Corner fireplaces were a smart design solution back when TVs were boxy. They allowed you to display your TV without letting it take over the living room. The new sleek flat screens, however, have made corner fireplaces unnecessary and now, many homeowners are wondering what to do with theirs. If you’ve recently moved into a home with a corner fireplace, read our tips below to gather a few ideas on how to arrange your furniture and make your living room design work.
1. Embrace the angle
It’s best to work with your corner fireplace and not try to fight it. You can do this by angling your sofa so it’s parallel to the corner fireplace and then arrange chairs accordingly. In this design, your corner fireplace becomes the focal point of the living room, which will be nice on those chilly days when your family wants to snuggle up by the fireplace.
2. Set up your TV close to the fireplace
One problem with making the fireplace your focal point is that your furniture is not set up for watching TV. If the corner fireplace is shorter, you might be able to get away with hanging your flat screen above the mantel. Most of the time, however, installing a TV above the fireplace forces can be a strenuous task. One trick you can try instead is to set up your TV along the wall close to your corner fireplace. Your TV acts as the main focal point in this layout, but your fireplace will still look intentional, rather than ignored.
3. Set up two seating areas
If the first two layout ideas don’t work, consider setting up two separate seating areas in the living room. Your living room sofa and recliner chair can be angled for viewing TV, and next to the fireplace you can arrange a set of accent chairs for hosting conversation.
Corner fireplaces don’t have to diminish your interior design. With the right furniture arrangement in place, your living room can still look stylish, cozy and as welcoming as ever. Try arranging your furniture a few different ways to find the one layout that best works for your space and needs.