How to Decorate a Small Living Room with a Corner Fireplace
You might find decorating a small living room tricky, especially when you have a corner fireplace, and you will notice how much you think about every placement.
You may wonder if you should have your sofa face the fire and if you can fit the TV comfortably. You can figure out a layout that works for you.
If you use smart layouts, you can pick the right furniture scale, and you can apply a few style tricks so your corner fireplace becomes the highlight you want it to be.
In this article, I am going to share some tips that will help you to figure out the best layout if you have a corner fireplace in your small living room.
Let’s jump into it!
How Do You Stop a Corner Fireplace from Making the Room Look Awkward?
You should balance your room so your fireplace feels intentional, and you will notice how much it changes the vibe.
You can start by angling seating toward it so you can make it part of your conversation area.
You may use a large piece of art, shelving, and a console table to even out the visual weight.
When you hang curtains high and wide, you can stretch the room and soften the corner angle.
You can place mirrors across from the fire so you can bounce light and expand your space, and you will see your fireplace become a true design feature.
6 Tips to Decorate Corner Fireplace in a Small Living Room
Following are the few tips to decorate a small living room with a corner fireplace.
1. Make the Fireplace the Focal Point
In a small living room, you cannot afford two competing focal points, and you will see how much easier your design becomes when you focus on one.
You should let the fireplace lead your design, and you can angle your sofa and section slightly toward it so you can make the fire feel like the heart of your room.
You should keep at least 3 feet of clearance between the firebox and furniture so you can stay safe and comfortable.
If you want art, you may choose one large mirror or painting above the mantel so you can avoid clutter.
You will find that when you do this, you can naturally draw the eye toward the fire while keeping your space balanced and cozy.
2. Solve the TV and Fireplace Problem
Many small living rooms struggle with the TV versus fireplace battle, and you might feel the same.
You should know that mounting the TV above the fireplace often puts it too high, and you will end up with neck strain.
You can place the TV on a flat wall, and you can angle your seats so you can see both the fire and the screen comfortably.
If your space is tight, you may use a swivel mount so you can move the screen when you need to.
You should keep the TV center around 42 inches from the floor so you can match your eye level when seated.
You will see that this way, you can enjoy an inviting fire while your TV remains practical.
3. Choose Furniture That Fits Small Spaces
You should avoid oversized furniture if you want your small room to feel spacious, and you will notice how much more open it feels when you do.
You can pick a sofa about 33–36 inches deep so you can stay comfortable without it looking bulky.
You can choose a sectional if it is compact and angled so you can frame your fireplace, and you might like round and oval coffee tables so you can move around easily.
You should leave 16-18 inches between your sofa and table so you can maintain reach and flow.
You can use slim consoles, nesting tables, and armless chairs so you can keep your room light and open instead of cramped.
4. Keep Pathways Clear
You should keep main walkways at least 30-36 inches wide if you want your small room to feel bigger, and you will notice how open your space feels.
You can go down to 24 inches in tight spots, but you should never go less, and you have to float your furniture slightly off the wall.
You will see that this makes your room feel less boxed in.
You can use small rugs to define your seating area without spilling into the paths.
You should keep clear pathways so you can enjoy a space that is practical as well as inviting.
5. Use Light Colors and Mirrors
You may avoid dark tones if you want your small room to feel bigger, and you will see how much lighter your space feels.
You can lean toward soft neutrals, pale grays, and warm whites for your walls so you can enjoy an open, airy vibe.
If your fireplace surround is dark, you may balance it with light-colored curtains, rugs, and furniture so you can keep your space bright.
You have to place a mirror opposite the fire so you can reflect light and open your room visually.
You can use a mirrored console and glossy side table so you can brighten things up, and you should aim to open the room visually without losing the warmth of your fire.
6. Add Warmth Without Clutter
You can make your corner fireplace feel even cozier when you add small touches, and you will notice how inviting your space becomes.
You can use a soft rug under your seating, you can layer in throw blankets, and you can add a few textured cushions so you can enjoy extra comfort.
You should keep decorations simple, and you will see that two or three accents on the mantel are enough.
You might like to avoid piling up small knick-knacks so you can prevent your room from feeling crowded.
You can use natural textures like wood, linen, and woven baskets for storage, and you will see that these moves create warmth through texture without sacrificing valuable space.
Safety Rules You Should Know
You might always put safety first if you have a fireplace, and you will see how much more relaxed you feel.
You can keep furniture, curtains, and rugs at least 3 feet away from the firebox so you can stay safe.
If you decorate your mantel, you may check clearance rules so you can follow most codes that require at least 6 inches between your fire opening and mantel shelf.
You should never place electronics like TVs and soundbars directly in the heat path so you can protect your devices.
You can always follow your fireplace manufacturer instructions and your local fire code, and you will find that a safe setup lets you enjoy both comfort and peace of mind.
Conclusion
You should know that a corner fireplace doesn’t have to make your small living room feel awkward, and you will see how much easier your design can be.
You can focus on one clear focal point, you can choose the right furniture scale, and you can keep walkways open so you can turn this challenge into an advantage.
You may use light colors, mirrors, and balanced décor so you can make your space feel bigger.
You might like to layer in cozy textures so you can enjoy comfort without creating clutter.
You can follow a few simple and easy safety rules, and you will end up with a room that feels warm, stylish, and perfect for you to live in every day.
FAQs
Where should I put chairs in a small room with a corner fireplace?
You can place chairs at an angle toward the fire and TV so you can enjoy both focal points comfortably.
You might like swivel chairs because you can turn easily between the fire and the screen, and you will see how much space you can save while staying flexible.
What colors work best around a corner fireplace in a small living room?
You may use light neutrals like soft beige, warm white, and pale gray if you want to open up your room, and you will see how much it balances the bulk of your fireplace.
You can add multiple colors through pillows, rugs, and art so you can make your space feel fresh while you keep it from feeling crowded.
You may also like to read!
