Fireplaces play a special role in the interior. If previously it had only one function - heating the room, now it is one of the main design elements that creates a special atmosphere. It’s nice to spend time in a living room with a fireplace, especially in the cold season, when it’s frosty outside, but your home is warm and cozy. The soothing crackle of wood, the mesmerizing flame of fire and the soft light emanating from the fireplace create the right atmosphere. In any home, an electric fireplace will become the center of attention. In modern design projects, the wall or niche where the fireplace is installed stands out. This could be decorative brickwork or stylish shelves with firewood. Often, original paintings, decorative items, or mirrors are used for decoration, visually enlarging the space.
Fireplace in the living room interior: varieties
Due to the popularity of this piece of furniture, today there are a considerable number of varieties. Models differ not only in their operating principle, but also in their size, style, shape, and finish. This allows you to choose the most optimal option in all respects. But at the same time, the selection process may be unnecessarily prolonged. Therefore, we suggest you understand the features of each fireplace and consider what you should pay attention to when choosing.
Wood burning fireplace
When it comes to a fireplace, people mostly think of the classic wood-burning design. It has been popular for many years and is ideal for a private home with a large living room. Such a fireplace creates a genuine atmosphere of warmth, warms even in the most severe frosts and often looks very beautiful. It has an incredibly strong calming effect. That’s why there are even entire broadcasts on the Internet with such a pleasant crackling sound and mesmerizing view of fire.
Of course, like any option, it has its drawbacks. This mainly concerns the rather complex process of installation and operation. This process should be trusted exclusively to highly specialized professionals. Because the risks in this case are really very high. In addition, it is very important to take care of a good, high-quality chimney and do regular inspections and cleanings. It is also necessary to allocate a special place for firewood, scoop and poker. As for the features of the room itself, its area must be at least 20 square meters and must have high ceilings. Otherwise, safety rules will be violated. Of course, installing a wood-burning fireplace is not an easy task, but perhaps this option is capable of creating the very atmosphere that everyone dreams of.
Gas fireplace
The main competitor of the previous option is considered to be a gas fireplace. It has a more modern, stylish look, so it will complement almost any interior well. It is noteworthy that it also warms in cold weather, but at the same time has the ability to regulate the temperature. It is very convenient in everyday life. In addition, there is no need to equip a firewood shed for it, since firewood is not used in this case. This will save a lot of space in your home. In general, we can say that the only difference between this option and the previous one is the need for a gas pipe. In terms of its functionality and appearance, a gas fireplace is an excellent solution for a cozy home.
Electric fireplace in the living room
Electric fireplaces have become popular recently. Undoubtedly, they cannot compete with the classic version. But on the other hand, this is an excellent solution for decorating city apartments. This type of fireplace is not designed for heating, so it does not emit much heat. At the same time, it serves as a real decoration for the living room and creates that unique atmosphere of warmth and comfort. The advantage of this option is its mobility. That is, if desired, you can always move it or move it to another room. In addition, it does not have an increased level of danger and does not leave ash and soot in the room.
It should be noted that the fireplace must ideally suit the overall design of the living room. The most suitable in this case would be high-tech and country styles. Often in such rooms a sofa is placed against the wall and a small table in front of the fireplace. You can use it for evening tea or leave a couple of your favorite books on it. The fireplace itself is decorated quite often, but only with small decorative details. For example, a figurine or a photograph in a beautiful frame. All this helps to create a pleasant homely atmosphere.
Biofireplace
Increasingly, in the interior of the living room you can see a bio-fireplace, which provides a live fire. It operates in a vacuum on plant-based, environmentally friendly biological fuel – bioethanol. This type of raw material does not emit any harmful substances when burned and is generally considered safe. It is noteworthy that this design does not require a chimney or special ventilation. Thanks to this, the fireplace is ergonomic, mobile and at the same time quite practical and durable. Most often it is installed in a living room in a high-tech or minimalist style. But other options are acceptable based on personal preferences.
