How to Add Hygge Coziness to Your Modern Fireplace

Modern design doesn’t have to be cold and boring. You can warm up your modern fireplace with cozy hygge decor.

Today I’m sharing how I updated my fireplace, plus some ideas you can use to get the look. Find a decorative fireplace screen, Scandinavian style log holders, a lounge chair and fun mantel accessories.

But beware, once you hygge-fy your fireplace area, your cats will monopolize the seating.

Note: This article contains affiliate links. See my disclosures for details.

What Is Hygge Decor?

If you’re not familiar with hygge, it’s the Danish art of ultimate coziness. Hygge is a feeling of contentment, sharing happy memories at home with the people (and cats) you love.

It’s not strictly about decor. But when home bloggers talk about hygge decor, we’re really talking about designing inviting spaces that make people want to kick back, play a board game and relax together with a cup of cocoa.

The fireplace is the central gathering point when we think of hygge decor.

For more info, check out my recent literary decor guest post on The Uncorked Librarian’s blog. I talk about hygge and other home decor trends hiding in my favorite books (Little Women is basically the hygge manual).

If you feel like your modern fireplace is too sparse and not creating that inviting atmosphere you want, try adding some of these elements.

Mid-Century Modern Fireplace Screens

A new screen is like an instant facelift for your fireplace.

My screen used to be brass, which is era-appropriate for a mid-century house, but it didn’t have the modern feel I wanted. I had it replated in brushed nickel, so I was able to keep the original but make it work for my design preferences.

If you like the design but not the finish of your screen, you can search your city for vendors offering metal replating services. A replating job can take awhile but might be worth the wait for something you love.

If you don’t like your current screen, you could try one of these modern screens to give your fireplace a bit of personality.

Related: See the ultimate guide to mid-century modern decor

Whimsical Log Sets for a Gas Fireplace

For a gas fireplace, the log set can transform the appearance. I kept my vintage log set and added ceramic pine cones to create whimsical hygge vibes.

Here are some log set options for your fireplace. You can find different styles of tree logs, including white birch for an unexpected detail.

Scandi Modern Log Holders & Tools

For a wood-burning fireplace, it’s all about the log display. Pick a modern log holder with a Scandinavian feel to up the hygge levels. Don’t forget to add a modern set of fireplace tools.

Modern Chair to Get Your Fireside Hygge On

When you want people to gather for hygge time, you need comfortable seating. Draw a cozy chair up to your fireplace. Win extra coziness points with a faux fur or modern blanket like the ones I share here.

You might want to check local sellers for antique chairs that you can bring back to life. We got this vintage Plycraft lounge chair on Craigslist, and Eric stained and reupholstered it himself! He even added the piping, which is so far beyond my patience level.

We got a deal because the chair base was missing, but we found a dirt cheap base at Goodwill that worked as a replacement. Vintage chair now open for business.

If you exhaust the local listings and antique stores (or you aren’t looking for a DIY project), you might consider a new reproduction. These chairs are both inviting and super mod.

The turquoise and gray chairs are the same, but I really love both colors and couldn’t choose which one to show here.

Mod Mantel Decor With a Scandi Touch

The mantel is a great spot to have fun with pretty or eccentric details. For a mid-century fireplace, a starburst mirror or clock is guaranteed to look good.

You can combine a Scandi and mid-mod look with a painting like this gem. It has dogs on a skateboard, and they put a bird on it.

And ask yourself, is this yoga cat figurine the thing that’s been missing from your mantel?

You might also want to check out Decor Hint’s soy candle DIY, A Pretty Fix’s modern Christmas village, and Tasty Itinerary’s cozy gift guide for more ways to hygge-fy your home.

Finally, Add the Perfect Fireside Reading

When I think of hygge, I think of snuggling up next to the fireplace with a delightful book. And I’ve been wanting to tell you about this one for a while now.

New Erotica for Feminists is full of titillating tales that might excite the modern woman. Imagine the day when MILF is a venture capitalist term for “Mom I’d Like to Fund,” or when Ed Sheeran writes the hit single, “I’m in Love With Your Body of Work.”

This hilarious book was co-written by an old friend and co-worker of mine, Brooke Preston. Brooke was the PR Manager at my very first internship and job out of college.

She gave me a shot when I was desperately trying to make use of my new English degree, and throughout the years we’ve worked a few different writing jobs together.

Brooke is also one of the nicest and funniest people I’ve met. I’m so proud of her for publishing her first book. If you’re looking for a gift for the fun-loving feminist in your life, this is it.

Find more cozy decor ideas:

• Cozy modern throw blankets
• Best throw pillows for a colorful modern sofa
• How to style a cozy minimalist bedroom

Modern Fireplace Decor Ideas