Creating a Focal Point Above Fireplaces with Wallpaper
Fireplaces beg for attention, don’t they? They’re the heart of a room, a cozy hub where stories unfold, and yet, the wall above them often sits there, neglected, like a blank canvas screaming for personality. Wallpaper transforms that empty space into a showstopper, and I’m rushing through this to spill all the ways you can make that fireplace wall pop with plants, mirrors, candles, and more. Let’s get to it, because who has time to waste when there’s decorating to do?
🌿 Wallpaper as the Star of the Show
Wallpaper isn’t just a backdrop; it slaps a bold statement right above your fireplace. Picture this: a client I worked with had a dull, beige wall above her mantel, and she was over it. We slapped on a vibrant botanical print—think oversized ferns and monstera leaves—and suddenly, her living room felt like a jungle retreat. Choose wallpapers with big, dramatic patterns, like florals or geometric shapes, to grab attention. Don’t shy away from textures either—grasscloth or faux brick adds depth that makes the fireplace feel like it’s hugging the room. Pair that wallpaper with a sleek mirror or a cluster of candle holders, and you’ve got a focal point that screams, “Look at me!”
“Wallpaper doesn’t just cover a wall; it tells a story, sets a mood, and makes your fireplace the room’s undeniable hero.”
🪴 Plants and Flowers for a Living Touch
Nothing says “alive” like greenery, and plants above a fireplace soften the wallpaper’s boldness. I once saw a friend plop a row of cascading pothos in sleek planters on her mantel, with a tropical wallpaper behind it—pure magic, like the wall was breathing. Use flower pots or planters with pops of color (ceramic blues or mustard yellows) to contrast the wallpaper. Or, try vases stuffed with fresh peonies or dried eucalyptus for a low-maintenance vibe. The trick? Mix heights and textures—tall grasses in a skinny vase next to a squat succulent pot. It’s like styling a shelf, but with life. Just don’t overcrowd; you want the wallpaper to shine, not hide.
🌸 Pro Tip: Rotate seasonal blooms in vases to keep the look fresh—tulips in spring, sunflowers in summer.
🌿 Bonus: Hang a small noticeboard with pressed flowers to tie the plant theme together.
🕯️ Candle Holders and Candles for Warmth
Candles are the ultimate mood-setters, and they play nice with wallpaper’s drama. Imagine a moody, navy wallpaper with metallic accents, then add a trio of brass candle holders flickering on the mantel. I tried this in my own home, and let me tell you, it’s like the room got a warm hug. Mix sizes—tall tapers with short votives—for visual interest. If you’re feeling fancy, scatter some mirrored candle plates to bounce light and make the wallpaper’s colors pop. Worried about wax? Battery-operated candles work just as well, especially with kids or pets running around.
🕯️ Quick Hack: Group candles in odd numbers (three or five) for a balanced, eye-pleasing look.
🔥 Safety Note: Keep flames away from overhanging plants or paper decorations.
🪞 Mirrors to Amplify the Wow Factor
Mirrors are wallpaper’s best friend, reflecting light and making the room feel bigger. A colleague once hung a massive, ornate mirror above a fireplace with subtle, shimmery wallpaper—think pearl tones—and it was like the room doubled in size. Round mirrors soften bold patterns, while angular ones match geometric prints. For extra flair, lean a mirror against the wall instead of hanging it; it’s casual yet chic. Pair it with a storage basket on the mantel to hold remotes or matches, keeping things tidy but stylish. The mirror doesn’t just decorate—it works overtime, bouncing the wallpaper’s colors around like a disco ball.
🧺 Storage Boxes and Baskets for Function-Meets-Style
Who says storage can’t be gorgeous? Storage boxes or baskets on or above the mantel keep clutter at bay while adding texture. I helped a neighbor style her fireplace with a woven basket holding extra throw blankets, paired with a chevron wallpaper. It was practical and pretty, like a Pinterest board come to life. Choose baskets with natural materials—seagrass or rattan—to complement floral wallpapers, or go sleek with lacquered boxes for modern prints. Stack a couple for height, then top with a small vase or candle holder. It’s like giving your fireplace a personality that says, “I’m organized, but I make it look effortless.”
🧺 Style Tip: Use baskets with lids to hide messy odds and ends.
📦 Mix It Up: Combine boxes with different finishes—wood, metal, or fabric—for a curated vibe.
🖼️ Noticeboards for a Personal Touch
Noticeboards aren’t just for offices; they’re a quirky way to personalize your fireplace wall. Pin up family photos, kids’ artwork, or even dried flowers to tie into the wallpaper’s theme. I once saw a noticeboard covered in burlap, pinned with polaroids, above a fireplace with vintage floral wallpaper—total charm overload. Place it slightly off-center for a relaxed look, and pair it with a bowl or vase on the mantel for balance. It’s like a scrapbook, but chicer, and it invites guests to linger and admire your story.
🏺 Vases and Bowls for Artistic Flair
Vases and bowls are the jewelry of your fireplace decor, adding polish without stealing the wallpaper’s thunder. A ceramic vase with a bold glaze—say, emerald green—pops against neutral or patterned wallpaper. Fill it with dried pampas grass for drama or leave it empty for minimalist vibes. Bowls, meanwhile, can hold decorative orbs or even colorful stones. I once styled a mantel with a shallow wooden bowl and a geometric wallpaper, and it felt like the room was wearing a statement necklace. Keep scale in mind—oversized pieces work best for larger fireplaces, while smaller ones suit cozy nooks.
🏺 Design Hack: Use a tray to corral smaller vases and bowls for a cohesive look.
🎨 Color Play: Match vase hues to the wallpaper’s accent colors for harmony.
⚡ Pulling It All Together with Confidence
Mixing wallpaper with decor is like throwing a party—everyone needs to get along, but you want a few bold personalities to stand out. Start with the wallpaper as your base, then layer in mirrors, plants, candles, and storage with intention. Don’t overthink it; if it feels right, it probably is. A friend once panicked about “ruining” her fireplace wall, but we tossed up a floral wallpaper, a mirror, and some candles, and she’s still raving about it. Trust your gut, play with textures, and let the fireplace be the room’s rockstar.
As designer Kelly Wearstler once said, “The best rooms are the ones that feel like they’ve been collected over time.” So, grab that wallpaper, scatter some vases, and make that fireplace wall a masterpiece that’s uniquely you.