17 Fabulous Ideas of Fireplace with Bookshelves on Each Side for Ultimate Reading Experience

Reading a book on a comfortable chair by the fireplace, accompanied by a cup of relaxing tea, a fresh-brewed coffee, or a comforting hot chocolate, would be a fantastic experience to have after a long tiring day if you are a book lover. Don’t you agree?

If you want to get that in your life, a fireplace with bookshelves on each side is a feature you should add to your home design. Like the name, this structure is meant to give you the best experience in reading without leaving the house to the public library, for example. You do not even have to go to another room to enjoy your recent reads if you want to by keeping a comfortable chair or sofa nearby.

Now, there are so many designs available when it comes to a fireplace paired with two bookshelves, one on each side, like this. Here, we will give you 17 examples from various interior designers to get you inspired. Read further to find out how fabulous each of the fireplace ideas is.

1. Eclectic Black Limestone Fireplace Surrounded by Built-In White Bookshelves with Stunning Orange Back Panels

As a starter, let us take a look at this fantastic eclectic fireplace paired with a built-in bookshelf on each side. Based on the info shared by the designer, the location of this element is in the living room, which is quite common.

There are several things that we found to be the most interesting from this design. First of all, let us talk about the fireplace first.

This element is not the one you can get at stores because the fact is that the designer especially made it for this project. However, you can still absorb the inspiration if, by any chance, a dark, simple, and elegant fireplace always have a special place in your heart.

FYI, the material here is Walker Zanger Limestone. Several options in the projects look highly similar to the one you see in the picture.

Now let us talk about the built-in bookshelves. While there is information about the wall paint, which is Benjamin Moore Patriotic White 2135-70, we cannot find anything about the bookshelves’ color.

The sure thing is that it looks warmer than the wall’s hue. If you look closer, it is in the same shade as the ceiling. This idea is excellent to apply when you want a coordinating look in the interior, particularly when the built-in bookshelves are directly connected to the top like this.

The orange back panels here are absolute attention stealers. These details look coordinated with the orange pillows, the painting above the mantel, and some other minor details in the eclectic living room.

Unfortunately, there is no information stated about it, other than the fact that it is also a product of Benjamin Moore. We think it looks highly similar to Orange Nectar 2013-20.

2. Black-Painted Fireplace with Two White Bookshelves Surrounding It

The classic color combination of black and white is can also create a fab. As an example, you can take a look at the picture of an eclectic living room above.

This has a simple black fireplace paired with white bookshelves. If you look closer, the material of the fireplace here is brick painted in black. The idea is interesting, especially when you already have one but want to update the look by changing the color.

The bookshelves shown in this design have an open style with simple white color. Although they are not directly connected with the fireplace, they are still good pairs. We particularly love how the size is custom-made to precisely fit with the wall and create symmetry.

Both of the bookshelves and black fireplace look gorgeous, being located against the light grey wall. Together, all of these elements create a classic color combination that matches the living room interior theme.

3. Rustic, Glamor Brick Fireplace with Weathered Wood Bookshelves in Both Sides

The rustic look of the fireplace and bookshelves here emits a cozy atmosphere to the living room. They even support the rustic and glam theme applied to the living room.

The exposed brick fireplace has a hearth and overmantel from the same material. It also comes with a chunky reclaimed wood mantel for placing decorations. This detail is particularly suitable for the rustic theme.

This fireplace does not come with any cover. The black thing you see here is a screen, which function is more on the safe side. It avoids the sparks from the fire to enter the room or even damage the book you are reading.

Now let us talk about the bookshelves. They have a weathered wood appearance which is compatible with the brown wall paint.

They also become a gorgeous dark background for the chairs reupholstered using the Duralee Robert Allen 36266 | 151-Grapefruit. Together, they give a contribution to building up the glamor feel in the interior.

4. Simple Brick Fireplace Paired with Custom, Wall-Mounted Wood Bookshelves

Here is another exposed brick fireplace that we find inspirational. The difference is that in this design, the brick is also the material of the walls.

