Fireplace Decor Ideas 33 Inspiring Ways to Style Brick Stone Faux and Electric Fireplaces

A fireplace, whether it’s brick, stone, faux, or even electric, has always been more than just a heat source—it’s the heart of many American living rooms. From cozy gatherings over Christmas to stylish accents in an eclectic bedroom with personality, the fireplace sets the mood. In today’s homes, whether traditional or modern, decorated or unused, fireplaces carry enormous design potential. Here are ten creative ideas to style the front of, top of, or side of your fireplace and make it the star of the room.

1. Classic Charm with White Brick

A white fireplace creates a clean backdrop for any décor, making it easy to adapt through the seasons. Whether styled for autumn coziness or dressed over Christmas with garlands, its versatility stands out. Many designers, like Emily Henderson, praise brick fireplaces painted white for their timeless elegance. They soften even a black interior and blend with modern or farmhouse style.

2. Rustic Stone Warmth

A rustic stone fireplace is a natural showstopper, grounding the room with texture. Whether in mountain cabins or suburban homes, it feels like a permanent embrace of warmth. Placing a chunky wood mantel on top of the stone enhances the raw beauty. I’ve seen families gather in front of such fireplaces for generations, appreciating its timeless appeal.

3. Modern Electric Fireplace with TV Above

For small spaces, an electric fireplace beneath a mounted TV creates sleek practicality. Interior experts like Apartment Therapy note how this combo maximizes style without needing real firewood. It’s especially smart in living rooms or bedroom with limited floor space. Add décor on the side of the mantel to balance the look, like vases or stacked books.

4. Bold Black Statement

Painting a fireplace black adds drama, instantly becoming the focal point of a room. It pairs beautifully with white or red brick surroundings, creating depth. In a friend’s eclectic loft, the black-painted fireplace anchors bold artwork and patterned rugs. This daring choice works well for unused fireplaces too, giving them a chic presence without requiring function.

5. Seasonal Christmas Magic

Nothing transforms a home quite like decorating the fireplace over Christmas. Stockings, fairy lights, and wreaths on the top of the mantel set the tone for family traditions. Even a fake or electric stove fireplace shines with festive warmth. My own family still teases about the year we went a little “Grinch” with green-and-red lights, but it made for great memories.

6. Outdoor Gathering Spot

An outdoor fireplace extends your living space into the garden or patio. Built with stone or faux finishes, it’s perfect for crisp autumn nights roasting marshmallows. Designer Joanna Gaines often highlights outdoor fireplaces as “functional décor” because they blend beauty with utility. Imagine friends gathered in front of flames under twinkling lights.

7. Cozy Bedroom Fireplace

A bedroom with a fireplace feels luxurious and serene. Even a fake or electric stove style adds romance. Styled with candles inside when unused, it turns the room into a personal retreat. I once stayed in a B&B where the owner had placed lanterns at the bottom of a fireplace, and it created the most intimate glow I’ve ever seen.

8. Red Brick Nostalgia

A red brick fireplace instantly evokes vintage warmth, especially in traditional living rooms. Left raw, it feels grounded and earthy; painted or limewashed, it gains softness. My grandmother’s home had one, and every holiday we kids would line up our stockings in front of it, claiming our “spots.” It’s a design steeped in American memory.

9. Eclectic Mantel Styling

For an eclectic look, treat the mantel as a rotating gallery. Place mirrors on the top of, stack books at the side of, and mix vintage with modern. This works especially well if the fireplace is unused, since it becomes a display zone. Influencers like Justina Blakeney often encourage eclectic layering to show personality in design.

10. Faux Fireplaces for Flexibility

A faux fireplace is perfect for apartments or bedroom with no chimney access. Styled with candles inside or lanterns at the bottom of, it creates warmth without real flames. I had one in my college rental, and though entirely fake, it became the spot where friends gathered. With black paint or white trim, it can blend into any décor style.

