Historically, fireplaces were the sole heating source and could be found in nearly every room of the home. With the advent of central heating, the need for fires quickly declined with many being boxed in or removed. While today we still depend on central heating for our warmth, there is something irresistible about the comforting welcome offered by living room fireplace ideas. ‘A fireplace is more than a piece of furniture or an architectural decision,’ explains Monique Tollgard, founder of Tollgard (opens in new tab). ‘A fire is a ritual you add to your home and your life. The warmth and grandeur of a fireplace significantly alter a rooms atmosphere even with no logs on or burning brightly. ‘The fireplace becomes not just another design element but a main focal point, so discovering the perfect addition to your space can elevate the room from one of function into one full of ambience and conviviality.’ Below, we bring you fireplace ideas for every room – helping you to embrace the splendour of these living works of art.
Fireplace ideas
The fireplace is the natural focal point of any room – from kitchens to living rooms. They are a place around which family and friends naturally congregate of an evening to converse and relax, the hub that beckons us with its welcome warmth and light, and, with a bit of imagination, an eye-catching design feature that might even have a practical, architectural role in the room, too. ‘Fireplaces come in many forms, ranging from the large inglenooks found in early homes, to the cast-iron, marble and wooden surrounds of the Georgian and Victorian eras,’ explains Roger Hunt, author of (opens in new tab)Old House Handbook. (opens in new tab) It is these designs that fuel our thoughts of traditional fireplace ideas or farmhouse fireplace ideas – after all no period home would be complete without them. However, it is also important to consider the more modern fireplace ideas, featuring slim profiles and dramatic uses of materials, they are great for pushing the boundaries of interior design.
1. Invest in an authentic original design
If your budget can stretch, you will not regret purchasing an original fireplace. ‘Original antique fireplaces are the gold standard and the most valuable, but also the most expensive. Not only do they retain their value but they’ll also add value to the property due to their authentic period charm,’ explains Owen Pacey of specialist fireplace showroom Renaissance London (opens in new tab). ‘My advice is to put your original antique fireplace in your primary room where you’ll see it and love it most. Don’t forget you can move fireplaces relatively easily too.’ Whether you are opting for an original design or a newer piece, it is important that you know how to clean a fireplace in order to keep yours looking stunning.
2. Select a less formal design for a family room
While the living room offers a formal space in the home, the family room embraces more relaxed vibes and as such requires a less formal fireplace design. There are plenty of family room ideas with fireplaces as they add that warm, welcoming atmosphere which is essential for the family room. Embrace on trend brick fireplace designs that will bring a warm focal point to the room even when not lit. ‘The essence of a fireplace in the home evokes feelings of warmth and comfort. This fireplace specifically is located in my own family den, which we created off of our kitchen to encourage our family to hang out around certain focal points,’ explains interior designer Cortney Bishop (opens in new tab). ‘This fireplace was uniquely designed with handmade tiles that I purchased from my travels to Morocco, choosing those that connected our family such as palm trees, fishing, and letters in our names. By doing this, we created a unique connection with our home in which we cherish.’
3. Select a bolection fireplace to suit any interior
While for a traditional home the advice is to take inspiration from your home’s age and the historical precedence, for newer homes this is difficult to follow. If you are in love with the futuristic look of modern design, then there are plenty of glass front fireboxes or inbuilt designs that will suit your tastes, however, for those looking for something a little less avant-garde, try bolection style fireplaces. ‘Bolection fireplaces are defined by their simplicity, clean lines and their ability to be used in any interior design setting,’ notes Pacey. ‘Bolection fireplaces are so popular as they span all periods. They are also available in many colors. You can choose from a variety of marbles and stone. Their simplicity lends itself to so many settings,’ explains Owen Pacey.