False fireplace in the living room interior
The most budget-friendly and safest option, which is suitable even for a small apartment, is a false fireplace. Of course, it does not have a warming effect, but is purely decorative. Foam plastic, chipboard, wood or brick are mainly used as the basis for this design. For exterior design, you should choose the material based on the style of the living room interior. Most often this is wallpaper, decorative panels, paint and much more. In addition, it is necessary to create an imitation of fire. To do this, you can use candles of different sizes and shapes. The garland along with logs also looks very beautiful. Often a false fireplace is decorated in a completely different way, namely with the help of flowers in vases and other decorative items. It looks fresh, stylish and always attracts the attention of guests.
There are also types of fireplaces depending on the type of firebox:
- open. The flame in such structures is not fenced off and due to this, the efficiency does not exceed 15%. It turns out that the main energy consumption goes into the pipe. In general, we can say that these types of fireplaces should not be considered heating devices, since they serve more of a decorative role.
- closed. In this case, the firebox is closed with special doors made of heat-resistant glass. The flame is clearly visible through it, which allows you to enjoy the process on cozy family evenings. It is noteworthy that in many models these doors open and thus the fireplace is transformed into an open view. The efficiency is approximately 75%.
There are also several types of fireplaces depending on their location. It is always better to decide on this nuance in advance in order to save time on choosing. In addition, this will help to think more carefully about the interior design of the living room.
Wall fireplace
The main feature of this design is that it is installed right next to one of the walls of the living room. However, keep in mind that this design gives off heat, so it will go directly towards this wall. Equipment and fabric products should not be placed on it.
Corner fireplace in the living room interior
Perhaps the most convenient to use is a corner fireplace. This design does not take up much space and is well suited to any style of living room. The only caveat is that it should be installed near the internal walls. Thanks to this approach, the heat from the fireplace will spread to the next two or three rooms. However, experts note that such an installation slightly affects its functionality. Because the room may not warm up evenly, especially if it is large.
Island fireplace
One of the most stylish options for the interior can rightfully be called an island fireplace, which has the highest heat output. It is installed in the center of the living room, thanks to which it warms the room well. By the way, this option is often used for zoning space. This is especially true in cases where the living room is combined with a kitchen or dining room.
Built-in fireplace
For owners of small homes, it is best to take a closer look at built-in fireplace models. The fact is that they are particularly compact. In addition, they are installed mainly in a column or niche, thanks to which a lot of free space can be saved.
Regardless of the type of fireplace chosen, experts recommend following several general rules:
- It is best to insulate the entire room, including windows and doors, which will significantly reduce heat consumption.
- A fireplace that provides warmth should only be installed near the interior walls of the house. Otherwise, most of the heat will be directed to heating the street.
- If you plan to install a wood-burning fireplace, then the appropriate calculations must be made at the stage of building the house. Since it assumes the presence of a chimney, a strong floor and even some foundation features.
- When choosing a fireplace, it is extremely important to consider the dimensions of the room. For a small living room, a corner or built-in model is suitable. In turn, for more spacious rooms the ideal solution would be an island or wall-mounted fireplace.
- The fireplace must be installed exclusively in accordance with fire safety regulations.
Varieties according to installation location
In addition, fireplaces can be conditionally divided into groups according to the installation principle - wall-mounted, corner, built-in and island.
The first ones are placed directly against one of the walls of the room and frame the hearth area with a portal of a suitable style.
In the photo: Wall fireplaces
A corner fireplace also looks good in small spaces, as it saves space. It can be installed in any corner, but it is better near the internal walls - then it will warm up several rooms at once.
Pictured: Corner fireplaces
A fireplace built into the wall is not only a stylish, but also a practical solution, since it greatly saves useful space in the room. If the fireplace has the possibility of heating (for example, in wood-burning or electric models), then such a fireplace will work to heat two rooms at once.
