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Fireplace With Built-Ins on Each Side: Design Ideas to Elevate Style

January 3, 2025
Home » Recent » Fireplace With Built-Ins on Each Side: Design Ideas to Elevate Style

Fireplace with Built-Ins on Each Side: A Stylish and Functional Design Solution

A luxurious white interior with built-in shelves and a central fireplace, perfect for modern homes.

A fireplace is more than a source of warmth—it’s the heart of a room, the design focal point where all eyes are drawn. But you know what elevates it to a whole new level? Built-ins on either side. Whether you’re working with a cozy cottage or a spacious modern home, adding custom built-ins around your fireplace can transform the space into both a stunning and functional feature.

Why Built-Ins Just Make Sense

Fireplace built-ins aren’t just about looking good—they’re also masters of multitasking. They combine the visual appeal of a cohesive design feature with the practicality of added storage. Need a space to organize books, display cherished decor, or tuck away clutter? Built-ins have your back.

With options ranging from open shelving to closed cabinets, you can personalize your setup based on need and style. Plus, they make the entire wall feel intentional and balanced, creating symmetry even in the most asymmetrical of rooms.

fireplace with built-ins on each side

Design Options That Wow

When it comes to built-ins, the sky’s the limit. Here are a few ideas to help you plan your perfect fireplace wall:

  1. Open Shelves & Closed Cabinets Pairing
    A classic combination, open shelves on top can display your favorite books or curated decor, while closed base cabinets keep board games, kids’ toys, or electronics out of sight.
  2. Floor-to-Ceiling Drama
    For tall rooms or blank walls, going floor-to-ceiling with your built-ins can add a sense of grandeur. Pair them with stylish sconces or integrated lighting to highlight the height, and voilà—your fireplace wall becomes the architectural centerpiece it deserves to be.
  3. Asymmetrical Flair
    Looking for something fresh? Try mixing it up. For instance, a cozy window bench on one side of the fireplace and tall shelving on the other brings personality and a unique energy to the room.
  4. Mixed Materials for Depth
    Add texture and contrast by incorporating different materials, like matte cabinets with glossy floating shelves or rustic wooden finishes alongside sleek metal hardware.
  5. Themed Styles
    • Rustic Charm: Reclaimed wood shelves paired with a stone fireplace for a warm, natural vibe.
    • Modern Minimalism: Go sleek and simple with geometric shelving and a monochromatic palette.
    • Coastal Cool: Think whitewashed cabinets, driftwood accents, and breezy blue decor.

Elegant modern living room featuring stylish decor, bookshelves, and a cozy fireplace.

Style Key Features Material Choices
Classic Chic Open shelves + base cabinets with clean lines Painted wood, glass accents
Rustic Charm Natural wood and earthy tones Reclaimed wood, stone finishes
Modern Minimalism Sleek, floating shelves Glass, metal, matte finishes

Planning Tips for Built-Ins

Before grabbing your tools or hiring a contractor, it’s important to plan out the details:

  • Measure First, Dream Later: Take precise measurements of your fireplace and surrounding wall space. Save yourself future headaches by mapping out your vision with detailed drawings.
  • Proportion Is Key: Aim for built-ins proportional to your fireplace—typically, leaving 24-36 inches of free space on either side ensures a balanced look.
  • Material Cohesion: Use finishes and colors that complement your fireplace, tying the entire feature wall together. For example, if your fireplace has a stone surround, consider carrying that texture to the built-in shelves or cabinet tops.
  • Mind the Lighting: Recessed lights or accent sconces within your built-ins showcase decor and create a warm ambiance that draws the eye across the fireplace wall.

DIY or Professional Help?

This is the big decision. Building your own built-ins is incredibly rewarding—and cost-effective. Using plywood, pocket hole screws, and a few power tools, many DIYers pull off results that rival professional work, at a fraction of the price. On average, DIY built-ins cost about $1,500 in materials compared to $3,000–$5,000 for professional installations. However, built-ins are intricate projects requiring carpentry skills and patience. Hiring a pro may be the better route if precision or time is a concern. If you’re not sure where to start, consider combining efforts: let the pros frame the built-ins while you tackle painting and finishing touches.

Bringing It All Together

When styled thoughtfully, built-ins don’t just frame a fireplace; they frame your life. Think of them as evolving canvases—seasonal decor swaps, family photo displays, or even a rotating shelf of your current reads. If you’re inspired by the idea of bringing cozy elegance into your home, you might enjoy exploring rustic chic home decor.

So, what’s your perfect fireplace wall combo? Share your vision, decor ideas, or even photos of your finished fireplace built-ins in the comments below! Let’s inspire each other to make the heart of the home even warmer—and way more stylish.

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And there you have it—an elegant, cohesive way to make your fireplace the star of the room with those delightful built-ins. If you’re feeling inspired and ready to delve into more innovative design ideas, we’d love to connect and continue this creative journey with you! Whether you’re searching for fresh decor tips or just want to admire some fabulous interiors, pop over to our Pinterest boards. Peek behind the scenes and explore finished projects by following us on Instagram. Join the conversation and share your own fireplace projects with us on X (formerly Twitter), or say hi and connect with our community over on Facebook. We can’t wait to see how you bring your vision to life!

Is it a good idea to add built-ins adjacent to a fireplace?

Absolutely! Enhancing your fireplace area with built-ins can create a stunning feature wall. While your fireplace is already attractive, adding built-ins can elevate the entire wall, making it an impressive focal point in your room.

What is the term for a fireplace that is accessible from both sides?

A see-through fireplace can enhance the atmosphere of two separate spaces simultaneously. Often used as both a room divider and a connector between indoor and outdoor areas, this type of fireplace serves as a captivating centerpiece within the home.

How does a double-sided fireplace function?

A double-sided fireplace offers the advantage of heating two rooms at once, unlike a traditional fireplace that only warms a single space. Opting for a double-sided model can be a cost-effective choice, saving you money as well as valuable floor and wall space compared to installing separate fireplaces in different rooms.

What is the cost of installing built-ins around a fireplace?

The expense of adding built-ins around a fireplace can be influenced by the size of the wall being outfitted. Typically, costs can range from $2,500 to $6,800, based on information from happystartsathome.com. Alternatively, pricing might be estimated between $300 and $1,200 per linear foot, according to homeadvisor.com.

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January 3, 2025

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JJ

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I enjoy designing and curating experiences both virtually and in 3-dimensional reality.
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