Rustic and modern fireplace décor ideas for a truly cozy space.

A fireplace is a symbolic feature in a space. For centuries, it was the main source of warmth and where we cooked. Today, even artificial and electric fireplaces bring people together. The fireplace is a focal point we naturally gather around.

If you have a living room with a fireplace, décor ideas like these help you find the exact style and design that says “home” to you. You’ll also find fireplace décor ideas suited for outdoor spaces and other rooms, too.

Peruse these ideas to transform your space into a reflection of what heart and hearth mean to you.

Fireplace mantel décor ideas.

Even with a fire roaring, the mantel is an architectural detail closer to eye-height, and fireplace mantel décor ideas set the tone for a room’s personality.

It’s not just about what’s on the mantel, either — maybe your focal point is a portrait or poster above it. Wall decorations and fireplace mantel directions go hand-in-hand, so peruse these fireplace mantel décor ideas and think about which fit best into the wall décor you already have.

Antique keepsake.

If you have an antique keepsake that could add visual interest to a space, place it on your mantel. Adorn it with some old books and candlesticks, you set the perfect touch of old-world charm.

Travel mementos.

Collect your favorite mementos from trips. Do you have letters or postcards that others sent you from abroad? What keepsakes or trinkets do you have from your own trips? Arrange them in a vignette right on your mantel.

Achievement showcase.

Frame a meaningful certificate and hang it above your mantel, then add a few supporting items on the mantel that represent the achievement.

Mixed mirrors and art.

Layer a couple mirrors of different sizes with artwork, each leaning against the wall above the mantel. The layering and the use of mirrors both add depth to the space.

Inspirational quote chalkboard.

Hang a framed chalkboard above your mantel and set a basket on the mantel with different kinds of chalk for people to write or draw on a whim.

Candlescape arrangement.

Arrange candles of varying heights and styles across the length of your mantel for an elegant, glowing display.

Books and plants.

Collect a mix of books and small potted houseplants and arrange them on the mantel for a lived-in, cozy look.

Photo collage.

Make your own photo collage as a poster to hang above the fireplace, or collect individual prints and set them up as a showcase on your mantel.

Alongside the fireplace — hearth décor ideas.

The hearth is the stone or brick floor of your fireplace that extends gracefully into the rest of the room. You can share a little personality or style here, too, though you’ll want to prioritize fire safety by ensuring all items are non-flammable or kept a safe distance from the firebox.

Fireplace hearth décor ideas are creative and inviting. Peruse this list to see which ideas jump out at you, and imagine which could go best with the fireplace mantel décor ideas you already love.

Lantern cluster.

Take some high-quality, resilient lanterns and place them in a cluster on one side of the hearth. Fill them with fairy lights for a twinkling glow.

Stacked firewood.

If you don’t use your fireplace, you can fill the firebox with neatly stacked firewood. If you do use it (or you have a faux fireplace), place a small stack of firewood on one side of the hearth.

Vintage chest.

Place a vintage chest or trunk to one side of the hearth and it can double as a rustic design element and as useful storage.

Potted plants.

Cluster a few potted plants in a variety of sizes on the hearth. Keep them far enough away from the firebox that the heat won’t promote wilting. (The plants most resilient to heat include snake plants, aloe vera, jade, and cactuses.)

Leaning ladder.

Lean a decorative ladder next to the fireplace and fold blankets into the rungs. This invites people to pull a blanket off and curl up in front of the fire.

Canvas display.

Lean a large piece of framed artwork against the hearth with small decorative figures or vases around it.

Sculpture display.

Feature a single bold sculpture on the hearth, off to one side of the firebox.

Family memory nook.

Display a collection of framed family portraits in a cluster on a corner of the hearth.

Fireplace Christmas décor ideas.

Fireplace Christmas décor ideas include some of our favorite Christmas decoration staples. In reality, though, they can be used for any household celebrating winter holidays. Consider these your winter fireplace décor ideas for a picture-perfect season.

A well-decorated holiday fireplace is the traditional backdrop for holiday photos, after all. Take your family portraits in front of the fireplace and they’ll be perfect to use in holiday announcements, invitations, and letters. Remember — it’s all easy to make in Adobe Express, no experience required.

Classic hanging wreath.

Christmas wreaths make for great fireplace focal points, either hung above the mantel or leaned up against the wall.

Nutcracker display.

Line a series of nutcrackers of different sizes along the mantel. Set out a big basket of nuts to crack, too, and this becomes a charming and interactive display.

Ornament display.

Set a large, clear bowl or tray on the mantel and fill it with shiny ornaments in all the colors from your holiday decoration scheme.

Stockings — with an added touch.

Hang stockings on your mantel and your fireplace will instantly say “yuletide.” For a more personal twist, set a cluster of nostalgic photos on the mantel.

Twinkling garlands.

Drape a garland with fairy lights across the length of the mantel. Add ribbons or hang ornaments from it for an even more festive touch.

Christmas mirror and wreath combo.

Hang alight-wrapped wreath over a large mirror mounted above the mantel, and the lights will reflect a beautiful, twinkling effect that fills the room.

Family photo collage or gallery.

Replace your usual mantel décor with family photos, especially from holidays passed. Or frame a large collage of family photos and hang it above the mantel, then fill the mantel with seasonal décor like candles.

Christmas card garland.

Make a modern garland with a personal touch by hanging a string of lights along the mantel, then attaching all the incoming holiday cards to it with clothespins or short lengths of ribbon.

Spring and summer fireplace décor ideas.

Summer and spring fireplace décor ideas have their moment, too. Some of these ideas are so simple that they might inspire you to switch out your fireplace décor ideas each season.