4. Don’t overlook mantel-dressing and accessories
Whether your fireplace is in use or not, mantel decor ideas are vital. As well as deciding on the fireplace design, think about how you are going to dress this space. Max Rollitt from Max Rollitt Architecture shares his expert advice. ‘Always have an overmantel mirror – ideally with a soft mercury silver plate. Ensure you have two or three table lamps dotted around the room, together with candles and firelight, they will give a warm cozy glow on winter evenings.’ ‘If your fireplace is in a living room add a wing chair or pair of Howard armchairs and an antique tripod or side table for drinks. Finish with an antique woven rug or jute rug on the floor to give color, texture and warmth to the room.’
5. Protect and preserve original fireplaces
If you are lucky enough to have an original fireplace in situ then you should do you best to preserve it. ‘In this 1870s Italianate, we highlighted the original historic mantel with a new slate surround and an antique brass fireplace bolection from 1stDibs (opens in new tab). The color blocking of these three elements mirrors that of the original Joseph Albers portfolio pages we grouped above the mantel, as well as the overall gray and yellow scheme of the room. The result is a fireplace that blends seamlessly with the new decor, despite being over a hundred years old!’ says Bethany Adams of Bethany Adams Interiors (opens in new tab).
6. Dress up your fireplace in response to the seasons
As the centerpiece of your room’s design, your fireplace offers the perfect opportunity to add seasonal charm to your space. Dress your mantel with a garland made from seasonal foliage – whether that’s fall leaves and pinecones as part of fall mantel ideas or try a fir garland alongside other Christmas fireplace ideas to ring in the holiday spirit.
7. Dress your fireplace with artwork
It used to be that a mirror was the only thing to place in the space above a fireplace, along with a mantelpiece full of trinkets and treasures. While this is a classic-look that is still very popular, it is no longer the only option. ‘We have been using simple designs around fireplaces, and opting out of mantels and traditional wood surrounds. We love using marble and other hard materials for a more modern look,’ says Jennifer Walter, owner and principal designer for Folding Chair Design Co. (opens in new tab) ‘In the case of this fireplace, we opted for stone slabs to avoid the seams tiles may create. We added to the surround with two inch border pieces around the perimeters. The front living room was so light, so we used a dark, Via Late granite that has a really dark finish with just a bit of white veining. It really popped against the white walls.’
8. Make your fireplace ideas the focal point
‘The existing slate fireplace in this Victorian townhouse was the starting point for the design of this welcoming reception room. The color and material of the fireplace was instrumental in deciding the color scheme for the room – we wanted this room to be very atmospheric and selected a dark moody blue for the dominant color,’ says Linda Levene, Design Director, LLI Design (opens in new tab). ‘We wanted the fireplace to sit comfortably in the space and although being a strong presence we didn’t want it to be too dominating in the overall scheme. By designing a bespoke joinery unit in the niches either side of the chimney breast the fireplace became the centerpiece of this room. ‘We complemented and balanced the fireplace with a decorative log display to one side emphasizing the room’s height and added warmth and drama by way of the back lit shelves either side. The overall effect is warm, cozy and considered but not overbearing,’ she concludes. Katie Thomas, of KTM Design (opens in new tab) continues: ‘Don’t forget to decorate your fireplace for added impact. Use cut firewood, on a stand or in a natural material basket. If you’re looking to add something more, sitting a plant on the hearth can add color to the space whilst keeping a natural feel and allowing focus on the tiles.’
9. Choose a stove for a contemporary twist
In period homes, it’s likely that you will have a fire surround that reflects the age and architecture of the house, but if yours is a more contemporary scheme – or you want a cleaner approach to burning fuel, an insert stove might be a great choice for you. ‘As insert stoves are fitted into a wall, giving the illusion of an eye-catching ‘window of fire’, opt for a minimalist approach to styling to let the fire take centerstage. Simple accessories and ornaments like vases positioned on the floor will add a subtle layer of character to a space,’ says Declan Kingsley-Walsh, Managing Director at Morsø (opens in new tab). ‘The larger the glass viewing area, the better, aesthetically,’ says Vicky Naylor General Manager, ACR Stoves (opens in new tab). ‘The increase in open plan living spaces also means that many homeowners are looking for a stove which can be placed in the middle of the room and enjoyed from all angles, so stoves with more than one viewing window are also increasingly popular.’
