Beautiful Fireplace Built-Ins: 18+ Ideas That Inspire
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Fireplaces are the heart of a room, offering warmth, comfort, and a sense of coziness.
But what if you could take that warmth and blend it with functionality and style? Enter fireplace built-ins—where design meets utility in the most inviting way possible.
Whether you have a small space or a sprawling living room, built-ins around your fireplace can transform the area into a stunning focal point.
Let’s dive into 18+ ideas to inspire your next fireplace renovation.
1. Open Shelving for a Casual Look
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When you want your space to feel open and airy, open shelving around the fireplace is the way to go.
This style allows you to display books, family photos, or plants while keeping the atmosphere relaxed.
The shelves create a seamless flow and offer space to showcase your personality.
Tip: Keep things simple. Too many items can make the space feel cluttered. A few well-placed pieces are all you need.
Anecdote: I once used open shelving in my own living room, and it gave the entire space an airy vibe—my favorite part was showcasing unique vintage finds on the shelves.
2. Concealed Storage for a Clean Aesthetic
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For those who prefer a tidy, minimalist look, concealed storage is the perfect solution.
Think of cabinets with sleek doors that hide away your clutter.
This allows you to store away electronics, blankets, or board games, keeping your living room organized and chic.
Pro Tip: Opt for soft-close hinges for a smoother experience when opening and closing cabinets.
3. Floating Shelves for a Modern Touch
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If you’re looking to infuse your fireplace area with a modern and sleek vibe, floating shelves are a great choice.
These shelves don’t touch the ground, creating a sense of space while also providing storage and display opportunities.
You can place a few decorative items, books, or plants on floating shelves to keep the design clean and sharp.
4. Custom Built-Ins for a Seamless Look
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Custom-built cabinetry is a great option if you want to create a tailored look that matches your space perfectly.
You can design shelves and cabinetry that align perfectly with the dimensions of your room and fireplace.
Custom built-ins are perfect for people who want to blend their fireplace with other features, like media storage or even hidden compartments for a more organized room.
Anecdote: A friend of mine installed custom cabinetry around her fireplace, and it was like the room grew.
The whole space felt purposefully designed, and it completely transformed her living room.
5. Fireplace Surround with Storage Drawers
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Incorporating storage drawers into the fireplace surround is an innovative way to make the most out of the area around the fireplace.
You can store firewood, seasonal decor, or even extra throw blankets without adding clutter to the room.
Pro Tip: For an even more seamless look, integrate the drawers into the base of the mantel, blending functionality with elegance.
6. High Shelving for Vertical Storage
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If you have tall ceilings, high shelving around your fireplace can be a game-changer.
These shelves can hold your most valuable items or decorative pieces like framed art or ceramic vases.
Using the height of the room ensures you maximize storage without crowding the lower portion of the fireplace.
Quick Stat: In a survey by Home Design Magazine, 42% of homeowners with tall ceilings reported using high built-in shelves to display collections and art.
7. Fireplace Mantel with Integrated TV Console
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For those who love to watch TV by the fireplace, integrating the TV into your mantel design can provide the perfect balance of comfort and entertainment.
You can create a custom unit that hides your TV when not in use or houses the TV as the focal point, flanked by storage or decorative elements.
Pro Tip: If your space allows, make sure the TV is positioned at a comfortable viewing height, not too high above the mantel.
8. Bookshelves Built Into the Fireplace Wall
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Imagine having a wall of books surrounding your fireplace.
With built-in bookshelves that wrap around the fireplace, you can create a cozy reading nook that brings together your love for books and warmth.
It’s a smart use of space that also adds charm and character to your living area.
Tip: Keep the shelves organized—nothing beats the charm of a beautifully arranged bookshelf.
9. Fireplace with Wine Storage
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For wine enthusiasts, incorporating wine storage into your fireplace design can make a bold statement.
Imagine a custom-built wine rack built right into the wall or alongside the fireplace, allowing you to store your collection while showcasing the bottles in style.
Pro Tip: Invest in wine racks that hold your bottles horizontally, maintaining their integrity and preventing sediment movement.
