For people who have a fireplace, this dream is possible. But for the rest of us, we have to make do with the fireplace video on the TV. This isn’t ideal, though. While it looks nice, you are stuck watching the fireplace and can’t watch a movie. There’s also no heat coming from the fireplace, which kind of takes away from the experience.

The solution is to install an electric fireplace. These slimline, wall-mounted fireplaces come with several features and can produce heat. This list of the best electric fireplace heaters will help you out.

1. R.W. Flame 36 Inch Recessed and Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace

This wall-mount electric fireplace comes in a range of sizes, from 36 inches to 68 inches long. A nice feature is that it’s less than four inches deep, making it easier to place in the wall where there can be little room.

You’ll also appreciate the placement of the power box and main cable that make it easier to mount in the wall. Use the touchscreen or remote control to select from 12 flame color modes, five flame speed modes, and five brightness levels.

This recessed electric fireplace is also an electric heater. You can use it as a supplemental heating source to warm up to 400 square feet. Thanks to the ETL Certification and auto-heat kill safe, feel safe using this fireplace.

One drawback of this fireplace is the remote. The signal is weak, and you must stand right in front of the fireplace to get it to work. This can be frustrating if you install it in a large room. There is also no realistic wood fire option for a traditional look.

2. Homedex 36-Inch Recessed Mounted Electric Fireplace

This wall-mount electric fireplace comes in a range of sizes, from 36 inches to 68 inches long. A nice feature is that it’s less than four inches deep, making it easier to place in the wall where there can be little room.

You’ll also appreciate the placement of the power box and main cable that make it easier to mount in the wall. Use the touchscreen or remote control to select from 12 flame color modes, five flame speed modes, and five brightness levels.

This recessed electric fireplace is also an electric heater. You can use it as a supplemental heating source to warm up to 400 square feet. Thanks to the ETL Certification and auto-heat kill safe, feel safe using this fireplace.

One drawback of this fireplace is the remote. The signal is weak, and you must stand right in front of the fireplace to get it to work. This can be frustrating if you install it in a large room. There is also no realistic wood fire option for a traditional look.

3. Duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Stove With Remote Control

This vintage-inspired wood-burning fireplace can give your living room or bedroom an authentic farmhouse feel. It comes in eight colors, so you can choose the perfect shade that blends with your decor or adds a pop of color.

It measures 24 x 13.07 x 23.4 inches so that you can place it in a nonworking fireplace or a dead corner. Because it’s a freestanding electric fireplace, you can move it around your home as needed, making it useful as supplemental heating.

The 5,200 BTU quartz infrared heater can warm a space up to 1,000 square feet. Should this unit overheat, it will automatically shut off. There are five adjustable brightness levels to choose from for the advanced 3D flame effects.

The potential problem with this electric fireplace stove is that it uses infrared heat, which isn’t as effective as other heating elements on this list. It also doesn’t get as hot as other fireplaces on this list.

4. Touchstone 80014 Sideline Electric Fireplace

This real flame fireplace heater comes in a range of sizes from 28 to 100 inches in length. It has five flame settings that have an unmatched realistic flame effect.

It will trick people into thinking there’s a real fire going. This is helped by the faux-fire logs and crystals that come with it. There are two heat settings to choose from, along with multiple modes for creating your desired aesthetic.

A timer will automatically turn off the fireplace at your set time, which can be between 30 minutes and 7.5 hours. All features and settings are operable through the included remote.

Be aware that you’ll need a lot of clearance for this wall-mounted fireplace. Not only do you need over five inches of depth, but you also need eight inches of clearance around it.

This means you can’t install it too close to your fireplace mantel or TV. This electric fireplace is best left for installing into an existing fireplace space that you no longer want to use for burning actual logs. It would also be nice if there were more than two heat settings as this is quite limiting.

5. PuraFlame Alice 40 Inches Recessed Electric Fireplace

Choose from either 40 or 50 inches for your wall-mounted fireplace. You have the option of plugging it in or hardwiring it. It uses ultra-high-intensity LED lights that can create four different flame effects. You can also choose between wood logs or ice-like crystals.

Choose from 13 colors for the LED lighting of the fuel bed. You also have the option of using the heat setting or leaving it off for the year-round enjoyment of your electric fireplace.

Use the timer to turn on the heat blower for 30 minutes or up to nine hours. It’s safe to use as a supplemental heating source. Choose a temperature setting between 60 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit.

This realistic electric fireplace leaves a bit to be desired with the quality of the flames. They aren’t as realistic as other fireplaces on this list. However, you get a nice glow from this one, making it ideal for setting the mood and atmosphere.

6. Silverton 48-Inch Electric Fireplace

Unlike other electric fireplaces on this list, this one looks like a real fireplace. Instead of being narrow and long, this one is square and comes with a fireplace surround. It will sit in front of the wall instead of getting mounted flush with the wall.

You can choose from white, black, and dark mahogany for the fireplace surround. You can play the fire or use the heat feature that’s capable of warming a space up to 1,000 square feet.

Choose from temperature heat settings that range from 72 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit. The entire unit measures 19.875 inches high by 23.375 inches long by 8.75 inches deep.

Unfortunately, the logs could look more realistic, which is a dead giveaway that your fireplace is electric and not real.

This fireplace also takes up significantly more space because it sits in front of your wall and cannot be mounted in it. Finally, the construction could be better with gaps in some of the seams where the pieces don’t sit flush with each other.

7. Antarctic Star 30-Inch Electric Fireplace

You will find the flame brightness impressive on this electric fireplace insert. The lifelike flames use innovative electric fireplace technology that mimics the look of real fires in traditional fireplaces. Choose from sizes that range from 30 to 68 inches.

The depth is less than four inches, making it easier to install than other fireplaces on this list. There are 12 colors to choose from for the ultra-high-intensity LED light and 12 colors for the crystal flame bed. This gives you countless color combination options.

The remote control works from up to 26 feet away, or you can use the integrated touchscreen. There is also a timer that can automatically turn off the fireplace after one to eight hours. Two heating modes can warm a space up to 400 square feet.

Unfortunately, you may find the flames to look faint or not be as big as you’d like. So if you’re looking for a roaring fire, this may not be it. You also can’t use the heating function without the fireplace feature.

How Do Electric Fireplaces Work?

These modern fireplaces use LEDs and a mirror element to mimic the look of real flames. Simple fireplaces have a single line of LEDs, while more upscale models can have multiple rows for a more dynamic and realistic display. They typically use 120-volt outlets for the power source.

Many of them also come with a heating element, which lends some authenticity to the fireplace. These units have either heating coils or infrared quartz. These elements are located inside the fireplace and heat up to the desired temperature.

Then there is a blower fan that moves the warmed air out of the fireplace and into the room. When this happens, cold air gets sucked in and subsequently warmed.

How Much Space Do Electric Fireplaces Heat?

The amount of space your electric fireplace can heat will depend on the size and strength of your fireplace. Typically, an electric fireplace about 30 to 36 inches in length and mounted flush with the wall can warm a 400 square-foot space.

Freestanding electric fireplaces can emit warmth from all sides to warm slightly larger rooms, typically around 1,000 square feet. If you choose a large electric fireplace, it could help warm a space over 1,000 square feet.

However, keep in mind that all electric fireplaces are designed and intended to be supplemental heating. You should never solely depend on your electric fireplace as your source of heat.

Are Electric Fireplaces Safe?

Yes, they are safer than a traditional fireplace because there is no actual flame. There is nothing to burn someone on. There are also no toxic emissions, so you don’t have to worry about air pollution.

Because these fireplaces are electric, you should check to ensure the fireplace you buy is certified safe. You don’t want your new fireplace to cause a real fire because unreliable wiring causes a short or spark that started a fire. As long as your fireplace is safety certified, you don’t have anything to worry about.

Can You Install an Electric Fireplace Under a TV?

Yes, you can! Many people don’t realize this, but the chimney above a real fireplace gets incredibly hot, and this is damaging to your flat-screen TV mounted over your fireplace. Instead, an electric fireplace doesn’t have this problem, so you are safe to install your TV over it.

However, you’ll want to give the electric fireplace plenty of clearance, so don’t mount them too close to each other.

Additionally, your fireplace should have front or bottom vents for the heating element. This directs the hot air away from the TV and reduces the heat exposure to the delicate electrical components in the TV.

Can You Install an Electric Fireplace Outside?

This is a common question as more people turn their backyards into outdoor living spaces. If you want to create a living room feel, a fireplace is a must. You can use an electric fireplace for your outdoor living room, bathroom, patio, or anywhere else outside that you would like to create ambiance.

You should only use electric fireplaces that are outdoor rated. This means their construction is sealed to prevent moisture from coming into contact with the electric components, as this would create a safety risk.

Never install an indoor-only electric fireplace outside. Where it can be exposed to the elements.

What Features Should I Look For?

The number of features your electric fireplace has will depend on your budget. If you have a small budget, then look for the basic must-have features that provide satisfactory functionality. If your budget has some flexibility, then consider the nice-to-have features that can elevate your user experience.

Basic Must-Have Features

• You should be able to control your fireplace with a remote to turn the flames on and off when you want.
• On-demand heater functionality is also a must.
• A timer is also a must because this ensures your fireplace isn’t left running for an endless amount of time.
• You should also look for safety features like an auto shut-off should the unit get too hot.
• Finally, some level of temperature and flame display adjustability is also a must. This lets you choose how hot you want it to heat and the type of fire you want it to produce.

