If this was your fireplace..

[Fireplacehelp]

What would you do to make it nicer? During the Christmas period it looks lovely with a garland and other stuff but now it's just back to being dull and depressing! The basket on the right is normally filled with logs but I need to go to the shed to get more and there is a tv above.

Do I need a big plant on the left? Candles? Any ideas because I'm useless at this stuff?

Also name changed because of the photo!

I think it looks nice like that! Is there room on the mantle for a plant or two?

Thank you! Not really enough room unless it was a small plant, not a great photo but the tv is on the wall just above the mantle. Maybe a 10cm gap!

I'd change the black tile with something more interesting with patters maybe as I think the blackness is eating away the light. Candle lanterns might also bring some interest to the corner. It's a beautiful fireplace btw x

I think the problem is the telly above tbh. Otherwise your fireplace is very pretty

I would put a plant in the corner on the left, but then I put a plant everywhere.

But I think it's pretty as it is too, I wouldn't change anything drastic.

I think some hops or similar would look good as a sort of floral decoration, they smell good too!

I'd put the cleaning bits behind the wood storage basket if possible (although that might just transfer soot!).

I do think it looks lovely, but if you're missing the garland, they aren't only for Christmas. You can get some lovely spring/summer ones, have a google.

Unless your living room is one of those all-beige ones, I'd paint the inside of the recess with a colour. You might be limited by which colours you can find heat proof paint in, but if you can find something which complements your living room it will look amazing. This stuff is suitable https://earthbornpaints.co.uk/paint/claypaint/ but I'm sure there are other brands.
It is a faff painting behind the stove but I've done it and it's worth it. It doesn't have to be a good finish at the back as you can't see it much anyway.

I'd get a nice big silver metal lantern to put on the left hand side. Someone I know painted the walls inside the fireplace cavity a metallic silver. In the day light you can't really see it but when the fire is going it has this lovely subtle glowing shimmer. Maybe you could try that? Also agree with changing the tiles if that is something you can do without too much cost

Some pretty coloured glass tealights on the mantle and battery fairy lights as a garland in the style of the Christmas one. Plus a large glass lantern on the left.

It's lovely!

How about gold fire tools? https://www.oliverbonas.com/homeware/gold-metal-fireside-tool-set-343731 (the log holder would look great too)

Or tall floor vase and dried cotton stems?

its lovely fireplace, i use home apps & upload my home photos and add plants and decor to see what colours I like as I’m never sure what looks best.

As it’s a working wood burner I would put real plants in the area. I don’t like fake plants so would have those either.

Can you redo the hearth to make it wider? I would remove the small bits of skirting and extend the hearth to the edge of the chimney breast. Then you would have more room for candles and lanterns.

Definately string some fairy lights across the mantle. My fairy lights stay up most of the year.

I think it’s very stylish. I’d add a lamp/lantern on the hearth and tea lights on the mantle. Fairy lights would also look lovely.

That should say I wouldn’t put real plants in the area. They won’t do well with the direct heat.

I would move the tools to the left side to better balance the log basket. Also, lose the cloth - fold it and tuck it on the log basket. On the left of the oak mantle I would add a pair of simple matching vases, one slightly larger than the other, set at a diagonal angle to each other.

A small plant in a low bowl on the other side trailing down could also work but you might need to go fake or succulent to cope with the heat, or move it when the fire is lit.

Candles might melt and also a pain having to move them every time you open the stove door. Maybe get some string lights to go round the fireplace??? C

I had to take a double look at my own living room because your fireplace and mantelpiece looks exactly like mine. We painted the wall blue and are about to hang a mirror and some prints on the wall. We also have an assortment of candles on the hearth.

Don’t mess with the hearth! Looks like a lovely solid slate (?) hearth.

I would move the fire dogs to beside the log basket - this will also help hide the plug socket there.

Then a pair of big glass candle lanterns either side of the woodburner. Agree fairy lights across the mantel would be nice but best to avoid any trailing wires so wd have to be battery. I do think a permanent garland could work.

I'd paint the fireplace an olive/moss green and the recess black. How do you manage keeping a white recess clean?! Also, fairy lights are for life, not just for Christmas.

Put something on the mantle shelf, get a basket that is closer to the colour of the wooden mantle shelf.

We have one very similar (except the mantle); off to a fireplace surround shop tomorrow to have a look

Small plants on top.string of hearts on one side so it hangs over but not over the stove, with something like smaller cacti on the rest. Easy easy

Sorry all have been out all day today so I'm going to read through the replies in a bit!

I put candles to the sides of our woodburner, and they're fine, no issues with them melting.

Depending on what sort of thing you like, you could put a fabric or crochet garland along the mantel to liven it up a bit. Then maybe a lamp on a low table in the corner, and a brass fender in front of the hearth.