Ways to Narrow a Corner Brick Fireplace

Paint

• Paint is a budget-friendly way to visually narrow a corner, brick fireplace. Dark colors tend to "shrink" items by making them appear smaller. Applying a fresh coat of neutral black or brown paint can make the fireplace look smaller and downplay its presence. Use a matte or flat paint finish to avoid a reflective surface. You can also paint several inches on each side of the fireplace the same color as adjoining walls. This gives the optical illusion of wider walls and a narrower fireplace.

Furniture

• Furniture layouts can break up an area to make it appear smaller and cozier. Position a chair on both sides of the corner fireplace to create balanced symmetry and an ideal sitting area. Place the chairs facing each other with about 3 feet in between them. Position small accent tables topped with table lamps beside each chair. This arrangement will break up the fireplace wall, helping it to appear narrower and further back.

Accessories

• Accessories are an easy way to instantly narrow a corner fireplace. Position small potted ficus or palm trees on both sides of the fireplace. Place the trees in the angled corners where the fireplace meets the adjoining walls. This will cover a portion of each side of the fireplace, making it look narrower. Hanging a large piece of artwork or metal sculpture above the fireplace draws attention upward to the interesting wall hanging. This tends to visually elongate the wall and the fireplace below.

Other Considerations

• Painting vertical stripes on walls adjoining a corner fireplace can give the fireplace a slimmer appearance. Striped wallpaper in lieu of paint can also add texture to the room. Place a large area rug atop wooden floors in front of the fireplace. A rug that is wider than the fireplace can give the illusion of a smaller fireplace. Set large, decorative pillows against the outer edges of the fireplace to soften them while narrowing its appearance.