A fireplace is often the focal point of a living room, providing warmth, ambiance and a gathering place for family and friends.
The right fireplace design can completely transform the look and feel of your space, making it more inviting and cozy.
We’ll provide detailed descriptions for each fireplace along with tips on complementing the surrounding decor.
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Rustic Wood-Burning Fireplace
Nothing says cozy and warm like a classic wood-burning fireplace made of stone or exposed brick.
This timeless style has enduring rustic appeal that can make any living room feel homey and inviting.
Start by considering the fireplace surround.
Opt for natural materials like stacked stone or exposed brick to enhance the earthy look.
For the hearth or mantel, reclaimed wood has lots of character and pairs perfectly with the stonework.
Try incorporating barn wood, pine planks or aged beams to complete the rustic fireplace design.
Next, think about the overall style you want to achieve.
Farmhouse, cabin and rustic motifs all match beautifully with a wood-burning fireplace.
Incorporate worn woods, galvanized metal accents and plush textiles in colors like olive green, beige and brown for a cohesive look.
Don’t forget the finishing details!
Iron fireplace tools, woven baskets and ceramic pottery add wonderful rustic touches.
You can even display stacked firewood next to the hearth.
Add a cozy seating area with comfy armchairs and an area rug to create an inviting fireside lounge zone.
With its rugged, earthy appeal and genuine warmth, a wood-burning fireplace makes any living room feel like a welcoming cabin retreat.
Lean into the organic textures and natural elements to design a casually chic rustic fireplace perfect for relaxing evenings at home.
Modern Linear Fireplace
For a contemporary living room, a linear fireplace makes a sleek, eye-catching focal point.
Featuring clean lines and a minimalist silhouette, this modern fireplace style is perfect for urban lofts or modern farmhouse spaces.
When designing a linear fireplace, opt for a horizontal shape and block-style surround.
Materials like manufactured stone veneer or porcelain tile work well for contemporary aesthetics.
For a smooth, flush finish, have the fireplace built right into the wall.
You can also opt for a floating style surrounded by the same material used on the walls.
Next, think about the fire itself.
Modern gas fireplaces feature long, linear flames that enhance the horizontal shape.
You can even find customizable linear fireplaces with special effects like color-changing lights.
For a low-maintenance option, try an electric model with realistic 3D flame technology.
The surrounding decor should complement the sleekness of a linear fireplace.
Choose streamlined furniture pieces in neutral hues like white, black and gray.
Add polished accents like glass, marble or metal for an ultra-modern style.
Large statement artwork will draw the eye upwards to balance the horizontal fireplace.
Clean-lined, minimalist and eye-catching, a linear fireplace anchors a contemporary living room in striking modern style.
With its sharp geometry and customizable flame effects, it makes a bold focal point for any modern space.
Mid-Century Modern Fireplace
For a dash of retro flair, a mid-century modern fireplace pairs perfectly with your Mad Men-inspired decor.
With its classic rectangular tile and low-set design, this nostalgic fireplace style is ideal for any living room with modern vintage style.
To achieve the quintessential mid-century look, opt for a simple front-facing fireplace tucked neatly into the wall.
Retro terra cotta, brick or ceramic tiles in neutral tones work beautifully for the surrounding face.
For texture, add slim columns or protruding details on either side.
The overall silhouette should be clean, streamlined and understated.
When it comes to materials, blend natural elements like warm woods with sleek metallics.
A stone hearth or wooden mantel contrasts nicely with the tile while echoing the retro vibe.
For furnishings, choose Danish-style teak wood pieces, tufted leather armchairs and furniture with tapered legs.
Don’t forget the cheerful 1960s color palette!
Mustard yellow, avocado green and orange inject playful pops, especially when paired with graphic black and white patterns.
Finally, display trendy geometric sculptures or ceramic art pieces to complete your curated mid-century modern look.
With its low rectangular shape, terra cotta tiles and understated style, this nostalgic fireplace design evokes living rooms from the “Mad Men” era.
