Fireplaces have a weird way of stealing space while also being the reason the room feels worth decorating in the first place.

The trick isn’t fighting the fireplace or pretending it’s not the main character. The trick is using it as an anchor so the whole room feels intentional instead of cramped.

Small living rooms can absolutely look expensive and put-together, even if the furniture is basic.

You just have to stop arranging everything like you’re trying to avoid the fireplace and start arranging everything like you planned around it.

1. Float the Sofa Instead of Pushing It Against the Wall

Most small living rooms end up with the sofa shoved against the farthest wall like it’s being punished. That’s usually the first reason the room feels tight and awkward, especially when the fireplace is on a side wall or corner.

Floating the sofa a few inches or even a full foot forward can completely change the layout and make the fireplace feel like part of the design instead of a random feature.

I’ve done this in a small apartment living room and it felt wrong for about five minutes. Then it felt like the room doubled in size because the seating area finally had a clear shape.

It’s one of those moves that looks “designer” even though it’s literally just moving furniture.

Why This Works

When furniture hugs the walls, the room often feels like a waiting room. Floating the sofa creates a defined zone and makes the fireplace feel like the focal point instead of a weird obstacle. It also improves walking flow because the room becomes structured instead of being one big open rectangle with no purpose.

How to Do It

• Measure at least 6–12 inches of space behind the sofa so it doesn’t feel jammed.
• Add a slim console table behind the sofa if the gap looks empty.
• Angle the sofa slightly toward the fireplace if the fireplace sits off-center.
• Use a rug to “lock in” the seating area so the floating furniture feels grounded.
• Leave at least 30 inches of walkway space so the room still functions.

Style & Design Tips

Choose a sofa with clean arms and a lighter visual profile because chunky rolled-arm sofas eat space fast. If your fireplace is traditional brick, balance it with a more modern sofa so the room doesn’t feel too heavy. Avoid placing the sofa directly in line with the fireplace opening because it can feel like the furniture is blocking the feature instead of highlighting it.

Pro Tip or Budget Hack

If the back of your sofa looks plain, throw a long lumbar pillow across it or drape a textured blanket so it feels styled. You can also use a cheap narrow shelf behind it instead of an expensive console table. Nobody will know unless they crawl behind your couch, and if they do, that’s their problem.

2. Use Built-In Style Shelving on Both Sides (Even If It’s Fake)

A fireplace with empty walls on both sides looks unfinished, but real built-ins can cost a ridiculous amount. The good news is you don’t actually need true custom built-ins to get that polished look. You just need symmetrical storage that frames the fireplace and makes it feel intentional.

I’m a big fan of “fake built-ins,” and honestly, they’re one of the best upgrades for small spaces. When you surround the fireplace with shelving, it turns into a full feature wall instead of a lonely box in the middle of the room. It also gives you storage without adding bulky furniture elsewhere.

Why This Works

Shelving creates vertical storage, and vertical storage is basically the cheat code for small living rooms. It draws the eye upward and makes the room feel taller and more balanced. It also stops the fireplace from feeling like it’s taking up valuable wall space for no reason.

How to Do It

• Measure the width of your fireplace wall and plan equal space on both sides.
• Use two matching bookcases or cabinets that are similar height.
• Place them flush against the wall and as close to the fireplace as safely possible.
• Anchor the setup with matching decor so both sides feel cohesive.
• If possible, secure tall units to the wall for safety and stability.

Style & Design Tips

Keep the shelves from looking cluttered by mixing books, baskets, and a few decorative objects instead of filling every inch. Use matching baskets on the lower shelves to hide messy stuff like remotes and random cords. Avoid putting tiny decor pieces everywhere because it makes the space feel busy and visually smaller.

Pro Tip or Budget Hack

Paint the shelves the same color as the wall so they blend in and look custom. If you want a built-in vibe without spending much, add trim molding around the bookcases and caulk the gaps. That one small step makes it look like you hired someone who charges $200 an hour.

3. Mount the TV Above the Fireplace (But Make It Look Good)

People love to argue about TVs over fireplaces like it’s a moral issue. In a small living room, sometimes it’s the only place that makes sense. If the room doesn’t have enough wall space, fighting that reality just leads to awkward furniture placement and a TV stuck in a corner like it’s ashamed.

The key is not whether you mount it, but how you mount it. A poorly placed TV can make the fireplace look squished and cluttered, but a clean setup can look sleek and modern. I’ve seen it done beautifully in tiny living rooms where there was literally no other option.

Why This Works

Mounting the TV frees up floor space and removes the need for a bulky media console. It keeps the layout simple and lets your seating face one direction without weird angles. It also makes the fireplace wall the true focal point, which creates a stronger design statement.