Nice To Have Extra Features

While having a remote is excellent, a touchscreen is even nicer. Modern high-end fireplaces come with a touchscreen that makes it easy to choose your settings. These fireplaces also have a lot more settings to choose from. For example, instead of one or two heat temperature settings, they can have five or as many as 10.

The same applies to the flame display. There will be size, brightness, and color options to choose from. Many high-quality fireplaces also have multiple flame bed options, such as crystals or wood logs.

Innovative Features

Electric fireplaces have come a long way since they were first introduced. These days manufacturers are looking for better ways to replicate the look of fire for the most realistic display.

They are also adding innovative features like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. These will let you control your fireplace from your phone, sync with other devices, and integrate the controls into your smart home system. Some fireplaces also have speakers built into the unit.

Types of Electric Fireplaces

When buying an electric fireplace, think about where and how you plan to install it in your home. This will help you decide which type of electric fireplace is best. Similar to traditional fireplaces, you want the one you choose to complement your home’s architecture and design. In addition, it should look purposeful and as if it was always a part of the home.

Wall Mounted

These flat electric fireplaces are perfect for apartments or rental homes. They hang on the wall like a flat-screen TV. This is good because there’s no permanent damage to the wall.

Someone with little experience can install them, and they only require an outlet to run. This gives you a lot more freedom in where you install your electric fireplace, such as over your bed, in the kitchen, bathroom, or home office.

You can easily take down the fireplace and brackets and take them with you when you move. The downside of these fireplaces is that they don’t look as authentic because they are hung on the wall. They also don’t produce heat or as much heat as larger units.

Built-In

A built-in electric fireplace has an authentic look because it sits flush with the wall. They are a great alternative to gas fireplaces. These units require more knowledge, skill, and experience because you will need to create a hole in the wall where the unit will sit.

They also require hardwiring. It’s best to have a professional assist with this part of the installation.

Once your fireplace is installed, you won’t take it out when you move as it’s now a part of the house. If you want a realistic square shape for your electric fireplace, these are great options.

Keep in mind that some of these models are over five inches thick. This can create installation issues, and you may need to build out the wall on the backside.

Recessed

These fireplaces have a shallow depth because they are meant for installation in an already-built wall. They are called 2×4 installs because you can recess them into a 2×4 wall without having to build out on the other side of the wall to accommodate the depth of the fireplace.

The majority of these models are under four inches in depth. Some are slightly deeper, but they stick out from the wall on the front side.

Recessed units can come with a plug, but they are typically designed for hard-wiring them into your home’s existing electrical.

Three Sided

A three-sided electric fireplace can work with your architecture if you have unique architecture. It makes a bold statement as you can view the flames from three sides. If needed, you could make it two-sided by only exposing two of the three sides.

You could recess it into the wall with only one side exposed for a more realistic flame display than what you can get with other recessed fireplaces.

Electric fireplaces with three sides are perfect when you have a more open floor plan or two rooms that connect with a wall between them. The fireplace is then viewable from both sides so that you can have warmth and ambiance in both rooms.

Two-Sided

Instead of three sides, there are electric fireplaces with two sides. These get mounted in the wall in the same fashion as a recessed fireplace, but it is flush-mounted on both sides. This is ideal when you have two rooms that share a wall but are closed off from each other with a wall.

For the most functionality, look for one that has a privacy screen. That way, you can prevent people in one from looking into the other.

Inserts

If you have an existing wood or gas-burning fireplace in your home, you can easily convert it into an electric one with an insert. These units are shaped to snugly fit into the firebox of a traditional fireplace.

The other insert type is electric log inserts. Instead of being a large box that looks similar to other electric fireplaces, these are a grate with logs that you place in your traditional firebox.

This looks the most realistic since you have an actual fireplace, blending the electric elements in with it.

Free Standing

If you are looking to upgrade the furniture in your home, a freestanding electric fireplace is a great option. The most common type of freestanding electric fireplace is a media cabinet.

You place the cabinet under your big screen TV in your living room or bedroom. These units are nice because you can move them around, they serve multiple purposes to reduce the number of furniture pieces in the room, and you won’t have to sacrifice features. Their downside is that you tend to be limited when it comes to size.

With Mantels

This type of electric fireplace combines the charm of a traditional fireplace with the convenience of a modern electric one. Unlike other types on this list, you don’t mount this one into the wall.

It sits in front of the wall, but unlike one that hangs on the wall, this one is mounted in a frame that mimics the look of a real fireplace with a surround and mantel.

This gives you the look of a real fireplace without having to make any major changes to your home. You can arrange decorative items on the mantel as you would with a real fireplace.

Conclusion

If we had to pick just one electric fireplace to recommend, it would be the R.W.FLAME 36-Inch Recessed and Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace because it comes in a wide range of sizes, has plenty of options for customization, and can effectively heat a small room. In addition, the shallow depth of the fireplace helps to make it easier to install in smaller spaces. You’ll also find the remote convenient.

Electric Fireplace FAQs

Even if you don’t use it, just having a fireplace creates a cozy feeling. However, if you use your fireplace, you will have real warmth and natural light from the fire.

Like everything else in your home, required maintenance comes along with use. You need to clean your fireplace to remove the soot and creosote that builds up on the bricks lining your firebox and the chimney shaft.

These different methods will help you know how to clean a brick fireplace.

How To Clean a Brick Fireplace: How Often Should You Clean Your Fireplace?

Before we get into all of the ways you can clean your brick fireplace, you need to know how often you should clean it. Soot buildup accumulates as you use your fireplace. This soot creates a smell that will not go away and can permeate the rest of the textiles in the room.

If you neglect cleaning for long enough, the soot will eventually cause permanent damage to the bricks and other fireplace materials.

Cleaning brick should be done once you have at least 1/8th of an inch of soot buildup. So, the more often you use it, the more often you will have to clean it.

The sooner you clean your fireplace after using it, the easier it will be to remove the soot. It is best to clean it at least once a year no matter how often you use it.

You may be able to wait a bit longer if your fireplace has sealed brick. A clean fireplace is a nice-looking one and a safe one.

Gather the Supplies

Before you get started cleaning fireplace brick, gather the supplies you will need to do the job. This will make the project go faster and easier because you won’t have to stop and run to the store every time you discover that you are missing a cleaning solution or tool.

While we will cover several different methods for cleaning soot, there are some common supplies that every method will require.

• Two buckets
• Spray bottle
• Stiff bristled scrub brush
• Two sponges
• Paper towels
• Water
• Drop cloth
• Gloves

Prepare To Clean

Before you start cleaning, you need to prepare your fireplace. Always start with a cold fireplace. The bricks in your fireplace get incredibly hot when you have a fire going. Trying to clean when the bricks are hot puts you at risk of getting burned.

Remove your grate and any remaining ashes or debris. Use a vacuum to clean up all of the loose dirt and debris. Use a stiff-bristled brush to knock any debris loose that you can then vacuum up.

Prepare the area around your fireplace by removing everything from your mantel. This reduces your work later by preventing any airborne soot from settling on your decor that you will then have to clean up later. Spread a waterproof drop cloth on the ground in front of your fireplace to protect your floors from spills and drips while cleaning.

Brick Fireplace Cleaning Methods

1. Detergent and Salt

Always start with the gentlest method when cleaning brick fireplaces. This means starting with a detergent and salt method. You will need dishwashing liquid, table salt, water, and distilled white vinegar.

Mix one gallon of warm water with two tablespoons of dishwashing liquid in one bucket and one gallon of water, and one cup of distilled white vinegar in the other bucket. Finally, fill a spray bottle with plain water.

To clean the soot stains, use the spray bottle to get the bricks wet. Getting the bricks wet before you try to clean them is a must.

Bricks are porous, so saturating them prevents them from absorbing the cleaning liquid. Preventing this is essential because you need the cleaning solution to stay on the surface of the bricks where it is meant to clean.

You also do not want the cleaning solution to remain in the bricks where it can release harmful vapors the next time you light a fire. Then dip your scrub brush into the cleaning solution and liberally distribute the salt on the bristles. Now get to work scrubbing so you can clean soot off of the bricks. Work in sections, so the bricks do not dry out.

Finish by using a sponge and your vinegar-water solution to rinse the bricks clean. The vinegar in the water removes any lingering fire smells and cuts through any soap residue.

A word of caution: people often use bleach to disinfect and clean their homes. Never mix bleach with vinegar. When combined, they create chlorine gas, which is highly toxic and can cause irreversible damage to the body.

2. Dishwashing Liquid, Ammonia and Pumice

If you struggle to remove the more stubborn stains, then you may need to step up your cleaning efforts. For this method, you will need dish soap, powdered pumice, ammonia, water, and distilled white vinegar.

First, take the cleaning solution from the previous method and add 1/4-1/2 of a cup of household ammonia. Then replace the table salt with powdered pumice.

Follow the same steps as the previous cleaning method to get clean bricks. This fireplace cleaner relies on the abrasive nature of the powdered pumice to remove the soot, so you will still need plenty of elbow grease. Be sure to ventilate the room well because the ammonia fumes can quickly become overwhelming.

3. Vinegar and Baking Soda

If you need a bit more help to remove stubborn soot and stains, then you can put the scrubbing bubbles of baking soda to work on your fireplace.