The thing that we find to be very interesting is located in none other but the bookshelves. They clearly look different from the ones shown in the previous ideas.

From this design, we all know that the bookshelves you can place on both sides of the fireplace should not always be built-in. It can also be custom wall-mount pieces like the one you see in the picture.

These bookshelves do not only have a distinctly contemporary, industrial style. It also creates a more open feel that is perfect for a small interior or a lower ceiling.

From this contemporary living room design, we are not only fascinated with the pairing between the brick fireplace and the wall-mount bookshelves. We also cannot take our eyes off the furniture choices, particularly the blue chairs that look very similar to the Saarinen Executive Armchair with wood legs from Eternity Modern and the grey loveseat from abc home & carpet.

These seating furniture pieces are not simply something that completes the room’s function as a reception area. These items can also create a more comfortable reading experience, as we told in the beginning.

5. Very Simple White Built-In Bookshelves with Brown Wall as the Back Panel as the Pairs for the White Fireplace

The white fireplace design that you can see in this picture is quite ordinary. Something like this is commonly found in a modern or contemporary interior.

The thing that catches our attention more is the design of the built-in bookshelves. The overall visual, particularly about the color choices, highly look coordinated with the general idea applied on the wall.

The white color of the shelves looks compatible with the primary hue of the fireplace. If you look closely, this built-in furniture is actually in an open style. The back panels are none other but the walls of the room. An idea like this is just fantastic to follow when you wish to have some bookshelves, but the budget is quite limited.

To inform you, we do not know what the exact paint color used on the wall is. However, it looks very similar to Benjamin Moore Whitall Brown HC-69.

6. Custom Built-In Bookshelves with Stainless-Steel Wood Storage Feature Paired with Contemporary, Minimalist Fireplace

Here is another fireplace with bookshelves that amaze us. The thing that fascinates us the most is the whole structure also functions as a divider between the living area and the room next to it.

The design of the fireplace here is also made simple, with grey veneer plaster as the surround. It looks like the same material is used for the bookshelves since they share a highly similar visual.

The fireplace here gains a more decorative look because of the simple yet elegant Carrara white marble mantel. As you can see, simple flower decoration and a framed wall art are placed on top.

We are in love with adding a stainless-steel box feature in the lower part of the right bookshelf. The idea is very excellent to follow because you can store the wood chunks needed to operate the fireplace so that you do not need to provide separate storage for that that will only take more space in the room.

7. A Traditional Fireplace and Custom Built-In Bookshelves with Crown Molding Detail

We can see something that creates a continuation and a coordinating feel to connect the fireplace and the bookshelves from this design. The detail we meant is none other but the crown molding.

This is often used to make a fireplace, shelves, or even cabinets look like they are a single part with the house’s ceiling. An idea like this makes everything fit in the interior even better.

From the picture, we can see that the bookshelves and the crown molding here are in the same color. Unfortunately, we cannot find any specific information about the product used here.

On the other hand, the fireplace here is in a similar yet more yellowish color. FYI, the mantel used here is from the Moderne collection of Francois & Co.

To tie everything together even better, there is a beige wall paint used by the designer here. It is nothing else but Benjamin Moore Bleeker Beige HC-80.

8. Gorgeous Black Brick Fireplace with Barn-Style, Sliding Screen and a Two Grey Bookshelves

Everything about this fireplace and bookshelves designs are just inspiring, and that is why we like it. Let us start from the fireplace first.

It is from brick material and is painted in black. Its color matches the dark color scheme applied in this small, eclectic living room.

We love not only the textured black brick in the design because there is one more thing that arrests our attention quite the most. It is none other but the unique barn-style screen.

Let us move on to the bookshelves. The grey color might not be as dark as any other hues in the interior color scheme. However, it still looks very compatible to be a part of it.

