37 Living Room Fireplace with Built-Ins On Each Side Ideas
Looking for ways to make your fireplace stand out? Built-ins on each side offer both style and function for any living room. Many homeowners struggle with making their fireplace area look put-together and useful at the same time.
A fireplace with built-ins creates a focal point that draws guests in while giving you extra storage space. This setup works in homes of all sizes and styles.
This blog will show you certain ideas for fireplace built-ins that can change how your living room looks and feels. From simple bookshelves to TV units and display cabinets, these plans can fit any budget and taste.
Ready to see how built-ins can add value to your living room? Take a look at the best fireplace built-in ideas that combine good looks with real-world use.
Why Choose a Fireplace with Built-Ins
Adding built-ins next to your fireplace makes good sense for many reasons:
- First, they save space by using walls that might otherwise stay empty. When you have books, photos, or items you want to show off, built-ins give you the perfect spot without taking up floor space.
- Built-ins also help your room look more put together. They create a clean, planned look that ties the whole wall together, with your fireplace as the star.
- Money matters too – built-ins can add value to your home. Future buyers often see them as a plus since they add both beauty and use.
- Another big win is how built-ins can hide the not-so-pretty stuff. TV cords, remotes, game systems, and other items can all find homes inside cabinets or drawers, keeping your space tidy.
- Built-ins also let you show your style. You can make them match your home’s look, from plain and simple to fancy and detailed. The color, shape, and size can all be changed to fit what you like.
Best Living Room Fireplace Ideas with Built-Ins
The right built-ins can change how your whole living room looks and works. Each of these ideas offers a fresh take on the classic fireplace with a built-in setup.
Some focus on style, others on storage, but all aim to make your living room more useful and good-looking. Browse through these options to find the perfect match for your home’s style and your family’s needs.
1. Open Shelving with Base Cabinets
Simple open shelves above closed cabinets give you both display space and hidden storage. This mix works well for most homes and can be changed to match any style.
How It is Effective
- Creates balance between open and closed storage
- Allows easy access to often-used items on shelves
- Hides less pretty items in cabinets below
- Can be painted to match or stand out from your walls
- Works in both small and large spaces
2. Built-in Bookcases
Floor-to-ceiling bookcases frame your fireplace and turn it into a reading nook. This classic look never goes out of style and makes good use of wall space.
Books around a fireplace also add color and warmth to the room.
How It is Effective
- Holds large book collections without taking up floor space
- Creates a warm, smart look in any living room
- Can be backed with color for extra pop
- Makes a strong focal point with the fireplace
- Turns unused wall space into useful storage
3. TV-Ready Entertainment Center
One side holds the TV while the other has shelves or cabinets. This setup brings together two main living room focuses – the fireplace and TV.
It solves the common problem of where to put the TV in a room with a fireplace.
How It is Effective
- Keeps your TV at a good height for viewing
- Hides cables and media equipment
- Balances tech with the warmth of a fireplace
- Saves space by putting two main features on one wall
- Can be sized to fit any TV
4. Window Seat Flanks
Add window seats with storage on each side of the fireplace. This gives both seating and storage while making a cozy spot.
The seats can have lids that lift to store blankets, games, or other items inside.
How It is Effective
- Adds extra seating for guests
- Creates a cozy reading nook
- Offers hidden storage under the seats
- Makes use of small spaces on each side
- Draws attention to the fireplace as a focal point
5. Glass-Front Display Cabinets
Glass doors protect your best items while still showing them off. This works well for showing collections or fancy dishes.
The glass adds a bit of shine and makes the whole setup look more high-end.
How It is Effective
- Keeps dust off special items
- Adds a touch of class to the room
- Lets you see what’s stored inside
- Can be lit from within for extra glow
- Makes everyday items look more special
6. Wine Storage Units
Built-in wine racks and glass storage make a grown-up look. Great for those who like to host and want to show off their wine.
These units can be made with slots for bottles and hooks for hanging glasses.
How It is Effective
- Keeps bottles stored the right way
- Shows off your wine collection
- Puts glasses within easy reach
- Adds a fancy touch to your living room
- Makes having friends over for drinks more fun
7. Toy Storage Solutions
Kid-friendly cabinets keep toys tidy but easy to reach. Lower drawers and bins work well for child access while keeping the room looking neat.
