Yes, floating shelves can look lovely on a chimney wall — the key is keeping them in proportion to the fireplace so they feel intentional, not crowded.

A couple of things I'd keep in mind:

- Keep the shelves a bit narrower than the stone chimney breast itself, with a few inches of breathing room on each side. Shelves that run edge to edge tend to make the wall feel heavy.
- Two shelves usually work better than three or four here. Space them about 14-18 inches apart so you have room for taller pieces like vases or leaning art without everything feeling squeezed.
- Mount them properly into studs, or use masonry anchors if you're going into the stone — floating shelves sag quickly if they're only held by drywall anchors, especially with books on them.
- Keep the styling light and varied: a small stack of books, one vase or plant, and one framed piece per shelf, with some empty space left over. And leave good clearance above the firebox so heat doesn't damage anything on the lowest shelf.

If the shelves match or complement the wood of your mantel, they'll tie the whole wall together nicely.

While shelves look beautiful when done well, your ceiling is rather short and the space looks a little cramped. Your sofa is almost touching that wall seems like.

Does not mean you can't put shelves but ideally you want to stay away from shelves like that if you need storage space and limited.

Open space concept, sure, shelves look good. The question is will you be using the shelves purely for decor or do you need to store items as well? Boxes on a wall that already has a focal point and rather short, do not always look good.

Add a plant next to the window, adding soft curtains can also elevate the space and if anything, changing the wall color or adding shelves to the right only. If you do decide to add shelves, do not add more than 2 or 3.

It will be for decor only

I wouldn’t add, as the distance to couches looks tight and may feel too cramped/cluttered. To create interest and balance, hope below helps. Room will benefit by additional lighting and drapery will help fill in the other side.

I wouldn’t. I think it will only clutter up the room, I like Maureen’s suggestion.

Not sure floating shelves is the solution for your space.

Here is what your space looks like with a tree and floor lamp.

I'm in the "no" camp. IMO would be too much in that small area. Agree on floor lamp.