How do I transform/ update this fireplace?

[TheGirlWhoLived]

I’m in the middle of redoing my living room, not massively but I’m changing the orange accents (rug, cushions, curtains) to navy blue! It’s a rented house and there’s not a lot I can do about the wall colour - magnolia. Furniture is light wood.

With all that out of the way, I can’t think of what to do with this low fireplace. It’s very ‘ultra modern’ and I think is designed for houses that want a wall mounted tv which we aren’t keen on. I feel that it’s just to blah and low as it is, and can’t think of a way of updating it!! Any ideas or thoughts?

How much can you do if it’s a rented property?

I’d put a taller mirror there to give height to the fire place

Thanks for your replies so far! Potential things I’m thinking include building a faux top, mantle or arch over it- or using adhesive tiles to make a sort of fireplace splashback thing? Or tile stickers on the actual fireplace to change the starkness of the white.

I can do anything easily removable, hence self adhesive floor/tile stickers/wall stickers. I can put anything decorative- ie tall vases, fairy lights, gallery walls, mirrors, etc. I could probably put up a shelf if needed but would rather stick to the command picture Velcro hooks as I know I can cover those!

Quite fond of my beach canvas, so would be relocate it or to get rid unless I have to!

I’ve been googling and on Pinterest for ideas and I can only see beautiful rustic fireplaces which look so lovely but no ideas for this side!

Sorry that was in response to @CrypticQueen
@LuluBellaBlue what sort of shape would you go for? Would you have it instead of the picture, or go for something as wide as the fireplace, framed (if so which colour)

Sorry I am very demanding but very thankful in advance!

To be honest visually that picture is to small and you have placed it too high up on the wall.
I would actaually lean a large painting up on the wall on the fireplace or place a large mirror on it. It is all about proportions.

Thats great, honesty is good. I have another place for it to go- so I’m a little reluctant to have anything leaning as I’m due a baby and have friends with toddlers but I’m looking for a large painting (not canvas) lower down on the wall? Wider in particular or taller in particular? There is a large space to fill!

Taller definitely.

I don't think you need to do the tiled thing that you said about.

I can't look at the picture for very long.

There is a purple haired demon staring at me from the bottom right of the picture.

It's not you is it?

How old is the house? Does it by any chance have picture-rails?

Remove the canvas. Get a tall Frameless portrait sized mirror, as wide as the shelf. Hang it on the wall but position it close to the mantle shelf. Two tall candle holders on either side of mantle shelf or two tall bud vases. Less tall vase with flowers in the middle. Smaller candles, photos in-between.

If you like plants you could position one on the side on the floor. Again make it tall.

You could get a round mirror, one with a mirrored or metal surround, a nice big one.

Big plants on the side, like a pp said. A purple-black rubber plant or a cheese plant or something else big.