Floating shelves next to a fireplace are my go-to trick for turning awkward side nooks into a polished, built-in look without bulky cabinetry. I’ve built and styled a lot of these setups, and the right shelves can make your fireplace feel bigger, warmer, and way more personal.
Floor-to-Ceiling Shelf Column
Running floating shelves nearly floor-to-ceiling beside the fireplace draws your eye up and makes ceilings feel taller. I’ve installed these in smaller living rooms, and the vertical lines seriously help the fireplace wall feel grand instead of cramped.
You might like:
- Floating Wood Shelves: Create height and elegance by installing several of these floating shelves vertically in an empty alcove.
- Matte Ceramic Vases: Add texture to your display with simple, matte ceramic vases perfect for holding dried grasses or stems.
- Woven Storage Basket: Keep the fireplace area tidy while adding warmth by placing a natural woven basket near the hearth.
Symmetrical Shelves on Both Sides
The most classic look is matching floating shelves flanking the fireplace so the whole wall feels balanced—I do this when a room needs instant calm. In my projects, keeping both sides identical makes styling so much easier because you can mirror shapes without copying everything.
A few relevant products:
- Natural Wood Floating Shelves: Add warmth to your living room and achieve that symmetrical look by installing these classic natural wood shelves.
- Recessed LED Shelf Lighting Kit: Highlight your bookshelf display and create ambiance by easily adding sleek, low-profile lighting under each shelf.
- Decorative Ceramic Vase Set: Style your new shelves effortlessly with varied ceramic vases that bring texture and balance to your fireplace design.
Match the Mantel Wood Tone
I love when the floating shelves next to the fireplace match the mantel stain, because it reads like one custom woodworking package. I’ve used the same stain recipe across all pieces and it immediately made the surround look intentional instead of “added later.”
Check if these fit your needs:
- Unfinished Floating Wood Shelves: Select unfinished solid wood shelves to apply your own custom stain matching your existing fireplace mantel perfectly.
- Wood Stain and Sealer: Use high-quality wood stains to achieve the exact rich, warm brown tone seen in custom fireplace designs.
- Heavy Duty Hidden Shelf Brackets: Support your custom timber shelves securely with invisible hardware that maintains the clean, floating aesthetic.
Thick Beam-Style Shelves
Chunky, beam-like floating shelves next to a fireplace bring that cozy farmhouse weight without needing full built-ins. I’ve boxed in shelves to look thicker than the lumber actually is, and it’s one of my favorite budget-friendly illusions.
Might be a good match:
- Rough-Hewn Floating Pine Mantel Shelf: Add rustic charm immediately with this sturdy shelf that mimics the look of solid reclaimed barn wood beams.
- White Ceramic Textured Vase Set: Style your new chunky shelves with these neutral, textured vases that perfectly complement natural wood tones.
- Natural Dried Pampas Grass Bundle: Bring organic height and softness to your fireplace display with these fluffy, low-maintenance natural grass stems.
Evenly Spaced Three-Shelf Stack
A simple set of three floating shelves next to the fireplace is the layout I recommend when you want “done” without overthinking it. I usually mock the spacing with painter’s tape first, and it saves me from that annoying “why does this feel off?” moment later.
A few choices to try:
- Light Oak Floating Shelves: Achieve this minimalist look by installing thick, wood-finish shelves that provide sturdy support for your favorite decor pieces.
- Painter’s Tape: Perfect your layout before drilling by using this essential tool to visualize height and spacing directly on your wall.
- Ceramic Vases & Decor: Style your new shelves instantly with neutral, textured vases that add visual interest without overwhelming the simple design.
Floating Shelves Over Base Cabinets
Pairing floating shelves next to the fireplace with lower cabinets gives you the best of both worlds—pretty display up top and real-life storage down low. I’ve done this for families who need to hide remotes and games, and it still photographs like a magazine wall.
These products might help:
- Natural Wood Floating Shelves: Recreate this airy, modern look by installing minimalistic wood shelves designed to cleanly display your favorite decor pieces.
- Woven Storage Baskets: Add texture and conceal clutter effortlessly with natural seagrass or wicker baskets that fit perfectly onto open shelving.
- Ceramic Ribbed Vase: Incorporate subtle visual interest using white or neutral ceramic vases, ideal for holding dried pampas grass or stems.