For an authentic mid-century modern living room, a retro fireplace makes the perfect starting point.
French Country Fireplace
Casual elegance meets rustic country charm with a cozy French country-style fireplace.
Featuring detailed carvings, aged brick and a gracefully arched opening, this charming design adds old-world character to farmhouse living rooms.
Start with the surround, opting for authentic materials like weathered stone bricks, stucco or limestone.
For added architectural interest, look for French-inspired details like rounded edges, carved columns or arched openings spanning the firebox.
Next, consider the mantel.
A thick classic wood beam or carved limestone mantel complements the French country aesthetic.
For ornate embellishments, add crown moldings, distressed carvings and decorative corbels.
Wrought iron curtain rods with billowing white curtains reflect provincial village homes.
Incorporate furniture with elegantly curved silhouettes and distinct distressing.
Floral upholstery, embroidered pillows and antique-glazed case pieces enhance the timeworn, European feel.
Finally, vintage-inspired accessories like candlesticks, framed botanical prints and urn-style vessels complete the look.
With its timeworn elegance and rustic yet refined style, a French country fireplace brings cozy provincial warmth to farmhouse living rooms.
All it takes is weathered brick, architectural details and distressed furnishings tailored to your unique space.
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Wood-Burning Stone Fireplace
For a classic living room centerpiece, a wood-burning stone fireplace emanates timeless warmth and comfort.
Substantial stacked stone paired with hardwood creates a handsome traditional focal point that families have enjoyed for generations.
When designing a wood-burning stone fireplace, select materials that convey rugged durability like rough-hewn flagstone, fieldstone or quarry stone.
Stack it at varied depths for organic texture and movement.
Bluestone and granite also make elegantly understated alternatives.
Next, incorporate natural hardwoods for the mantel and hearth.
Oak has an enduring, traditional look while pine introduces rustic character.
Leaving the wood beams with nicks and imperfections enhances the casual ambiance.
The overall setting should complement the classic materials.
Plush chenille sofas, wool knit throws and antique area rugs invite comfortable nestling fireside.
Finally, handmade ceramic vases, iron pokers and framed family photos finish a timeless, cozy look.
With its honest materials and sturdy presence, a classic wood-burning stone fireplace creates an intimate gathering spot that generations will cherish.
The combination of natural stacked stone and oak evokes heritage charm perfect for relaxed evenings at home.
Coastal Stone Fireplace
Breezy and relaxed, a coastal stone fireplace brings light, beachy vibes to laidback living rooms.
Weathered organic textures blended with airy whitewashed woods create a casual seating area perfect for seaside homes.
For the fireplace itself, natural stone makes an ideal choice.
Opt for neutral tan travertine or beige limestone with visible pitting and variances for texture.
You can also select a coastal-inspired thin stone veneer in muted beachy hues.
Surround the stone with whitewashed wood accents to enhance the casual, waterfront aesthetic.
A painted wood mantel and hearth provide contrast while contributing to the light and airy ambiance.
Incorporate furnishings with woven textures, rattan accents and driftwood finishes.
Crisp white sofas paired with natural fiber rugs and sand-colored ceramic table lamps keep the room feeling relaxed and breezy.
Finally, complete the coastal ensemble with accents like seashells, starfish and ceramic garden stools.
Evoking breezy seaside cottages, a whitewashed coastal stone fireplace and surrounding decor transports you straight to the beach.
Light woods, weathered textures and neutral hues create a laidback living room ideal for oceanside homes.
Modern See-Through Fireplace
For a contemporary living room with an open floor plan, a see-through fireplace makes a striking design statement.
Featuring transparent glass surrounding the flames, this modern fireplace creates a focal point that can be viewed from multiple rooms.
When selecting a see-through fireplace, look for a two-sided linear style surrounded by a clear tempered glass frame.
The glass allows the flames to be visible from adjoining spaces, becoming a central focal point.
