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These creative design tricks will light up your living room.
Layer Vintage Mirrors
Create height and dimension by leaning mirrors on the mantel. Here, blogger Sarah Vandiver pairs a floor-size mirror with a smaller version of the same design. In this sunny living room, the mirrors help reflect natural light in the space.
Turn Art Into a Focal Point
In this cozy sitting area, the eye is instantly drawn to a large painting over the fireplace. To elevate the space, Susan Yeley Homes hangs a wall-t0-wall floating shelf and fills an antique vase with faux greenery.
Settle for a Neutral Color Palette
Stick with minimalist decor and bright neutrals. A framed abstract print, potted plant and trio of bud vases add a little personality to this modern living room.
Use Mirrors to Hide the TV
Here’s a genius way to mount a TV above the fireplace without sacrificing elegance. Interior designer Dara Haung had a handyman glue mirrors onto MDF wood boards and used closet hardware to create a foldable mirror display. Just open it when you’d like to watch TV!
Introduce Eclectic Elements
If you’ve got neutral walls, infuse color and personality with accents. Here, homeowner Sara Ligorria-Tramp frames a piece of embroidered textile from her mother for over the fireplace mantel. She also uses a vintage grate that came from a family member.
Whitewash a Brick Fireplace
Whitewashing involved painting with watered-down paint, which allows the original texture and color of the bricks to shine through. Here, designer Jessica Nelson brightens the fireplace with white paint but leaves some bricks uncovered for dimension.
Weave in Vintage Artwork
Add charm to any interior by sourcing artwork and decorative items from local antique shops. Here, Susan Yeley Homes goes for a striking painting over the fireplace, which also injects colors that tie back to the nearby area rug and dining table.
Cozy Up the Space
From the wood paneling and dark bricks to moody decor, this basement living room begs you to snuggle up and stay a while. There’s also a plush rug, so you can sit on the floor in front of the working fireplace for extra warmth.
Swap Decor for the Season
Update your mantel decor for the upcoming season, whether it’s a simple fall fireplace or elegant Christmas mantel. Keep certain elements the same, like baskets, trays and vases, but swap in festive greenery and decor.
DIY a Concrete Fireplace
If you don’t love your brick fireplace, no problem. Frame out the fireplace, adding shiplap up top and cement board and drywall down below.