How to Do It

• Use a low-profile wall mount so the TV sits closer to the wall.
• Center the TV above the fireplace opening, not above the mantel edges.
• Hide cords using a cord cover or in-wall cable kit.
• Add a simple mantel or floating shelf beneath the TV for balance.
• Keep decor minimal so the wall doesn’t look overloaded.

Style & Design Tips

If you have a traditional fireplace, choose a TV frame or black bezel that doesn’t clash with the style. Avoid placing too many decorative items around the TV because it will look messy fast. Also, don’t use tiny art pieces around the TV to “fill space,” because it usually looks like a collage accident.

Pro Tip or Budget Hack

If you hate the look of a blank black TV, use a digital art display mode or a streaming screensaver. You can also mount a slim soundbar under the TV for a cleaner setup. That single detail makes the whole wall feel upgraded.

4. Create a Corner Reading Nook Beside the Fireplace

If your fireplace sits on one side of the room, you often end up with a dead corner next to it. That corner usually becomes the “random chair spot” where nobody sits. Instead of wasting it, turn it into a reading nook that looks intentional and cozy without taking up much space.

A small chair next to a fireplace feels like a luxury move even if the chair came from a clearance sale. I’ve always loved this setup because it makes the room feel layered, like there’s more than one purpose happening. And honestly, it’s also a great place to dump laundry temporarily, which is the real benefit nobody admits.

Why This Works

A reading nook adds depth to the room without requiring a large furniture footprint. It breaks up the layout so everything doesn’t feel like one big seating block. It also visually balances the fireplace by adding weight to the side of the room that might otherwise feel empty.

How to Do It

• Choose a compact accent chair with a slim frame.
• Add a small side table that can hold a drink or book.
• Place a floor lamp behind or beside the chair for lighting.
• Add a throw blanket and one pillow for texture.
• Use a small basket nearby for magazines or throws.

Style & Design Tips

Pick a chair color that contrasts slightly with the fireplace so it doesn’t blend into the wall. If your fireplace is dark stone, a lighter chair looks great and keeps the corner from feeling heavy. Avoid oversized recliners because they will swallow the space and make the nook feel cramped instead of inviting.

Pro Tip or Budget Hack

If you don’t want to buy a side table, use a sturdy stool or small plant stand. You can also use a wall-mounted sconce instead of a floor lamp to save floor space. It gives the nook a clean, boutique-hotel vibe without the boutique-hotel budget.

5. Use a Round Coffee Table to Improve Flow Around the Fireplace

Square and rectangular coffee tables look great in big rooms, but in small living rooms they can feel like shin-killing obstacles. If your fireplace is part of the main seating area, traffic flow matters even more because people naturally walk around that zone. A round coffee table instantly softens the layout and makes everything easier to navigate.

This is one of those changes that feels small but makes a room function better immediately. I switched to a round table once and realized I stopped bumping into furniture constantly. That alone was enough to convince me it’s the better choice in tight spaces.

Why This Works

Round shapes create smoother movement in small rooms because there are no sharp corners to block pathways. They also visually lighten the space and make the layout feel less rigid. When paired with a fireplace, a round table keeps the seating area feeling relaxed instead of boxy.

How to Do It

• Measure your seating area and choose a coffee table that fits without crowding.
• Leave at least 16–18 inches between the sofa and the table.
• Choose a table with an open base if possible to keep it airy.
• Place it centered with the sofa and fireplace line of sight.
• Add a simple tray to keep styling contained and tidy.

Style & Design Tips

Glass or light wood works beautifully in small spaces because it doesn’t feel visually heavy. If your fireplace is brick or stone, a natural wood table can soften the texture and warm things up. Avoid tables with thick chunky legs unless the rest of your furniture is also substantial, or it can feel too heavy.

Pro Tip or Budget Hack

If you want the round look but need storage, get a round ottoman with a removable tray on top. It doubles as seating and a coffee table, which is basically multitasking furniture at its finest. Bonus: it’s way more forgiving when you put your feet up.

6. Add a Fireplace Mantel Shelf That Doubles as Decor Storage

Some fireplaces come with a massive mantel, and others come with nothing at all. If yours is missing a mantel or has an awkward one, adding a simple mantel shelf can completely change the look. It also gives you a spot to style the fireplace without cluttering the room with extra furniture.

A clean mantel shelf is one of those things that makes the room look finished, even if everything else is still a work in progress. I’m also convinced it makes people think you’re more organized than you actually are. It’s basically a decor illusion.

