How to Decorate Around Big Wall Fireplaces

Acquire proportionate furniture and accessories. The large fireplace will overpower the room without furniture and accessories to balance it out.

Position a rug in front of the fireplace. The fireplace often functions as the room's focal point, drawing the eye to it and "helping" the eye move around the decor in a logical manner. Placing a rug in front of the fireplace reinforces this because it acts as a visual anchor and provides a framework around which you'll place other furniture.

Make an "L" shape with two couches or position a couch directly in front of the fireplace with two side chairs on each side. These types of set-ups work with other decorating techniques that you've used to bring emphasis to the fireplace.

Hang eye-catching artwork above the mantel and dress it up. Take advantage of the fireplace's natural display potential. Look for beautiful paintings of pastoral scenes, large, ornately decorated mirrors and decorative wall sconces to hang above the mantel. On the mantel itself, place candle arrangements, the fruits of the seasons like mini-pumpkins and gourds, books, bottles of wine or a collection of table-top radios. This is one place in the room where you can choose items to display that say something about you personally; it will add visual interest to the arrangement as well.

Pay attention to the hearth. Fill large twig baskets with logs for the fire or find an eye-catching fireplace tool set.

Paint the built-in bookcase or window seats that flank each side of the fireplace; this will help this area to the side of fireplace function in much the same way that a frame will on a photograph. Additionally, if you want to make this area stand out, and you don't like the way the fireplace looks, paint it a vibrant color such as red and the walls --- including the bookcase area --- another color, such as butter yellow.

Put a lamp on each side of the fireplace. This will draw attention to the area and provide light for reading for the chairs that sit in close proximity.