11. Minimalist Mantel Design

Minimalism often works best when every element is intentional. A fireplace with just a few black framed prints on the top of the mantel or a single vase on the side of creates calm sophistication. In modern living rooms, designers recommend this style to let the stone or brick surface shine. It’s also practical for unused fireplaces, where clutter-free styling enhances a room’s airy feel.

12. Fireplace with Built-In Shelving

Adding shelves to the side of a fireplace makes it both decorative and functional. Whether stacked with books, baskets, or collectibles, this idea transforms plain walls into a stylish focal point. I once visited a bedroom with a faux fireplace framed by shelves, and it felt like stepping into a cozy library. Experts at Houzz often highlight built-ins as a smart investment that increases home value.

13. Coastal Style Fireplace

For beach lovers, a coastal-inspired fireplace uses white, sandy tones, stone, and driftwood accents. Place seashell décor on the top of the mantel and pair with ocean-colored textiles. This idea works well for living rooms or outdoor patios near water. Designers like Studio McGee recommend blending natural textures to keep it breezy yet elegant. It feels like summer year-round, even in colder months.

14. Fireplace with Artwork Focus

Hanging a large piece of art over the fireplace instantly elevates it into a gallery wall. Whether modern abstract or a traditional landscape, the artwork commands attention. I’ve seen red brick fireplaces softened by oversized paintings, creating balance between rugged texture and refined creativity. This idea is ideal for eclectic or contemporary homes where art tells a personal story.

15. Seasonal Autumn Vibes

Beyond Christmas, a fireplace styled for autumn is just as inviting. Place pumpkins on the bottom of, dried leaves inside an unused firebox, and cozy plaid blankets nearby. Lifestyle bloggers often recommend copper accents to bring warmth during chilly evenings. In my own home, a few small touches each fall completely transform the space into a seasonal retreat.

16. Mirror Above the Mantel

Placing a mirror over the mantel brightens a room by reflecting light. In smaller living rooms or a bedroom with limited windows, this trick creates a sense of space. I once decorated an unused faux fireplace with a gilded mirror, and the effect was dramatic yet elegant. Experts from Architectural Digest often recommend mirrors to amplify natural light.

17. Industrial-Inspired Fireplace

For lofts or modern homes, an industrial fireplace mixes black steel with red brick or stone. Think exposed beams, metal accents, and minimal décor on the side of the mantel. I once stayed in a converted warehouse where an electric stove fireplace mimicked this rugged look beautifully. Industrial style thrives on raw materials and bold presence.

18. Fireplace Filled with Candles

When the fireplace is unused, filling the inside with candles is an easy way to maintain coziness. From tall black candlesticks to clustered white votives, the effect is romantic and warm. This is particularly stunning in a bedroom with a faux fireplace. Designers at Elle Décor often feature this idea as a stylish solution for fake fireplaces.

19. Painted Pop of Color

While most fireplaces are white or neutral, painting one in a bold shade makes it unforgettable. Imagine a black, navy, or even sage green fireplace in the front of your living room. I saw a red brick fireplace transformed with teal paint, instantly modernizing the space. This approach works especially well in eclectic homes where color plays a starring role.

20. Layered Textures Around Fireplace

Combining different textures around the fireplace elevates its design. A stone surround, brick hearth, and a faux wood mantel on the top of can create depth. Designers like Nate Berkus often emphasize layered surfaces for visual richness. I once added a woven rug at the bottom of a fireplace, and the whole space immediately felt more grounded and inviting.

21. Fireplace as a Gallery Nook

Turn your unused fireplace into a creative gallery. Display framed family photos, small sculptures, or plants inside it. I once saw a bedroom with a fake fireplace styled as a mini art nook, and it felt uniquely personal. This idea is recommended by many lifestyle bloggers as a way to celebrate personality while decorating otherwise forgotten spaces.

Conclusion

Fireplaces, whether electric, stone, brick, or even faux, remain one of the most flexible design features in a home. From Christmas sparkle to autumn coziness, from rustic textures to modern eclectic layers, they offer endless ways to showcase style. Which of these ideas inspires you most? Share your thoughts and your own fireplace styling tips in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!