You will see a white top added above the bookshelves and fireplace in a closer look. It looks like an oversized mantel where you can put more decorations on.

We mention it not only because of its function as a mantel. It is also because its white color connects the fireplace and bookshelves with the wall’s hue, which is also white.

Lastly, we love how the bookshelves do not cover the whole wall surface so that it is still possible to add windows there. This idea is fantastic for a small interior or one that is not bright enough.

9. An Eclectic Fireplace Looks Neat Being Paired with Grey Bookshelves with Glass Doors

Do you want a neater look? If so, bookshelves with doors flanking the fireplace are the ones you should get. Whenever you don’t have enough time to rearrange the books yet, the doors can even conceal them nicely so that people will not notice the mess until you can tidy them up.

Other than the neat visual, there is another benefit that you can obtain from the furniture. The door can also keep the books away from dust that may reduce their quality after a long time.

About the design of the bookshelves, there are at least two major types suitable for this idea. The first comes with solid doors so that the books inside are totally concealed and not visible from outside.

The second has glass doors like the ones you see in the eclectic living room above. This one is more suitable to pick if you prefer to display your book collections.

Still, about the white brick fireplace and grey bookshelves design that you can see in the picture, we like one more thing. It is the long medium-tone wood material that works simultaneously as the mantel for placing the TV.

10. Classic, Traditional White Fireplace and Custom Bookshelves with Lights

When we saw this picture of a classic traditional living room, we directly fell in love with the combination of white fireplace and bookshelves. They fit excellently in the interior as well as the color scheme in there.

They even emit an elegant and luxurious look at the same time. The standard fireplace design, for example. It does come not only with a filler panel material that is a possibly white marble with visible grey veins.

As you can see, it is also decorated with a single-panel screen at the front. The gold hue looks excellent and even matching with the coffee table’s color.

Now, let us talk about the custom bookshelves that flank the fireplace. We specifically love how the designer maximizes the use of available space by making one of the bookshelves have an L-shape. This idea is not only space-effective but also gives more storage space for the books.

In a closer look, the white bookshelves are also adorned with black mounted lights at the top. Details like these are not only helpful in perfecting the classic coordinating look in the furniture design. They are also beneficial since they make it easier for you to find the books you are searching for at night.

11. Fireplace with Shelves for Books and Wall-Mounted TV

Take a look at this gorgeous stone fireplace that becomes a perfect addition to the coastal family room. It stands tall, bringing the beauty of nature to the interior.

You can see bookshelves on each side of it, which color is precisely the same as the wall hue. From these furniture pieces, there is one idea that you can get inspired from.

Bookshelves placed near a fireplace like this are functional for storing books and putting decorations. You can also use it for creating an entertainment center with even more exclusive features.

For example, there is a wall-mounted TV placed on one of the bookshelves in the picture. A combination like this is suitable for a family or living room.

12. A Unique Corner Fireplace with Custom Built-In Medium-tone Wood Bookshelves

When you wish to have a fireplace completed with bookshelves, the center position in the room is not the only one you can use. An example is when you need more wall space for placing a TV because you do not want to put it near the fireplace.

A case like this exists in the contemporary family room above. As you can see, the fireplace and bookshelf are in the corner, and the wall space beside them is used for mounting a large TV and an entertainment center below it.

The fact that the fireplace is located in the corner does not make it look less attractive. The truth is that it even looks like a unique art display with built-in lighting included in the design for easier book-finding.

The large, square mirror art placed on the fireplace mantel here is a real attention catcher. The gold screen and the gold and black tool set perfect the design even better because of the luxurious feel they emit.

13. Stained Wood Fireplace with Built-in Bookshelves for a Stronger and Cozier Traditional Look

Thanks to the unique, custom design of this stained wood fireplace and bookshelves, this living room interior emit a solid traditional and cozy atmosphere. From the very first glance, it is clear that this unit is made special to fit the room. That is why the size can precisely cover the wall surface.

