We've looked at putting to use the space inside the fireplace. But what about placing furniture right up against the fireplace? Whether yours is nonworking or just out of commission for the season, don't shy away from that valuable space. Use it!
Fireplaces are beautiful and charming and all, but they can be real space-wasters in small apartments. They take up a lot of wall space and typically jut out into the room. But you don't have to shy away from them. Why not place furniture right up against it? More often than not, fireplaces in small apartments are nonworking, so this is a great place to try the following:
Dining Table: Put a dining table for two right up against the fireplace with chairs flanking either side.
Coffee Table: Same as above, and top it with books and flowers!
Bed: Use the fireplace mantle as a headboard.
Chairs: Cozy a pair of easy chairs right up next to the hearth for a warming look even if the fireplace isn't roaring.
Shelves: Place a freestanding bookcase about the size of the firebox opening against the fireplace instead of taking up valuable wall space with it.
Image: New York Magazine
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You'll notice that the photo doesn't have the coffee table against the fireplace, but a couple feet away?
IMO, a fireplace - working or not - is a natural asset & focal point for a room. Pretending it's not there by stacking furniture against it is just as bad as blocking a doorway or a window.
Uhm, the coffee table isn't up against the fireplace, it's at least a foot or two away. Nice room though.
Ha, bepsf beat me to my comment!
unfortunately the original post for this thread offers bad advice. Most of the suggestions will appear awkward.
Oh geez. The furniture in the photo is closer to the fireplace than most people would place their furniture, so it gets the point across. Y'all are so nit-picky.
I've been wrestling with the furninture placement in my living room for this very reason. We have a non-working fireplace that is huge and dominates the room. I like it as a focal point, but it makes our living room feel lopsided. I might try putting a chair in front of it and seeing what happens.
I do something similar in my house, but the nearest furniture is still 1-2 ft away and isn't really in front of the fireplace. It kind of brackets it. Oriented the way I have it, my non-working fireplace IS still a focus of the room. Besides, it's the only way I can have the couch so people coming in the front door aren't climbing over people's legs to get anywhere.
I love that room.
I agree with bepsf, pretending the fireplace isn't there is just bad.
I love that room, even though the furniture is too close to the fireplace. :)
fabulous room... and why not place the furniture a little closer than you normally would...allows a little more space on the other side for traffic or a dining room table, in this case...
either way.. it works...
maureen
That is a beauuuuuuuutiful room. *saved to Faves*
Totally agree, bepsf...I used to rent a studio from the 1920's and each unit had a fake fireplace just for decoration. Fireplaces are meant to be a focal point!
ID on the coffee table or something similar???
don't like that it's so busy looking...
Meh. Fireplaces are overrated. I finally live in a place without one and I couldn't be happier. I also don't own a bear skin rug, burn candles or woo the ladies with my Time Life soft rock collection.
Beautiful bones in that room and gorgeous fireplace. But to me, putting the table so close to the fireplace looks uncomfortable and crammed. I understand space problems -- I live in 500 sq. ft. -- but to me, obscuring the fireplace so much is like tying a plastic bag over a chandelier. Why (presumably) pay for its presence if you're going to obscure the beauty? if I was sitting in that room, I'd be constantly craning my neck to try and see what the fireplace looks like.
I'd be interested to see this done as I can't quite envisage it looking good. But I don't think it's a good sign that the author could only find one photographic example (and yes, I agree that the one photo isn't actually an example as the furniture is clearly not against the fireplace)
To accentuate the amazing fireplace with the artwork above, the coffee table should be tiny or practically invisible.
i have a mantel in my bedroom (not attached to an actual fireplace) and I have the *side* of my bed pushed up to it, with my desk at the headboard of my bed. it looks great and i get a lot of complements on the unorthodox arrangement.