In the photo: Fireplaces built into the wall
The most interesting from a design point of view is an island fireplace, which will highlight the uniqueness of the interior. Can be used to zone the space of a room. This type of fireplace also includes models suspended from the ceiling.
Living room styles with fireplace
In the modern world there is a wide variety of fireplaces with any finish. It can be made of marble, metal, natural stone and other materials. But the main thing is that the fireplace fits perfectly into the overall concept of the living room and only complements the interior, thought out to the smallest detail.
Minimalism
Increasingly, minimalism is used in interior design. It involves using a limited amount of furniture to create the most free space in the room. In this case, you can most often see a false fireplace in an apartment or an electrical structure in a spacious room. They best emphasize the restraint of the interior and do not contradict it.
Country style living room
This style is practically never found in cozy, small apartments. It is mainly chosen by owners of large country houses. They naturally feature a massive classic fireplace. By the way, if it is made of stone, you should not count on even, smooth lines. As for the interior as a whole, the living room should be decorated with taste. Various hunting trophies and weapons are the most common decorative details of such premises.
Modernism in the interior
In the modern world, the Art Nouveau style mainly consists of a combination of calm shades with contrasting tones, as well as simplicity and rationality. In addition, such a living room often uses a large number of mirrors and glass accents. All this helps to visually expand the space. Most often, this design can be seen in a private home. After all, only in a large room can you install a fireplace in the center, thereby making it the main hearth in the house. If Art Nouveau was chosen to decorate the apartment, use a false fireplace. But remember that in this case the firebox should be clearly visible, simulating flames and wood.
Classic living room with fireplace
Basically, living rooms with a fireplace are decorated in a classic style. It looks incredibly beautiful and elegant. Just imagine, light walls, elegant wooden furniture, a luxurious sofa, stucco molding, and a rather large chandelier. It is not surprising that in such an interior a fireplace will look most appropriate. As for its design, most often the facade is made of stone or wood, and there is no decor. This allows for elegant understatement. Basically, above such a fireplace there is a large mirror, a painting, or shelves with decorative items.
Loft in the living room
The loft style has become especially relevant in the modern world. Brick finishing can increasingly be seen even in a small apartment. The combination of such an interior with a fireplace looks fresh and interesting. Moreover, it does not necessarily have to be classic. Indeed, in this case, a combination of antiquity with modern technology would be appropriate. An alternative solution could be a false fireplace.
Provence
The design of the living room in the Provence style still bears the imprints of the southern countries. A light touch of antiquity combined with romance allows you to create a truly amazing interior. The decoration of the fireplace in this case is mainly made in the form of open brick. In addition, such a room always has a lot of floral print details. Most often, the Provence style is used for a country house or cottage, and in city apartments it is implemented extremely rarely.
Selection of materials and design
An important role is played by the choice of white fireplace cladding, which determines how holistic and harmonious such a heating center will look in a particular interior.
Eco fireplaces are often lined with such a natural and environmentally friendly material as marble; such a coating is characterized by a high level of fire resistance, high cost and a complex manufacturing process and finishing work. Ultimately, a marble white fireplace is guaranteed to look sophisticated and expensive, and its color can be either pure white or slightly beige or gray, as well as with a unique pattern on the surface.
A minimalist fireplace can be made of brick and lined with white decorative plaster; also initially, the masonry of a false fireplace, for example, can be made with light-colored sand-lime brick. However, sand-lime brick is not suitable for assembling wood-burning fireplaces; in this case, you will need stove refractory bricks, which are based on clay.
You can also use a material such as ceramic tiles or porcelain stoneware as a cladding for a white fireplace; for these purposes, it is recommended to choose high-quality tiles with good strength and fire resistance. You can also assemble a fireplace portal from plasterboard, then covering it with special paint, decorative plaster or white artificial stone.
