Maybe floating shelves instead.

where would you put the floating shelves - from top to bottom? The wall over the fireplace is bumped out about 10 inches - it's hard to tell from photo

I would put three on each side, or even two. If you did three, I would do them at the top of the wall. I would put one to the left, one more to the right, and the bottom one would be centered.

I had the same issue. I think if you put bookshelves about 2/3 the height of the fireplace, it would still give prominence to the fireplace and give you storage. I would use shelves or cabinets in the same wood as the fireplace.

Me again. About that 2/3 idea- the book shelves would be go to 2/3 (maybe a bit more) of the height of the fireplace. There may be a line in the fireplace surround that you could go to.

Save up and do it right. If you don't go all the way to the ceiling, then you'll be back asking how to decorate above the short ones. Picture 2 below may be ok without art above it, just some decor, if that is in your present budget. Built-ins with lighting can warm your space and will increase your home's value, so go for it when you can.

I understand why you feel it needs something but I do think shelves could be too much for the room. How about hanging two complimentary pictures instead and removing the art above on the fireplace wall. This would draw your eye out and could deal with the need to have something in the space

I wouldn't put bookshelves there at all. The wall is too small. Plus do you need a bookshelf to dust and keep organized?

I think floating shelves...

Compromise how about in the corners? So much u can do not crowed and add beautiful thinking s you love pu some greenery up makes a diff...

Well...heck, I'm more about the nuts and bolts stuff..but doesn't the shelving sort of hinge on the design of the fireplace and the room? If your style is traditional, like your fireplace surround...then floating shelves are an anathema (not good, anti-theme). Modern or contemporary? OK. Paying attention? Way better.

Thanks everyone. Lots of good advice, but now I'm back where I started - shelves/floating shelves/build-ins? I want the fire place to be a focal point, not to disappear amongst a lot of shelving like the picture above. (although it is lovely). I do want a place to display an old music box left to me by my dad which is about the size of a breadbox. The art above the fireplace is a definite "stay" according to my hubby. I'm leaning towards lower cupboards on either side with floating shelves above. And getting rid of the orange wall and perhaps some wallpaper?

I don't think it will crowd the space. It will look lovely if done right. Modern floating shelves wouldn't be my choice for this space. Built -ins, made to measure will be fantastic. And, unless you find really cheap good quality bookcases that fit the space nicely, chances are that they won't cost much more than shop bought. They wouldn't have to be made out of oak, cheaper wood, stained or painted will do.

If you type in the search box 'fireplace bookcases', you'll get lots of lovely ideas.

Good luck!

Hi, you are having a nice FP and it deserves being a focal point indeed. But no floating shelves, no cabinets from floor to ceiling. Lower cupboards are a good idea but not the cheap ones :) Changing the color - yes. I can't tell what the color should be but you need to add the proper background for the artwork above the FP. It doesn't stand out enough to me now.

I am now thinking I'll go with lower cabinets with picture groupings on each side above the cabinets. I am going to wallpaper over the orange with one of those new wallpaper that look like brick/tile but in a very neutral colour so it won't jump out at you. Thoughts?

Sorry to say but I don't like bricks much. However this is not a severe intervention, so you can try! I'd prefer the wallpaper color to match the walls.

can anyone suggest a wallpaper for the fireplace wall that won't look too busy? More of a textured maybe? The walls in the remainder of the room are Huntington Beige.

Something like this perhaps? Difficult to judge if it's similar to the beige wall colour, but you could go for a similar pattern in the terracotta colour you have now?


Or do you think it's too classic? I think it's chic, but... you know... different opinions and all that ;-)

Floting shelves are great also the shelves on top and storage on bottom are good also and lighting makes huge diff