Ask Joshua: How to Decorate the Blank Walls on Each Side of a Fireplace

Hi Joshua,

I have two large blank walls on either side of my living room fireplace, and I cannot decide what to place there. Artwork already hangs above the fireplace, while the sofa sits against the opposite wall with mirrors above it.

Should I place console tables and gallery walls on both sides of the fireplace, or would shelves and other furniture work better? I want the room to feel complete without covering every wall.

Thank you,

Chelsie - Connecticut

A transitional living room with an asymmetrical furniture arrangement balancing the blank walls on each side of the fireplace, styled by virtual interior designer Joshua Jones of JJones Design Co. This image is an AI-generated rendering.

Hi Chelsie,

Thank you for writing in. The walls on either side of a fireplace can feel difficult to decorate because the fireplace already creates a strong central focal point. Anything added beside it needs to support that focal point without making the entire wall feel crowded or overly symmetrical.

After reviewing the pictures you provided, I do not think you need gallery walls on both sides of the fireplace. You already have artwork above the mantel and mirrors above the sofa, so adding several more collections could make the room feel visually busy. I would use fewer, larger pieces and introduce some functional furniture instead.

Begin With the Architecture

First, compare the width and depth of the two walls. If they are nearly identical, a symmetrical arrangement may feel natural. Matching cabinets, bookcases, or console tables can frame the fireplace and give the wall a more architectural appearance.

If the walls are different sizes or one side connects to a doorway or walkway, do not force them to match. An asymmetrical arrangement can look just as balanced when the objects on each side have similar visual weight.

For example, a substantial bookcase or cabinet on one side could be balanced by an accent chair, floor lamp, and large artwork on the other. The pieces would not be identical, but they would occupy a comparable amount of visual space.

Option One: Add Matching Cabinets or Bookcases

If you need storage, consider placing a freestanding cabinet or bookcase on each side of the fireplace. Choose pieces that are appropriately scaled for the walls and do not crowd the mantel.

Matching furniture will create a more formal and symmetrical appearance. Cabinets with closed lower storage and open shelves above can provide space for books, decorative objects, and media equipment while concealing less attractive items.

Keep the shelf styling edited. Combine books with a few ceramics, framed photographs, and sculptural pieces while leaving some open space. Filling every shelf can make the fireplace wall feel much heavier.

Freestanding pieces can also create the appearance of built-ins without requiring a permanent renovation. Painting the wall behind them or selecting furniture that relates to the mantel can help the entire arrangement feel more cohesive.

Option Two: Use an Asymmetrical Furniture Arrangement

For your room, I particularly like the idea of placing a console table, cabinet, or bookcase on one side of the fireplace and an accent chair on the other.

Hang one large piece of artwork above the console rather than creating another dense gallery wall. On the opposite side, pair the chair with a floor lamp and a small table to create a reading area. This will give each side of the fireplace a function while maintaining visual balance.

A tall plant could also be used beside the chair if the room receives enough natural light. Its organic shape would soften the straight lines of the fireplace and furniture without adding another framed object to the wall.

Option Three: Reconsider the Seating Layout

You could also change the furniture arrangement so the fireplace becomes part of the conversation area rather than something viewed only from the sofa.

Try placing the sofa perpendicular to the fireplace with two chairs facing it from the opposite side. This arrangement would allow more people to enjoy the fireplace while creating a stronger conversation area.

A console table behind the sofa could hold a lamp, books, or a few decorative pieces. If space allows, a tall tree or floor lamp nearby would add height without requiring more artwork.

The wall opposite the fireplace could then become the primary location for a gallery wall. If you place a mirror above the mantel, it may reflect the artwork across the room and make the arrangement feel more connected.

Before moving heavy furniture, mark the proposed placement with painter’s tape or use furniture of a similar size to test the layout. Make sure the new arrangement preserves comfortable walkways and does not block doors, windows, or access to the fireplace.

Choose Art That Supports the Fireplace

Because you already have artwork above the mantel, the pieces beside the fireplace should not compete with it. If you add art to both side walls, select one larger piece for each side rather than several small frames.

The artwork does not need to match, but the pieces should have a relationship through their scale, palette, frame finish, or subject matter. Hang them at a height that relates to the furniture beneath them rather than aligning them automatically with the mantel artwork.

Wall sconces may also work on either side of the fireplace if electrical access and the architecture allow. They can provide symmetry and ambient light without requiring additional furniture. However, their size and placement should be coordinated carefully with the mantel and artwork.

Consider Fireplace Safety and Clearances

Before placing furniture, shelving, artwork, or lighting near the fireplace, review the manufacturer’s required clearances and applicable local building requirements. The appropriate distance will depend on whether the fireplace is wood-burning, gas, or electric, as well as the materials surrounding it.

Do not allow furniture, curtains, books, plants, or decorative objects to interfere with heat, ventilation, doors, screens, or access needed for operation and maintenance.

My Recommendation for Your Living Room

Based on the pictures you shared, I recommend using an asymmetrical arrangement. Place a console table, closed cabinet, or bookcase on one side of the fireplace with one large artwork above it. On the other side, create a small seating area with an accent chair, floor lamp, and side table.

This will add storage, function, and visual interest without repeating gallery walls throughout the room. It will also allow the artwork above the fireplace and the mirrors above the sofa to remain prominent.

If you need help selecting appropriately scaled furniture and creating the right layout around your fireplace, my virtual interior design service can help. I can create a personalized living room design based on your measurements, fireplace, walkways, and existing furnishings.

I hope this helps you turn the blank walls into a balanced and functional part of your living room.

Warmly,

Joshua

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