5 Modern Fireplace Ideas

A fireplace is the natural focal point of any room lucky enough to have one, but it can easily be overlooked when decorating. Whether enjoying cosy evenings in front of a log fire or displaying your most treasured belongings on its mantelpiece, a fireplace can transform your living room décor.

Looking for fireplace ideas to brighten up your home's hotspot and keep cosy all winter long? Discover our top five modern fireplace ideas that will enhance your space's mood and feel – whether you have a working fireplace or not.

1. Bring bold colours to your fireplace

Wondering what colour to paint a fireplace surround? Breathe new life into your fireplace by incorporating bold, vibrant colours. Jewel tones like Teal Voyage or Acai Berry are an excellent choice in traditional homes, while a grey or black fireplace adds a modern touch. 

If you’d prefer to introduce colour with accessories, one of our favourite living room fireplace ideas is to paint a trio of candleholders in different shades. Then, play around with other accents, like vases, photo frames and trinkets, to add contrast. Style the mantelpiece in a way that feels authentic to you, whether that's modern and minimalist or vintage and eclectic. 

2. Decorate empty fireplaces with logs

No working fireplace? Fear not – our empty fireplace ideas will restore this feature to its former glory. For a warm, inviting fireplace that channels a rustic, Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic, stack logs in the hearth with their ends on display. This simple yet striking technique adds visual interest and a touch of natural charm to your space. 

To take this look to the next level, consider painting the exposed ends with vibrant leftover paint samples you have lying around. Pair this unique log display with minimalist décor, woven textures, and natural wood accents to fully embrace the Scandinavian-inspired vibe. 

3. Experiment with fireplace tiles

Need fireplace alcove ideas for non-working fireplaces? Consider cladding the hearth and surround in tiles. Opt for oversized, glossy subway tiles in neutral shades or dark hues to create a sleek, modern look. For a more eclectic feel, mix and match smaller tiles in a variety of patterns and textures or create a unique mosaic design. 

Complement the tiled fireplace with a minimalist mantel in natural wood or a painted matte black finish, allowing the tilework to shine.

4. Whitewash your fireplace

If you're blessed with a classic brick fireplace, whitewashing it can elevate its look. This simple technique feels rustic yet modern, making it an excellent choice for many homes. Give the fireplace surround a mist coat of white matt interior emulsion, followed by two coats of Dulux Matt in your preferred shade. Don’t be too particular with the application – the more uneven and weathered the finish, the more charming the result will be.

5. Add lighting to your fireplace

One of the cosiest fireplace mantel ideas is to add lighting – whether candles, lamps or LED lights. For non-working fireplaces, place a bundle of twinkling lights directly onto the grate or wrap them around logs for an instant dose of ambience. Alternatively, put fairy lights inside glass jars or lanterns on the hearth for a magical feel. 

For working fireplaces, drape string lights across the mantel or opt for candlesticks and tealights instead. Whichever style you choose, the key is to use dim lights that give off an intimate glow – perfect for snuggling up on chilly winter nights.

Looking for more cosy interior inspiration? Explore our top winter warmer spaces to get your home ready for the colder seasons.