Fireplace Art – Wall Art Above Fireplaces

What is fireplace art?

Fireplace art refers to wall art — typically prints, canvases, or framed photographs — hung on the wall directly above a fireplace or mantelpiece. Because the fireplace is usually the natural focal point of a living room, the artwork placed above it carries more visual weight than pieces hung elsewhere in the home. Good above-fireplace artwork is chosen with careful attention to scale (typically two-thirds the width of the mantel), colour (echoing tones already present in the room), and style (from serene landscapes to bold abstracts). The goal is to enhance the warmth and character of the fireplace while completing the room's overall decorative scheme. At AboutWallArt, our curated range of prints and canvases is designed with exactly this placement in mind, offering pieces that look as stunning above a traditional stone surround as they do above a sleek contemporary insert.

People Also Ask About Fireplace Art

• What size art should I hang above a fireplace? Aim for a piece roughly two-thirds the width of your mantelpiece — typically 80–100 cm wide for a standard UK fireplace — and position the bottom edge at least 15 cm above the mantel shelf.
• Is it safe to hang canvas art above a working fireplace? Yes, as long as the artwork is positioned well above the mantel shelf so it is not in the direct path of rising heat. Avoid hanging irreplaceable originals directly above an open log fire.
• Should art above a fireplace be centred? Yes — centring your artwork directly above the mantel creates visual symmetry and reinforces the fireplace as the room's focal point. If hanging a gallery arrangement, treat the cluster as a single unit and centre the whole grouping.
• What style of art looks best above a fireplace? Large single canvases, bold abstract prints, calming landscapes, and botanical prints are all consistently popular. The best choice depends on your room's existing palette and furniture style.
• How far above the mantel should art be hung? Leave 15–20 cm between the top of the mantel shelf and the bottom of the frame. The visual centre of the artwork should ideally sit at around eye level (145–150 cm from the floor) when viewed from the main seating area.
• Can I hang a mirror instead of art above my fireplace? Absolutely — mirrors are a classic alternative that reflect light and make a room feel larger. If you prefer the warmth and personality of a printed piece, a large-format canvas or framed print achieves a similar sense of scale with more visual richness.

Fireplace Art Styles at a Glance