7 Easy Ideas to create a Build In around your Fireplace
In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of built-ins around a fireplace and provide you with simple ideas to inspire your next home project.
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A fireplace is often the focal point of a living room, offering warmth and a cozy ambiance. However, with the addition of built-ins around the fireplace, you can elevate this feature to a whole new level.
Built-ins not only maximize storage space but also add character and style to your living room. Whether you’re aiming for a traditional, modern, or rustic look, built-ins can be customized to fit your home’s aesthetic.
1. The Benefits of Built-Ins Around a Fireplace
Built-ins make the most of vertical space, offering storage solutions without taking up valuable floor space. They are ideal for smaller living rooms where every inch counts.
You can tailor built-ins to your specific needs, whether it’s shelving for books, cabinets for media equipment, or display space for decorative items.
They can be designed to match the style of your home, whether that’s traditional, contemporary, or somewhere in between. Well-designed built-ins can increase the value of your home by adding functional, attractive features that appeal to potential buyers.
2. Designing Your Built-Ins
When planning built-ins around your fireplace, consider how you’ll use the space and what style will best complement your home.
One of the most classic designs is symmetrical shelving flanking both sides of the fireplace. This balanced look works well in traditional and modern settings alike. You can use the shelves to display books, family photos, or decorative pieces.
Combine closed cabinets with open shelving for a functional yet stylish design. The cabinets provide concealed storage for items you’d rather keep out of sight, such as electronics or toys, while the open shelves offer space to showcase decor.
For a more modern or minimalist look, consider installing floating shelves around your fireplace. Floating shelves create a sleek, clean line and can be styled with a mix of books, plants, and art for a contemporary vibe.
3. Choosing the Right Materials
The materials you choose for your built-ins will play a significant role in the overall look and feel of the room.
Wood is a classic choice that adds warmth and richness to any space. Depending on the type of wood and finish you select, wood built-ins can lean traditional, rustic, or even modern. Painted wood offers a clean and crisp look, while stained wood highlights the natural grain for a more organic feel.
MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) is a cost-effective alternative to solid wood and is often used in built-ins that will be painted. It’s smooth and easy to work with, making it a popular choice for custom cabinetry and shelving.
For a more industrial or contemporary design, consider incorporating metal into your built-ins. Metal shelving brackets, cabinet pulls, or even full metal shelves can add a modern edge to your fireplace area.
Glass shelves or cabinet doors can give your built-ins a lighter, airier feel. They’re a great choice if you want to display items without them feeling too heavy or cluttered.
4. Styling Your Built-Ins
Once your built-ins are installed, it’s time to style them to enhance the overall look of your living room. Create depth by layering items of varying heights and sizes. Start with taller items in the back, such as vases or framed photos, and place smaller pieces in front.
Arrange items in groups of odd numbers, this tends to be more visually pleasing. Grouping similar items, like a trio of candles or a stack of books, helps create a cohesive look. If you have a large item on one side, balance it with something of similar scale on the other side.
Incorporate a mix of textures—such as wood, metal, glass, and textiles—to add interest and prevent the shelves from looking too uniform.
5. Personal Touches
Finally, don’t forget to include personal touches like family photos, heirlooms, or souvenirs. These items make your built-ins feel like an integral part of your home rather than just a decorative feature.
6. Lighting Your Built-Ins
Proper lighting can enhance the appearance of your built-ins and draw attention to the fireplace.
Install recessed lighting above your built-ins to highlight the shelves and the items displayed on them. This creates a warm, inviting glow and ensures your built-ins are well-lit, even in the evening.
For a more modern look, consider adding under-shelf lighting. This type of lighting can make your built-ins stand out and adds a sleek, contemporary touch. Use accent lighting, such as picture lights or small lamps, to draw attention to specific items within your built-ins, like a piece of art or a decorative object.
7. Maintenance and Upkeep
To keep your built-ins looking their best, regular maintenance is essential Dust your shelves and items regularly to prevent buildup. Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the surfaces, and be gentle with delicate items.
If your built-ins are painted or have a finish that can be wiped down, clean them periodically with a damp cloth and a mild cleaner. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the finish.
Keep your built-ins organized by periodically reassessing what’s on display. Remove any items that no longer fit the space or style and replace them with something fresh.
Conclusion
Built-ins around a fireplace are a fantastic way to add both style and functionality to your living room.with these
the right design, materials, and styling, your built-ins will not only enhance your living space but also provide you with practical storage solutions that fit your lifestyle.
So, if you’re looking to refresh your living room or make better use of the space around your fireplace, consider adding built-ins. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can create a beautiful and functional space that you and your family will enjoy for years to come.
Happy decorating from The F Nook!
Attention! Some links on this page are affiliate links which means that, if you choose to make a purchase, I earn a small commission and there is no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, Thank you for your support!