If you do not have the opportunity to purchase a completely ready-made fireplace set, which can often have a fairly high cost, then you can make such a home fireplace from scrap materials with your own hands. In order to make a false fireplace at home, you will need heat-resistant plasterboard from which to construct a frame, which can be either wall-mounted or corner-mounted. At the same time, in the firebox of a white false fireplace there can be either an imitation of a burning flame, which is easily reproduced with the help of candles, lights or light bulbs, or a full-fledged bio-fireplace or an electric hearth.
You can also assemble a decorative false fireplace not only from plasterboard, but also from simple cardboard or one large box of household appliances. First of all, you will need to decide on the location of such a fireplace and draw up a clear plan diagram showing all the measurements and features of such a fireplace portal. It is important that the finished version has a suitable design that will be combined with the overall design of the living room, bedroom and any other room.
A white fireplace goes equally well with both spacious and small rooms; it makes it visually lighter and more spacious; to decorate a living room or bedroom, you can use a wide variety of options and methods for installing such a hearth.
For example, you can place a white fireplace on the same wall with a TV or any other household appliance, so both elements will complement each other, while designers and stove makers do not recommend performing such manipulation with wood stoves, since the TV will easily overheat and come out building.
It is best to install the TV in the living room not above the white fireplace, but on the wall located perpendicular to it; it will look much more interesting and safer.
Near the white fireplace, to achieve coziness and maximum comfort, a relaxation area or dining group consisting of a table and chairs is often placed; if this is only a place to relax, you can limit yourself to placing several armchairs or one large soft sofa.
A white fireplace in the center of the room looks no less interesting; such an island placement allows you to balance a classic or modern interior, as well as bring harmony, peace and tranquility to the minimalist style.
Living room with fireplace: how to arrange the furniture?
Be sure that in any case, the place by the fireplace will always be the most popular with all family members. To achieve this effect, you need to carefully consider the overall interior and furniture arrangement. After all, it is imperative to make sure that everyone can contemplate the fire and hear the crackle of the fireplace at the same time.
The lounge area, which consists of several armchairs, a floor lamp and a stylish coffee table, has become a kind of classic. In some cases, a large comfortable sofa with decorative pillows can also be located here. But always consider the parameters of the room. Because in a narrow living room, even a small amount of furniture can make the fireplace invisible. If desired, this space can be supplemented with a small footrest or rocking chair. Regardless of the option chosen, we recommend placing pieces of furniture no closer than 1.5 m from the fire source. This is due to safety regulations.
In any case, remember that the fireplace should fit organically into the interior of the living room. Select furniture so that it matches the fireplace in color and texture. We recommend paying attention to light warm colors. They will make the living room even more cozy. Don't underestimate the importance of small decorative details. After all, the space around the fireplace was literally created for them. An unusually shaped lattice, various photo frames, boxes and vases only decorate the room.
Classic fireplace design
Initially, places with an open fire in the room were arranged for heating. Currently, this function is often secondary. Nowadays, kitchens, living rooms or a living room with a wood-burning fireplace are built to create an atmosphere of comfort and homely warmth.
However, it is important to understand that the standard operating diagram of such a heating element consists of 4 parts:
- Portal, which is a facade. It is he who creates the style of the fireplace.
- The firebox is the hearth. Fuel loading area.
- A chimney is a ventilation pipe of a certain configuration. This element provides exhaust of combustion products and access of oxygen to the fire.
- The smoke collector is a special chamber located above the firebox. This part of the system helps reduce heat loss and prevents carbon monoxide from entering the room.
If an imitation of a hearth is being arranged, the craftsmen try to give the installation classic, familiar forms. They do this in various ways, not all of which are suitable for implementation in the area of a city apartment.
Living room with fireplace and TV
The combination of a fireplace with modern appliances is a controversial issue. Of course, ideally, the interior of a living room with a fireplace implies the absence of a TV. After all, in such a space you should enjoy communication and spending time together with loved ones. But if there is no other option, then it is best to place them on the same line. An alternative option would be to purchase a corner fireplace. In this case, the TV will not be located next to it. Thanks to this, if you wish, you can enjoy the warmth of the fireplace and at the same time watch your favorite movie.