Add a Shiplap-Style Back Panel
A planked wood backer behind floating shelves beside the fireplace adds texture and makes decor pop without needing more stuff. I’ve used simple tongue-and-groove boards (or even ripped plywood strips) and it instantly warmed up a plain drywall nook.
Consider these options:
- Peel and Stick Wood Planking: Instantly create a shiplap look behind your shelves with easy-to-apply adhesive wood planks for quick texture enhancement.
- Brad Nailer Kit: Secure your tongue-and-groove boards or plywood strips firmly and neatly for a professional, long-lasting finish.
- Matte White Interior Paint: Brighten your new paneling and unify the look with a fresh coat of high-quality matte white paint.
Contrast Against Stone or Brick
If your fireplace is stone or brick, clean-lined floating shelves next to it are an easy contrast that keeps the wall from feeling too heavy. I’ve stained shelves a shade darker than the stone, and that extra depth makes the whole surround look richer.
Useful items to consider:
- Dark Walnut Floating Shelves: Add warmth and contrast to your stone wall with these deep-stained shelves that create a rich, classic look.
- Modern Ceramic Vases: Lighten the heaviness of stone by displaying sleek, minimalist ceramic vases that offer a clean visual break.
- Decorative Book Sets: Style your new shelves effortlessly with neutral decorative books that add sophistication without cluttering the visual space.
Style With Books, Pots, and Greenery
My favorite styling formula for floating shelves next to the fireplace is stacked books, a couple pottery pieces, and one living plant per side. I always leave some breathing room because crowded shelves can fight the fireplace instead of supporting it.
Explore these options:
- Textured Ceramic Vases: Add visual interest to your mantel with these pieces that bring organic warmth and artisanal charm.
- Decorative Hardcover Books: Create the perfect base for styling by stacking these neutral-toned books to elevate your decor items.
- Trailing Potted Plants (Real or Faux): Soften the edges of your brick fireplace with lush greenery that cascades elegantly from the shelf.
Bottom Shelf for Baskets and Blankets
I like placing the lowest floating shelf next to the fireplace at a height that lets a basket tuck underneath for throws and kindling. I’ve done this in my own cozy setups, and it keeps the space functional without looking like storage.
Some handy options:
- Large Rectangular Wicker Storage Basket: Store cozy throws in natural textures to add warmth and keep your living space tidy and organized.
- Rustic Reclaimed Wood Floating Shelf: Install a sturdy wooden ledge to display decor and create space below for essential storage baskets.
- Soft Cream Knit Throw Blanket: Add a layer of comfort and style by draping neutral-toned blankets over your storage baskets.
Center Art, Frame the Sides
When I’m styling a statement piece over the fireplace, I keep the floating shelves next to it quieter so the whole wall feels curated, not chaotic. I’ve found that repeating just one accent color on both sides ties everything back to the center beautifully.
Try these:
- Set of White Ceramic Vases: Use simple white ceramic vases to add varied height and texture without overwhelming your centered artwork.
- Woven Storage Baskets: Incorporate natural woven baskets on lower shelves or floors to add warmth and hide clutter stylishly.
- Wooden Picture Frames: Keep shelves cohesive by displaying small prints or photos in wood frames that match your mantel.
Slim, Modern Shelves for Small Nooks
If your side nooks are tight, slim floating shelves next to the fireplace look lighter and make the wall feel less crowded. I’ve used thinner profiles with hidden brackets, and it’s the easiest way to get that clean, modern “floating” effect.
May just do the trick:
- Solid Oak Floating Shelf: Upgrade your nook with a solid wood shelf that adds natural warmth and matches modern fireplace mantels perfectly.
- Heavy-Duty Hidden Shelf Brackets: Create your own custom shelving using these invisible brackets for a truly clean, floating appearance on any wall.
- Slim Profile Wood Mantel Shelf: Install this sleek, pre-finished mantel shelf to achieve a sophisticated look without overwhelming tight spaces near fireplaces.
Reclaimed Wood for Rustic Warmth
Nothing beats reclaimed wood floating shelves beside a fireplace for instant character—knots, nail holes, and all. I’ve milled old boards for these, and the imperfections make the fireplace wall feel like it has a story.
A few helpful options:
- Reclaimed Wood Floating Shelf: Instantly add rustic charm to your fireplace wall with a shelf that highlights beautiful natural grain textures.
