Fireplace as Part of Interior Design

Fireplaces can be fueled by wood, gas, electricity, biofuel, or decorative flames.

Photo 1 — Living Room with Fireplace

Photo 2 — Living Room with Fireplace

Photo 3 — Living Room with Fireplace

Wood-Burning Fireplace

Naturally, a real fireplace fueled by actual wood is not suitable for an apartment. In a private house, a living room in English or classical style, or the countryside style, can have an actual fireplace. However, before planning its placement in the living room, one must consider fire safety and learn about its specific features. Authenticity is the main advantage of such a fireplace, making it pleasant to be near both alone and in company.

However, a wood-burning fireplace is not only a beautiful portal and a hearth where logs crackle. A fireplace cannot exist without a chimney, which will cost considerable funds, require extensive installation time, and demand regular maintenance and cleaning. Additionally, one must constantly stock up on firewood, but expect little heat output from the fireplace – it won't be able to adequately warm the room.

Interior design of a living room with a wood-burning fireplace brings a bit of warmth but lots of beauty. A fireplace can be clad in natural stone: gray mountain stone looks great in a living room with a chalet style, living rooms in historical styles blend beautifully with white marble fireplaces, and a fireplace in a modern interior can be finished with stone imitation.

Photo 4 — Wood-Burning Fireplace Extraflame (Italy) 11 kW

Gas Fireplace

A gas fireplace is one alternative to a wood-burning fireplace. It can come in various styles and fits well into modern classic, minimalism, and other design styles. A living room in an apartment or a house can be equipped with such a fireplace. Its convenience is that no flue is needed, but there’s no chimney required either. Heating capacity is higher, and one can regulate the desired temperature in the living room.

Attention! Gas is explosive. Such a fireplace should be used very carefully, and installation can only be done with approval from gas specialists and a qualified technician.

Photo 5 — Gas Fireplace Firenze

Electric Fireplace

An electric fireplace is the most affordable and safe type of fireplace. It requires no outlet, emits no combustion products, burns brightly, and heats the room excellently. Easily fits into a high-tech interior with metal elements or a rustic living room with a wooden portal.

A living room with an electric fireplace is affordable and eco-friendly.

Photo 6 — Royal White Electric Fireplace by Glenrich

Biofireplace

A biofireplace can be placed anywhere in the room and is portable. The flame inside is real, and fuel is ethanol.

Photo 7 — Biofireplace FIRE LINE by Planika

Decorative Fireplace

A decorative fireplace is a simulation of a fireplace, more precisely just its portal, without actual fire. A fascinating option for an apartment. In the “hearth” of such a fireplace, many candles can be lit – the flame is real but unusual, creating a romantic atmosphere just as effectively as wood fire.

A false fireplace can be made by yourself.

Photo 8 — Living Room with Fireplace

The choice of fireplace type depends on whether the living room is in a house or apartment, whether the fireplace serves more of a decorative or heating purpose, and what resources can be allocated to the project.

Fireplace in Living Room Interior

A fireplace can be placed, finished, and decorated in various ways.

Fireplace Placement

The standard placement of a fireplace is in the center of a wall. A living room can also feature an angled or centrally placed fireplace. When a fireplace is located in the center of a wall, it may protrude significantly from the wall, forming niches where cabinets, shelves, or a small relaxation area such as low chairs and a table with a chessboard can be placed.

Photo 9 — Living Room with Fireplace

Fireplace Cladding

Fireplace cladding is made from various natural stones, including granite and marble, or artificial stone. A fireplace can be built of brick or plastered. The portal can also be wooden or monolithic, carved from stone.

Photo 10 — Living Room with Fireplace

Fireplace as Part of Interior Design

It is customary to hang mirrors, paintings, or decorated plates above the fireplace. Soft furniture is arranged around or beside it. Combining a TV with a fireplace is possible but may overload the interior design. It’s better to place them on different walls. In high-tech, modern, and other contemporary styles, it is common to leave a fireplace undecorated or with minimal embellishment – it can be the sole element subtly adorning the wall.

Photo 11 — Living Room with Fireplace

All fireplaces are good – they set the tone for the living room interior.

Undoubtedly, from an aesthetic point of view, the best fireplace is a real wood-burning one, and functionally and in terms of safety – an electric one. For decoration, a simulated fireplace can be installed with a standard fireplace portal, such as a biofireplace.