Built-Ins Around a Fireplace: 10+ Inspiring Ideas to Elevate Your Living Room

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Built-ins around a fireplace can completely transform your living room—adding warmth, balance, and smart storage in one beautiful feature wall.

Whether you’re planning a full renovation or just looking for inspiration, these built-in fireplace ideas offer plenty of ways to combine form and function.

From classic white to bold, modern looks, here are some of the most creative and timeless fireplace built-in designs to inspire your space.

Table of Contents hide

1. Pop of Color

2. White Birch

3. Blank Slate/White Built-Ins

8. Creative Wood Character

9. Deep Wood Tones

10. Rich Wood

Final Thoughts

1. Pop of Color

While all-white is a classic choice for living room built-ins, one of the first things I did after moving into our home was paint the backs of the built-ins that flank our fireplace in a pretty blue-gray (SW Serious Gray).

white fireplace and narrow built-ins with a ficus tree on one side and Frame TV over the fireplace

The color adds just the right amount of contrast and helps tie in the blue tones used throughout the room. Even with narrow shelves, there’s plenty of room for decorative styling.

We DIYed the fireplace makeover itself with MDF, wood, and crown molding—see the full fireplace makeover.

2. White Birch

These whitewashed birch built-ins by Oak Stone Homes are the definition of cozy-meets-modern. With quartz fireplace surround, brass library lights, and hidden lower cabinet storage, this space is functional and elegant.

birch wood built-ins surround a white fireplace with art hanging over it — White Birch Built-Ins via Oak Stone Homes

I especially love the detailed molding around the mantel and the way the built-ins complement the flooring. Pops of antique decor and brass hardware round out the look.

3. Blank Slate/White Built-Ins

This one-sided built-in approach from Light & Dwell keeps things light, clean, and perfectly balanced. The white shiplap backdrop and vertically-installed planks draw the eye upward, enhancing the tall ceilings.

simple white fireplace with built-ins on one side and vertical shiplap background that goes to the ceiling — Custom Built-ins Kidd House via Light & Dwell

Bonus points for the framed TV, which doubles as wall art when not in use.

4. Arched Beauties

Arched built-ins are having a major design moment, and I totally understand why! The gentle curves add a soft, custom look that feels high-end yet approachable.

In fact, we loved the look so much that we added arched built-ins on either side of the fireplace in our new family room addition. It instantly became the focal point of the space and blends beautifully with our modern coastal aesthetic.

5. Simple Perfection

This built-in cabinet and fireplace setup from Magik Flame offers a timeless, symmetrical look. Larger lower cabinets provide excellent concealed storage for electronics and clutter, while recessed lighting highlights the architectural trim.

fireplace with fire lit and class built-ins with moulding detail and TV over the fireplace — Built-in Cabinetry via Magik Flame

6. Modern Twist

Black built-ins may sound bold—but just look at this dramatic transformation from Lucy at Craftberry Bush. The dark backdrop adds instant depth and makes styled items pop beautifully.

fireplace and built-ins painted a deep black color — Black Built-ins Shelf Styling via Craftberry Bush

If black is too intense for you, navy or charcoal gray can create a similar vibe.

7. Classic Gray

This smoky gray bookshelf by Innovative Cabinets adds instant charm. The tone feels neutral yet warm, working beautifully with wood floors and layered decor.

built-ins on either side of the fireplace painted a medium gray color — Grey Blue built-in cabinets via Innovative Cabinets

Custom built-ins like this offer the flexibility to adjust shelf height and maximize space.

8. Creative Wood Character

Design Line Kitchens nailed this built-in design with a mix of open cubbies, backlit display shelves, and eye-catching wallpaper behind the shelving.

weathered look wood on built ins flanking a traditional white fireplace surround with TV over it — Custom Built Cabinets via Design Line Kitchens

I love the drawers for extra storage and the wide mantel for easy seasonal decorating.

9. Deep Wood Tones

This built-in from Wood Master Woodworks feels like a cozy home library. From raised panel doors and fluted columns to custom crown molding, the detailing here is incredible.

three sets of bookcases flanking each side of a rich wood fireplace — Fireplace Built-In via Wood Master Woodworks

Adjustable shelves make it easy to accommodate books or collectibles.

10. Rich Wood

Last but not least, this shaker-style built-in from Wood Master Woodworks features lead glass doors, recessed panels, and deep crown molding for a polished finish.

honey toned shaker style fireplace and built-ins with stained glass windows on upper cabints — Gorgeous Built-In with Shaker Glass Doors Via Wood Master Woodworks

The mix of open and closed storage makes this perfect for a home office or den.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been thinking about adding built-ins around your fireplace, hopefully this gives you plenty of inspiration. From painted to natural wood, arched to modern, the possibilities are endless—and they’re so much fun to style.

Whether you’re starting fresh or upgrading your current space, fireplace built-ins can help you create a cozy, curated look that adds both function and beauty to your living room.