The idea of creating a coordinating look by choosing a stain color for the fireplace and bookshelves that are highly similar to the ones used for the room’s furniture, including the coffee table and the console, is a perfect one. The hue is even compatible with medium-tone wood flooring.

We specifically love the addition of gold accents here and there that build up a classy feel in this living room. The gold sconces installed on the top of the bookshelves are especially useful. They create not only a more aesthetic visual but also a source of light for finding books.

14. A Stunning Grey Fireplace Flanked with Black Bookshelves in a Warm Reddish Brown Traditional Living Room

Take a look at how stunning this grey fireplace looks. We meant that, together with the black bookshelves flanking it, it adds a powerful, bold feeling in the living room interior dominated with warm colors, with the reddish browns from the furniture that looks relatively focal in there.

The choice of grey color for the fireplace here is brilliant, we think. The paint, which is Benjamin Moore Nightfall 1596, has a warm undertone in it. It matches the warm color scheme applied to the interior while at the same time still adding boldness in there. As for the bookshelves seem to belong to the interior because their black color looks compatible with the trim.

Another small detail that we like here is the addition of a large mirror on the fireplace overmantel. It helps make the room look more spacious, especially in dealing with the relatively low ceiling there.

15. Simple Yet Fabulous Combination between a Traditional Fireplace and Floating Medium-Tone Wood Bookshelves

In this next design, we want you to pay more attention to the bookshelves instead of the standard fireplace. The type that you see here is floating medium-tone bookshelves made from birch material.

The floating and open style of the bookshelves brings an excellent benefit to this interior. It does not look bulky, so that it does not make the small living room look cramped.

The fireplace design used in this traditional living room looks very simple. It does not have any extraordinary decorative detail but only a black surround, screen, and mantel. Its simplicity is excellently compatible with the visual of the wooden bookshelves.

16. An Effective Use of a Small Empty Space for a Comfortable Reading Spot with Fireplace

Is there any small space that you leave empty in the house? If yes, you can possibly use it to build a fireplace, complete with the bookshelves flanking it.

When the space is quite limited like this, you must remember to choose the proper sizing for the fireplace to not be too big and take too much space. Other than that, you must carefully design the bookshelves too. In this case, you can make something that is slim but tall, as shown in the picture.

This fireplace and bookshelves are part of a beach-style interior. From the pic, you can see that whether space and the custom structure are not that big, it still shows the coziness needed for quality reading time. Everything gets even better because of the two comfortable chairs and the small round table in the middle.

17. A Transitional Fireplace Flanked by Unique Built-in Bookshelves with Arched Top

The bookshelves flanking the fireplace should not always be in a traditional boxy design because some variations are available. A unique example is known in the transitional living room design that you can see in the picture.

There are at least two uniquenesses that we can find from this bookshelf design. The first is that it has the same warm white paint color as the wall and the fireplace. The hue and the built-in design make them look like a single unity with the wall.

The second uniqueness is the arched top. It makes the bookshelves look distinctly beautiful.

When you see a design like this, you may question whether the top shelf is effective enough to store books. If you find that it is not, you can still use it as a display shelf, such as placing trophies as done in the picture.

The arched shape will make a unique and catchy display. It will look even better if you also include built-in lighting to make anything you place on the top shelf more focal.

Closing

There are so many ideas of a fireplace with bookshelves on each side that you can find right now. Each of them is suited to the size of the room, the amount of storage space that you need, and the features you want.

No matter what, a fireplace that comes with bookshelves features a perfect combination of coziness and a quality reading experience. It will get even more excellent when you also keep a comfortable chair near so that you can directly read the books whenever you want to without losing the desire to read if you move to another room or sit far away from the bookshelves and fireplace.

There is only one more thing that we want to tell you. If you are interested in adding bookshelves to your fireplace design, we recommend using a screen. This accessory does not only contain a safety value for you and your family. It can also lower the risk for your book collections to be damaged or even burnt.