In any case, you should not hang the TV on the opposite side of the fireplace. Glare from the fire will interfere with viewing, and this kind of heat will have a negative effect on the equipment.
Many people make a serious mistake when they hang a TV above the fireplace. Firstly, this is contrary to safety regulations. After all, heat always emanates from the fireplace, which negatively affects any equipment. In addition, each of these interior items attracts attention. This can make the living room look overloaded. This is especially noticeable in small rooms. The only exception may be a false fireplace, which plays a largely decorative role.
Nuances for different types of fireplaces
In order to achieve a competent design of a living room with a fireplace, you should pay attention to the features of the room, its layout, dimensions, decoration and even the arrangement of furniture.
When choosing a classic built-in fireplace, first of all you need to familiarize yourself with the rules for installing the fireplace. For safety reasons, a high-quality chimney and ventilation grilles must be equipped for proper air supply.
An electric model or false fireplace is the most suitable option for rooms with a small area. For these products, it is better to organize a place near the internal main wall. The electric fireplace is very compact, safe, lightweight and does not cause any difficulties during the renovation of the room.
A gas fireplace simultaneously performs two functions: it becomes an original decoration and heats the room. Such a fireplace does not produce soot or soot. There are open, closed, built-in and stationary models, which, due to their versatility, can be located almost anywhere, for example, near the hay or on a special stand.
The photo shows the design of a bright living room with an artificial false fireplace.
The bio-fireplace is an ideal solution for the interior of an apartment. Such a product does not have any special requirements for location and is absolutely harmless to the environment. The airy transparent eco-fireplace built into the wall partition looks truly original and unusual.
Living room interior with fireplace in apartment
There is an opinion that only a classic fireplace can fill a room with comfort and a warming atmosphere. In fact, this is not the case at all, and even a small design in the form of a false fireplace helps you relax and take your mind off everyday problems and worries. The main thing is to decorate the interior correctly so that everything matches the same style and supports the overall concept of calm and relaxation.
According to the designers, an electric fireplace would also be appropriate in the interior of the living room of a simple apartment. It is better to give preference to the most compact and built-in models. They will perfectly complement the design and generally will not take up much space. In addition, you need to take care of the correct arrangement of furniture. After all, for a fireplace you need to free up as much free space as possible.
Features of fireplace placement
When installing a fireplace in a city apartment, you must ensure that it does not destroy the functional space of the living room. It should remain comfortable for meetings, dinners, watching TV and home theater. This means that it is advisable to install the fireplace capsule in niches, recesses, and architectural elements that are not in demand in everyday life.
Fireplace in the living room in a private house
Undoubtedly, a private home is ideal for installing any type of fireplace. Especially if the room dimensions are large. To do this, they often combine the living room with the kitchen into a single spacious room. Mostly, a classic design is installed in it during the construction stage. This allows you to take into account all the nuances and requirements regarding security. Please note that the fireplace should never be located near curtains or any other fabric.
A room that combines a living room and a kitchen or dining room is an ideal place to install a fireplace with a live flame. Many additionally equip a barbecue area, which is very convenient during the cold season. But if such a design is unacceptable in your home, then take a closer look at a fireplace with an imitation of a living flame. They look perfect in a minimalist design.
In general, we can say that a living room in a large house is simply created for the implementation of interesting ideas for its design. We are talking not only about the basic set of furniture, but also about more interesting accents. For example, a coffee table can be made of unusual materials or in an original shape. Many people even prefer to do it themselves. You can use completely different objects as decoration. A small wooden shelf for books or family board games looks great above the fireplace. If desired, you can also place memorable photographs or interesting figures on it. The mirror above the fireplace looks especially beautiful. Also, large plants in pots or vases are always appropriate in the living room. They add a touch of freshness to the overall interior.