10. Hidden Cabinets for Electronics and Cables
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One of the downsides of modern fireplaces and TVs is the clutter of cables and electronics.
Hidden cabinets around your fireplace can store all the technical equipment and cable boxes, keeping your living room neat and free of tech mess.
Quick Stat: According to a 2021 Interior Design Trends report, 61% of homeowners are opting for hidden storage options to hide electronics in living rooms.
11. Incorporating Color with Built-Ins
For a more bold and personalized look, use the built-ins around your fireplace as a way to incorporate color into your space.
A splash of color on the cabinetry or shelves can transform the area and add contrast to the otherwise neutral tones of your fireplace and walls.
Tip: Consider deep, rich tones like navy blue or emerald green for a sophisticated, timeless look.
12. Fireplace with a Desk Space Built-In
If you need a place to work or read but have limited space, adding a small desk area into your fireplace built-ins can be a smart move.
A sleek built-in desk along the side or under the mantel allows you to maximize your space without sacrificing style.
Anecdote: I added a built-in desk beneath my fireplace, and it became my favorite workspace.
With a cozy chair, a few personal touches, and the warmth from the fire, it’s a perfect blend of comfort and productivity.
13. Built-In Seating Around the Fireplace
Built-in seating around your fireplace gives the room a relaxed, inviting atmosphere.
A few custom benches or a sectional with integrated storage beneath can make the space feel like a personal retreat for family gatherings or quiet moments of solitude.
Pro Tip: Make sure the seating is comfortable—add cushions and throw pillows for extra coziness.
14. Glass Front Cabinets for Display
If you love to display collectibles or fine china, glass-fronted cabinets around the fireplace create an elegant and secure storage option.
These cabinets allow you to show off your prized possessions while protecting them from dust and debris.
15. Industrial Fireplace Built-Ins
For a modern, industrial look, consider incorporating metal and wood materials in your fireplace built-ins.
Exposed steel shelves, blackened wood, and a matte finish create a striking contrast with the warmth of the fire.
Quick Stat: In 2023, Architectural Digest reported that industrial-style fireplaces with built-in shelving became a top choice for urban lofts and modern apartments.
16. Mantel with Art and Display Space
A large mantel surrounding your fireplace can double as a gallery for your art and display pieces.
Whether it’s a bold painting, a decorative mirror, or framed photographs, the mantel becomes the perfect backdrop for your personal collection.
17. Deep Drawers for Hidden Storage
When you need a bit more room to hide away your personal items, deep drawers below the fireplace mantel can provide ample storage space.
These drawers can be used for firewood, extra throws, or even hidden tech.
Pro Tip: Look for pull-out drawers with smooth tracks for easy access.
18. Soft-Close Hinges and Mechanisms
One small but effective upgrade is to use soft-close hinges and mechanisms for the doors of your built-ins.
This simple addition keeps everything running smoothly, prevents slamming, and gives the whole space a touch of luxury.
Anecdote: After adding soft-close hinges to my built-in cabinetry, I realized how much I had underestimated the power of a gentle close.
It made the whole space feel polished.
19. Floating Mantel with Built-In Lighting
A floating mantel gives your fireplace a modern look, and adding built-in lighting beneath it highlights the fireplace’s features and creates an ambient atmosphere at night.
The combination of floating shelves and hidden lighting elevates the design while maintaining a clean aesthetic.
Pro Tip: Consider LED strips for energy-efficient lighting that can be adjusted to create the perfect ambiance.
20. Integrate Technology with Built-Ins
For those who love tech gadgets, integrating smart home technology into your fireplace built-ins is the way to go.
Whether it’s built-in speakers, lighting control, or even a hidden charging station, these technological upgrades bring functionality to your space.
Your fireplace built-ins are more than just a way to store your things—they’re a design opportunity to create a stylish, functional space.
From open shelves to custom cabinetry, there’s no limit to what you can do.
Whether you want to add hidden storage, display your favorite pieces, or just create a cozy corner, these ideas will inspire your next project.