Stir together equal amounts of dish soap, table salt, and baking soda together with water to make a creamy paste. Use just enough water to blend the ingredients while still keeping it thick.

Use a cloth or paper towel to create a layer of paste over the bricks you want to clean. Leave the paste on the bricks for about ten to 15 minutes. Then use a scrub brush to work the paste over the bricks.

Work from the top down and scrub in a circular motion. If you find the paste getting too dry, you can use your water spray bottle to add some moisture. Finish by rinsing clean with your sponge and clean water bucket.

4. Borax

If the gentle abrasive and dish soap are not cutting through the soot, then it is time to take your cleaning efforts up a notch. Use your spray bottle to mix four cups of hot water with a squirt of dish soap and two tablespoons of borax.

Shake the bottle well to mix everything thoroughly. Spray the bricks to coat them and have plenty of cleaning solution on them. Use your brush to get to work removing the soot. Finish with a clean rinse and repeat the process of spraying and scrubbing until your fireplace is clean.

5. Specialty Fireplace Cleaners

If you are not interested in mixing your own cleaning solution at home, you can purchase one of the many available fireplace cleaning solutions. The most common are Quick N Brite and Spray Nine. If using an environmentally safe solution is important to you, then Quick N Brite is the solution for you. To use it, you will scrub with a brush and rinse clean when finished.

If the idea of scrubbing until your arm is sore is not appealing, then Spray Nine is your best bet. It is an ammonia-based cleaning solution that is formulated to target carbon-based stains or dirt, like soot.

6. Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) or Muriatic Acid

If the gentler methods do not work on your fireplace, then you can up your efforts to a more caustic cleaner. These are dangerous and harmful cleaners, so they should only be used on the most stubborn smoke stains.

Before using trisodium phosphate (TSP) or muriatic acid, you need to fully protect yourself and the fireplace surround. TSP will damage fabric, paint, carpet, metal, and tile.

Before you start, change your clothes so that you are wearing long pants and a long sleeve shirt. Then put on gloves, goggles, and a respirator. You do not want to risk these solutions getting on your skin even momentarily. Finally, wear protective shoes with high socks that go up under your pants.

To start, mix your cleaning solution by using MasonrySaver Safer Brick & Masonry Cleaner or TSP in a bucket according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Most solutions require you to mix the cleaner with water. Then fill your second bucket with clean water for rinsing. Get some of the cleaning solution on your scrub brush and begin to scrub the stubborn stains.

Once you have cleaned the fireplace bricks, use a sponge to rinse the area with water from your clean bucket. Wipe the area with clean water until you have rinsed away the remaining soot and cleaning solution.

Repeat this process until you have removed all of the soot. These cleaning solutions are highly toxic and cannot be disposed of by pouring down the drain or onto the ground outside. You will need to contact your local municipality for proper and safe disposal.

7. Creosote Sweeping Fire Log

You may see fireplace logs like these Pine Mountain logs. which are sold as a fireplace cleaning solution. They are called creosote sweeping logs because they help you remove the creosote buildup. This is what builds when you burn green or less dried-out wood.

The smoke condenses at a lower burning temperature, which creates a thicker layer of gunky soot on your fireplace. They do not remove the creosote or soot just by burning the log.

When you burn the log, the chemicals that get released make the creosote flaky, and then you can easily brush or scrape it off. These logs work great for maintenance cleaning if you use your fireplace a lot.

However, they do not replace the need for your once-yearly chimney cleaning. Depending on how often you use your fireplace, you can burn one of these logs once a month or a week and enjoy relatively clean fireplace brick year-round.

What you need are a few unused fireplace ideas to get you inspired. Think beyond the mantel and use the fireplace as an opportunity to create your own display as a focal point.

These ideas will show you how to decorate an unused fireplace so that it adds to your decor.

How To Decorate an Unused Fireplace

1. Hide It With a Screen

The simplest and easiest decorating idea is to hide the open space with a fireplace screen. With this approach, you don’t have to worry about cleaning or painting the firebox to make it presentable.

This solution is nice because it leaves the option open for using the fireplace in the future.

When choosing your screen, look for one that has a decorative design and blocks your ability to see through it.

The screen should extend from one wall to the other so that the entire front of the fireplace is blocked.

Match the design of the screen to the interior design theme in the rest of the room. A modern room will look nice with a simple square that’s dark grey or black. A rustic, farmhouse or bohemian room will look beautiful with a woven screen.

2. Create a Faux Display

You know your fireplace doesn’t work, but that doesn’t mean anyone else needs to know. Instead, style your fireplace and hearth as if it was a working fireplace.

Leave the chimney intact and style a faux fireplace arrangement in the firebox. Start by placing a grate in the middle.

Scale the size of the grate to the space available. Then place a few logs on the grate. You could choose real dried-out wood logs or faux ones that look like wood but aren’t.

Place a fireplace tool rack next to the opening on the hearth. It would have a small broom, poker, and everything you need to tend to a fire.

3. Use a Flower Arrangement

Place a large vase in your fireplace and use it to hold greenery or fresh flowers. The Vasesource black ceramic planter has a nice low design, giving you plenty of room for your larger potted plants. Its simple design gives it a modern feel that will look beautiful in a contemporary home.

This rustic and weathered oak wood barrel is perfect for a flowering house plant or fresh-cut flowers. Its rustic design and wine barrel shape make it perfect for a rustic or farmhouse interior design.

Keep in mind the amount of light that reaches your fireplace. If it’s a low-light area, then you’ll want to use a hardy houseplant, like pothos, English ivy, or a snake plant. These are all easy to keep alive, have low light requirements, and aren’t demanding water requirements.

4. Light It With Lanterns

Create a soft glowing light similar to when there is a fire burning. You could use pillar candles, but that is overdone. Instead, place an arrangement of candle holders that range in width and height. This style of arrangement creates visual interest by having variety.

Another great option is to use metal floor lanterns with either white candles or fairy lights. Choose an odd number of lanterns that vary in size. Then place a string of battery-powered fairy lights in each lantern.

5. Stack Wood Logs

A natural solution for your unused fireplace is to fill it with wood. This makes sense because fireplaces are meant for burning wood. Stacked wood stays true to its original use while giving it a fresh look.

You have plenty of options when choosing the wood you use. A common choice is to use chopped wood that looks like stacked firewood. These are log pieces that have been split. Another option is to use logs that are still around.

Stack the wood so that it fits together and fills the space with the ends showing. If this feels too plain, you can paint the end of the logs for a pop of color. If the idea of using real logs isn’t appealing, you can buy a Birch Fill a Space design that does all of the work for you.

6. Organize Your Magazines

Are you an avid magazine reader? Then you know the struggle of having stacks of magazines cluttering your flat surfaces. Your non-working fireplace is the perfect place for storing your magazine collection.

Purchase a magazine rack and place it in the firebox where the fire grate would normally sit. Then you can fill it with magazines. The Mkono macrame magazine rack (shown above) is perfect for complementing your bohemian decor ideas. Its handmade look adds plenty of texture to the room. It also doesn’t look like a typical magazine rack, helping it to look more decorative than functional, yet its large size means it can hold plenty of magazines.

7. Display Decor

Instead of leaving a single display up year-round, consider using your unused fireplace as a seasonal decor opportunity. For example, use pumpkins, pine cones, dried flowers, and fall leaves for Thanksgiving. Then finally, change the fireplace decor to have a winter or holiday theme for Christmas.

For spring, you could have Easter-inspired decorations or fresh blooms. Halloween is the perfect time to break out your spookiest decorations. During July, add red, white, and blue decor for a patriotic display.

8. Add Tile

Instead of leaving your fireplace with its original brick or painting it, give it a fresh and modern feel by tiling over it. You’ll see decorating ideas that use large-scale tiles for a modern look, marble for a luxurious feel, or mosaic tiles for an artistic touch.

While rectangle subway tiles never go out of style, don’t be afraid to use tiles with different shapes. Fish scale and geometric patterns are currently trending. Using tile is a creative way of updating your fireplace while keeping it true to its original purpose. The tile is durable and heat resistant.

9. Add a Space Heater

The whole point of having a fireplace is to add heat to the room. If your fireplace isn’t working, then you are missing out on this heat source. This may not be a big deal for modern homes with state-of-the-art HVAC systems. However, for older homes, this can result in drafty rooms that are uncomfortable to be in.

Instead of making the fireplace usable again, consider adding a space heater. You could choose one that’s styled to look like a vintage stove. With this approach, you are adding heat back into the room while also adding a decorative piece.

The vintage stove look is perfect for a rustic room. If you prefer a more modern feel, you can have a square space heater set into the opening with a screen that digitally displays a fire. Now you have the best of both worlds.

10. Make a Bookshelf

Turn your fireplace into a built-in bookshelf. Start by painting the inside of the firebox. Then paint boards to match. Mount the boards in the firebox space. You should be able to comfortably fit one or two shelves.

Now you have extra storage space that doesn’t take away from your floor space. Use this extra storage space as a mini library, display your prized collection figurines or anything else that you would like to make the focal point of the room.

11. Baskets

One popular decorating tip is to have a basket where you store your extra throw pillows and blankets. Now you have a large basket that you have to put somewhere in your living room. An unused fireplace is a perfect spot.

