Smoking Hot: 8 Fireplaces to Inflame Your Sense of Style
Considering a fireplace upgrade? Think outside the box with these 8 unique, eye-catching ideas
Charlotte Minty
27 July 2017
Houzz New Zealand Contributor. Director and Interior Designer at Charlotte Minty Interior Design.
Houzz New Zealand Contributor. Director and Interior Designer at Charlotte Minty... More
The fireplace is generally the focal point of a living room, so it makes sense to choose a style that’s going to warrant the attention. While you’ll want something that suits your decorating scheme and the architecture of your home, there’s no rule that says you can’t go for an unconventional fireplace style. We’ve uncovered 8 of the most appealing alternative designs for you to consider.
1. Painted fireplaces
Rather than painting the fireplace a different colour to the walls, as you might typically do, give the area an on-trend look by painting them all in the one colour. The fireplace will effectively blend into its surrounds, and the finer details of the surround will come into focus.
Create a dramatic look by going for a bold colour, as the owners have done with this bright blue painted fireplace and wall. Or, choose a neutral shade for more low-key, sophisticated effect.
Tip: Painting a fireplace surround would be a great project for a competent DIYer. Just make sure to use a hardwearing, water-based enamel paint.
Rather than painting the fireplace a different colour to the walls, as you might typically do, give the area an on-trend look by painting them all in the one colour. The fireplace will effectively blend into its surrounds, and the finer details of the surround will come into focus.
Create a dramatic look by going for a bold colour, as the owners have done with this bright blue painted fireplace and wall. Or, choose a neutral shade for more low-key, sophisticated effect.
Tip: Painting a fireplace surround would be a great project for a competent DIYer. Just make sure to use a hardwearing, water-based enamel paint.
2. Concrete styles
With its warm, industrial feel and modern vibe, concrete has become an increasingly popular material for fireplaces in contemporary interiors. But the board-formed finish on this example really makes it stand out. The horizontal lines and patterned, wood-grain effect mirror the texture and lines of the floorboards, creating a sense of connection between the two materials.
With its warm, industrial feel and modern vibe, concrete has become an increasingly popular material for fireplaces in contemporary interiors. But the board-formed finish on this example really makes it stand out. The horizontal lines and patterned, wood-grain effect mirror the texture and lines of the floorboards, creating a sense of connection between the two materials.
3. Terrific tiles
While most of us just think of tiles for bathrooms and kitchens, they can be a great choice for fireplace surrounds as they’re tough, non-combustible and easy to clean. While you could choose any tile material for the fireplace surround, including ceramic and porcelain – which can mimic anything from timber to concrete, as well as offering up pretty patterned styles – be sure to choose a highly durable style for the hearth (the floor area in front of the fireplace). Tiles in this area need to be able to be chip-resistant and capable of withstanding footfall and heavy items, such as a basket of logs. Hardy, natural stone tiles are a smart choice.
If you’ve chosen intricately patterned tiles, as the homeowners have done here, it’s best to pair them with simple furnishings and accessories to create a balanced look. By choosing a raw timber mantel, wooden floorboards, and mid-century-inspired accessories with pared-back lines, the owners have allowed the stunning tiles to remain the key focus.
While most of us just think of tiles for bathrooms and kitchens, they can be a great choice for fireplace surrounds as they’re tough, non-combustible and easy to clean. While you could choose any tile material for the fireplace surround, including ceramic and porcelain – which can mimic anything from timber to concrete, as well as offering up pretty patterned styles – be sure to choose a highly durable style for the hearth (the floor area in front of the fireplace). Tiles in this area need to be able to be chip-resistant and capable of withstanding footfall and heavy items, such as a basket of logs. Hardy, natural stone tiles are a smart choice.
If you’ve chosen intricately patterned tiles, as the homeowners have done here, it’s best to pair them with simple furnishings and accessories to create a balanced look. By choosing a raw timber mantel, wooden floorboards, and mid-century-inspired accessories with pared-back lines, the owners have allowed the stunning tiles to remain the key focus.
Running brightly coloured, richly patterned tiles from floor to ceiling has transformed this humble chimneybreast into something resembling a work of art. The rest of the decor is kept deliberately simple so there’s no mistaking the star of the show.
See more modern living rooms
See more modern living rooms
Prefer something a little more subtle? Tiles in soft neutrals can also be used to create a stunning fireplace surround. One way to ramp up the wow factor without overwhelming the space is to lay tiles in an unexpected way, such as the herringbone pattern used here.
