10 Small Living Room with Fireplace Decor Ideas: Maximize warmth and style: 10 creative ways to design your small living room with a fireplace

In recent years, I’ve noticed more homeowners are leaning towards cozy, functional spaces, and nowhere does this shine more than in small living rooms with fireplaces. As someone who has redesigned countless compact homes, I’ve learned that small spaces can spark big creativity. In this article, I’ll share 10 fireplace decor ideas for small living rooms, blending my personal design experience with expert insights.

1. Minimalist Mantel Styling

My Take: I love keeping a fireplace mantel light and airy, with just a few carefully chosen pieces—it tricks the eye into feeling the room is larger. In one project, I combined a slim vase, a small plant, and a framed line drawing, and it instantly felt uncluttered.

Pros: Minimalist fireplace styling reduces visual clutter and complements modern small living room layouts. According to Houzz Trend Report 2024, minimalism can make a compact space feel up to 15% bigger.

Cons: If you love displaying multiple keepsakes, this approach can feel a bit too restrained.

Tip: Use a neutral palette on the mantel, with one accent color repeated elsewhere in the room for cohesion.

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2. Mirror Above the Fireplace

My Take: One of my favorite tricks is adding a large mirror above the fireplace. In a client’s narrow living room, it bounced light beautifully and doubled the perceived width.

Pros: Mirrors reflect natural light, enhancing brightness—a key long-tail keyword here is "light-enhancing fireplace decor."

Cons: Requires frequent cleaning to maintain that crisp look, especially if you have pets or children.

Case: In a Scandinavian-inspired space, pairing a round mirror with soft wood tones works wonders. See how minimalist fireplace decor in small living rooms creates a harmonious feel.

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3. Built-in Shelf Surrounds

My Take: I adore integrating built-in shelving around the fireplace—it creates both storage and a design focal point. One New York apartment project combined vertical bookcases with a central fireplace, turning a tiny wall into a major feature.

Pros: Maximizes vertical space and offers functional storage within arm’s reach.

Cons: Built-ins require custom work and higher budgets, usually starting from $1,500.

Tip: Paint the shelves the same color as the wall to keep the overall look light.

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4. Low-profile Furniture Arrangement

My Take: By choosing sofas and chairs with low backs, you can maintain sightlines to the fireplace even in tight rooms. I recently did this for a studio apartment and it made the fireplace the undeniable star.

Pros: Improves flow and keeps the fireplace in view from multiple angles.

Cons: Might not offer the plush back support some people prefer.

Case: Align seating to form a semi-circle around the fireplace for intimacy.

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5. Corner Fireplace Utilization

My Take: A corner fireplace can be tricky, but it’s also an opportunity. In one remodel, we angled furniture to match the firebox, making the layout feel intentional rather than forced.

Pros: Frees up wall space for storage or artwork, ideal for small spaces.

Cons: Can limit TV placement options.

Tip: Use a rug to anchor the seating zone and tie the diagonal line together.

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6. Light, Airy Color Schemes

My Take: Soft neutrals like warm white, greige, and pale smoke make a small living room feel open even with a bold fireplace in place.

Pros: Matches with many styles, from modern farmhouse to minimalist. Sherwin-Williams' 2024 Color Forecast backs lighter palettes for small space impact.

Cons: Light walls may show scuffs more easily.

Case: Pair airy tones with textured fabrics for depth.

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7. Multi-functional Coffee Table

My Take: In petite living rooms, every piece earns its keep. I often choose coffee tables with storage drawers or lift-tops so clients can stash remotes, throws, and even board games near the fireplace.

Pros: Adds storage without extra furniture, maintaining an open feel.

Cons: Prices can be higher than standard tables.

Case: A round ottoman with hidden storage works well alongside an L-shaped furniture arrangement to maximize floor area.

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8. Layered Lighting

My Take: Firelight sets a mood, but you’ll still need task and ambient lighting. My go-to? Sconces flanking the fireplace combined with a dimmable overhead fixture.

Pros: Enhances usability and atmosphere at different times of day.

Cons: Can be tricky to wire in older homes without upgrades.

Tip: Use warm bulb tones (2700K) to harmonize with the fireplace glow.

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9. Compact Accent Chairs

My Take: Small but stylish chairs add seating without crowding the space. I often pull them close to the fire in colder months.

Pros: Flexible for gatherings and easy to move for cleaning.

Cons: May not be as comfortable as larger lounge chairs for long sits.

Case: Try slipper chairs in textured upholstery to add both comfort and charm, and see how compact seating layouts work in real apartments.

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10. Artwork as a Focal Point

My Take: Hanging a bold piece of art above the fireplace shifts attention upwards and creates a signature statement in a small room.

Pros: Adds personality and directs focus upward, balancing proportions.

Cons: Needs careful scale—too large a piece will overpower the fireplace.

Tip: Choose art colors that echo accents in the room for harmony.

Summary: A small living room with a fireplace isn’t a limitation; it’s an invitation to design smarter. As Apartment Therapy points out, constraint pushes creativity higher. Which of these 10 ideas would you most like to experiment with in your own space?

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FAQ

1. How do I decorate a small living room with a central fireplace?

Keep furnishings low-profile, use light colors, and consider mirrors to visually expand the space.

2. Can I put a TV above the fireplace in a small room?

Yes, but ensure proper viewing height and check manufacturer guidelines to avoid heat damage.

3. What colors make a small living room with fireplace look bigger?

Light neutrals, soft greys, and whites can reflect light and create the illusion of more space.

4. How can I arrange furniture in a small room with a corner fireplace?

Angle main seating towards the fireplace and use a rug to define the space.

5. What’s the best way to make a fireplace the focal point?

Highlight with artwork, lighting, or built-in shelving around it.

6. Is minimalist mantel decor effective?

Absolutely. As Houzz’s 2024 report notes, minimalism helps reduce visual clutter in compact rooms.

7. How do I create storage in a small living room?

Opt for built-ins, multipurpose furniture, and hidden storage pieces.

8. Can accent chairs work in small living rooms?

Yes—choose compact designs like slipper chairs, and you can even check examples of small-scale furniture layouts for inspiration.