You could paint the inside of the firebox or leave it untouched. Clean the space and remove any residual soot and ash. Place a large woven basket that comfortably fills the space but leaves room for you to fill it with pillows and blankets. Then, you can pull it out when you need it and tuck it away when you don’t.

Having this basket on display helps to create a cozy feeling in the room. While you could do this idea in any design theme, it works especially well in a Scandinavian-inspired or farmhouse room.

You don’t want to paint all of the walls dark brown, though. This will make your living room very dark and close the room in. Instead, you could paint one wall dark and leave the other light. Or you can look for ways to add brown to the room in the furniture or decor. These brown living room ideas will help you add beautiful browns to your living room.

1. Creating a Striking Focal Point

A brown wall is perfect for creating an accent. It’ll add warmth to the space and make it feel cozier. Choose a shade that will complement the rest of the decor. Some shades have a slightly reddish hue that will complement wood with red tones.

A rich chocolate brown will look beautiful with dark woods, light grey, or light cream. You could also choose a color that’s a lighter shade of brown, which will help to keep your living room feeling light and bright.

2. Boho Style Inspirations

Create a bohemian feel in your living room by embracing an earthy-hued color scheme. You could have a dark brown sofa, textured fabric brown shades, and a patterned area rug.

If you choose to have a brown leather sofa, use fabric accent pillows to add punches of color. An alternative is to have a fabric sofa that you place leather throw pillows on.

Leather is a perfect way to add brown hues to your living room while also creating a boho feel. Look for pieces that are one of a kind or are handmade. This will give your living room a craftsman or worldly feel.

3. Sleek and Timeless

Stick to a lighter shade of brown when designing a contemporary look in your living room. Hues that will work well for this modern feel are colors like light beach, teak, pine, birch, spruce, light elm, light walnut, or rustic oak. As you can see, many brown paint colors come with names that are reminiscent of the wood that it’s similar to.

Other popular living room ideas add brown with natural materials. You could install faux stone panels on a wall for a natural look. Choose wood furniture for the shelving, built-ins, or entertainment center. You can also pick naturally brown living room decor as well as wood, leather, or metal accent pieces.

4. Intimate and Dramatic

Using a dark shade of brown paint on your walls, such as chocolate brown, can give your living room a sophisticated and elegant feel. However, you need to decorate the room carefully to prevent your living room from looking like a dark brown hole.

Accent this darker paint color with lighter pieces. Brass and gold metal accents can add to the room’s ambiance and help elevate the space’s feel. These warmer-toned metals can help the space feel welcoming.

5. Enhancing Decor Elegance

You can add more brown living room decor than just accent pillows. Hang wood shelves on the walls or place wood sculptures on floating shelves.

Look for other decorative pieces that are made out of natural materials. You can find pieces that are made out of grasses, wicker, or rattan. These will add natural brown hues while also adding texture.

You can also add more subtle accents, such as wood picture frames. Or add accent beams to your ceiling. Or choose light fixtures that have wood or brown metal accents.

6. Stylish Comfort

Dark brown furniture is perfect for homes with pets or children. The darker color of a brown sofa hides stains and spills, so there’s no worry about little ones drinking or eating while sitting on your brown furniture.

Everything immediately thinks of a leather sofa when you tell them to buy a brown couch. However, this isn’t your only option. A suede or microfiber sofa will be a soft and cozy feeling, giving your living room a warmer feeling. Throw some woven wool or fur pillows on it, and you have the perfect spot for curling up and watching a movie.

7. Industrial Touches

Brown is a perfect color to use in your color scheme when creating an industrial look in your living room. You’ll want to focus on using wrought iron, worn wood, and aged leather.

A vintage brown leather sofa, accent chair, or loveseat will give your living room an authentic feel. Look for a Chesterfield design that’s immediately recognizable for its rolled armrests, tufted back, and plush seats.

Pair this with a coffee table that is made from a metal frame with a wood top. Then spread out cowhides on the floor instead of a rug. This will give your living room a masculine feel while also honoring industrial elements.

8. Opulence and Sophistication

Elevate the look of your living room by using expensive materials. Choose leather furniture that’s constructed of top-quality leather. It could have gold metal frames. Then pair it with a coffee table that has a marble top.

Tie the entire room together with a large area rug. Oriental rugs that are handwoven from silk are the most expensive rugs you could buy. However, you could choose a woven wool rug for more durability.

Another easy way to make your living room feel luxurious is with light fixtures. Hang a chandelier in the center of your living room for a central focal point and statement piece.

9. A Refreshing Take

Pair your brown tones with other colors to give your living room a modern feel. You’ll see teal used in a lot of modern decorating ideas. The bright teal balances out the neutral brown shades. It looks beautiful with lighter sand shades and darker brown hues.

For a modern feel, keep the walls a lighter color and choose darker brown furniture. Then use teal and turquoise as the accent color. You can find glass elements that have green hues that are perfect for accenting your living room and giving it a modern feel.

10. Versatility of Neutral Tones

Not all brown living rooms need to be chocolate brown. Embrace lighter neutral colors like beige. Then you can use a darker brown as the accent color. Choose the right lighter shades of brown and tan, and you can mix them with shades of grey for a sleek modern look.

By using different shades of neutrals, you can add depth and dimension to your neutral room. This keeps it from falling flat and looking dull or boring.

You should also look for ways you can add texture. This creates visual interest and breaks up the room so that everything doesn’t blend together.

11. Nature’s Warmth

Rustic living rooms embrace natural woods, leather, and soft accents. The difference is that the pieces you choose should have a well-worn or vintage feel. Rustic pieces have rough edges or are well-worn. They could look handmade and unique.

Look for ways you can channel a farmhouse in your living room. You could create an accent wall that’s made of salvaged wood planks. Or add decorative wooden beams to your ceiling. Hang a vintage chandelier that’s made from a wagon wheel, and has lanterns or antlers on it.

12. Setting the Tone

When choosing your wall color for a small living room, you want to choose a hue that will add to your room’s look. This means considering the size of the room and the amount of light that it has.

Smaller and naturally darker living rooms should have lighter walls. While a larger living room or one with a lot of natural light can support a darker color.

If you have your heart set on a darker color but it won’t work on its own, try using it with a lighter color. Paint the bottom half of your walls a dark color and the upper half a lighter color.

This keeps the dark color’s heaviness towards the bottom of the room, while the lighter color on top keeps the room feeling open.

13. Unveiling Texture and Pattern

Look for a brown wallpaper with a pattern or texture. This will add depth and dimension to the room. It’ll also give it more visual interest than just plain brown, which is something you can accomplish by just painting the wall brown.

For a traditional look, try a repeating pattern or a damask. A modern wallpaper will have a mural or large-scale design. You can also add visual interest by choosing a wallpaper with texture or metallic accents.

Modern wallpapers are easy to apply and can be done yourself as a weekend project. Some are temporary with an adhesive on the back so that you can easily remove them when you’re ready for a change.

14. Embracing Natural Beauty

Using wood lets you add natural brown tones to your living room. You can skip the flat brown paint that tends to lack dimension and instead opt for a rich-hued piece of wood.

There will be lights and darks filtered together to create depth and luster. Wood also has a natural texture that’s perfect for creating texture in a neutral living room.

For lighter browns, stick to light woods like basswood, pine, sycamore, maple, cedar, and poplar. Medium brown hues are accomplished with walnut, teak, or cypress. Dark browns can be added with woods like stained walnut or mahogany.

These living room carpet ideas will help you figure out which carpet color is perfect for your living room. Perhaps you want to stick with a safe neutral, or maybe you prefer a modern grey or a bold blue. You could also be brave enough to choose white for your carpet.

1. Living Room Carpet Ideas Incorporating Tranquil Blues

Are you ready to make a bold statement with your living room? Then choose a blue carpet. You’ll find several options in vibrant colors that are perfect for giving your living room a unique look. Try using a dark navy or royal blue carpet that’s paired with light cream or white furniture.

Light blue, teal, or turquoise carpeting can also look beautiful in your living room. These colors pair well with several other colors. This lets you decorate and redecorate your living room throughout the years. You can also adapt the blue carpeting to match your interior decor style.

2. Warm and Comforting Browns

Brown tends to get forgotten when talking about living room flooring ideas. It’s dark and lacks the panache that other trendier colors have. But this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider using brown for your living room carpet.

Choose a rich chocolaty brown. Then pair it with lighter and bright colors in the rest of the room. This will keep your living room from looking too dark and dingy. Don’t be afraid to pair your brown rug with brass, copper, and gold accents. You can also make black and brown look good together.

3. Exploring a Spectrum of Colors

Just like choosing paint, the color you choose for your carpet can make or break your living room. Unlike an oriental rug that has many colors, your carpet is more like a modern rug with minimal coloring.

This gives you more options when choosing your living room decor because you aren’t tied to picking up accent colors from the rug.

A bold color can make a statement, but what happens when you grow tired of that statement? Neutral colors have a broader appeal and are easier to match. However, neutrals can be viewed as boring.

4. Elegance in Gray

Modern interior design trends have embraced the color gray for everything, so it should be no surprise that this color has made its way to the carpet.

Cover your living room flooring with gray carpet for a modern feel. If you also have a grey sofa, it should be a different shade of grey to prevent the space from looking dull.

Stick with a soft carpet that has a deep pile. Berber and low-pile carpet can look industrial. You don’t want your carpet flooring to look and feel like you’re at the office.