A small living room in an apartment or a spacious room in a private house will become warmer and more comfortable with a fireplace. And it doesn’t matter at all what it will be in appearance and price. After all, nothing contributes to good relaxation and rest more than the warmth of a home.
Visual and compositional dominant
When installing a corner fireplace, you should stick to the golden mean between inconspicuousness and pretentiousness. Such a model should neither be conspicuous nor lost among other interior items.
It is important to remember that, no matter where the fireplace is located, it is still the semantic and compositional center of the interior, and therefore it should not be blocked by bulky cabinets, sofas, or tables. The hearth should be clearly visible from different places in the living room, and if something interferes with this, then this obstacle must be removed and not moved.
Ideas for a small living room
Do not think that it is not possible to place a fireplace in a room with a small area. Of course, setting up a wood-burning fireplace with an open fire in a small living room would be the height of frivolity.
For cozy small spaces the following are suitable:
- Electric heaters. Such a portal is practical, safe for children and animals, and naturally imitates live fire.
- False portals. They are installed for beauty, creating an atmosphere of comfort. You can place safety candles on and inside this fireplace.
In a small space, it is important to fit each element into the overall design solution. At the same time, the fireplace will become the unifying link that will set the tone for the interior.
Expert opinion
Olga Kovalenko
Since 2010 I have been engaged in interior design and architectural design.
The uniform arrangement of pieces of furniture relative to the portal will emphasize the uniqueness of the design solution.
Impeccable symmetry
the arrangement of various objects emphasizes the significance of the area
In the design of a room with a fireplace, strict symmetry often looks great. It is typical for classic furnishings and interiors in the spirit of Provence. In this case, the fireplace is installed at the end wall. The axis of symmetry becomes the carpet lying on the floor. A long coffee table is placed on it. There are sofas on both sides of the table. Shelves or other furnishings can be placed along the walls behind the sofas.
Lighting
It is advisable that the living room has enough both natural and artificial light. If the windows of the room face the north side of the building, then it is better not to curtain them with heavy multi-layer curtains or lambrequins. Here it is better to get by with lighter straight curtains.
As for artificial light, it would be appropriate to use a medium-sized chandelier in the living room. Depending on the style, it can be either more elaborate (as in classic English interiors), or, on the contrary, restrained and minimalistic. However, a chandelier alone is not enough. Using one light source in the center of the room means that the corners of the room will still be darkened.
The best option would be to combine a chandelier with spotlights, sconces and small lamps.
A separate lamp or several spotlights must be placed in the fireplace area. If one of the household members plans to read or do handicrafts there, then good bright lighting will be needed for this.
It would also be a good idea to place a separate floor lamp in the TV area.
Before installing lamps, you should consider the power supply system in such a way that, if necessary, you can turn on or off individual lamps. This way you can adjust the brightness and intensity of the light in each zone.
Modern option
glass fireplace in a modern interior
The basis of these centers is the classic, but it is present in a lighter form. The design, including the one with bas-relief decorations, looks “light”, and its portal has a more rectilinear shape. It fits perfectly into minimalist interiors, even though such a fireplace in the living room of an apartment completely fills the space from the floor to the ceiling.
Color spectrum
The living room is intended for meeting friends and regular gatherings of household members, so you should not overuse flashy and dark colors. The choice of color is largely influenced by the interior style used in the room. So in classic decor it is better to give preference to light, soft tones. These can be shades of beige, brown, cream, golden, bluish or green.
In the case of country music, the interior can be more vibrant and original. However, here it is better to refrain from using cold shades. In country, shades of brown, reddish, peach or beige would be appropriate. Any natural colors are appropriate here in various variations.
As for minimalism, restrained cold shades are welcome here. A distinctive feature of the direction is the abundance of light colors and shiny chrome surfaces.
