Fireplaces remain the heart of many modern homes, pulling guests in and keeping family close during cold evenings. But the space around your fireplace offers untapped potential that many homeowners miss.
I once thought built-ins belonged only in old, classic houses with their wooden panels and formal look. But I was wrong! Today’s built-ins blend perfectly with clean lines and open spaces, offering both storage and style.
Built-ins around fireplaces add balance to your room, keep your items organized, and show off your personality through display space.
In this blog, you’ll find creative ideas to inspire your next project, plus helpful tips to avoid mistakes that could cost you time and money.
Modern Built-In Ideas Around the Fireplace
I’ve gathered some of my favorite built-in designs that work beautifully around fireplaces. Each option offers both style and function, giving you ideas that can work in almost any home.
1. Floating Shelves with LED Lighting
Floating shelves create a light, airy feel around your fireplace without the bulk of traditional cabinets. The clean lines work perfectly in smaller spaces where bulky built-ins might feel too heavy.
I love how they seem to float on the wall, drawing your eye to what’s displayed rather than to the shelves themselves.
Multi-Purpose Features: Add small LED strip lights underneath each shelf to highlight your items and provide soft evening lighting.
These lights can be remote-controlled or connected to your smart home system for easy adjustment.
2. Floor-to-Ceiling Bookshelves
Tall bookshelves that reach from floor to ceiling make your room look bigger by drawing the eye upward.
They turn an ordinary fireplace wall into the main feature of your home. I find that these full-height built-ins give you tons of storage while making your space feel like a cozy library.
Multi-Purpose Features: Include a sliding ladder track system that allows access to upper shelves while adding a classic touch.
The top shelves work well for items you don’t need daily, while the middle shelves can hold books, and the lower ones can display larger items.
3. Recessed Media Cabinet
A recessed media cabinet sits slightly back from the wall’s surface, creating depth without taking up floor space.
This style keeps TVs, sound systems, and gaming consoles neatly tucked away but easily accessible. The inset design feels more planned and less bulky than standard cabinets.
Multi-Purpose Features: Add pull-out drawers below for remote controls and media storage.
Include ventilated areas for electronics to prevent overheating, and cable management holes to keep wires tidy and hidden from view.
4. Hidden Storage Cabinets
Cabinets with smooth, handleless doors blend into your walls when closed, revealing their contents only when needed.
This clean look works especially well in modern homes where visual clutter is kept to a minimum. I appreciate how they hide everyday items while keeping them close at hand.
Multi-Purpose Features: Install push-to-open hardware for smooth access without handles.
Design some cabinets with adjustable shelving and others with specialized storage like wine racks, pull-out baskets, or vertical dividers for trays and cutting boards.
5. Minimalist Open Shelving
Simple open shelves with minimal brackets or visible supports offer display space without feeling heavy.
They work well in small rooms where bigger built-ins might feel overwhelming. The open design lets you show off your favorite items while still providing useful storage.
Multi-Purpose Features: Wall-mounted hooks below lower shelves can hold mugs, small plants, or hanging ornaments for added function without taking shelf space.
Mix in small containers or baskets on some shelves to hold items you don’t want visible.
6. Built-In Window Seats
Window seats next to fireplaces create a cozy reading nook that makes use of awkward wall spaces.
They provide extra seating during parties and a quiet spot to relax on normal days. I find that adding a window seat makes any room feel more welcoming and lived-in.
Multi-Purpose Features: Build storage drawers underneath the seat cushion for blankets, books, or games. Add USB charging ports in the side panels so you can keep your devices powered while you relax by the fire.
7. Symmetrical Bookcases
Matching bookcases on either side of the fireplace create balance and order in your room.
The mirrored design gives a classic, timeless look that suits many home styles. I’ve found that this layout makes even small rooms feel properly planned and put-together.
Multi-Purpose Features: Include closed storage in the bottom third of each bookcase, with open shelving above. This gives you places to hide less attractive items while displaying books, photos, and decorative objects at eye level.
8. Glass Display Cabinets
Glass-front cabinets show off special items while keeping them dust-free.
The glass breaks up solid walls of cabinetry and adds a bit of shine to your fireplace wall. They work especially well for showing off collections or nice dishware you don’t use every day.
Multi-Purpose Features: Choose cabinets with interior lighting that highlights your items.