You can also pick lighter shades of gray that would be avoided in office situations. The light gray can emulate white while being easier to maintain than pure white.

5. Understated Natural Beauty

Walk into any modern builder home, and you’ll see beige walls and beige carpet throughout the dining room, family room, and bedrooms.

There’s a strategic reason for this. Neutrals have a broad appeal, making the homes easier to sell. Consider using this tactic if you plan to sell your home soon.

If you’re afraid of your beige, tan, or cream carpet adding to the plainness, spice up the living room with accents of color. You could arrange brightly colored throw pillows on your sofa. Or hang colorful art on the walls.

6. Embracing Rustic Charm

Carpet and the rustic look don’t typically go together. You’re more likely to see wood flooring with a jute rug spread out on it. You can mimic this look by choosing a traditional area rug and laying it over your neutral carpet.

This works well with modern carpet trends that advise layering multiple rugs in a single room. To try out this living room idea in your home, start with a living room carpet that’s neutral.

Then place a large rectangle or square area rug down to cover the majority of the floor. A smaller round rug on top of that one will go under your coffee table to complete the layered look.

7. Timeless Elegance of White

An all-white living room design calls for a white carpet. If you don’t have children or pets, then you could consider this carpet color. However, be very careful about committing to pure white. It’s going to be hard to maintain and keep clean.

If you aren’t ready to commit to a wall-to-wall white carpet covering your floor, consider a white rug.

This will give you the look and feel of the carpet on your wood floor. You’ll also have the ability to pick it up and clean or replace it should it need it.

Choosing white gives you more freedom when selecting your furniture. The clean combination of a white carpet and your hardwood floor creates a neutral base and a balance of light and dark that allows for bolder interior design choices with your furniture and decor.

Decorating any fireplace wall starts with the basics. From a fresh coat of paint to a complete overhaul, these decor choices will literally frame your fireplace.

If you’re unsure how to begin updating your fireplace wall, social media is here to help. Check out these awesome fireplace wall ideas for inspiration sure to kick-start your own design project.

1. Embracing the Charm Brick Work

Despite common assumptions, brickwork can look exceptionally contemporary. For the simplest look, go with a uniform brick and flush grout lines. If you want something more textured, arrange natural-cut and colored bricks for an eclectic stacked stone fireplace backdrop.

While the red brick fireplace is a classic home decor element, that doesn’t mean you need to use it in your own design. Muted brown or gray brick will give your fireplace an updated aesthetic. Choose a light shade of mortar to create contrasting grout lines.

If you want to downplay the existing brickwork around your fireplace, a coat of paint will do the trick. Choose a neutral color–matching your fireplace to the wall behind it will really make the brick fade into the background.

2. Elevate Your Decor

Your fireplace wall is not just a backdrop to the main attraction. Whether you’re decorating a wood-burning or electric fireplace, invest in a mantelpiece for smaller items. Hang a large mirror, painting, or TV above your mantel to complete the layout.

Bring your fireplace wall to the forefront of your room’s design with a tile overlay. Stone and cement tiles are an excellent way to add subtle texture to your fireplace surround with a neutral color palette. Use smaller geometric tiles to decorate your fireplace interior or the entire wall.

A simple coat of paint can transform an old fireplace with minimal effort. Match your fireplace to the surrounding walls to give other decorative items a chance to shine. Or choose a contrasting color to help your fireplace wall really stand out.

3. Unleash Your Creativity

You don’t need to sacrifice traditional style for modern convenience. Build a faux fireplace surround around an electric unit for the best of both worlds. Include a mantel shelf above to complete the look.

If you like the physical appearance of a fireplace but have no need for the heating element itself, building a mock fireplace is surprisingly easy. Buy or build a freestanding fireplace mantel to mount against a wall. Paint the interior wall a contrasting color (or add tile for an extra pop) and fill it with decorative logs.

For a rustic DIY project, consider creating a wall overlay of reclaimed wood. You can cover the entire wall or just the space directly above your fireplace. Select wood of various colors and keep the rest of your decor fairly simple. Your feature wall will do all of the work itself.

4. Contemporary Elegance

Electric fireplaces lend themselves to a fresh, contemporary aesthetic due to their clean-cut design. Complement the sleekness of your fireplace with a straightforward mantel and no-frills backing wall.

A long, linear fireplace is a great way to warm up a central wall in your home without any physical bulk. Mount your contemporary fireplace directly into the drywall or frame the entire unit with architectural tile. Skip a traditional wooden mantel for a floating entertainment center instead.

Don’t just think about matching decor to your electric fireplace’s exterior finish. Many electric fireplaces feature wood, stone, or another material inside. Your fireplace may also have a built-in light fixture independent of its flame.

5. Captivating Illusions

If you’ve found yourself with a non-functional or unwanted fireplace, resist the temptation to tear it down. There are ways to incorporate an existing fireplace into your room’s decor without actually using it as a working heat source.

Use your dormant fireplace as storage or frame some of your favorite decor. Place a large basket inside to hold throw blankets and other room accessories.

Before giving your old fireplace a new life, make sure the interior is completely clean and the flue is closed off. A coat of paint or tiles can give the interior a facelift if needed. Arrange decor just as would on a traditional fireplace mantel.

On the flip side, you can mimic the look of a real wood or gas fireplace by building a faux mantel. If you want your imitation fireplace to still produce light, place battery-powered candles or a lantern inside. Stacking cut wood in your fireplace will preserve the warm aesthetic.

6. Cozy Gathering Spaces

The living room can be a decor-heavy space as it is, so don’t be afraid to take a subtle approach with your fireplace wall design. Your living room fireplace should be a focal point but shouldn’t overpower the rest of your decor.

Paint your fireplace surround the same color as the backing wall, or cover the surface with slightly contrasting tiles or natural wood paneling.

The mantel is the perfect spot for a wall-mounted or standing flatscreen TV. Supplement your fireplace mantel with additional shelves on either side. You can turn your fireplace and the surrounding wall into a built-in entertainment center.

If you’ve forgone a TV in your living room design (or it’s best placed somewhere else in the room), fill the space above your fireplace with some other piece of standout decor.

This could be a statement mirror, framed poster, or large canvas. Hang your decor on your fireplace wall or lean it up on the mantel for a more relaxed style.

7. Sleek and Stylish

We tend to associate fireplaces with vintage homes. But fireplaces are incredibly commonplace in modern architecture and interior design. Giving your home’s own fireplace a modern twist is all about how you decorate the surrounding wall.

Traditional brick or stone mantels don’t suit the modern aesthetic very well. Instead, add an organic texture to your fireplace wall with polished marble tile. You can also use sleek wood paneling to bring some warmth to the space without disrupting your modern decor.

Overall, keep your modern fireplace design simple and chic. Skip ornate woodwork in favor of a sleek floating mantel shelf. Use neutral colors throughout the entire room and don’t forget to invest in some built-in lighting for those times when your fireplace isn’t in use.

8. Embracing Nature’s Warmth

Prioritize organic materials in your fireplace makeover for a rustic design. Mix together natural stone with a reclaimed wood mantel. Try to keep the hearth as the wall’s focal point–display accent decor over your fireplace rather than a TV or statement artwork.

If the drywall around your fireplace feels too flat and boring, create an accent wall with a wood or brick overlay. These solutions are simple to install and much more accessible than most fireplace remodel ideas.

Does your idea of rustic style lean more “Shabby Chic?” Opt for a white brick fireplace. Mounting a light wooden mantel over your hearth will help warm up the design as a whole. Preserved greenery like wreaths or dried flowers makes excellent shelf decor.

9. Timeless Appeal

Shiplap isn’t just safe to use for a fireplace wall (as long as you follow a few basic guidelines). This material is an excellent option for any farmhouse-inspired home design in need of a bit of texture.

Use shiplap to surround your fireplace or to cover the wall above and around the hearth. While whitewashed shiplap is most popular today, you can just as easily paint the wood any color you choose. Or leave it bare for a weathered appearance.

Many contemporary and rustic fireplace ideas feature shiplap mantels. You can pair this trend with a shiplap wall overlay for an overall homey aesthetic. If you go this route, though, try using contrasting finishes for your fireplace wall and mantelpiece.

10. Maximizing Space

A fireplace doesn’t always need to be the central feature of a room. Installing a small dining room or bedroom fireplace is a great way to add a touch of comfort and luxury to a space without completely overhauling its design.

If your desire for a small fireplace is more about saving space rather than purely a design choice, look into installing a corner fireplace.

If your focus is on subtle fireplace ideas, you should observe the same philosophy when decorating the wall around it. Stick with neutrals that match the rest of the room. If you’re not set on any specific color palette, a black or white fireplace will suit nearly anything. For a bit of texture, marble tile is worth considering.

Avoid an over-the-top mantelpiece loaded with decor. If building a recessed mantel into the wall is an option, go that route. Otherwise, choose a mantel shelf that matches the backing wall and adorn it with just a few standout items. Keep fireplace accessories–pokers, extra wood, etc.–out of sight in a nearby cupboard to limit clutter.

11. Natural Stone Beauty

When decorating a stone fireplace wall, you need to decide if its stone veneer is neutral or an accent. This is less about the stone itself and more about the decor throughout the rest of the room. For example, most marble fireplace tile ideas would be an accent in a minimalist, all-white room. This same stone would be neutral in a room full of vibrant design elements.