4. Pared-back styling
Balance is key in any interior – too much of one thing or another and your decorative message can quickly get lost.
An ornate scheme can take a more elaborate fireplace style. But with a minimalist room scheme such as this one, it’s best to opt for a simple, fuss-free design that fits in with the overall look of the space.
Balance is key in any interior – too much of one thing or another and your decorative message can quickly get lost.
An ornate scheme can take a more elaborate fireplace style. But with a minimalist room scheme such as this one, it’s best to opt for a simple, fuss-free design that fits in with the overall look of the space.
5. Floating fireplaces
These mid century-inspired hanging fireplaces are a favourite with design aficionados, and it’s easy to see why; not only are they elegant and unusual, but they look like a piece of sculptural, contemporary art.
Positioning a hanging fireplace by the window, as the owners have done here, means that its stunning lines can be enjoyed from both inside and out.
These mid century-inspired hanging fireplaces are a favourite with design aficionados, and it’s easy to see why; not only are they elegant and unusual, but they look like a piece of sculptural, contemporary art.
Positioning a hanging fireplace by the window, as the owners have done here, means that its stunning lines can be enjoyed from both inside and out.
If you’ve got your heart set on a hanging style, be sure to talk to an expert beforehand about the installation requirements. These include clearance distances from the floor and walls, making sure the surrounding walls and floors are made from non-combustible, heat-resistant materials, and that the flue length and ceiling clearance allow for efficient heating.
Learn where to put the fireplace
Learn where to put the fireplace
6. Lovely ledges
Pairing a fireplace with a ledge is an unexpected choice, but it can open up the options for you design-wise. Pop on a couple of cushions and you’ve got a cosy spot to sit by the fire…
Pairing a fireplace with a ledge is an unexpected choice, but it can open up the options for you design-wise. Pop on a couple of cushions and you’ve got a cosy spot to sit by the fire…
… or use the ledge as a sweet display area.
Like all hearths, the ledge must also be made from a non-combustible material. Stone, tile, brick or concrete are all good choices. It should also be well-built and capable of holding the weight of anyone who chooses to sit there.
Like all hearths, the ledge must also be made from a non-combustible material. Stone, tile, brick or concrete are all good choices. It should also be well-built and capable of holding the weight of anyone who chooses to sit there.
If you’re not planning to use the ledge for seating and comfort isn’t a priority, why not get creative with shape and create a real show-stopper. This strikingly angular ledge, for example, has transformed this fireplace into a work of art.
7. Unique styling
An unusual fireplace and surround can be just the thing to lift an otherwise plain room. With its bold colour, non-symmetrical lines and unexpected mix of materials, this mid-century-style fireplace is a great example of just how effective one striking feature can be within a simple scheme.
An unusual fireplace and surround can be just the thing to lift an otherwise plain room. With its bold colour, non-symmetrical lines and unexpected mix of materials, this mid-century-style fireplace is a great example of just how effective one striking feature can be within a simple scheme.
8. All about display
You can add personality to even the most conventional fireplaces by creating a display of treasured items. For cohesion, opt for an arrangement that’s in keeping with the style of your fireplace surround.
With a simple, rustic style such as the one shown here, a casual display works best; think artwork propped on the mantel, a medley of candles, and a hanging plant to break up the sharp lines. With a more decorative surround you might consider upgrading to a formal display, with artwork that’s properly hung on the wall and a carefully curated collection of items on the mantelpiece.
You can add personality to even the most conventional fireplaces by creating a display of treasured items. For cohesion, opt for an arrangement that’s in keeping with the style of your fireplace surround.
With a simple, rustic style such as the one shown here, a casual display works best; think artwork propped on the mantel, a medley of candles, and a hanging plant to break up the sharp lines. With a more decorative surround you might consider upgrading to a formal display, with artwork that’s properly hung on the wall and a carefully curated collection of items on the mantelpiece.
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I am thinking to use Aluminium honeycomb composite marble to bespoke fireplace, but worried about the heat temperature may affect the composite as Aluminium is metal , transfer heating , what do you think ?
Oh I love a fire. Not sure I'd want a white anything near one though, particularly a white wall directly above one as so many of these examples show. The hanging ones looks fabulous, however they lose the benefit of thermal mass that a decent stone/marble/cement/brick surround provides. And yes, definitely yes to a sittable shelf right alongside gathering the heat and radiating it through a cosy sheepskin rug. There's nothing nicer than snuggling up in front of the fire, heavy curtains pulled, hot drink in hand, feeling like you're in a womb while the weather rages outside.