Creating Symmetry: Fireplace with Cabinets on Each Side
Fireplace with cabinets on each side are a wonderful way to add both style and function to any great room or basement. They provide valuable storage to keep the space clutter-free and they create a warm, finished look that highlights the heart of your home.
Whether designed on one or both sides of the fireplace, built-ins can be tailored to your needs — spanning floor to ceiling, wall to wall, or standing alone as a unique feature. They can be perfectly symmetrical for a classic, balanced look or asymmetrical for a more modern, creative design.
At Sean’s Cabinetry, we’ve had the opportunity to create both symmetrical and asymmetrical fireplace built-ins. Each design is tailored to our clients’ preferences while also taking into account the home’s layout and available space.
1. Symmetrical Balance
Symmetrical balance is a wonderful design approach that instantly creates harmony and order in a space. In our case, a fireplace with cabinets on each side gave us the opportunity to combine beauty with function. The closed base cabinets offer smart storage for the family’s everyday essentials, while the floating shelves above bring openness and a place to showcase personal touches.
For this remodeled basement, the client wanted a cozy and inviting retreat for both kids and adults. Our team at Sean’s Cabinetry built custom side cabinets and shelves that deliver a warm, polished, and clean look—perfectly balanced and designed to last.
2. Entertainment Wall in Edgecomb Gray by Benjamin Moore
This entertainment wall is a beautiful example of custom cabinetry done right, blending clean lines and still serving the purpose. The base cabinets feature frameless construction with blum soft-close hinges, ensuring a smooth, quiet experience every time you open or close a door.
The open shelves above, made from rift-sawn white oak, bring warmth and texture while providing the perfect place for decorative accents, books, and personal treasures. The combination of painted cabinetry and natural wood creates a modern feel, making this wall a beautiful focal point and truly that functional part of the living space.
The cabinetry is finished in Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray, a soft classy neutral that blends seamlessly into the space while allowing the natural oak shelves to stand out. The custom fireplace surround is painted in Snowbound by Sherwin-Williams, a crisp white that creates a clean frame around the fireplace.
For the finishing touch, brushed brass knobs were chosen for the base cabinetry. Their subtle sheen adds just the right amount of glow and contrast against the muted gray paint, tying together this stunning symmetrical design.
3. Fireplace with Cabinets on each Side
This cozy basement living room was transformed through thoughtful design choices centered around the fireplace. While in many homes cabinetry on both sides of the fireplace isn’t always possible—sometimes windows, doors, or a narrower wall make it impractical—here we had the opportunity, and we made the most of it.
The custom cabinetry, painted in Edgecomb Gray, pairs beautifully with light white oak floating shelves, brightening the space and keeping it feeling open and inviting. The client had previously installed Urban Flooring’s Archer, a medium honey-brown tone that grounds the room with warmth and depth. Together, the soft cabinetry color, natural wood accents, and rich flooring create a perfect balance of modern elegance and cozy comfort.
Whether you’re dreaming of a fireplace with cabinetry on both sides, a unique asymmetrical design, or custom built-ins that perfectly fit your space, Sean’s Cabinetry is here to help. We specialize in high-quality, custom cabinetry—always built with care and attention to detail. From two-toned kitchens to solid wood mudrooms to beautifully moody laundry rooms, our team loves bringing each client’s vision to life.
Let’s create something beautiful together—contact Sean’s Cabinetry today and transform your fireplace wall into a true centerpiece of your home.