Turn to your fireplace wall’s coloring when selecting decor. Most natural stone has quite a bit of variation, and you can use these different shades to your advantage when narrowing down a color palette.

Overall, simple is best. An ornate mantel full of decor will just weigh down your stone wall and all of its innate beauty. Stick with the essentials, like a wall-mounted TV or mirror, and leave plenty of room for the stone to breathe.

When designing your minimalist living room, think of your style. After all, your living room should express your true self! Let your friends know that you have actually made a home out of your space by getting rid of the clutter and designing a room you can be proud of.

There are various accessories and furniture pieces that, when placed in the right spot, can evoke a different feeling in your minimalist living room. Decluttering your living space doesn’t mean you can’t have a room with a statement. Take a look at the many ways you can plan your interior design so you can live a minimalist lifestyle while preserving your personality in your living room.

1. Cozy Minimalist Apartment Living Rooms

If you have ever searched for apartment listings on Angelslist, Apartments.com, or Craigslist, you may have seen someone describe your potential apartment as “cozy.” For a first-time apartment hunter, this may translate to “cute” or “comfortable.” In reality, the cozy apartment is a small apartment that makes you feel like you live in a closet.

Having minimalist decor in a small living room can open up your space and will help you fight any feelings of claustrophobia you may have. The rule of the game is couch-to-the-wall. Choosing a sectional or a loveseat to place against the longest wall in your living room will create a linear look that you can copy on the adjacent side of the room.

Placing a flat-screen TV on top of your rectangular TV stand will mirror the linear look to complete the room‘s openness. You may be wondering, “What if I feel like walking down a hall instead of my living room?” Well, while there is only so much you can do in a small living room, it won’t hurt to add a small coffee table with a centerpiece, which will actually make the room “cozy.”

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2. Scandinavian Minimalist Living Rooms

Scandinavian home design is probably the epitome of minimalist interior design. The design reflects styles from, you guessed it, Scandinavia. The Northern European style consists of simple and sleek designs with optimum functionality.

This design is heavily sought after because you can use dark colors and wooden furniture to contrast the black, white, and brightly colored accessories in your minimalist living room. Scandinavian designs focus on keeping the space open and airy while using natural lighting when possible. Wooden furniture makes the minimalist space warm and inviting while also complimenting the feel of nature in the room with the use of natural light.

Contrast is a priority with this design. When using square or rectangular sofas and armchairs, you can use a rounded lamp and coffee table to create contrast in the geometric shapes in your living room. The colors can be neutral, color pops, light, or dark. The elements of the Scandinavian design make a perfect combination of the modern, boho, and neutral designs previously mentioned.

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3. Boho Minimalist Living Rooms

The bohemian lifestyle: this may be the easiest minimalist living room design to pull off. The boho living room will have ample natural lighting and many plants to enhance the room’s decor. In this type of living room space, you want to make sure those items are a priority.

Symmetry is not necessarily the way to go when arranging furniture pieces in a boho living room. The focus should be on amplifying the natural light and ensuring the living room‘s vibe is comfortable and inviting. Also, focus on making sure any chairs or floor pillows create a circle to encourage your family members or guests to bond.

Now, for the main attractions of a boho living room: the plants. Along with the arrangement of the furniture and the bold rug patterns, the plants bring the boho living room together. Your plants should create dimension in the room. If one plant is by the window, place another plant on top of the coffee table and one more near the entrance of the living room. By doing this, you’ll greet your guests with your boho living room vibes as soon as they enter.

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4. Modern Minimalist Living Rooms

Those of you who prefer the modern design of a living space, we haven’t forgotten about you. This living room decor may be on the high end, but it is worth the luxurious feel of your leather sofa or suede sectional.

The composition of modern living room design contains furniture constructed into sleek and stylish geometric shapes and often has an open and spacious floor plan. Patterns aren’t usually the go-to design for this modern minimalist living room. However, you could use bold, dark, or light colors to bring your elegant living room together.

Although the modern living room may have more sleek and rectangular coffee tables and TV stands, there is no lack of comfort. You can place your armchair in one corner while your sectional and loveseat create a circle around the other sides of the room.

The keys to keeping your modern minimalist living room space from feeling uninviting are as follows:

• Ensure there is space between the sofa and the wall.
• Angle your armchair so that it covers the corner of the room.
• Use another sofa as a divider if there is an adjacent dining room.

This will create more dimension and give your modern living room character.

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5. Neutral Minimalist Living Rooms

Your living room doesn’t need to have patterns and bright colors for it to have character. The neutral minimalist living room can bring a bright and airy feeling to your space. Contrasting different shades will make all the difference when designing your neutral-toned, minimalist living room.

When using neutral-toned furniture (beige, tan, cinnamon, pine, etc.), you should consider using wall paint colors that will contrast with those colors. If your wall is a cream color, choose a sofa with beige shades in its textured fabric and use another contrasting shade on the color palette for your area rug.

The accessories in this room should always go with the color scheme. To accomplish this, white or black floating shelves can add storage for your books or plants that you still want in the room but don’t want to be the main attraction. If you are trying to decorate your sofa, try using pillows of different color shades on the same color palette as your sofa. Neutral tones allow you to use your creativity to either make items in your living room stand out or blend in when necessary.

6. Scandinavian Minimalist Living Rooms

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7. Statement Decor Minimalist Living Rooms

Statement pieces will help you bring attention to your minimalist living room. This piece is usually placed at the center of the room so that no one can miss the decor in their line of vision. Rugs, tables, lamps, and asymmetrical statues are all options for finding the perfect statement piece for your room.

Hanging a large, round pendant fixture in the center of your living room will draw all of the attention and ensure that your guests look around at the furniture surrounding it. Although your lighting fixture may be dramatic, the furniture can be more compact and textured to emphasize the amount of space the pendant fixture is taking up.

Another way of making a statement is to design your minimalist living room with complimentary neutral-toned furniture while adding one colorful painting or rug to the wall. This will surely draw your guests in, and you are bound to receive a compliment or two!

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8. Wabi Sabi Minimalist Living Rooms

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9. Brown Minimalist Living Rooms

10. Brutalist Minimalist Living Rooms

11. Gray Minimalist Living Rooms

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12. Simple Minimalist Living Rooms

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13. White Minimalist Living Rooms

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When deciding on a living room curtain design, think about what statement you want your living room to make. Do you entertain a lot? Do you like to come home, be alone, and relax? These are important things to think about when you choose the color scheme and texture of your curtains. You want your cozy living room curtains to reflect the energy that you want to experience.

There are different ways to control the lighting in your living room. Some ideas include Roman shades, valances, and blackout curtains. Do you want bold and bright colors? Do you need prints or patterns? Think about this carefully when making decisions on which window treatments will suit your needs best. Take a look at our many options for sprucing up your living room window.

1. Tall Window Living Room Curtain Ideas

When searching for tall living room curtain ideas, it is important to measure the height of your windows beforehand. You should measure from the top, where the valance would be, to the bottom of the window frame. This is important so that you can fully capture the dramatic look your drapes will give the living room.

Another reason why your drapery needs to match the measurements of your window is that it will draw the attention of your guests since there will be nowhere for them to hide.

Tall window curtains are perfect for tall living room ceilings. Curtains can be necessary in order to have some level of privacy. If the ceiling goes two stories or higher, it may be too tall for you to install living room curtains on your own, so hiring a professional installer is ideal. Making sure you are safe during a DIY project is essential.

Your tall window curtains are going to be a topic of conversation since they are in plain eyesight, so measure your living room window accurately. Make sure to plan for whether you will be using a valance so that you can purchase an extra curtain rod, if necessary. A valance can add depth and texture to your living room curtain ideas.

2. Creative Solutions for Bay Window

If you have a corner of your living room with bay windows, it is a chance to spruce up a possibly forgotten part of your living room. Capitalize on the natural light shining from your bay window by adding a tall curtain to match the color scheme of your living room decor. If you decide to use a blackout curtain, make sure you find insulated curtains so that you can control the hot or cold weather that may seep in from the window and windowpane.

The drapery you choose for your bay window can give your corner the personality your living room may be lacking. Make sure the curtain design ties in with the rest of your living room decor so that it’s not an eyesore. Continuity is essential to making your corner a special part of your living room.

If you need a corner that is practical or you need an area where you can get work done, placing a mini desk table can make your corner a productive space. For those who want a quiet reading corner or a space to relax and play games on your iPad, add an armchair along with a throw pillow and blanket to make your lively corner your new haven.

3. Adding Style With Prints And Patterns

Patterned curtains can add a special touch to your living room. If you have an affinity for retro living room design, try checkered or striped curtains to make your living room decor a reflection of your vintage style. Striped curtains can further elongate the space by your living room window.

Adding prints to your curtain ideas can give even more texture to your living room decor as well as show off your hobbies and interests. If hanging curtains in your kids’ bedroom, you might go for prints with butterflies or fire trucks, but if you want prints in your living room, you should choose stylish prints that contrast with the rest of your living room design.

Subtle floral prints or bold boho prints can add the texture you need to make your living room pop. You can accent these prints with throw pillows or area rugs with the same print.

If you like more custom window treatments, search for shops that create custom drapes to cater to both your style and living room window dimensions. There are textilers that can create a personalized print or pattern to suit your vision.

