12 Fireplace Built-In Shelves That Are Envy-Worthy

Published: September 30, 2021

Updated: October 30, 2023

Everyone knows the shelves have an abundance of uses—storage, displaying accessories, organizing—so it is no surprise that fireplace built-in shelves are highly desirable. This is especially true in homes that want to incorporate extra storage without sacrificing elegance and style.

Fireplace built-in shelves range from small shelving units flanking fireplaces to large built-ins that cover entire walls. No matter their size, though, these shelves tend to look upscale and sleek—even more so than their freestanding counterparts.

Other benefits of fireplace built-in shelves include increasing your home’s value and the fact that they fit odd-shaped spaces. This can maximize your space and save you time since you won’t have to hunt for a piece of furniture that works there. Plus, built-ins never run a risk of falling, which can be an important design choice if you have tiny humans or curious fur babies running around.

However, you also can’t ignore the one big downside of built-ins—they’re permanent. This may not be an issue if you are someone that knows what you want. However, if you are a bit flippy floppy on decor choices, the idea can seem daunting. Luckily, there is a way around this though! If you can’t commit to built-in shelves for a fireplace either due to your budget, rental agreement, or other obstacles, a “cheater built-in” might be a good choice. These freestanding shelves made to look like built-ins, along with authentic fireplace built-in shelves, can both be found in this collection.

Keep scrolling to cozy up with some of the best fireplace built-in shelf ideas! You may just find what your fireplace has been missing.

01
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Gray & White Goodness

Photo: kira_turner

This fireplace is already brimming with texture and contrast thanks to the gray stone a white shiplap accent wall. However, the addition of built-in shelves on each side elevates the whole setup. Painted in the same white as the shiplap, the shelves blend in effortlessly. To create a cheater built-in shelf, you can use a freestanding shelf and secure it to the wall. Then, fill in any cracks with caulking before you paint it the same color as the surrounding walls.

02
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To The Moon!

Photo: thriftyandchicdecor

Extending fireplace built-in shelves to the ceiling can give the appearance of a taller room. It also allows for the maximum number of shelves for maximum storage! If using fake built-in shelves, consider adding some crown molding at the top of the shelves to further the illusion.

03
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Faux & Fabulous

Photo: designsbykaran

Another way to fake built-in shelves is to find furniture that is the same width as the recessed areas besides your fireplace. Here, two dressers are used. The left one has a few drawers removed to create a small shelf and create a bit of intrigue in this fairly symmetrical setup. Finding furniture that is the right size to use as faux built-in shelves can be more time-consuming, but it often results in a one-of-a-kind look.

04
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Angled to Charm

Photo: pollies_place

While boxy shelves with straight edges tend to offer a classic built-in look, angled ladder shelves snuggled into a recessed nook beside a fireplace are another option. It is a little more offbeat but nonetheless fabulous!

05
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Finding the Spotlight

Photo: bloom_jennybrooks

I love these built-in shelves for a multitude of reasons, such as their gorgeous dual-tone finish and bottom cabinets that are ideal for hidden storage. However, their upper lighting is truly drool-worthy. One key to fabulous built-in shelves around a fireplace is to ensure that they are well-lit. Otherwise, they run the risk of looking dingy and making the room appear smaller. Sconces, pot lights, and string lights can all work wonderfully to light up built-ins and ensure they get the attention they deserve!

06
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Keeping it Simple

Photo: revealmydiy

Even spaces that are embracing minimal decor can benefit from fireplace built-in shelves. While ones with lower cabinets provide extra storage for clutter, this example uses a white one off to the side that is decorated with all-white accessories that make a statement. To style an all-white shelf on a budget, look for accessories you already own, and thrift store finds that can be spray painted white. Items from nature like pinecones and sticks also work well for this type of DIY. Do you have things that aren’t display-worthy? Add a few storage boxes to the mix.

07
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Cozy Farmhouse Fireplace

Photo: delightedwiththedetails

The mantel on this textural fireplace doubles as a small shelf. While this one holds an array of vases and greenery, mantel shelves are full of versatility.

08
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A Wooden Mantel Shelf

Photo: blessed_ranch

Using a floating wooden shelf as a mantel also tends to infuse a fireplace with extra warmth. This can be especially effective on painted fireplaces that are looking for a rustic, earthy, or farmhouse accent.

09
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An Artful Way to Welcome Fall

Photo: 1900stonefarmhouse

This extra long mantel brings the feel of fall indoors with a display of pumpkin art, Halloween accessories, and vintage windows.

10
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Stylishly Spooky

Photo: fairytalefarmhouse

This mantel decor is not for those faint of heart. It gets its spook on with a collection of black Halloween accessories, which includes a fun, chunky spider.

11
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Creatively Stylish

Photo: thefoothillsfarmhouse

For fireplaces that sit in the middle of a room, sandwiching them with shelves often isn’t an option. This homeowner got creative and added some built-in cupboards to embellish the top of the fireplace—they add a whole new layer of vintage flair!

12
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Antique Farmhouse Faux Fireplace

Photo: antiquefarmhouse

Finally, if you don’t have a fireplace, you can always use an antique surround for a French cottage aesthetic. This one uses the top mantel as a shelf, as well as a white shelf to the right. With this option, you may not get the benefits of a roaring fire, but you do get the unmatched style!

Zakhar Ivanisov

Meet Zakhar Ivanisov, a Seattle-based entrepreneur and design enthusiast at the helm of Soul & Lane. With a heart full of passion, Zakhar blends his business acumen and a keen eye for aesthetics to create spaces that are as inviting as they are stylish. His venture into the world of home decor and organization reflects a unique fusion of entrepreneurial spirit and a genuine love for transforming living spaces.

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