10. Build a storage wall around your fireplace
Rules of symmetry say that a fireplace should sit in the center of a wall but if yours doesn’t, you can correct the room’s proportions really practically by building storage around it. ‘With a chimney breast, the space either side needs to be considered in the overall design and how it can be integrated with the space, whether the space either side should be designed symmetrically or asymmetrically, whether it should be emphasized or made invisible,’ explains Linda Levene of LLI Design. ‘Obvious examples are bookcases and storage for decorative elements such as log displays.’
11. Enhance space in a cottage with a fire surround-free approach
Fireplaces don’t necessarily need a surround or even a mantel to be a fabulous focal point for a room – in fact, in small spaces, removing them can make a space feel larger. If you do this, however, you will need to ensure the hearth itself is inviting, and one way to do this is with an insert stove – and there are lots of wood burner ideas from which to choose. ‘Installing a wood burning stove is a simple way to transform both the look and feel of not just your fireplace, but your entire room,’ says Catharina Björkman, Scandi lifestyle expert at Swedish wood burning stove manufacturer Contura (opens in new tab). ‘As well as being an efficient way of heating your home, it acts as a focal point, adding ambiance and that all important cozy factor. For slotting into an existing chimney breast, you will need a compact low-leg model that complements the aesthetic of your home.’
12. Use a fireplace idea to create a feature wall
If the fireplace ideas you are searching for require a little more imagination, this one should please. Set at eye-height for dinner guests, this electric fire is almost like a piece of art on the wall beyond the dining table. In a low-lit room at night, it would create a warm, inviting glow that will encourage diners to linger. ‘Electric fires are a great alternative and are ideal for creating a feature wall in a modern home. Allow the fire to be a statement on its own, or choose to add a striking piece of art or a flat screen TV to add balance,’ says Jon Butterworth of Arada Stoves (opens in new tab).
13. Add texture with fireplace tiles
Introducing natural stone in your fireplace tile ideas gives you the opportunity to add an extra layer of texture and interest to a room – and of course draws the eye towards the surround itself. ‘The fireplace box was already part of the home. We renovated the façade around the fireplace by painting the millwork a dramatic deep blue/black to create drama in the space. The stone around the façade is marble and was kept simple and timeless for longevity,’ says Creative Principal Karen Wolf of Karen B Wolf Interiors (opens in new tab). https://www.homesandgardens.com/interior-design/how-to-tile-a-fireplace
14. Reflect light with mirrors and glorious metallics
The fireplace in this bedroom features a beautifully understated, slim profile marble surround, allowing breathing space for the decorative ideas of this feature wall. Decorating with mirrors, in both the room’s alcoves and above the fireplace itself, reflects light, making a small bedroom look bigger, while the glorious brass fire basket creates an air of glamor.
15 Paint a fire surround to suit your scheme
‘Rooms with fireplaces in them will have almost always been designed so that the eye will be drawn to the fireplace, and so it’s important to consider the color properly,’ says Annie Sloan (opens in new tab), color and paint expert. ‘Happily, painting a fireplace is an exceptionally easy project. Brickwork lends itself exceptionally well to Chalk Paint™ because it’s porous and will absorb the paint beautifully. Because it’s a standing surface you won’t need to wax or lacquer to protect the painted fireplace itself, although do make sure to finish the mantel to protect. It’s also very easy to repaint and makes a huge difference in a room with very little effort.’
16. Use a fender
If you’re drawn to more traditional interiors, take a cue from classic fireplaces and add an upholstered fender. As well as preventing ash from entering the room, if you were to make it large enough, it can even act as additional seating at peak entertaining times without taking up precious floor space. Select a leather covering for a hard-wearing option, but softer materials such as velvets can also be used if it’s simply a visual addition rather than expected to be used constantly as seating.