From seasonal fruits to the activities each season is known for, these clever spring and summer fireplace décor ideas will surprise and delight.

Regularly rotate seasonal flowers.

Keep a regular circulation of seasonal flowers on your fireplace mantel or in a basket on the hearth. Swap flowers out as they wilt and dry to reflect whatever’s in season.

Lemons and other citrus fruits.

Fill a few glass jars or bowls with lemons and limes and mix in some aromatic herbs (like whole leaf fresh basil).

Garland of butterflies.

Use twine to string together paper butterflies in a garland to stretch across the mantel. Add potted flowers or small sculptures of birds for a woodland charm.

Kite focal point.

Hang a decorative kite above the mantel to show off its bright colors and pattern. Pair it with a potted grass arrangement to evoke a sunny day out in the field.

Birdhouse collection.

Set several small birdhouses of different shapes and colors across the mantel. Pair a few with faux nests for an even sweeter springtime touch.

The nautical fireplace.

A nautical theme captures the charm of summer vacations on the lake or by the sea. Source seafaring pieces from thrift shops, like binoculars, oars, a framed map, and sea-worthy rope.

Floral garland.

Make a garland of seasonal flowers and drape it across the mantel. Add some fairy lights for an enchanted look.

Vintage picnic.

Adorn the mantel and hearth with vintage picnic items, like a woven blanket, gingham cloth, and antique glass soda bottles for a whimsical summery look.

Winter and fall fireplace décor ideas.

Not all winter fireplace décor ideas are about the holidays. Between these winter and fall fireplace decorations, you’ll find other seasonal ingredients that bring the charm of changing weather to the heart of your home.

Peruse these fireplace décor ideas and see which ones touch your favorite parts of fall or winter.

Foraged nature.

Collect items from outside — in your yard or in a nearby park — like pinecones, branches, and driftwood. Arrange them on your mantel for biophilic design.

Hanging leaves and paper snowflakes.

Make paper cutouts of leaves and snowflakes and alternate them in a garland strung across the mantel for a perfect transitional fall-to-winter look.

Seasonal basket.

Set a decorative basket on your hearth and fill it with seasonal items like pumpkins, gourds, and fall flowers.

Tall branches.

Set a tall, sturdy vase off to one side of your firebox and bring in several long and knobby branches to stick in as a display.

Pineholders.

Instead of candles, your mantel candle holders can hold pinecones you collect outdoors.

Autumn lanterns.

Make a small village of lanterns across the mantel, each of different sizes. Fill the lanterns with votives or with acorns and faux snow.

Apple crates.

Set a stack of two or three rustic apple crates on the hearth and fill them with gourds or pinecones.

Hot cocoa mantel.

Turn your mantel into a hot chocolate bar with the cocoa essentials: mugs, jars of marshmallows, and candy canes.

Electric fireplace décor ideas.

If you have an electric fireplace that’s set into the wall just like a regular fireplace, you can use any of the fireplace décor ideas above. If you have a freestanding electric fireplace, though, these electric fireplace décor ideas are what you need to add that touch of style.

Hang a floating shelf.

If your electric fireplace doesn’t have a mantel, you can install a floating shelf on the wall behind it. Mount it right at the height a mantel would be at and decorate it as you please.

Blankets tucked away.

If your electric fireplace is elevated several inches off the floor, you can set a short woven basket underneath to store a blanket.

Statement wallpaper backdrop.

Apply a bold wallpaper behind the fireplace to make the fireplace itself stand out even more. Patterns and colors reminiscent of brick add a rustic feel.

Framed photo collage or gallery wall.

Hang a photo collage or a whole gallery of framed photos in an arrangement behind the fireplace.

Lighted garland frame.

Wrap a garland with a string of lights around the tops and sides of the fireplace to act as a glowing frame.

Reading nook.

Stage a lounging chair next to your fireplace with a throw blanket over the back, then set a basket with books or magazines next to it. This creates a cozy reading nook to make the most of your fireplace set-up.

Oversized mirror.

Hang an oversized mirror directly above the fireplace. This will reflect the light and give the whole room a cozy vibe.

Faux firewood.

Arrange a bundle of faux firewood in a basket next to the fireplace for a more traditional look and feel.

Tips to help your favorite fireplace décor show up again (and again).

Your favorite fireplace décor will show up in your photo and social media memories, too. The fireplace will act as a backdrop for family photos and when people mingle around the fireplace during events.

You can also consider showing off your fireplace décor ideas in:

• Holiday cards and letters (as a background for family photos).
• In photo collages of family memories.
• In seasonal calendars showing off the decorations for each time of year.

Fireplace décor is an integral part of wall decorations, too. That means it will show up in photos of all kinds, so choose the fireplace décor ideas that mean the most to you.

Exercise: Fireplace styling exercise.

Not sure how to style items you’ve collected for your fireplace? For a DIY exercise to “freestyle” your fireplace, follow these steps:

1. Look around the room your fireplace is in. Identify the colors, textures, and décor that already define the space.

2. Pick a fireplace décor idea that matches that existing theme.

3. Pick one key item to anchor the design. This focal point will set the tone for the rest of the fireplace.

4. Set that focal point up, then add decorative items around it to create depth and interest.

5. Step back and take a photo. See how it looks and decide if it’s the backdrop you want for all those future memories. Adjust as needed.

Adobe Express can help.

Adobe Express has templates and customization tools to put your favorite fireplace décor ideas to work. If you want to use fireplace décor ideas in cards, letters, posters, banners, photo collages, flyers, or other creative projects, Adobe Express makes it as simple as picking a template and personalizing it, or making your own idea with easy-to-use tools. Whatever message you want to transmit, Adobe Express brings it to life, no experience required.

Design with your idea