- Matte Black Floating Shelf Brackets: Secure your reclaimed boards safely with hidden brackets that create a seamless, professional floating appearance.
- Clear Matte Wood Sealer: Protect your reclaimed timber from heat and dust while preserving its natural, matte look without unwanted shine.
Live-Edge Shelves for Organic Texture
A live-edge floating shelf next to the fireplace is such a conversation starter because the natural curve breaks up all the straight lines. I’ve sealed live edge slabs for this exact spot, and the wood grain looks especially gorgeous in firelight.
Some ideas to consider:
- Live Edge Floating Wood Shelf: Instantly add rustic warmth to your living room with a unique, natural wood shelf for display.
- Heavy Duty Floating Shelf Brackets: Ensure your solid wood slab stays secure and level with these hidden, industrial-strength support hardware.
- Wood Conditioner and Sealer: Protect your live-edge shelf and enhance natural grain patterns with a quality, easy-to-apply wood finish.
Hidden LED Glow Under Each Shelf
Adding warm LED lighting under floating shelves next to the fireplace makes the nook feel like a high-end built-in at night. I’ve routed a small channel for the strip before finishing, and that little detail delivers major ambiance.
Possibly handy products:
- Warm White LED Strip Light Kit: Add a soft, inviting glow beneath your shelves to instantly elevate the cozy ambiance of your fireplace area.
- Diffuser Channels for LED Strips: Install these aluminum tracks to hide the strip itself and create a spotless, professional-looking light without hotspots.
- Rechargeable Motion Sensor Lights: Skip likely complicated wiring with these stick-on, battery-operated bars for a quick, wireless lighting upgrade.
Arched Nook Look Without Full Construction
You can fake an arched built-in by adding a simple curved face frame above floating shelves beside the fireplace. I’ve bent thin wood strips for the arch and it creates that soft, custom shape without committing to full cabinetry.
Products that could assist:
- Bendable Wood Veneer Edging: Create a smooth, custom arched trim for your shelves by applying this flexible veneer to curved plywood edges.
- Floating Wall Shelves (Oak Finis): Install these sturdy shelves as the base for your project, providing essential storage space next to your fireplace.
- Jigsaw for Curved Cuts: Use this essential power tool to precisely cut the arched shape from your plywood or wood facing material.
Wraparound Shelves Around the Chimney Bump-Out
If the fireplace sticks out, I’ve built floating shelves that wrap the corner so you get display space on the front and the side. It’s a surprisingly easy “architectural” move that makes the whole bump-out look intentional.
You might give these a try:
- Heavy Duty Floating Shelf Brackets: Ensure your custom wraparound shelves stay secure and level with these sturdy, hidden mounting brackets.
- Solid Rustic Wood Floating Shelves: Achieve that warm, natural look instantly with ready-made solid wood shelves perfect for alcove spaces.
- Decorative Woven Storage Baskets: Hide clutter at the base of your new shelving unit with textured, natural woven baskets.
Asymmetrical Heights for a Collected Vibe
Not every floating shelf next to the fireplace has to match—staggered heights can look artsy and relaxed when you style it thoughtfully. I’ve done asymmetry when one side needs to clear a window or vent, and it still feels cohesive with repeated wood tones.
Items that may come in handy:
- Natural Oak Floating Shelves: Create a warm, custom look by staggering these sturdy shelves to perfectly fit your unique wall space.
- Ceramic Vases in Neutral Tones: Add texture and height to your asymmetrical display with simple, handcrafted ceramic vases in soft white shades.
- Small Potted Artificial Plants: Bring life to your fireplace nook with low-maintenance greenery that balances out your staggered shelf arrangement.
Resin Inlay Accent for a Subtle Wow
For a jaw-drop detail, I’ve poured a slim resin inlay line into floating shelves next to the fireplace, almost like a vein running through the wood. Kept subtle and neutral, it catches light beautifully and makes the shelves feel like functional art beside the fire.
Check these products out:
- Epoxy Resin Kit: Create your custom inlay with a clear, durable epoxy resin kit perfect for wood accents.
- Mica Powder Pigment Set: Add subtle shimmer and neutral color to your resin pour with these fine cosmetic-grade powders.
- Wood Router Tool: Carve precise channels into your floating shelves to prepare the perfect space for your resin inlay.
