When centering your space around a focal point, furnishings make all the difference.

Will you want guests to be able to put their feet up?

Are plenty of surfaces for drinks necessary?

living room with pewter hued stucco fireplace, oatmeal colored tweed sofa, marine blue grasscloth wallpaper behind bookshelf area, white oak wooden beams on ceiling, mixed wood chairs with neutral cushions and rattan basket

Credit:Ali Harper

How about a game table?

Finally, will storage be an issue?

Keep Sightlines Clear

Chances are you want your fireplace to be the focal point of your space.

For that reason, its important to keep sightlines as clear as possible.

venture to create breathing space around each section or zone of your room.

This can give a feeling of a more spacious area while also allowing your fireplace to shine.

The same can be said of pairing more petite furnishings with a commanding fireplace.

The scale of the two should feel cohesive.

Keep in mind your rooms color palette as well as the style of your furniture and fireplace.

Feel free to mix aesthetics, but ensure there is cohesion so the array doesnt feel cacophonous.

Finally, move things around until you find the right balance.

Consider it a subtle way to point family and friends in the right direction.

Ensure seating areas are close enough for more intimate conversation.

Create Symmetry

Symmetry can be important when styling furniture around a fireplace.

But, in certain applications, asymmetrical layouts work just as well.

Go for Built-Ins

A surefire way to create more depth and interest around your fireplace is withbuilt-ins.

If space allows, opt for symmetrical units on either side of the fireplace.

Consider adding library lights, sconces, or wallpaper on the back of shelves for added style.

Think about the viewability of the screen in addition to your spaces focal point.