If you’re like me, the fireplace is the absolute heart of the home. But let’s be real—sometimes that mantel just sits there looking a little… lonely. Whether you have a rustic wood-burning hearth or a sleek modern insert, figuring out how to style it can feel like a bit of a puzzle.
I’ve gathered 10 stunning (and totally different) fireplace looks to give you some major inspiration. From moody blacks to cozy cottage vibes, we’re diving into what makes these spaces work so you can steal the look for your own living room. Grab a coffee, and let’s get styling!
1. Autumnal Glow
If you want your living room to feel like a warm hug, this is the blueprint. This look is all about celebrating the season. The soft sage green walls create such a calming backdrop for those pops of burnt orange and gold.
What I love here is the “layered” approach. Instead of a traditional mirror, they’ve used a Frame TV displaying landscape art—it’s genius because you get the aesthetic of a painting without the “big black box” eyesore when you’re not watching shows. The little ceramic ghosts and pumpkins add a playful, whimsical touch that doesn’t feel cluttered. To get this look, focus on height: use a tall vase with dried florals on one side and balance it out with lower items like candles on the other.
2. Coastal Calm
This one is for everyone who wishes they lived at the beach. The vibe here is light, airy, and super relaxed. The chunky, reclaimed wood mantel is the star of the show, providing a beautiful organic texture against the clean white shiplap.
The styling is simple but effective. By using sea-glass blues and a large-scale ocean print, the room feels instantly cooler. Notice the trailing greenery on the left? It breaks up the straight lines of the mantel and adds a bit of “life” to the wood. It’s a perfect example of how “less is more” when you have high-quality materials like that brick hearth and natural wood.
3. Bold Contrast
Ready to make a statement? This look is definitely for the bold! That rust-colored travertine wall is an absolute showstopper. Because the background is so textured and colorful, the fireplace itself is kept very minimalist with a matte black surround.
The circular mirror is a great choice here—it softens all those sharp, rectangular lines. When styling a mantel this modern, I’d suggest sticking to a few “hero” pieces. That gold geometric vase and the single light-blue bottle provide just enough interest without distracting from the gorgeous stone behind them.
4. Moody Slate
There is something so sophisticated about a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. The dark, stacked slate gives this room a rugged, masculine feel, but the light wood mantel keeps it from feeling too heavy.
The trick to styling a dark fireplace is to use bright accents. The white flowers on the coffee table and the light-colored mountain art on the mantel really “pop” against the black stone. It’s all about that balance. If you have a dark feature wall like this, let the architecture do the talking and keep the accessories minimal and bright.
5. Classic Tradition
If you love a more formal, “library” feel, this one’s for you. The rich, dark wood molding and fluted columns give this fireplace a really timeless, architectural look. It feels sturdy and expensive.
I really like how they used grey slate tiles for the surround—it’s a nice bridge between the dark wood and the cream walls. Styling-wise, the black-and-white floral print keeps it feeling modern rather than “stuffy.” A single pop of green from a potted plant is all you need to breathe some life into a classic setup like this.
6. Organic Minimalist
This is “Scandi-chic” at its absolute best. It’s incredibly stripped back, focusing on raw materials and soft curves. Instead of a traditional surround, we have two massive, hand-hewn logs acting as the mantel and the hearth.
The white-on-white palette makes the room feel massive and bright. When you’re going for this look, think about “shape” over “color.” The oversized clay pots have such a beautiful, ancient feel to them. It’s proof that you don’t need a lot of “stuff” to create a high-end, designer look—you just need a few pieces with a lot of soul.
7. Modern Monochrome
Talk about drama! Black vertical paneling is such a trendy way to add height to a room. It makes the ceiling feel miles high. Because the wall is so dark, those white “bouclé” chairs and the light rug create a stunning visual contrast.
The styling on the mantel is very “curated gallery.” The mix of wooden abstract sculptures and a simple botanical print makes the space feel artistic and intentional. This is a great layout for conversation—two cozy chairs pulled right up to the fire. It’s sleek, but that fire makes it feel incredibly inviting.
8. Rustic Maximalist
This is the ultimate “cozy cabin” dream. If you’re a plant lover, this is your sign to put them everywhere! The red brick and the built-in bookshelves filled with old books and glowing candles create so much warmth and character.
It’s definitely a “more is more” approach, but it works because it stays within a consistent color palette of reds, woods, and greens. The trailing ivy on the mantel makes the fireplace feel like it’s part of a secret garden. This style is all about personality—fill your shelves with things you love, and don’t be afraid to let things look a little “lived-in.”
9. Sculptural Stone
This look is pure luxury. The carved stone mantel with those wavy, rhythmic lines is like a piece of art in itself. It has a very “Mediterranean villa” vibe that feels both ancient and modern at the same time.
Because the mantel is so detailed, the art above it is a simple, bold abstract shape. This keeps the eyes moving without feeling overwhelmed. The warm, chocolate-brown plaster walls make the whole room feel incredibly intimate. If you have a unique stone fireplace, let it be the star and choose art that complements its texture.
10. Farmhouse Built-in
This is the gold standard for functional beauty. Flanking the fireplace with built-in bookshelves is such a classic move for a reason—it provides storage and a place to showcase your life.
The chunky timber mantel ties in perfectly with the light wood of the shelves, creating a cohesive, “built-in” look for the whole wall. I love the practical touches here, like the black bucket for extra firewood and the seagrass rug. It’s a room designed for real life, where you can actually imagine curling up with a book and staying for hours.
11. Bright Classic
This is such a fresh take on a brick fireplace. By painting the brick a crisp white, it instantly modernizes the room and makes everything feel ten times brighter. The round wooden mirror is a genius choice here—it breaks up all the straight lines of the brick and the windows.
I love the “hidden” storage idea with the simple wooden stump stool. It’s functional but looks like a piece of art. This style is perfect if you have a smaller room or want a fireplace that feels light and cheery rather than dark and heavy.