This setup grows with your family as toy storage can later be used for other things.
How It is Effective
- Keeps toys out of sight when not in use
- Teaches kids to clean up after play
- Blends child-friendly function with adult style
- Can be changed as kids grow up
- Makes the living room work for the whole family
8. Matching Wood Tones
Built-ins made from the same wood as your floor or trim create a smooth, well-planned look. This tied-together style makes the room feel more high-end and planned.
The wood tones bring warmth that works well with a fireplace.
How It is Effective
- Creates a custom, planned look
- Adds natural warmth to the room
- Makes the space feel bigger and more open
- Shows care and thought in your design
- Ages well over time as wood gets more character
9. Painted Color-Pop Built-Ins
Bold color on your built-ins makes them stand out from white or neutral walls. This can be a full color or just a colored back panel.
The bright touch adds life to the room without going overboard.
How It is Effective
- Makes a strong style statement
- Can match other colored items in the room
- Easier to change than colored walls
- Draws the eye to your fireplace wall
- Adds joy and fun to the space
10. Sleek Modern Floating Shelves
Thin shelves with no visible supports look clean and now. This style works well in modern homes and makes small spaces look bigger.
The floating look keeps things light and not too heavy-feeling.
How It is Effective
- Takes up less visual space than full bookcases
- Easy to clean under and around
- Gives a light, airy feel to the room
- Puts focus on the items on display
- Works well in small living rooms
11. Rustic Wood and Metal Mix
Raw wood shelves with metal brackets bring cabin charm to any home. This style works really well with stone or brick fireplaces. The mix of hard and soft feels balanced and full of life.
How It is Effective
- Adds texture and weight to the room
- Brings an outdoorsy feel to your space
- Strong enough to hold heavy items
- Ages well and looks better with wear
- Fits with many home styles
12. Built-In Plant Shelving
Shelves should be made for plants with grow lights or good sun exposure. This green touch brings life and fresh air to your living room. Plants and fire make a nice pair of two natural elements.
How It is Effective
- Brings nature inside
- Adds color and life to the room
- Helps clean the air in your home
- Makes a good spot for plants to grow
- Creates a fresh, healthy feel
13. Desk Nooks
A small desk built into one or both sides makes a mini office space. This works well for homes short on room or for quick computer tasks.
The desk feels tucked away but still part of the room.
How It is Effective
- Makes use of space that might be wasted
- Gives a spot for paying bills or quick work
- Blends office space into living areas
- Can be hidden with doors when not in use
- Makes a small home more useful
14. Curved or Arched Built-Ins
Soft curves at the top of your built-ins add grace and style. This small touch makes standard built-ins feel more special and planned. The curves can match other rounded items in your home.
How It is Effective
- Softens the look of straight lines
- Feels more formal and fancy
- Can match arches in other parts of the home
- Draws the eye up to high ceilings
- Makes the whole setup look more made-to-order
15. Media Component Storage
Special spots sized just right for cable boxes, game systems, and other tech. This keeps all your tech where you need it but not on show. Holes in the back for cords keep everything neat.
How It is Effective
- Hides ugly tech boxes
- Keeps cords and cables out of sight
- Makes sure tech stays cool with air flow
- Puts remote controls within reach
- Makes your tech setup look planned
16. Art Display Shelving
Thin ledges made for leaning and changing artwork with ease. This style lets you change your art often without making new holes. Pictures around a fireplace create a gallery-like focal point.
How It is Effective
- Makes it easy to swap art when you want change
- No need to hang frames on the wall
- Can hold art of many sizes
- Lets you layer pieces for more depth
- Shows off your taste and style
17. Pull-Out Drawers Inside Cabinets
Hidden drawers that slide out for easy access to small items. This makes the most of deep cabinets where things might get lost. Full-size drawers hide inside what looks like a normal cabinet door.
How It is Effective
- Keeps small things from getting lost
- Makes the back of cabinets easy to reach
- Sorts items by type or use
- Adds extra function without changing looks
- Makes storage more useful and smart
18. Two-Tone Paint Finish
Cabinets in one color and shelves in another for visual interest. This can mean dark cabinets with light shelves or the other way around. The mix makes things more fun than all one color.