Some glass doors can be fitted with mesh inserts that allow sound to pass through, making them perfect for hiding speakers while still allowing clear audio.
9. Matte Black Built-Ins
Black built-ins create a strong contrast against light walls and add modern punch to any room.
Unlike glossy finishes that show fingerprints, matte black looks sleek without constant cleaning. I love how black built-ins frame a fireplace and make it stand out as the room’s focal point.
Multi-Purpose Features: Combine with brass or gold hardware for a luxe look.
The dark background makes items displayed on shelves stand out more, so these built-ins work well for showcasing white, metallic, or brightly colored objects.
10. Textured Wood Panels
Wood panels with visible grain add warmth and natural texture around your fireplace.
The organic feel softens modern rooms and adds interest without busy patterns. I find that real wood built-ins age beautifully and bring a timeless quality to even the newest homes.
Multi-Purpose Features: Some panels can be designed to flip down as desks or bar counters.
Others might conceal storage behind push-latch doors that blend seamlessly with the wood pattern when closed, hiding away items while maintaining the clean wood look.
11. Modern Arch Shelving
Curved arch shelving breaks away from standard rectangular built-ins, creating a softer, more interesting silhouette.
The gentle curves draw your eye around the room and feel less rigid than straight lines. I’ve seen these arches transform ordinary fireplaces into standout features that guests always comment on.
Multi-Purpose Features: The highest point of the arch works well for taller objects, while the sides accommodate smaller pieces. Some designs include hidden speakers in the thick parts of the frame.
The curved shape creates natural dividers for different types of items.
12. Slatted Wood Accents
Vertical or horizontal wood slats add texture and visual interest while maintaining a clean look.
The small gaps between slats create a play of light and shadow that changes throughout the day. I love how slatted sections break up solid cabinet fronts and add a natural, warm element.
Multi-Purpose Features: Slatted doors allow sound to pass through, making them perfect for hiding speakers or media equipment.
The gaps also provide ventilation for electronics or items that need air circulation, while still keeping dust to a minimum.
13. Concrete-Look Cabinets
Cabinets with a concrete finish bring an industrial edge to your fireplace wall without the weight of actual concrete.
The matte, slightly textured surface hides fingerprints and small scratches better than glossy options. This look pairs especially well with brick or stone fireplaces.
Multi-Purpose Features: The heat-resistant qualities make these perfect for housing items that might get warm near the fireplace.
Some concrete-look cabinets include metal mesh inserts for ventilation or decorative contrast that serves as both style and function.
14. Built-In Firewood Storage
Dedicated wood storage niches keep logs neat, dry, and ready to use. These practical spaces turn firewood into a decorative element rather than clutter.
I find that well-designed wood storage makes maintaining a real fire much easier and adds a rustic touch to modern rooms.
Multi-Purpose Features: Include a small drawer below for fire starters, matches, and tools. Some designs feature a pull-out metal bin that contains bark and wood bits, keeping your floors clean when you grab a log for the fire.
15. Open Metal Framing
Thin metal frames with wood or glass shelves create an airy, modern look that doesn’t block light or views.
The mixed materials feel fresh and work in almost any style of home. I appreciate how these lightweight structures provide storage without the visual weight of solid cabinets.
Multi-Purpose Features: The open design allows for easy reconfiguration – shelves can often be moved to different heights as your needs change.
Some metal frames include hooks or rails on the sides for hanging small items like cooking tools when placed near kitchen fireplaces.
16. Low Profile Bench Storage
Long, low storage benches beside a fireplace provide seating and storage without blocking sight lines.
Their horizontal lines create a calm, grounded feeling in the room. I’ve used this style in rooms where wall space is limited but floor space allows for furniture that serves multiple roles.
Multi-Purpose Features: Lift-top designs give access to blankets, games, or seasonal items stored inside. The flat top surface works as extra seating during parties or as a place to set drinks and snacks when entertaining around the fire.
17. Geometric Cubby Designs
Open cubbies in varying sizes and shapes create visual interest and flexible storage. The mix of squares and rectangles feels playful yet organized.
I find that these modular systems let you display items of different sizes without the uniform look of standard bookshelves.
Multi-Purpose Features: Different-sized cubbies naturally sort your items – large ones for baskets and boxes, medium for books, and small for individual objects.
