How to Arrange a Living Room With a Fireplace Like a Designer

You may be struggling with how to best lay out your living room if there's a fireplace woven into the mix, but as it turns out, there are plenty of clever and stylish approaches that you can take.

"When figuring out a layout around a fireplace, first take into consideration how big the room is," Linda Hayslett, the founder of LH.Designs, says. She encourages those with open layouts to place a sofa and set of chairs around the coffee table facing the fireplace in a U-shaped setup.

"If you have a smaller room, then getting the right size sofa so it accommodates your daily life and space parameters can help make a room feel cozy and fun depending on if you're having a chill day or people over," she says.

When it comes to decorating your mantel to pull the entire room together, Hayslett recommends styling it with small accessories like candles, flower arrangements, and garlands to create a charming statement.

Below, we're sharing 10 living room layout ideas that will make your fireplace shine.

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01 of 10

Make the Fireplace a Statement Piece

Design by Colette Interiors / Photo by Linda Pordon

Many fireplaces are practically works of art. You may wish to keep yours as the focal point of your living room and keep styling simple, as Trish Lynn, founder and principal Designer of Colette Interiors, did in this space.

"Placing two-sized vessels next to the fireplace adds more texture and layers without taking away from the fireplace," she says.
02 of 10

Use the Fireplace as a Divider

Design by Flax Interiors / Photo by Vivian Johnson

The fireplace in this living room is not technically centered on the wall but instead serves as a means of dividing the room into distinct zones: one for lounging and one for playing, Emily Flaxman, the owner and principal designer of Flax Interiors, explains.

Flaxman advises homeowners to ignore the fireplace if centering around it isn't working for the current floor plan. This way, you'll be able to lay out the space in the best possible way which will give you a better idea of where to place the fireplace.
03 of 10

Place Seating Perpendicular to the Fireplace

Erin Williamson Design

Instead of placing your sofa so that it's parallel to your fireplace, set it at a perpendicular angle and then place a set of chairs (or another sofa, if you wish) across from it. This furniture setup is nice and inviting and also ensures that no one's back is to the fireplace at any point.
04 of 10

Hang the TV Over Your Fireplace

Gray Space Interiors

Many people will opt to hang a television above the fireplace, as illustrated here. You will therefore want to position all seating so that everyone can view the screen comfortably as needed.

Dress up any empty walls next to the fireplace with artwork or stylish trinkets to help create an eclectic or classic statement.

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05 of 10

Try a Piano in Front of the Fireplace

Gray Space Interiors

If you're wondering where to put that grand piano, try a setup like this one. Just be sure that the piano and its bench aren't too close to the firebox for both safety and comfort purposes when the fireplace is burning.
06 of 10

Place a Plant or Chair Beside the Fireplace

Jenami Designs / Photo by Ryan Thomas Lay

Jennifer Kole, owner of Jenami Designs, placed an accent chair on one side of this marble fireplace and a plant on the other, preventing the surrounding area from appearing too sparse without detracting from the piece's elegant design.
07 of 10

Bring a Bench in Front of the Fireplace

Design by Sarah Lyon / Photo by Allie Provost

Placing a bench in front of the fireplace adds texture and pattern to a space without compromising the view. Benches can easily be lifted and moved around the room—or house—as needed, making them excellent furniture pieces to invest in.
08 of 10

Consider a Daybed

Louis Duncan-He

If you wish, take things a step further and instead place a daybed in front of the fireplace instead of a bench. You've created the ideal living room nook for napping or reading at all times of day.

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09 of 10

Signify the Start of the Dining Area

Alvin Wayne Interiors

In small spaces like city apartments, living rooms often double as dining spaces. Use the fireplace to divide your living room in half and signify the start of a dining nook, as demonstrated in this space.
10 of 10

Go Symmetrical

Mary Patton Design

Not sure how to fill the space on either side of your fireplace? Going symmetrical is never a bad idea. Try decorating with ottomans and sconces, which are equal parts pretty and practical.

Tips for Decorating Around a Fireplace

Use the fireplace to signify zones within a room.
Style any empty walls to bring in a personal flair.
Place furniture perpendicular to the fireplace so that everyone can admire it.
Set a bench or daybed in front of the fireplace so as not to block its view.
Try a fun or bold pattern for an accent chair on either of the fireplace.
Match decor accents with the current color palette of the room for a cohesive look.
Go symmetrical on either side of the fireplace for a more traditional look.