Why This Works

A mantel shelf gives the eye a horizontal line, which helps balance the vertical fireplace shape. It also creates a styling zone, so decor doesn’t end up scattered around the room. In a small living room, having one clear “decor moment” is better than having little clutter everywhere.

How to Do It

• Measure the width of your fireplace opening and choose a shelf slightly wider.
• Install the shelf at a comfortable height above the opening.
• Use anchors rated for the shelf weight and wall type.
• Keep styling simple with a mix of height and texture.
• Avoid stacking too many small items across the entire shelf.

Style & Design Tips

Use one tall piece (like a vase or framed art) and then balance it with something lower like candles or a small plant. Don’t use tiny knickknacks lined up in a row because it will look like a thrift store shelf. If your fireplace is already dramatic, keep the mantel decor minimal so it doesn’t compete.

Pro Tip or Budget Hack

A basic wood board stained dark can look high-end if you use sturdy brackets and clean lines. You can even use a reclaimed wood shelf for character without spending much. If you’re going for a modern look, paint the shelf the same color as the wall for a sleek built-in feel.

7. Place Two Small Accent Chairs Instead of One Large Sofa

A big sofa feels like the obvious choice for a living room, but in small spaces it can dominate everything. If the fireplace is already taking up visual space, a massive couch can make the room feel like it’s full before you even decorate. Two small accent chairs can actually create a more open layout while still giving you comfortable seating.

This is especially smart if you live alone, live with a partner, or just don’t have a house full of people flopping onto your couch daily. I’ve seen this setup look insanely stylish, like something out of a design magazine. It also gives you more flexibility when you want to rearrange.

Why This Works

Two chairs create openness because they don’t have the same heavy visual block as a sofa. They allow better angles toward the fireplace and improve traffic flow. The room also feels more curated, because chairs naturally look like a design choice instead of a default.

How to Do It

• Choose two chairs that are similar in scale and style.
• Place them facing the fireplace or angled toward each other.
• Add a small side table between them for function.
• Use a rug to define the seating area and prevent floating furniture chaos.
• Keep at least one extra seating option nearby, like an ottoman or pouf.

Style & Design Tips

Pick chairs with legs instead of skirted bases because visible legs keep the room airy. If your fireplace is bold, go neutral with the chairs so they don’t fight for attention. Avoid oversized club chairs unless your room is slightly larger, because those can swallow floor space quickly.

Pro Tip or Budget Hack

If matching chairs cost too much, buy one chair you love and find a second one in a similar color family. A “coordinated but not identical” look can actually feel more designer if you style it right. Throw pillows can help tie them together without forcing a perfect match.

8. Use a Large Mirror Above the Fireplace to Make the Room Feel Bigger

If your living room is small, the fireplace wall is prime real estate for making the space feel larger. A mirror above the fireplace is one of the oldest tricks in the book, but it works because it’s basically visual magic. It reflects light, adds depth, and makes the room feel more open without you changing the layout.

I used to think mirrors above fireplaces were boring until I saw one done right with a chunky frame. Suddenly the whole room looked bigger and more expensive. It’s not the mirror itself, it’s the scale and styling that makes it hit.

Why This Works

Mirrors create the illusion of depth, which instantly makes small rooms feel less boxed in. They also reflect whatever looks good in your room, like windows or decor, so the space feels brighter and more layered. Over a fireplace, a mirror naturally draws attention upward and makes the wall feel taller.

How to Do It

• Choose a mirror that’s at least two-thirds the width of the fireplace opening.
• Hang it securely with proper anchors or rest it on the mantel if stable.
• Center it with the fireplace, not with the wall.
• Keep surrounding decor minimal so the mirror stays the main accent.
• If your mirror has a bold frame, keep the mantel styling simple.

Style & Design Tips

A thin frameless mirror can look cheap fast, so go for a frame with some presence. Black frames look modern, gold looks classic, and wood looks warm and relaxed. Avoid tiny mirrors because they make the fireplace look bigger and the room look smaller, which is the opposite of what you want.

Pro Tip or Budget Hack

If large mirrors are expensive, check Facebook Marketplace or thrift stores and repaint the frame. You can also use a large framed art print if you hate mirrors, but mirrors do a better job of opening up the room. If you want extra impact, layer a small garland or simple vase arrangement in front of the mirror for depth.

Final Thoughts

A small living room with a fireplace doesn’t need more furniture, it needs smarter choices that work with the fireplace instead of competing with it. Once you treat the fireplace like your anchor, everything else gets easier, from seating layout to storage to styling.

Try one idea first and live with it for a week, because small spaces always need real-life testing. And if you end up rearranging furniture at midnight like a chaotic decorating goblin, just know you’re not alone.