Some units include back panels in contrasting colors to highlight special pieces.
18. Marble-Wrapped Built-Ins
Built-ins covered in marble or marble-look materials create a sense of luxury and permanence.
The natural patterns add interest even when shelves are empty. This high-end finish works especially well in small doses, like on the top surface or as an accent panel.
Multi-Purpose Features: The stone surface is perfect for setting hot drinks without worrying about rings or heat damage.
In kitchen areas, marble-topped cabinets can serve as extra prep space that ties in with the fireplace focal point.
19. Asymmetrical Floating Units
Off-center shelving with varying lengths creates a modern, artistic look around your fireplace.
The planned “random” arrangement feels fresh and allows for a custom fit in tricky spaces. I appreciate how these unique configurations become art pieces in their own right, not just storage.
Multi-Purpose Features: The varied shelf depths offer spaces for different types of items – deeper shelves for larger objects, shallow ones for small displays.
The irregular layout also easily accommodates outlets or switches without looking forced.
20. Built-In Planter Boxes
Integrated spaces for plants bring life to your fireplace wall and improve air quality.
These can be simple niches sized for potted plants or more complex systems with drainage. The contrast of living plants against the fire element creates a pleasing balance of opposing forces.
Multi-Purpose Features: Some planter boxes include self-watering systems or grow lights for low-light areas.
Others are designed to hold seasonal decorations when not used for plants, giving you flexibility to change your display throughout the year.
21. Light-Washed Oak Shelves
Pale oak shelving brings natural warmth and brightness to your fireplace wall.
The light color reflects more light around the room and creates a fresh, airy feel. I find that light oak works in nearly any style home and ages beautifully, developing more character over time.
Multi-Purpose Features: The neutral wood tone makes a perfect backdrop for seasonal color changes in your decor.
Some light oak systems include hidden channels for cords and cables, keeping technology hidden while maintaining the clean wood look.
22. Integrated Entertainment Center
A well-designed entertainment center built around your fireplace keeps TVs, speakers, and components organized without competing with the fire.
This setup creates a single focal wall instead of forcing you to choose between the TV and the fireplace. I appreciate how this combined approach saves space in smaller rooms.
Multi-Purpose Features: Look for designs with adjustable shelving that can adapt as your equipment changes.
Smart versions include built-in cooling fans, power management, and remote-control sensors hidden behind wood or fabric panels.
23. Sliding Barn Door Covers
Sliding panels that move along tracks let you hide or reveal different sections of your built-ins as needed.
This flexible system lets you change the look of your fireplace wall in seconds. I love how these moving parts add interest to what could otherwise be a static wall of cabinets.
Multi-Purpose Features: Use the sliding doors to hide TVs when not in use or to cover cluttered shelves when you want a cleaner look.
Some doors have chalkboard or magnetic surfaces on the inside, giving you extra functional space when they’re open.
24. Fluted Wood Panels
Vertical grooved wood panels add subtle texture and shadow lines that change throughout the day.
Unlike flat surfaces, these textured panels hide small dings and scratches. The gentle pattern breaks up large cabinet fronts without being too busy.
Multi-Purpose Features: The grooved surface can include hidden push-latch doors that blend perfectly when closed.
Some fluted panels are designed with sound-absorbing properties, helping to improve room acoustics while looking beautiful.
25. Pop-Up TV Cabinet
A cabinet with a lifting mechanism lets your TV rise from behind or above the fireplace when you want to watch and disappear when you don’t.
This setup gives you the best of both worlds; fire as your focal point most of the time, TV only when in use. It’s perfect for formal rooms where a permanent TV would feel out of place.
Multi-Purpose Features: The top surface works as a display shelf when the TV is hidden. Many systems include remote control operation and safety features that prevent closing if items are in the way.
26. Hidden Pull-Out Drawers
Drawers that blend seamlessly with cabinet fronts provide secret storage for items you want nearby but out of sight.
These hidden spaces keep remote controls, charging cables, and other small items from cluttering your surfaces. I’ve found these especially useful for things you need daily but don’t want to see.
Multi-Purpose Features: Some pull-out sections include built-in charging stations for phones and tablets. Others feature specialized inserts for specific items like remotes, gaming controllers, or fireplace tools.