For added drama, opt for dual-sided see-through models with two glass fire displays.
Next, think about placement.
See-through fireplaces work best built into a divider wall between open spaces like living room-dining room combinations.
Make it the dramatic centerpiece where your main furniture zones converge.
Since the fire will be visible from multiple vantage points, be intentional about the surrounding decor.
Clean-lined furnishings and a neutral color scheme complement the modern style without visually competing with the see-through fireplace.
Making a bold design statement, a see-through fireplace becomes the dazzling centerpiece of an open concept living space.
With its transparent frame dramatically showcasing flames on dual sides, this contemporary fireplace style is guaranteed to impress guests.
Raised Hearth Fireplace
Creating inviting geometry, a raised hearth fireplace adds modern dimension and angles to living room spaces.
With its platform-style hearth slightly elevated above the floor, this architectural design makes a striking sculptural statement.
When designing a raised hearth, opt for a clean-lined surround in a contemporary material like polished concrete, metal or porcelain tile.
Keep the color uniform for a cohesive minimalist look.
The raised platform itself can be made of stone, concrete, marble or other sleek materials.
Take advantage of the built-in geometry by orienting furniture to face the direction of the fireplace.
Placing chairs and sofas around the perimeter of an oval or rectangle hearth creates an intimate conversation area.
The raised vantage point makes tending the fire feel immersive.
Elevate the overall look with decor that accentuates clean lines and angles.
For example, place linear coffee tables parallel to the hearth.
Hang geometric artwork illuminated by recessed lighting.
Bold patterns like chevron rugs or sheer window panels enhance the dimensional style.
With its stepped silhouette raising the fire experience to new heights, a raised hearth fireplace brings eye-catching modern dimension and angles into living rooms.
Tailor furniture layouts to complement the unique geometry for an immersive fireside lounge zone.
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Rounded Brick Fireplace
Warm and organic, a gently rounded brick fireplace makes a gracefully curved focal point for traditional and bohemian-style living rooms.
Featuring sensuous lines, tactile materials and an inviting semi-circular hearth, this design beckons you to gather fireside.
Selecting the brickwork is key for achieving those sensuous curves.
Options like rounded cultured stone or smooth-faced brick make shaping the arched opening easier.
Laying a herringbone pattern or varied textured bricks adds organic interest.
Next, consider the hearth shape.
A semi-circular hearth reinforces the sensuous curves, encircling furniture in cozy intimacy.
For added comfort, line the inside of the hearth with smooth river rock pebbles.
Or opt for curved, rounded edges on a rectilinear hearth.
Furnish the space with pieces featuring LOOP natural shapes that echo the fireplace contours.
Round mid-century swivel chairs, curved-back sofas and oval jute rugs enhance the welcoming flow.
Finally, adorn mantels with terrestrial objects like geodes, seashells and hand-woven baskets for earthy texture.
With its gracious brick curves beckoning people to gather, a rounded fireplace and hearth create an alluring, organic focal point for living rooms.
Flowing shapes and natural materials harmonize beautifully in bohemian and traditional spaces alike.
Indoor-Outdoor Fireplace
For contemporary open-plan living rooms, an indoor-outdoor fireplace bridges indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly.
With hearths facing both interiors and patios, this unique dual-sided fireplace invites enjoyment from every angle.
When designing an indoor-outdoor fireplace, opt for sleek materials conducive to the outdoors like natural stone, porcelain or limestone.
The surround should be neutral to coordinate with both indoor color schemes and gardens.
Next, consider placement.
Installing the fireplace in a divider wall with large sliding doors allows it to open onto the patio.
Face interior furnishings towards the fireplace while arranging patio seating around the outdoor hearth.
Carefully connect the two aesthetics with cohesive styles and decor.
For example, extend wood flooring materials outside onto the deck.
Mirror indoor furniture shapes with weatherproof outdoor versions.
Finally, echo ceiling beams and recessed lighting outside to harmonize the two experiences.