How It is Effective
- Adds depth and style to plain built-ins
- Can tie in with other room colors
- Makes certain parts stand out more
- Looks more planned and custom
- Shows care and thought in your design
19. Fireplace TV Combo
A spot for the TV right above the fireplace with storage on both sides. This layout saves wall space and makes one main focus wall. The setup must be planned to keep the TV safe from heat.
How It is Effective
- Saves space in small rooms
- Creates one main wall to arrange chairs toward
- Puts the TV at a good height for viewing
- Keeps tech gear stored but handy
- Makes the living room well thought out
20. Corner Built-In Units
L-shaped built-ins that wrap around a corner fireplace. This layout makes the most of corner fireplaces which can be hard to work with. The L shape creates a cozy nook effect.
How It is Effective
- Uses space that might go to waste
- Makes a corner fireplace look planned
- Wraps the seating area in warmth
- Can hold more books or items
- Creates a room within a room feel
21. Hidden Bar Storage
Closed cabinets that open to show bottles, glasses, and bar tools. This grown-up touch keeps drinks handy but not on show all the time. The bar can be as big or small as you need.
How It is Effective
- Keeps bottles safe from dust and light
- Hides bar items when not in use
- Can be locked if there are kids
- Makes hosting guests easy
- Adds a touch of class to your room
22. Built-In Benches
Seating that runs along the wall on one or both sides of the fireplace. This seating can work with a table or just as extra spots to sit. The benches make good use of wall space.
How It is Effective
- Adds seating without big chairs
- Can have storage inside bench tops
- Makes the fireplace feel like a cozy nook
- Takes up less space than standard chairs
- Creates a built-in conversation spot
23. Stone or Brick Surround
The same stone or brick from the fireplace runs through the built-ins. This makes the whole wall feel like one big planned feature. The stone adds depth and sets the built-ins apart from the wall.
How It is Effective
- Adds texture and natural feel
- Makes the fireplace look bigger
- Ties the whole wall together
- Stands up well to wear and tear
- Creates a main wall that stands out
24. Hidden TV Behind Art
Art on tracks slides aside to show a TV hidden behind. This keeps the TV out of sight when not in use for a more formal room. The art can be chosen to match your style and decor.
How It is Effective
- Keeps the focus on style not tech
- Makes the room look more high-end
- Protects the TV when not in use
- Lets you have both art and TV
- Adds a cool, surprise factor
25. Reading Nook with Lights
Small spot with a seat, shelves, and good lights for reading. This turns the fireplace area into a cozy spot to curl up with a book. The lights make sure you can see well even at night.
How It is Effective
- Creates a cozy spot just for books
- Adds task lights for night reading
- Makes use of the warmth from the fire
- Gives a place to sit away from the TV
- Adds a cozy touch to your living room
26. Floor-to-Ceiling Glass Units
All-glass fronted cabinets that run the full height of the wall. These show off your items while keeping them dust-free and safe. The glass adds shine and reflects light around the room.
How It is Effective
- Makes the ceiling look higher
- Shows off items from all angles
- Bounces light around the room
- Keeps all items on view but safe
- Adds a clean, high-end look
27. Basket Storage System
Open cubes sized for baskets to slide in and out for storage. This casual look works well in laid-back homes and beach houses. The baskets add texture and make cleanup quick and easy.
How It is Effective
- Easy to grab what you need
- Makes cleanup simple and fast
- Adds natural texture to the room
- Works well for toys and blankets
- Can be changed and moved as needed
28. Farmhouse Style Built-Ins
Shiplap or beadboard backs with simple white or wood shelves. This country-cozy style works in many homes and feels warm and lived-in. The wood adds texture without being too fancy.
How Is it Effective
- Adds charm and country feel
- Easy to touch up with paint
- Not too fussy or formal
- Works well with most home styles
- Makes the room feel more cozy
29. Hidden Doors to Storage
What looks like part of the built-in opens to show hidden storage space. This trick makes use of wasted space behind walls or in small nooks. The door blends in with the rest of the built-ins.
How It is Effective
- Uses every inch of wall space
- Keeps clutter truly out of sight
- Makes a fun surprise element
- Gives more storage than meets the eye
- Works well in older homes with odd spaces
30. Pet Beds or Crates
A spot made just for your pet to sleep near the family and fire. This keeps pet beds off the floor and makes them part of your room design. The pet spot can match the style of the rest of the built-ins.