27. Niche Lighting Features
Small recessed spaces with their own lighting create dramatic display areas for art or special objects.
The focused light makes even simple items look museum-worthy. I’ve seen how these lit niches draw attention to favorite pieces that might go unnoticed on regular shelves.
Multi-Purpose Features: Many niche lights work on separate switches or dimmers, allowing you to create different moods in the room.
Some include color-changing LED options that let you adjust the look for different occasions or seasons.
28. Built-In Wine Racks
Custom wine storage keeps your bottles properly stored and adds a classy touch near your fireplace.
The repeated pattern of bottle openings creates visual interest even if you’re not a big wine collector. Just be sure to place the wine storage far enough from the heat source.
Multi-Purpose Features: Combine with a small counter area for serving and a few cabinets for storing glasses and accessories.
Some wine rack sections can be adapted to hold other cylindrical items when not filled with bottles.
29. Sculptural Alcoves
Unusually shaped cutouts or bump-outs create artistic display spaces that frame special objects.
These custom niches can be curved, angled, or geometric, adding architectural interest to the wall. I love how these spaces turn ordinary objects into focal points through thoughtful framing.
Multi-Purpose Features: The unique shapes can be designed to fit specific items you want to highlight.
Some alcoves include tiny spotlights or LED strips that wash light across the displayed objects, creating dramatic shadows and highlights.
30. Mid-Century Floating Cabinets
Wall-mounted cabinets with clean lines and tapered legs capture the mid-century modern look while providing practical storage.
The space underneath makes rooms feel larger and easier to clean. This style brings a retro touch to modern homes without feeling dated.
Multi-Purpose Features: The open space below cabinets can include subtle strip lighting that creates a floating effect at night.
Some mid-century designs feature drop-down cabinet fronts that become small desks or writing surfaces when opened.
31. Shiplap Built-In Surrounds
Horizontal shiplap boards bring subtle texture and a relaxed feel to fireplace built-ins.
I find that shiplap adds character while still feeling clean and simple compared to more ornate details. The thin, even lines add interest without being busy and work in both modern and traditional homes.
Multi-Purpose Features: The linear pattern can disguise cabinet doors and drawers, creating hidden storage that blends with the wall treatment.
Some shiplap built-ins include sections where boards lift or slide to reveal small shelves for remote controls or other items.
32. Mixed Material Shelving
Combining wood, metal, stone, or glass creates rich, layered built-ins with more visual interest than single-material units.
The contrast between warm and cool materials adds depth to your fireplace wall. I love how these mixed elements reflect different aspects of your room’s overall design.
Multi-Purpose Features: Different materials can serve various functions; heat-resistant stone near the fire, wood for warmth, metal for structure, and glass for display.
Some designs feature modular components that can be reconfigured or swapped out as your needs change.
33. Backlit Art Display Niches
Custom-sized recesses with built-in lighting create gallery-like displays for artwork or collections.
The focused lighting makes your pieces look more valuable and intentional. I’ve seen these transform ordinary objects into striking focal points that draw comments from visitors.
Multi-Purpose Features: Many systems include adjustable lighting that can be bright for detailed viewing or dimmed for an ambient effect.
Some niches are sized for rotating art displays, allowing you to change your featured pieces seasonally without any wall damage.
34. Vertical Divider Shelves
Thin vertical panels between horizontal shelves create smaller display spaces and add architectural structure.
These dividers prevent the “bowling alley” look of long open shelves and help keep items organized. They work especially well for books and collections of similar items.
Multi-Purpose Features: Adjustable or removable dividers let you customize spaces as your needs change.
Some systems include dividers that slide along tracks, allowing you to resize compartments based on what you’re currently storing or displaying.
35. Rustic Modern Wood Inset
Reclaimed or rough-hewn wood sections bring natural texture and warmth to sleek, modern built-ins.
The contrast between rustic and refined creates visual tension that makes both elements look better. I find this mix of old and new gives rooms a collected-over-time feeling that purely modern spaces often lack.
Multi-Purpose Features: The thicker wood sections can include hidden hinges for secret storage compartments. Some designs feature wood tops that flip up to reveal charging stations or small desk surfaces for quick tasks.
36. Curved Built-In Shelves
Gently curved shelving units soften the typical boxy look of built-ins and create a more flowing, organic feel.
