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Architecture → Design Details

8 Artfully Asymmetrical Fireplaces

Playing with placement, shelving and lighting can make an otherwise standard fireplace the focal point of any room

Shane Inman November 19, 2012

Houzz contributor and senior principal interior designer of The Inman Company. Under Shane's leadership, The Inman Company is committed to raising the standard of business to incorporate the highest-quality customer service with unwavering excellence in design.

Houzz contributor and senior principal interior designer of The Inman Company. Under... More

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Fireplaces add design value to any interior space, but those that appear to be more works of art than utilitarian elements are the ones that capture our attention. Using an assortment of materials with a sense of balance, scale and harmony can transform any fireplace from drab to daring.

Check out these asymmetrical fireplaces that are designed to impress.

Contemporary Family Room Modern Family Room

Storage room. Most of the time, more than just wood needs storing around a fireplace. Incorporate storage shelves and drawers for a cozy and clutter-free room.

Tip: A longer fireplace hearth offers additional seating.

Raveninside

Mix and match. Mix several materials together in a fireplace design. Tile, stone and stainless steel are all expertly matched for complete design cohesion here.

Tip: Take the fireplace surround all the way to the ceiling to make the ceiling feel taller.

Karrick

Lighten up. Accent lighting above this firebox is situated against the back wall to create a scalloping visual effect. The indirect lighting at the top of the fireplace points upward and spills onto the ceiling.

Tip: Designing the fireplace in the same color family as the adjacent walls allows the lighting to become the focal point.

Equinox Architecture Inc. - Jim Gelfat

Proper exposure. The interior chimney shaft of this fireplace — which is usually hidden — remains completely exposed for a slight industrial feel.

Tip: Not every fireplace needs tile. Talk with your contractor or designer to see what tile-free design options would work for your fireplace.

Contemporary Family Room Contemporary Family Room

Cutting corners. Extending the fireplace opening just slightly around a corner makes a big visual impact and helps to spread heat to the rest of this room.

Tip: Use tile instead of stainless steel for the band for a much more traditional look.

Hufft

Tall, dark and handsome. This tall fireplace with its dark standard-brick-pattern focal wall appears very masculine. Add a perfect dark wood mantel to complement any bachelor pad.

Tip: A grand fireplace surround like this makes a small fireplace box look larger at first glance.

Bill Fry Construction - Wm. H. Fry Const. Co.

Shelf life. Looking for a new take on standard fireplace built-ins? Extend your mantel out past the fireplace to seamlessly integrate into surrounding shelving.

Tip: Add lighting under each shelf to illuminate artwork and prized possessions, and to exaggerate your fireplace's assymetrical design.

California Home + Design

Gray days. A floor-to-ceiling fireplace in all gray gives the illusion of a dividing wall rather than an actual fireplace. This wall acts as the focal point, so the fireplace becomes the accent.

Tip: Change the direction of the striations on the fireplace material from vertical to horizontal to make a room appear wider rather than taller.

Comment7

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Realstone Systems

What a great collection! These are some very good tips. It is definitely the perfect way to liven up a room with an asymmetrical fireplace. Here are a couple I would like to add. Thanks for such an interesting article.

5 Likes November 30, 2012 at 6:58AM

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MH Canada

ow I like them all! so elegant and yet simple. The only thing is they are all built in. So if someone is looking for a fireplace to just place it in a corner, then I would recommend the ones on http://homesuperstore.ca there are floor fireplaces and also there are table-tops.