Find Your Fireplace Style
It’s getting chilly out there. Which of these cozy fireplaces would you want to come home to?
These fireplaces and wood stoves cover many styles, from rustic to ultramodern. You’ll feel toastier just looking at them.
The homey one. The cozy factor of this lovely little living room is increased dramatically by that oh-so-inviting fire. Now all that’s needed is a pot of tea and some buttered crumpets and jam.
A bare brick wall nearly always adds character, and this one — which gracefully reveals its age — ensures that the wood stove takes center stage. (If you’re stripping back a wall to its bricks, be sure to check your local building regulations and, if all’s well, coat it with a sealant that’ll prevent the surface from crumbling off.)
A bare brick wall nearly always adds character, and this one — which gracefully reveals its age — ensures that the wood stove takes center stage. (If you’re stripping back a wall to its bricks, be sure to check your local building regulations and, if all’s well, coat it with a sealant that’ll prevent the surface from crumbling off.)
The pale and interesting one. If a classic black wood-burning stove doesn’t cut it with the neutral tones of your living room, how about a stylish cream number like this? The unfussy design works beautifully in this pared-back, rustic room.
This type of stove would also work well in an interior that layers whites and off-whites for a relaxed, minimal effect.
This type of stove would also work well in an interior that layers whites and off-whites for a relaxed, minimal effect.
The one at the foot of the bed. Here, the layers of whites and off-whites idea is worked beautifully with a fireplace rather than a wood stove. Can you picture a more peaceful, inviting place for early nights this winter?
Many people ask about how to tackle inherited fire surrounds they don’t particularly like. If you’re brave enough to paint yours white, this is the sort of reward you can look forward to. Be sure to get expert advice on the types of paint to use for your project. There are specialized heat- and soot-friendly varieties for fireplaces, fire surrounds and stoves.
Many people ask about how to tackle inherited fire surrounds they don’t particularly like. If you’re brave enough to paint yours white, this is the sort of reward you can look forward to. Be sure to get expert advice on the types of paint to use for your project. There are specialized heat- and soot-friendly varieties for fireplaces, fire surrounds and stoves.
The cozy kitchen one. Where do you spend most of your time at home? Chances are it’s in the kitchen. And yet — unless you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace in the bedroom, as in the previous photo — it’s typically the living room that gets all the fireplace love in a house. This smart, boxy design is also at a good height for keeping you warm while cooking or washing up.
You’d need an existing chimney for something like this, but if you’re building or remodeling, it could be something worth exploring with your architect.
You’d need an existing chimney for something like this, but if you’re building or remodeling, it could be something worth exploring with your architect.
Here’s another interesting take on the raised kitchen fireplace. Are you warming to it?
The bright one. If you’re building a fireplace from scratch and don’t have the restrictions of an existing chimney, then why be traditional? The owners of this open home in France have created a striking centerpiece, as well as a cozy focal point for their living space, by making it big and bright orange.
The one with bedside manners. Imagine waking up on a chilly morning next to a beauty like this contemporary white wood-burning stove.
For the ultimate in modern minimalism, seek out a heat-resistant glass hearth, as seen here.
For the ultimate in modern minimalism, seek out a heat-resistant glass hearth, as seen here.
The tub toaster. Forget that chilly dash from your bath to your towel — a grand bathroom fireplace like this one will keep your temperature comfortable throughout your ablutions.
And if you’re going to choose a marvelous marble surround of this ilk, well, it would be rude not to balance things out with a giant free-standing bath.
And if you’re going to choose a marvelous marble surround of this ilk, well, it would be rude not to balance things out with a giant free-standing bath.
The two-faced one. The wonderful country home of bestselling British author Freya North has perhaps the ultimate wood-burning stove situation: access from both sides. This setup is ideal for cozying up a “broken-plan” space.
The design feature. Trust those stylish Danes to come up with a fireplace with clean white lines and several spaces for displaying curated objets.
If you’re starting from scratch, or have bought a home where the original fireplace has been ripped out, take inspiration from this to try something a little different. It works beautifully in classic white, but it could look equally striking in black — or tiled too.
If you’re starting from scratch, or have bought a home where the original fireplace has been ripped out, take inspiration from this to try something a little different. It works beautifully in classic white, but it could look equally striking in black — or tiled too.
The Scandinavian one. Alternatively, be inspired by a more traditional take on the Nordic fireplace. This Swedish wood stove, or kakelugn, is a classic. This style dates back to the 18th century and has a clever design that uses minimal wood to create maximum heat. The originals are few and far between, but you can find good reproductions on the market.
Tell us: Which of these styles would you choose? Or do you already have the perfect fireplace? Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments.
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Tell us: Which of these styles would you choose? Or do you already have the perfect fireplace? Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments.
More
3 Fireplace Transformations, 3 Budgets
Houzz TV: Flickering Virtual Fireplaces to Warm Your Heart
Browse fireplaces in the Shop section
This hearth would be a dreamy spot for a nip of whiskey and a refined fireside chat.
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