These rounded edges are both visually interesting and practically safer in homes with small children. The unexpected shapes draw the eye and make standard items look more special.
Multi-Purpose Features: The curved design naturally creates display angles that show off items better than flat shelves.
Some curved units include hidden speakers that benefit from the rounded acoustics, improving sound quality while staying out of sight.
37. Two-Tone Custom Cabinetry
Combining two colors or finishes creates visual breaks in large built-in walls and highlights different functions.
For example, display areas might be white while storage cabinets are navy or gray. I’ve found this approach helps large built-ins feel less overwhelming and more thoughtfully designed.
Multi-Purpose Features: The color contrast can help identify different functional zones; perhaps darker cabinets for media equipment and lighter shelves for display.
Some two-tone units include touch-latch systems on one color section and traditional hardware on the other, further distinguishing their uses.
Styling Tips for Your Built-In Shelves
Once you’ve installed your built-in shelves around the fireplace, the fun part begins – filling them with items that show your style. I’ve learned through trial and error that there’s a balance between cluttered and bare shelves.
Group Items in Odd Numbers
Items grouped in threes or fives catch the eye better than even numbers. I place three small pots of different heights together, and they look much better than two or four.
Try this: Put a tall vase, a medium frame, and a small ornament together on one shelf. The different heights create a pleasing look.
Mix Books with Decorative Items
Books aren’t just for reading – they add color and texture to your shelves. I turn some books sideways to create platforms for smaller items.
Stand some books upright using bookends, then lay 3-5 books flat and top with a small plant or figurine. This mix breaks up the uniform look of the shelves.
Leave Some Empty Space
Not every inch needs to be filled! Empty space lets your items shine and gives your eyes a rest.
Too many items make your shelves look messy and stressed. I leave at least 20% of my shelf space empty, which makes the whole setup look planned rather than stuffed.
Add Plants for Life
A few small plants bring life to built-ins. I use small potted plants or hanging vines that drape over the edge of a shelf.
Snake plants, pothos, and small ferns work well indoors and need little light. If you forget to water plants, try air plants or good-quality fake ones instead.
Create a Color Theme
Pick 3-4 colors that match your room and stick to them. I use white, blue, and wood tones in my living room shelves.
This doesn’t mean everything must be these colors, but most items should fit your theme. The result looks thought-out instead of random.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Adding Built-Ins Around a Fireplace
I’ve seen many beautiful homes where built-ins didn’t quite work out as planned. After helping friends fix their fireplace built-ins, I’ve noticed some common issues you can avoid with a bit of planning.
- Overcrowding the Space: Keep built-ins under two-thirds of the wall height next to your fireplace, and leave 6-8 inches for safety and balance.
- Ignoring Scale and Symmetry: Ensure built-ins are proportionate on both sides of the fireplace, even if not identical.
- Choosing the Wrong Finish: Pick finishes that complement your room’s existing style and color scheme.
- Forgetting Function: Add cabinets at the bottom of built-ins for hidden storage to avoid a cluttered look.
- Skipping Lighting: Install lights like puck lights or LED strips to brighten up built-ins and highlight your items
Conclusion
After looking at these ideas, it’s clear that built-ins around a fireplace do double duty – they make your room look pulled-together while giving you places to store your stuff. That’s the magic of good design: it works for real life.
I’ve seen fancy built-ins in design shows, but what matters is finding the right fit for your home.
You don’t need exact copies of what you see online. Take ideas that work for your space, style, and what you can spend.
Mix and match concepts that speak to you. Maybe you love the floating shelves from one example, but the hidden storage from another.
No matter if you’re going for clean lines or a cozy layered feel, your fireplace can become the heart of your home, with a little help from the right built-ins.
The best part? You’ll enjoy both the look and the extra organization for years to come.
Alex Guerrero, a graduate with a Fine Arts degree from the Rhode Island School of Design, has been a visionary in the world of color and design for over 15 years. His professional journey began in the heart of the fashion industry in Milan, where he developed an acute sense for color harmonies and trends. Alex joined our team in 2018, offering fresh and innovative perspectives on color utilization in various spaces. Renowned for his ability to blend contemporary trends with timeless elegance. Outside of work, Alex is an accomplished painter and a volunteer art therapist, his artistic talents further enriching his professional insights.