4. Subtle Sophistication

Having a neutral color scheme in your living room doesn’t have to be boring. Your guests will appreciate your sleek and stylish room decor when you include neutral curtains with taupe, caramel, or rose-colored shades.

To add more dimension to your living room window, you can purchase a Roman shade from a shade store. If you have beige walls, you can use a similar beige tone for the Roman shade to make your living room curtains stand out.

If you have grey walls throughout your living room, using an off-white curtain with a muted color scheme for the Roman shade is a great way to incorporate a simple design element.

Take advantage of the muted color scheme of your living room curtain idea and use them as inspiration for decorating your living room. Make your couch and armchair the same color to turn your space into the elegant living room you’ve been wanting.

Curtains can make a statement, but so can shades and blinds. If you have a more minimalist style, try using an accordion blind or a Roman shade to diffuse the light coming in from your living room window.

5. Incorporating Bold Colors

Bold colors are an effective way to liven up any living room decor. The bold type of designer may look for living room curtain ideas that include using electric blue, fuchsia, or lime green. Curtain fabric can be bold too. Choose silk, linen, or even velvet curtain fabric to make your living room design seem like one that you might see in a movie.

Living room curtains don’t need to have bright colors in order to be deemed bold. A rich color like red and an unconventional fabric like velvet can make your living room curtains stand out. If you like bold designs, think outside of the box about what kinds of textured fabric will make a difference and elevate your living room design.

Matching a bold color like royal purple can be used to accent your living room window and create inspiration for an unconventional living room design. Some people thrive in environments with vibrant colors and designs. Your living room should reflect your personality but also feel inviting to the guests you love to entertain.

The bold color scheme you choose will create a fun atmosphere for you, your family, and your friends to mingle. A wide range of living room curtain ideas are available for the boldest designers.

6. Embracing Elegance

For day-sleepers, dark-colored curtains are probably your go-to type of living room curtain. You can use a dark-colored curtain as a blackout curtain to completely block the sunlight in a living room.

Be sure to choose curtains that are easily transformed as an accessory to your living room space since you will most likely have to open your curtains and gaze at the view outside your window.

Possible design tips for the fabric of your dark-colored curtains can include wool, suede, or linen. These options can add texture and contrast to your living room design. A good way to incorporate these textures throughout the rest of your living room is to add a throw pillow or two to your couch, purchase a couch that has the same fabric and color, or add a throw blanket to your couch.

If you want more balance with your lighting options, use a window treatment that will let the light shine through your window while diffusing the brightness of the sunlight. You can use a Roman shade or traditional blinds to accomplish this. Another option can be a sheer curtain that’ll increase the contrast of your living room curtain design.

7. Airy Allure

As mentioned before, using a contrasting window treatment can do wonders for your living room. When hanging curtains in a sheer curtain and drapes combination can contribute to a patterned design of your living room. Try hanging curtains with the sheer fabric towards the center of your curtain rod, then use a bolder or dark-colored curtain to finish the look.

Let this combination inspire you to use the two different textures and colors throughout your living room. An acrylic coffee table or white area rug can complement the sheer curtains. By choosing pillows and couches of the same color as the bold or dark-colored curtains, you can turn this space into an elegant living room overflowing with different textures and optimum coordinated detail.

The sheer curtain and drapes combination can also be arranged in other ways. You can layer your sheer curtains and behind your drapes by utilizing two curtain rods. This will give you styling options so you can choose to have the sheer curtains closed while the drapes remain pulled back.

8. Elevating Aesthetics

Depending on your preferences, you might choose a valance or pelmet to create a variety of different looks. When you think of this extra layer of your living room curtain, the image of your grandmother’s valance may pop into your head. Although some still like to use long, dropping valances, you can still keep a modern aesthetic design.

Try installing a sleek pelmet to cover the top of your curtains. This will hide the rod completely while insulating your room. The pelmet will help to conceal the draft from outside. This is a great statement if you are going for a monochrome living room design. Make sure the pelmet is the same color as the drapes and you can include sheer curtains in the middle for contrast.

If accenting the cornice is your objective, then be sure to install the valance right below the lines of the cornice. Leaving as little room as possible will help ensure smooth and continuous lines along the seams of the valance. No light from the window should spill in at this point. By following these tips, your living room curtain design will be the most sophisticated design of them all.

These white living room ideas will inspire you to create a white living room that fits your personality and home style. Maybe you’re the type to want a bright white living room, or perhaps you prefer pops of color. Then again, maybe you’re the Bohemian type and are looking for a mix of white with natural materials and handmade pieces. Whatever it is you’re after, you’re sure to find something with this collection of ideas. 

1. Embracing the Brightness

For some, when they say they want a white living room, they literally mean they want a bright white room. This can look beautiful if done correctly. The hurdle to get over is choosing the right white shade. Pure white is the easiest to match throughout the room, but it is also the most stark looking and the hardest to make fit to feel warm and welcoming.

Look for ways you can soften the feel of your bright white room. The easiest way to do this is by adding plants. They’ll soften the space, make it feel natural and welcoming, and they’ll love the bright light. Another option is to add metal elements to the room. They won’t take away from the white, but a warm-toned metal can add a sense of warmth.

Don’t forget to have plenty of light in your bright white living room. If you have large windows, then you can get plenty of natural light in. Otherwise, add light by installing a chandelier, placing lamps on the end tables, or having a floor lamp or two.

2. Contemporary Flair

A contemporary or modern living room is what most people think of when they say they want a white living room. These rooms consist of white walls with a neutral-colored couch and a natural wood coffee table. Many people take this approach with a farmhouse or rustic theme.

Do you want your white living room to look comfortable, lived-in, and welcoming? This means choosing a sofa that has extra cushions and plenty of accent pillows piled on top. You should also have a comfortable rug to tie everything in the room together and create a welcoming space where people can gather and relax.

Contemporary design centers around choosing solid, well-made pieces of furniture. They aren’t overly ornate, but they aren’t simplistic or rustic either. They should have a clean design but don’t go so harsh as to be minimalist.

3. Stylish Couches

If you have children or pets, you should skip over this idea completely. Having a white sofa when you have children and pets is asking for your sofa to be dirty continually. White sofas are best left for rooms that are either rarely used or only used by very clean adults.

If you love the idea of having a white sofa or all-white furniture, then go for fabrics that are easily cleaned, such as cotton. You should also consider having a white sofa cover. Then when your couch gets dirty, you can simply remove the cover and throw it in the wash and replace it.

When styling your white couch, look for ways that you can accent it and bring visual interest to this piece of furniture. You can do this by piling textured throw pillows and a throw blanket on it. Look for pillows that are of different sizes, and shapes, and made out of different materials. This will give you the most visually balanced look.

4. Inspiring Design Ideas

What’s great about choosing a white living room design is that it works with a wide variety of interior design themes. All you need to do is start with white paint. Then you can build on your living room. You can have a luxurious white living room with a crystal chandelier, floor-to-ceiling curtains, and gilded furniture pieces.

Or perhaps you prefer a minimalist look with a smooth sofa that features continuous curves and angular accent chairs. A bohemian white living room will look beautiful with a leather ottoman and fresh plants.

Whatever design theme you choose, look for pieces that will fit but are also in line with your color theme of white. This may be a bit more challenging, but the finished product will be well worth the effort. Don’t try to make everything too perfect, as this looks overly matchy and like you’re trying too hard.

5. Timeless Harmony

Gray is the popular modern neutral, and it’s a perfect solution for when you want a white living room but white is too harsh for your tastes. A pale gray can look almost white while having a softer feel. Try using varying shades in your color scheme to create interest in your living room.

If you’d like to use a different shade of gray, you could opt for a dark charcoal color. This will create a stark contrast to your white living room. This approach works well if you want to create a modern or minimalist living room.

The two colors together create a beautiful juxtaposition between the light and dark without being a harsh and stark black-and-white color theme that is overdone. With this approach, you can choose a dark charcoal sofa that makes your furniture easier to care for instead of having a white one that will get dirty easily.

6. Blushing Beauty

Having a pink-and-white color palette is a great way to keep your living room feeling soft and feminine. Choose a pink that will complement the white. Go for popular choices or a soft pastel or even mauve, which is a muted version of pink. You can then accent your pink and white living room with gold fixtures for a small accenting element.

You don’t have to only add pink to your living room with the fabrics that you use. While a pink couch or accent chair is an obvious choice, there are other ways you can add pink to the room. Consider having a pink area rug or a pink coffee table. You can also choose a chandelier that has pink shades or crystals for a luxurious and elegant look.

7. Light and Airy

Instead of trying to create the perfect white living room, why not embrace light colors with your white? This creates a softer look while also having an overall effect of looking white. Give it a try with your living room by choosing a soft pastel color, like peach, pink, khaki, grey, or green.

Not everything in your living room needs to be this other color. Choose key pieces of furniture in the room to accent the white walls. Your sofa is a smart piece to make the accent color. You can also find throw pillows that use your accent color in a pattern.

It doesn’t have to stop there. You can choose light wood for the flooring. Perhaps choose a birch or bamboo color to add yellow tones and warmth to the room. Or keep everything white with grey hewed or whitewashed wood flooring.

8. Boho Chic

When most people think of boho, they think of bright reds and oranges with bold patterns and in-your-face colors. But boho doesn’t have to be this intense. A modern trend is to take the boho style and blend it with modern minimalism to create a white boho living room.