Blending indoor and outdoor living spaces both physically and visually, an indoor-outdoor fireplace creates a relaxed hub for entertaining or quiet nights in.
Friends can fluidly gather around the flickering flames whether enjoying the backyard or cozying up inside.
Sunken Fire Pit
For wide open living rooms, a sunken fire pit makes an intimate gathering spot while retaining an airy, spacious feel.
Nestled into a lowered section of flooring, this unique fireplace style adds cozy ambiance without overpowering the room.
When designing a sunken fire pit, first excavate a square, circular or rectangular pit.
Line the inside with fireproof materials like concrete or stone.
For added comfort, incorporate bench seating seamlessly into the contours of the pit.
Next, focus on safety and ventilation.
Integrate protective railings or screens into the surrounding floor level to prevent falls.
The sunken shape already improves smoke ventilation but ceiling vents can supplement.
Include a protective base beneath the actual fire pit housing the gas or wood component.
Incorporate furniture at the upper floor level to allow open views and prevent crowding the pit.
Sectionals or shelving units positioned around the perimeter help enclose the space while retaining free movement.
With its intimate atmosphere and open layout, a sunken fire pit adds a dash of mystery and seclusion to airy living rooms.
The recessed pit provides a welcoming refuge and place to gather without overpowering the soaring spaciousness of the room.
Stone Slate Fireplace
For contemporary rustic living rooms, a stone slate fireplace offers organic texture and earthy elegance.
Featuring natural slate set in clean-lined columns, this style makes a warm yet modern statement.
When designing a stone slate fireplace, select stones with subtle variations in shape, size and color for rich character.
Gather pieces in neutral natural hues like tan, gray and brown complementary to the overall decor.
Linear stones work especially well to create a contemporary look.
Next, house the slate within floor-to-ceiling columns made of concrete, white-washed wood or matching stone.
This elevates the slate arrangement into a showstopping vertical art piece.
For softened contrast, incorporate reclaimed barn wood mantels and hearths.
The goal is modern yet cozy.
Combine the slate fireplace with Scandinavian-style furnishings like woven rattan chairs, linen sofas and natural fiber rugs.
Touches of black metallic, geometric sculptures and unexpected indoor plants complete an invigorating contemporary rustic interior.
With its soothing organic slate housed in crisp white columns, this fireplace design creates natural warmth with modern style.
Pairing natural stone with sleek architectural details results in an eye-catching contemporary rustic focal point.
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Corner Fireplace
For smaller living rooms, a corner fireplace placement maximizes your layout possibilities.
Tucked neatly into any unused corner, the angled fireplace and surround become built-in focal features.
When designing a corner fireplace opt for a compact rectangular firebox to fit the proportions of the corner space.
Materials like stacked stone, clean-lined concrete and recessed tile work well.
Don’t forget to incorporate decorative trim where the fireplace meets adjoining walls.
Take advantage of the extra floor space a corner fireplace provides.
Arrange seating to face the direction of the fireplace, mixing chairs, loveseats and sofas.
Floating corner shelves built around the fireplace create display space.
Special touches like wall sconces, artwork and mirrors enhance the fireplace area.
You can even add custom floating shelves across the corner to make it more of an integrated architectural feature.
With creative layouts and decor, you can transform wasted corner space into a welcoming, cozy lounge area.
For smaller living rooms, a compact corner fireplace maximizes space while providing an intimate ambiance.
With the right scale, materials and furnishings, you can create a corner fireplace area as cozy and inviting as any larger design.
The right fireplace design can completely transform your living room, providing warmth, comfort and an alluring spot for gathering.
No matter your living room layout or decor taste, there is a fireplace to make the space feel cozy and complete.
Use this guide to inspire your dream fireplace suited to your home.
Prioritize quality materials and popular styles that stand the test of time.
With strategic furniture arrangements and comfy textiles, you can create a living room that fully maximizes the ambiance of your new fireplace.
Soon it will become the heart of your home, drawing friends and family together for years to come.
