The Ultimate Guide to Decorative Fireplace Lighting

Fireplaces are the heart of the home. They provide us with warmth, ambience, and a cosy gathering spot for family and friends. But what about when the fireplace isn’t lit? This is where fireplace lighting ideas can help. 

Whether you are looking to improve your living room space with a subtle glow, elegant highlights, or a magical twinkle, this guide will take you through some of the best lighting ideas for your fireplace and help you find some inspiration.

5 Of The Best Fireplace Lighting Ideas

There are a number of ways to illuminate your fireplace when it isn’t burning, whether it’s for functional use or purely decorative. Putting some thought into your lighting not only enhances the beauty of your fireplace but also adds warmth and character to your home. 

Below we have listed some of the best fireplace light inspiration ideas to help you create the perfect look.

1. Fireplace Fairy Lights

Fireplace fairy lights are an excellent choice if you are looking for a soft and enchanting glow. These delicate string lights. These delicate string lights create a magical ambience, whether draped around the mantel or arranged inside an unused fireplace. They come in various styles, including warm white, multicolour, or even twinkling options to add a charming sparkle to your decor.

Creative Ways to Use Fairy Lights to Light Your Fireplace

• Place battery-operated or plug-in fairy lights inside the fireplace for a warm, flickering effect that mimics a gentle glow (just don’t leave them there when you turn it on!)
• Wrap them around decorative logs, pinecones, or branches to add a touch of texture to your fireplace.
• Drape them along the mantel or intertwine them with garlands for an elegant, festive look that still works all year round.
• For a more dramatic and ethereal effect, you can use curtain fairy lights cascading down the fireplace.
• Consider layering multiple strands of fairy lights to create a more immersive lighting arrangement.

2. Fireplace LED Lights

For a more modern, efficient, and sustainable option, fireplace LED lights are a fantastic choice. These energy-saving lights can imitate the flicker of real flames, or if you prefer, provide a more dramatic, colour-changing effect. Unlike traditional bulbs, LED lights remain cool to the touch, making them a safe and stylish choice for fireplace lighting.

Ways to Use LED Lights With Your Fireplace

• Go for flame-effect LED bulbs or strips that simulate a real fire without the heat or smoke.
• Use LED candles to create a cosy, safe alternative to an open flame, perfect for homes with kids or pets.
• For a more contemporary aesthetic, try installing LED backlighting behind the fireplace to add depth and highlight architectural details.
• Choose smart LED lights that allow you to control colour temperature and brightness straight from a mobile app.
• Incorporate LED rope lights around the fireplace frame for a modern touch.

3. Lanterns and Candles

Want your fireplace to look a bit more rustic and timeless? Consider placing lanterns or flameless candles inside your fireplace. These can create a warm and inviting vibe without the risk of an open flame. Arrange your lanterns in clusters of varying heights to create a dynamic display.

Lantern Placement Ideas For Your Fireplace

• Cluster varying sizes of lanterns inside an unused fireplace for a layered effect that draws the eye.
• Use LED candles with a timer to maintain a consistent glow so you don’t need to turn them on and off manually.
• Throw in some seasonal decorations like pinecones, garlands, or small ornaments to refresh your fireplace throughout the year.
• Add a mirrored backdrop inside the fireplace to reflect candlelight and enhance the glow.
• Use scented LED candles for an extra sensory experience, meaning not only does your fireplace look great, but it also smells great!

4. Spotlights and Uplighting

If your fireplace sits in a spot of real architectural beauty, why not go all out and use lights for fireplaces like spotlights or uplighting? This technique adds depth and dimension while drawing attention to the mantel and hearth, making them stand out as focal points in your home.

Installing Spotlights and Uplighting In Your Fireplace

• Use recessed lighting above the fireplace to create a soft glow that improves the entire room.
• Install small LED spotlights at the base of the fireplace to shine upward and exaggerate its texture and design.
• Choose warm white lights for a cosy and inviting ambience, or choose more dimmable options to adjust the brightness as needed.
• As recommended earlier, experiment with coloured uplighting for a touch of artistic flair that changes with the seasons or occasions.
• Consider using motion sensor lights for an energy-efficient lighting solution.

5. Enhancing Your Fireplace with Hanging Lights

Adding lights to your fireplace isn’t just about placing them inside—it’s also about using them to enhance the surrounding area. Hanging lights can create a dramatic or whimsical effect that takes your entire room’s decor to the next level.

• Use removable hooks or adhesive clips to secure string lights without damaging the mantel or wall.
• Wrap fairy lights loosely around decorative elements like garlands, mirrors, or picture frames for a seamless blend.
• Ensure all electrical cords are safely tucked away to prevent tripping hazards or visual clutter.
• Hang pendant lights above the fireplace for a stylish and elegant lighting solution.
• Consider wall sconces on either side of the fireplace to frame and balance the overall design.

Safety Considerations for Fireplace Lighting

While decorative lighting is a great way to improve the look of your fireplace, safety should always be your top priority. For a start, if you are using lights in your fireplace, you should always go for battery-operated or low-heat LED lights to prevent overheating and reduce fire hazards. Adding to this, you should keep the lights away from open flames, heat vents, or areas where they could be exposed to excessive heat. In short, remove them if the fireplace is going to be turned on!

You should also aim to be vigilant with any electricals you are using to decorate your hearth. Make sure to regularly inspect cords and plugs for damage, and avoid overloading plug sockets with too many devices. You should also always turn off the lights when leaving your house or going to bed to minimise electrical risks.

Finally, when it comes to decorating your fireplace with decorations, if your fireplace is going to be on, always use decorations made from fire-resistant materials and even then, of course, keep them well away from any flames, and allow for any gusts of wind or ventilation that may cause the flame to shoot higher and wider than usual and cause a fire!

Additional Tips for a Stunning Fireplace Display

Beyond just lighting up your fireplace, there are some other easy things you can do to spruce up your hearth and make it the centrepiece of your house. For example, a decorative fireplace screen with intricate patterns will cast beautiful shadows when lit by either lights or fire.

Equally, reflective materials like glass or metal can help to amplify the light and make your space feel more bright and open - and if bright and open is your aim, why not put a large mirror above your mantel to really create a feeling of space.

Greenery is also a great option to go for when sprucing up a fireplace as items like faux ivy or seasonal garlands can introduce a natural feel, and you can swap them out with the seasons to keep your living room feeling fresh.

Final Thoughts

Whether you prefer the delicate glow of fireplace fairy lights, the modern appeal of fireplace LED lights, or the classic charm of lanterns, there are plenty of ways to light up your fireplace. The right fireplace lighting ideas can transform your hearth into a warm and welcoming space, making sure that it remains a focal point in your home, even when the fire isn’t burning. Experiment with different lighting styles, mix and match elements, and find the perfect combination that really reflects your personality and shows off your style.

With the right lighting setup, your fireplace can help to make your whole living room feel transformed. Whether you are having a quiet night in or a festive celebration, a well-lit fireplace can make your home feel truly special.

Remember, if you need a fireplace to decorate, why not check out the bioethanol fireplaces from Imaginfires?