To make this look work, choose a handwoven rug that focuses on natural materials and colors. This means it should blend white with neutrals such as tan and khaki. Your throw pillows can be handwoven macrame. When considering other decorating ideas, try to stick with wood-tone pieces; this adds a level of warmth to your white bohemian living room.

Your goal is to create a space that feels handmade and creative while also feeling soft and relaxing. Continue to look for handmade pieces and one-of-a-kind decor elements while focusing on neutral colors and whites.

9. Simplicity at its Best

If you want to have a minimalist living room, then a white color palette is perfect. It will blend everything together beautifully to create a simple and clean living room design. This approach also works well in a small living room where you may want it to feel brighter and bigger. Stick with white furniture and accent the space with a metal coffee table. This will help keep the middle of the living room feeling open.

When choosing your cocktail table or other living room furniture, stick with structured pieces. It’s also better if they are on legs. This creates clean, straight lines, and a feeling of openness.

10. Adding Vibrancy

While a white living room is beautiful, it can also be quite boring. When everything is the same bright shade of white, what is there to visually focus on or look at? Everything eventually just blends together. A popular way of breaking up a visual monotony is to do pops of color. But to make this look work in your living room, you want to be thoughtful and purposeful about your pops of color. They should be limited in occurrence and the number of colors that you choose.

You can create a stunning accent in your white living room by having one black wall. This grounds the space and draws your eye to the one dark wall in the room. Another way to create a focal point in the room is to have an accent chair in a bold color. To do this effectively, choose a bright royal blue, magenta, or peacock green.

11. Decorating with Elegance

When choosing the decor for your white living room, you want to think about pattern and texture. These two elements will create depth and visual interest in the room. Successful interior design creates layers in the room.

You can create a gallery wall where the main color of each piece is white. But then each piece also has another color, such as shades of grey or tan. This creates a focal point with the wall decor while also keeping in line with the white theme.

Another easy way to add decor is with patterned pillows. Choose them in complementary shades. They can have a textured weave that creates a subtle pattern, or they might have an actual pattern with multiple colors.

Another option is with your lamps. Try white lampshades on your lights and then for the base of the light go for wood, metal, acrylic, or glass. This combines different materials to break up the continuous white.

White Living Room FAQs

Everyone automatically assumes they need a couch, some form of a table, and an entertainment center. However, things get cloudy beyond these necessary items. You need to choose the right construction and upholstery material, the ideal size, and the right design.

These living room furniture ideas will help you figure out the best pieces and layout for your living room.

1. Living Room Furniture Ideas

Before you start picking furniture, decor, or accent elements, you need to choose your color palette. This gives you a unifying approach to everything in the room. Once you have your color scheme, you need to look for furniture that fits.

A smart approach is to choose a neutral color that complements your color choices. This gives you the freedom to change your mind in the future without having to replace your furniture. For this approach, stick with white, gray, black, and tan.

The other approach is to go bold with your color choices, such as buying a royal blue couch. Choose an accent chair with a bold flower pattern or leopard print. These furniture pieces are stunning and will easily become the focal point of the room. Their drawback is that they can be a bit polarizing. They are also harder to blend into a cohesively styled room.

2. Contemporary Furniture Inspirations

If you want to have a living room that looks modern, you need to focus on creating a clean design. Look for furniture that has fewer details and ornamentation. At the same time, don’t go too simple, or you’ll end up with a minimalist living room. This is not the same as modern and will feel too sparse and cold.

Skip furniture on legs. It will make your room feel too open and airy. The furniture will also have a more sparse look that could be too bare. Look for a sofa that has structured cushions but isn’t perfectly upholstered to have that hard look. This makes it look clean and perfectly styled while also being comfortable enough for people to want to sit on.

It can also help to keep the color scheme more neutral. That’s why many choose to go with a white living room. You can do this with shades of white, cream, and khaki. These neutral colors help your living room look bright, light, and fresh—all popular in modern living rooms.

Avoid furniture that looks aged, worn, vintage, or farmhouse. These will make your modern living room look worn out and in desperate need of an update. You could choose a piece that has a classic design but isn’t too worn or aged. These timeless pieces will fit in with the rest of your furniture easily.

3. Enhance Comfort

Creating a comfortable living room is about creating a space that people want to be in, spend time in, and enjoy. It should be a place where people feel like they can relax and let their guard down. You can do this by making the place feel warm and welcoming.

Start by putting an area rug down on the floor if you have hardwood flooring or tile. This keeps the cold feeling of the floor at bay and makes it softer for people to walk, and dampens the sound in the room. Then create comfortable seating by having throw pillows on the sofa. Add extra seating around the room, so there are plenty of options.

4. Elevating Style

Creating a stylish living room ensures you’re never embarrassed when you have company over. To create a space that’s social media or magazine-worthy, you need to create the right mix of furniture and arrange it well. Start by choosing pieces in your chosen interior design theme. They should complement and coordinate with each other, but they shouldn’t perfectly match; that’s boring. Your furniture should fit into the space with plenty of room to move around.

The second step is to add some of your personality to the room. You could create a contemporary living room but then add accent pieces. You could add a few floating shelves where you place your favorite art prints. Or you could place pieces you picked up during your travels on the coffee table or nightstand.

When arranging your space, apply the rule of threes. Group the furniture and decor into groups of three. This odd number looks more balanced and is universally appealing. You should also consider creative lighting solutions. Try adding some light that’s purely accenting or decorative. This could be lighting hidden under the shelves of a built-in storage unit. Or you could hide LED strip lighting on your crown molding to illuminate the ceiling.

5. Timeless Appeal

Classic furniture has an ageless appeal and elegance that enables it to endure for generations without going out of fashion. Choose a color that isn’t trendy or fashionable. Instead, choose a timeless color that always looks beautiful, like dark brown, hazelnut, charcoal, walnut, mahogany, or cherry.

You’ll want to look for furniture that has a solid and sturdy build and is easy to care for. This will help it last for a long time and look good for years. This wood furniture is an investment piece.
Choose from a classic interior design theme, such as Victorian, Georgian, Louis XV, or French Provincial. Once you choose your theme, you can accent your furniture with appropriate pieces, such as an ottoman, an oriental rug, or a large floor lamp.

A perfect example of classic furniture is a wingback chair. This accent piece is ideal for providing extra seating. The chair will make a statement with its large “wings.” If you have a fireplace, angle the chair towards the fire and enjoy the pocket of warmth the wings create. You could then pair your chair with a Chesterfield sofa. You’ll instantly recognize it with its leather upholstery and prominent button accenting throughout.

6. Space-Savvy Solutions

Elevate your living room with timeless long furniture ideas that seamlessly blend style and functionality. Consider a sleek, extended sectional sofa, offering ample seating and room for lounging. Pair it with a narrow, elongated coffee table that creates a sense of unity in the space. Incorporate low-profile bookshelves or cabinets along one wall, optimizing both storage and aesthetics.

Integrate a gallery of art or mirrors above, accentuating the elongated feel. To balance proportions, experiment with tall potted plants in strategic corners. These long living room furniture concepts foster an inviting atmosphere, catering to modern lifestyles while maximizing comfort and visual appeal.

7. Embracing Tradition

Traditional living rooms have a fireplace. They’re typically either in the center of the main wall or positioned as a corner fireplace. If you want to have a traditional living room, the easiest way is by creating a formal living room space. Choose a furniture arrangement that features a vintage couch and two armchairs with a coffee table between them. You’ll also want to have a large area rug with a traditional pattern, such as an oriental variant. The furniture that you choose should not be large or overstuffed, but also avoid a structured, sleek pattern like minimalist furniture. They’re typically on legs and have some ornamentation, such as scrollwork or other detailing on the frame.

Don’t be afraid to choose furniture that has a bold pattern or a bright color. Many traditional living room furniture pieces would be royal blue, emerald green, or ruby red. They could also feature a strong floral pattern, stripes, or plaid.

Coordinate your furniture pieces. You don’t want them all boldly patterned. Choose one piece for the pattern, then choose other furniture pieces with a solid color to match.

8. Furniture Strategies for Cozy Spaces

If you have a small living room, you face the unique challenge of fitting everything necessary into a smaller space. This doesn’t mean that you have to give up having the accent pieces such as a coffee table or side tables. What you need to do is scale the furniture down to the size of the room. That way, everything fits and looks proportional without having the room feel cramped or overstuffed.

To do this, start by measuring the square footage of your room, so you know the total amount of space that you’re working with. Then measure where you’d like to put the sofa. If the room is empty, you can use masking tape to mark out where you intend to put the pieces. Now you can walk around the taped-up pieces of furniture on the floor and decide if this is a functional amount of space or if you need to scale the furniture down.

9. Embrace Simplicity

Most people make the mistake of thinking that a simple living room means they also need to go rustic with their furniture. But you don’t have to go rustic to have a simple living room. When buying simple furniture for your living room, look for pieces that you could describe as unassuming or humble. They can be well-made and modern-looking while also not sporting a lot of detail or ornamentation.

Look for pieces that don’t have bold colors or patterns. Instead, choose upholstered pieces in fabrics that feature a single color but with a textured weave. Or choose materials that have a natural texture and pattern, such as concrete, wood, and marble. The hardware on the drawers or cabinet doors should be straight lines or smooth round knobs.