Help! I inherited this dated ultra wide fireplace that dominates my family room. It’s so wide I feel like it makes the ceiling feel lower. Any suggestions for updating it would be greatly appreciated.
That’s definitely a statement fireplace! While it does have a lot of presence, with a few tweaks, you can make it feel more balanced and intentional in the space.
Soften the contrast: The bright white stone against the dark mantel and hearth creates a stark contrast, which may be making the fireplace feel even larger. You could consider toning down the stone with a limewash or soft whitewash. This would subtly mute the color variation and give it a more cohesive, natural look. Alternatively, if you want to go bolder, a warmer, earthy wash could bring in more depth without feeling overwhelming.
Balance the proportions: To offset the fireplace’s width, adding vertical elements could help draw the eye upward and create a sense of height. Consider mounting larger, taller artwork or a substantial vertical mirror above the mantel. Flanking the fireplace with tall plants or narrow shelving could also visually stretch the room and balance out the width.
Restyle the mantel: Swapping out the small plants and objects for fewer, larger pieces can make the mantel feel more proportional. A large, central piece (like a statement vase, sculpture, or oversized candle holders) with some negative space around it can reduce the visual clutter and create a more curated look.
🪵 Refinish the mantel: If the dark mantel feels heavy, lightening it with a wood-tone stain or a neutral color could soften the overall appearance. Alternatively, a bold charcoal or black mantel could create a striking, contemporary contrast against a more muted stone.
Your fireplace has great potential—sometimes, just a few styling adjustments or a subtle refresh can make a huge difference. Enjoy the process of making it your own!
These are great suggestions! I was going to echo your second point here. The fact that the TV above the fireplace is smaller makes the proportions feel off. I would add a mirror to make the space feel larger and layer it with extra large artwork (and vice versa). This will help immensely!
thanks for the great suggestions. They’ve definitely given me some direction
I had a more prosaic idea: put two matching plants in front of the stonework on either end. They will cover up some of the stone and make the fireplace look narrower. :)
Amazing! Feel free to share updates and we can continue to chime in with our thoughts