How It is Effective
- Keeps pet items off the floor
- Gives pets a spot near family
- Looks better than store-bought beds
- Makes pet items part of your decor
- Keeps pets warm by the fire
31. Slim Pull-Out Pantry Style Storage
Thin cabinets that pull out to show items stored on the door and inside. This makes use of narrow spaces that might be hard to reach otherwise. The pull-outs hold more than you might think.
How It is Effective
- Uses narrow spaces well
- Makes all items easy to see
- Holds more than standard shelves
- Good for DVDs, games, or small items
- Adds smart storage to small spaces
32. Photo Display with Lights
Shelves with small lights made just to show off family photos. The lights make your pictures stand out and feel more special. Photos around a fireplace create a warm family feel.
How It is Effective
- Lights up your family memories
- Makes photos look their best
- Creates a warm glow in the room
- Puts focus on people you love
- Sets a cozy mood in the space
33. Bead Board or Shiplap Backs
Textured wood panel backs that add depth to simple shelves. This small touch makes plain shelves look more high-end and planned. The texture stands out behind books and items on display.
How It is Effective
- Adds texture and depth
- Makes cheap shelves look more custom
- Easier to change than whole built-ins
- Ties in with other wood in the room
- Catches the eye more than plain walls
34. Seasonal Decor Display
Shelves sized and spaced for showing off items that change with seasons. This makes it easy to swap decor and keep your room fresh all year. The items can match holidays or just the time of year.
How It is Effective
- Makes changing decor simple
- Shows off your style through the year
- Keeps the room feeling fresh
- Makes holidays more fun
- Helps the space grow and change
35. Built-In Sound System
Speakers worked into the cabinet design for clean sound without cords. This keeps your music system looking neat and planned. The sound can fill the room without big speaker boxes on show.
How It is Effective
- Hides tech and cords
- Sends sound evenly through the room
- Makes parties more fun
- Keeps floor and table space clear
- Looks like part of the room design
36. Modular Adjustable Shelving
Shelves with pegs or tracks that let you change heights as needed. This makes your storage adapt to what you want to put on it. The system lets you change things up without new built-ins.
How It is Effective
- Changes to fit what you need to store
- Grows with your needs over time
- Works for books, art, or other items
- Lets you make best use of space
- Adds a custom touch to the room
37. Mixed Material Built-Ins
Cabinets that blend wood, metal, glass and other items for depth. This rich mix adds interest and makes the built-ins feel more planned. The mix of stuff makes the room feel lived-in and real.
How It is Effective
- Creates depth and visual interest
- Adds texture to the room
- Looks collected over time, not all at once
- Feels more personal than matching sets
- Makes the room look well-styled
Maintenance and Care Tips
| Maintenance Task | Frequency | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Dusting | Weekly | Use a soft cloth to remove dust, focusing on corners and edges where buildup is common. |
| Glass Door Cleaning | As needed | Use a streak-free glass cleaner applied to a cloth (not directly on glass) to protect wooden frames. |
| Wood Surface Care | Every 3 months | Polish with a wood cleaner suited to your wood type to prevent chemical damage. |
| Fireplace Safety Checks | During fireplace use |
Inspect built-ins near the fireplace for signs of heat damage or wear. Make sure they don’t get too hot. |
| Hardware Tightening | Twice a year | Check and tighten handles, knobs, and hinges to prevent misalignment and wood damage. |
| Seasonal Deep Clean | Every season (4 times a year) | Remove all items, clean shelves thoroughly, and inspect for needed repairs or touch-ups. |
| Book Rotation | Every few months | Move books and heavy items around to prevent sagging shelves and uneven dust accumulation. |
Conclusion
Your living room deserves a fireplace area that looks good and works well. Built-ins on each side of your fireplace can turn a plain wall into a standout feature that guests will notice right away.
The certain ideas shared here offer many ways to make your fireplace area both pretty and useful. From open shelves to hidden storage, there’s a built-in option for every style and need.
Don’t forget to take care of your new built-ins with regular cleaning and checks to keep them looking their best. With the right design and care, your fireplace with built-ins can be a focal point you’ll enjoy for many years.
Ready to start planning? Pick the idea that fits your home best and watch how it changes your living room for the better.
