Do you have a corner fireplace in your living room, but it feels kinda like a waste of space? A lot of people do, and with good reason! When you’re unsure how to layout the furniture properly, it can be tough to figure out what to do. In this blog post, we will show you some great ways to use a corner fireplace in your living room. You will also find ten convenient living room corner fireplace ideas you might want to try in your own home, so read on.
How Do You Layout a Living Room With Corner Fireplace?
Corner fireplaces are one of those things that can really make or break a room—if you know how to use them properly. With a bit of inspiration, they can be transformed from an eyesore into a beautiful focal point while you’re maximizing your space utility at the same time.
The key consideration when setting up a living room with a corner fireplace is how you place the furniture. For instance, blocking off the fireplace is not a good idea because that would indeed render it a waste of space. Also, visually canceling a prominent feature would make the room feel smaller.
The obvious solution is to create a seating area that faces the fireplace instead. Even better, there is more than one way to do it right. You just need to devise an arrangement you like that will also allow you to enjoy the heat and cozy ambiance the fire provides. That way, you won’t feel like it’s taking up too much space in the room for no reason.
Corner Fireplace Living Room Layout Tips & Tricks
So, the best way to use a corner fireplace is to transform it from a potential liability to the center of attention in the room. In other words, make it a focal point and surround it with features such as built-in shelves or cabinets. You can also assemble an accent wall or a cohesive floor-to-ceiling background wall. This will enhance your storage options, or serve as a stylish and modern display for your TV, books, and decor items.
If you want to get creative, you can even use a corner fireplace as a divider between two different room areas. For example, a seating area could be on one side of the fireplace and a dining area on the other. You can then complete the setup with bookshelves or a pair of screens. This is an excellent method to convey a more intimate atmosphere in your open-concept living area without major remodeling investments.
The key is to ensure that, whatever layout you choose, there is still a clear path around the room with easy access to all important features.
Don’t forget to maintain a sense of balance by placing larger pieces of furniture on either side of the fireplace. For example, you might want to put a sofa on one side and a pair of armchairs on the other. If your living room is on the smaller side, you can also use ottomans or poufs in place of traditional chairs.
If you want to make an existing corner fireplace appear more modern, consider using materials such as Corian, glass, or concrete. In addition, keep the look as simple and streamlined as possible.
How to Arrange Furniture in a Living Room With a Corner Fireplace
Arranging furniture in a living room with a corner fireplace can be tricky. You want to create a layout that is both functional and stylish, but you also need to take every feature into account.
The conventional solution is to place the sofa facing the fireplace, with the chairs arranged perpendicular to it. This creates an intimate seating area that can be used for conversation or relaxation.
However, if you have a small living room, be careful not to block off the fireplace with furniture. Opt for creating a seating area that faces the fire instead. This way, you can still enjoy the heat and ambiance of the flames without making the room feel undersized.
Another idea is to flank the fireplace with two chairs or a short loveseat, creating a more open feel.
As you can see, there are many ways that you can arrange furniture in your living room with a corner fireplace. The best way to start is by following these three steps:
- Step one: Start by placing the sofa or loveseat in front of the fireplace. The sofa can face the feature directly or align with one of its sides if the room layout is awkward.
- Step two: Place your coffee table in front of your sofa or loveseat. The coffee table should be positioned in front of the sofa but not too close to it (or the fireplace). It should not be too far from the seating places either—somewhere around two feet away is best.
- Step three: Place any other furniture around the rest of your living room, considering the space you have left available.
10 Living Room Corner Fireplace Pictures & Ideas for Maximum Style & Utility
For those looking for inspiration on arranging furniture in a living room with a corner fireplace, we have put together a few different layout ideas.
1. Think (A)symmetrical
Put a sofa in front of the fireplace, but don’t have it face the fire directly. Instead, turn it to face outwards in the direction of other seating areas or windows.
2. Get the Maximum Out of Your Accent Chairs
Place chairs around the fireplace to create a stylish display. At the same time, it will serve as an inviting and cozy seating area for guests to enjoy during your next party or family gathering.
3. Best Things Come in Pairs
Place two couches facing each other, completing the set with one chair and coffee table. The fireplace should be visible from at least one couch. The view from the chair could encompass the fireplace or the view outside—or both.
4. Small Living Room Layout with a Corner Fireplace
If your room is small, place a single sofa in front of the fireplace with a coffee table in between. Depending on the room shape, the sofa can stand diagonally or against the wall. Don’t forget to leave sufficient clearance for traffic flow.
5. Safe Bet with a Conventional Layout
Place the couch against the wall opposite the fireplace and place two chairs facing each other on either side of it. This will create a conventional multi-purpose space, ideal for watching TV and conversations likewise.
6. L-Shape Living Room Layout with a Corner Fireplace
A simple L-shape furniture layout is a variety of seating around the fireplace arranged in an L shape. However, if your entire room is in an L-shape, use it to your advantage and create two separate seating areas, one facing the fireplace and the other far from it. The smaller zone can comprise a small conversation setup with two armchairs or a reading nook. Alternatively, you can use one part of the awkwardly shaped room as a dining area.
7. Find an Ideal Spot for TV
Place the TV above or on the side of the fireplace. If you are watching TV often, keeping it at eye level will ensure the best long-term viewing experience.
8. Awkward Living Room Layout with a Corner Fireplace
In a rectangle or long awkward layout, put a coffee table between the two armchairs in front of the fireplace or at its side. Then place another sofa opposite this arrangement to fill up the space on that side of the room.
9. Central Seating Configuration with a Twist
Place a bookcase on each side of the fireplace and the seating in the middle of the room, away from the walls. Use the ample empty area near the bookcase for a TV. Alternatively, make a twist to this by placing the seating arrangement diagonally across the room. If the space is sufficient, this will also give you the chance to set up a small home office in the corner opposite the fireplace.
10. No-Corner-Fireplace Ideas
Finally, if you prefer to keep your living room corner fireplace out of focus, arrange the furniture to keep the eye away from it. You can also make it less prominent by blending it with the walls—the shortcut to get there is using the same color.
We hope these ideas have inspired you to use your corner fireplace in a new way. Remember, there are endless possibilities when it comes to layout and design. So don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the perfect setup for your space.
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