10 Living Room Ideas with a Corner Fireplace: Creative, Stylish & Cozy Corner Fireplace Living Room Makeovers

I’ve always loved the charm of a fireplace, but when it’s tucked into a corner, it opens the door to some really creative layouts. Right now, maximizing every inch is a big trend in interior design, and small or awkward spaces often spark the boldest ideas. In this post, I’ll share 10 of my favorite living room ideas with a fireplace in the corner — blending my own design experience with a few expert-backed tips.

1. Minimalist Furniture Arrangement

My Take: In one small apartment I redesigned, a low-profile sofa and floating shelves allowed the corner fireplace to breathe visually, without overcrowding it. The room felt twice as open.

Pros: Creates a clean, airy look that complements a corner focal point. Minimalist furniture can make the area around the fireplace look larger, which works beautifully in compact living rooms.

Cons: Can feel a bit sparse if you crave a cozy, layered vibe. You’ll need to balance with textiles or warm lighting so it doesn’t feel too bare.

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2. Built-in Storage Surround

My Take: A client once insisted on keeping every novel they ever bought — so we built custom bookshelves around their corner fireplace. It turned that awkward corner into the most inviting library nook.

Pros: Maximizes space and provides practical storage right where you need it. Built-ins also make the fireplace feel intentional in the layout.

Cons: Can be a bigger investment in both time and budget. Also, overfilling shelves can make the space feel cramped.

Tip: If you love the idea, check out our minimalist Scandinavian-style living room storage for layout inspiration.

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3. Asymmetrical Art Display

My Take: Hanging art slightly off-center over or near a corner fireplace feels modern and relaxed. I’ve done this to counteract the diagonal lines of a corner hearth.

Pros: Adds personality and can balance out the visual weight of the fireplace. Great for showcasing statement art in an unconventional way.

Cons: May feel visually unsettling to those who prefer symmetry. Requires thoughtful placement to avoid looking haphazard.

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4. Angular Sectional Layout

My Take: One of my favorite tricks is using an L-shaped sectional angled towards both the TV and the fireplace so no seat has a bad view. This is especially useful in open-plan spaces.

Pros: Encourages conversation while keeping the fireplace in play. Makes the most of an awkward corner by turning it into a central feature.

Cons: Not ideal for very small rooms — the sectional’s bulk can overwhelm.

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5. Floor-to-Ceiling Stone Cladding

My Take: I once worked on a mountain cabin where we wrapped the corner fireplace in rough-cut stone right up to the rafters. The transformation was dramatic.

Pros: Brings natural texture and a sense of permanence. Works wonderfully with rustic, farmhouse, or lodge aesthetics.

Cons: High installation cost and heavy visual presence, which might dominate a small room.

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6. Floating Hearth Bench

My Take: Extending a slim bench along the sides of a corner fireplace provides extra seating and display space without cluttering the floor.

Pros: Functional, stylish, and creates an integrated look. Perfect for small gatherings or staging décor items.

Cons: May not offer deep enough seating for lounging. Works best as supplementary, not primary, seating.

Pro Tip: For arrangement guidance, I’ve referenced layouts from our cozy open-plan living area project many times.

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7. Double Accent Walls

My Take: Painting both walls that meet in the corner the same bold shade frames the fireplace beautifully. I love doing this with deep navy or sage green.

Pros: Defines the corner visually and adds depth. Makes the fireplace feel like a deliberate style statement.

Cons: Dark colors can make a room feel smaller if not paired with good lighting.

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8. Corner TV and Fireplace Pairing

My Take: In one loft project, I mounted the TV above a corner mantel — it saved wall space and kept both focal points together.

Pros: Space-saving solution for small living rooms. Keeps furniture facing one direction, simplifying layouts.

Cons: TV height may be less ergonomic. Heat from the fireplace should be considered for electronics safety.

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9. Layered Rugs and Textiles

My Take: Adding layered rugs near the hearth defines the conversation area and adds warmth. I love mixing patterns here — it makes the space feel collected over time.

Pros: Cozy and flexible — you can change layers seasonally. Softens the hard surfaces around the fireplace.

Cons: Requires more maintenance (more rugs to vacuum). Can look cluttered if patterns clash.

Inspiration: Our modern boho living room with layered rugs nails this look.

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10. Mirror Above the Mantel

My Take: A large round mirror above a corner mantel can bounce light into tricky spots and make small living rooms feel bigger. I used this trick in a city studio with great effect.

Pros: Brightens the room and adds elegance. Works with almost any style, from modern to traditional.

Cons: The reflected view matters — if it’s clutter, you’ll just double it visually.

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Conclusion

A corner fireplace doesn’t limit your living room design — it’s an opportunity for smarter, more creative layouts. Whether you lean into minimalism, textures, or bold colors, these ideas prove you can make it the star of the room. As the National Association of Realtors notes, fireplaces remain one of the top features for creating warmth and increasing home appeal. Which idea are you excited to try first?

FAQ

1. What’s the best layout for a living room with a corner fireplace?

Arranging seating to face the corner diagonally often works best. This keeps traffic flow smooth while highlighting the fireplace.

2. Can I put my TV above a corner fireplace?

Yes, but consider heat output and ergonomics. Ensure proper ventilation and mount at a comfortable eye level.

3. How do I decorate a corner fireplace mantel?

Use layered heights with vases, candles, and artwork. Mirrors or asymmetrical art can enhance the visual balance.

4. Is a corner fireplace good for small rooms?

Absolutely. It can free up wall space and create a cozy focal point without dominating the layout.

5. What materials work best for cladding a corner fireplace?

Stone, brick, and tile are durable and stylish choices. According to Houzz’s 2023 trends report, natural textures are particularly popular.

6. How can lighting complement a corner fireplace?

Use sconces or floor lamps angled towards the fireplace. This adds warmth and visual emphasis in evenings.

7. Should I build storage around my corner fireplace?

If you need more storage and love a built-in look, it’s a smart choice. Just keep proportions in check so it doesn’t overwhelm the room.

8. Can a corner fireplace work with an open-plan layout?

Yes, with careful furniture zoning and flow planning. I often use sectional sofas or angled rugs to define spaces.