What to do with a bedroom fireplace

What to do with a bedroom fireplace

A fireplace in a bedroom can be a statement feature – but it also might pose a design challenge. If it works and it fits with the style of your bedroom, then you can enjoy cosy nights in and luxurious snugness, but if it’s not functioning, or it’s not quite your style, then you will need to be creative.

Here are some ideas to help you decide what to do with your bedroom fireplace.

Restore it

Period fireplaces are generally quite sought after so if you have one, even if it needs some tender loving care, then you are on to a winner. Your approach should depend on what the fireplace is made from. Some are cast iron (in which case don’t use any water on it as it can rust), some are made from stone, and others might have wooden surrounds. From sandblasting to polishing and buffing, you could try restoring your bedroom fireplace yourself or hire a professional who will be familiar with the process.  

The hearth can be an easy place to make a style statement. Whether you choose the muted tones of natural stone, slick black polished slate or some jazzy tiles, there’s plenty to get your creative teeth into.

Put your own stamp on it

If the fireplace isn’t to your taste, you could change the style completely and install a new surround or mantel. If you want something classic with period features then scour online or head down to your nearest reclamation yard, there are often lots of original fireplaces available that are just waiting to be spruced up and given a new lease of life. It’s a good idea to get professional advice if you are planning to install it yourself.

Alternatively, a slick, modern gas or electric fire can look much more contemporary, and they are easier to keep clean.

If you want to keep things a bit simpler, but you are still wondering what to do with your bedroom fireplace then a paint job could be enough to enliven it. Fresh white paint on the mantelpiece, or something bolder like a deep navy blue, can make a huge difference.  

Fill it (or cover it up)

Filling unused fireplaces with decorative items like logs, flowers or books has become a bit of an artform (Pinterest has plenty of ideas). Empty bedroom fireplaces might be a good space for some clever shoe storage perhaps? Or baskets filled with linens? Pillar candles are also popular.

Painting just the recessed area of your fireplace with a bright colour before you fill it can some real character too (we like yellow). If you’re not into the look of any of it though, how about covering it up with an ornate screen.  

Build storage into the alcoves

Alcoves can be awkward for off-the-shelf bedroom furniture. They are never perfectly symmetrical, and they are often too shallow for one-size-fits-all cupboards.

Hammonds’ fitted bedroom storage solutions are totally bespoke and designed to maximise awkward spaces like alcoves. Our experts can carry out a design visit to measure up and talk through all the options. We will also draw up CAD designs, so you can have an accurate idea of how it will all look.  Suddenly you have a new wardrobe or extra shelving – maybe even a built-in dressing table – and those awkward corners could become your favourite part of the room.

Accessorise the mantelpiece

Stylish mantelpieces get a lot of love on social media (#shelfie anyone?) so why not curate your own.

Personal photographs, either framed or hung on the wall, quirky mementos from travels abroad or precious family heirlooms can all look lovely and help to ignite some happy memories. Little sculptures, candles and the obligatory house plant trailing its leaves over the edge are also popular choices.

Hang statement art or a mirror above

The space above a non-functioning fireplace is perfect for a large artwork or a statement mirror. Vintage over mantels are the dream – think French and full of faded elegance – and if you can’t find an original then there are plenty of high street replicas. Modern shapes and clean lines can also look great though, just go big to help bounce light across the room.

When it comes to art, choose something to compliment your colour scheme and the relaxed atmosphere of your bedroom. Whether you opt for a painting or a print, it might be the last thing you see before you go to sleep so think carefully about the tone and atmosphere.

Get it right with Hammonds

Make your awkward alcoves more practical by booking a free Hammonds design visit to your home.

Our experts can create 3D visuals of your room, taking your fireplace into account, so you have complete confidence in your new interior project.