17. Look to nature
Sometimes the best ideas are the ones which come straight from nature. Inspired by the Flintstone that pepper the English South Downs, this Chesney (opens in new tab) fireplace proudly displays these sliced, veneered and polished boulders set within a frame designed to show off the panels. The range includes three fire surround designs: The Avebury, The Cirencester and The Chedworth (shown), all of which have been handcrafted by British masons. Available in eight different natural materials, from the semi-precious amethyst tones of Ball Eye Blue marble to the subtle detailing of Swaledale Fossil limestone.
18. Size up your frame
To make sure all eyes are on your fireplace, give it the framing it deserves. Although the fire surround may seem like the be-all and end-all when framing a fireplace, the insert can add that extra bit of drama that will elevate the whole look. Choose an interior insert which balances well with the surround, like this dark, dramatic insert picking up on the deepest veins of the marble surround. And, of course, spend time investing in beautiful mantel decor ideas, which will serve to draw attention to your fireplace ideas.
How do I choose the right fireplace?
‘I’d always recommend sticking to the period of the house when looking to choose a fireplace,’ says Owen Pacey, Renaissance London (opens in new tab). ‘This ensures that the styles align and the fireplace will look like it’s always been there. ‘In the Georgian period in the UK, they made tens of thousands of bullseye style fireplaces, so this style is very typical in properties of that time. Similarly with Victorian fireplaces, the most common design is Carrara marble with a shell design on the corbels. Edwardian fireplaces are beautifully intricate, mainly tiled and made from either cast iron or slate, with an Art Nouveau feel to them as well.’
How do I choose the right size fireplace?
To choose the right size fireplace, look at its proportions in relation to the room’s size. ‘The size of the room is what dictates the proportions of your fireplace,’ advises Owen Pacey of Renaissance London. ‘Measure your chimney breast and ideally you want the mantelpiece to overhang on two inches each side.’
How do I restore an original fireplace?
To restore an original fireplace or fire surround, seek expert advice, says Owen Pacey of Renaissance London. ‘Definitely, I would always recommend going to a professional restorer,’ he says. ‘For marble in particular – you can try to do it yourself but only if you have a lot of time on your hands. Always go for professional restorers if you’re dealing with chimney flues. It’s a very specialist area and there aren’t many of them for that reason. It’s really important to get right.’ You can clean a fireplace yourself, but beyond that, you will need an expert to safely deal with the job.
How do I choose a stove for my fireplace?
Because they are such an emotive piece of our homes, it’s important to choose a stove which speaks to you and your style the most. That said, there are some additional considerations to keep in mind. ‘Think of your stove as a piece of furniture for heating,’ advises Cedric Wells, Creative Director of Charnwood (opens in new tab). ‘A stove is quite a considered investment and one that is likely to remain in the room for many years so choose a classic style that won’t date.’ Size, too, is key. ‘It is important you purchase a stove with the correct output in relation to the size of your room,’ notes Cedric. ‘It is better to have a smaller stove that you can burn hard rather than a large stove that produces too much warmth as you will end up opening doors and windows to disperse the heat.’
Do fireplaces add value to a home?
Yes, fireplaces do add value to a home. ‘Not only will you make back what you paid by installing a fireplace, but it will increase the resale value of your home. Research has shown that adding an attractive fireplace can increase your home’s value by 6 to 12%. Others estimate that it could raise it upwards of $12,000. Regardless, the ROI is high. If you’re thinking of installing a fireplace, know that it’s a worthwhile investment,’ explains Isaiah Henry, the CEO of Seabreeze Property Management (opens in new tab).
What is the current trend for fireplaces?
The current trend for fireplaces are exposed brick and natural stone, such as marble. ‘A fireplace made out of marble gives a modern yet chic look to the space. This natural stone adds character to the room. I recommend styling the fireplace with statement pieces, like vases on the top,’ advises Chenise Bhimull, an interior designer for ZFC Real Estate (opens in new tab). ‘Exposed bricks are still in style despite the issues of their maintenance. A mix of vintage and contemporary designs for your fireplace is the way to go. I recommend pairing with indoor plants to complement the earthy tones.’
