighting can transform mood. I’ve layered sconces, a dimmable overhead fixture, and a low table lamp by the fireplace to create adaptable ambiance.

Pros: Supports activities day to night; highlights architectural features.

Cons: Requires planning for outlets and wiring; potential glare if aimed toward reflective surfaces.

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10. Minimalist Approach with Plenty of Breathing Space

My Take: Sometimes, less is indeed more. In a tiny loft, we opted for just a sleek sofa and one lounge chair around the hearth, letting the fireplace star without clutter. The airy look was similar to what we modeled in our minimalist fireplace seating showcase.

Pros: Makes small rooms feel open; easy to clean and maintain.

Cons: Less seating for guests; might read as sparse if not accessorized thoughtfully.

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Summary

In the end, arranging a living room with a fireplace is about making the hearth work for your lifestyle, not the other way around. Small rooms, in particular, challenge you to be smarter and more intentional with every piece of furniture. As Houzz’s 2023 design trend report noted, homeowners are seeking cozier, more multi-purpose layouts than ever. Which of these 10 living room arrangement ideas with a fireplace would you love to try in your own space?

FAQ

1. What’s the best way to arrange furniture around a fireplace in a small living room?

Use multi-functional pieces and avoid pushing everything to the walls—floating arrangements create intimacy without wasting space.

2. Can I place my TV above the fireplace?

Yes, but check the fireplace manufacturer’s guidelines for heat output, as per National Fireplace Institute recommendations, to protect your electronics.

3. How do I make both the TV and fireplace focal points?

Arrange seating so guests can comfortably view both; corner arrangements and wall mounts can help.

4. How can I add more seating without making the space feel cramped?

Consider armless chairs, stools, or nesting furniture that can be moved as needed.

5. Is symmetry important in living room design?

Symmetry creates balance, but asymmetry can add visual interest—it depends on your style and needs.

6. What are some budget-friendly fireplace updates?

Painting the surround, adding peel-and-stick tiles, or updating the mantle are cost-effective changes.

7. How does lighting affect a living room with a fireplace?

Layered lighting enhances ambiance and functionality; consider sconces, table lamps, and dimmers for flexibility.

8. Can fireplaces integrate with open-concept spaces?

Yes, positioning furniture to keep sight lines open helps connect the fireplace area with dining or kitchen spaces, as in our open concept fireplace idea inspiration.