06/23/2020 Read in 5 minutes.
A fireplace in a modern living room, as in ancient times, remains a symbol of comfort. A homely hearth not only creates a special atmosphere of comfort, but also adds additional value to the interior. So it’s not surprising that more and more people want to decorate their living room with a fireplace every day.
In this review, using photos from the renovation and design portfolio of the Group, which is the leader in the Moscow construction market, as an example, we will talk about the design features of a living room with a fireplace and popular models of these devices. We’ll also talk about options for designing a fireplace area in a modern and classic interior.
Types of fireplaces
The history of the appearance of open hearths for heating a home goes back to the distant past. Over the centuries, fireplaces have undergone a number of design changes depending on their purpose and shape. Currently, wood-burning fireplaces are used primarily for additional heating of country cottages.
Open hearths that use electric energy or natural gas as fuel can be used in apartment construction, decorating any interior. The classic design of the fireplace involves the use of fired clay bricks.
However, recently, fireplaces in which the firebox is made of cast iron are in deserved demand among the population. The qualitative characteristics of cast iron allow you to decorate the interior of the living room in an original style and enjoy the quiet crackling of firewood and the play of flames in the firebox for a long time.
Alcohol fireplaces in apartments are taking quite confident steps to occupy their niche in the field of interior design of living rooms. Alcohol fireplaces are made in a modern style from glass and metal, with an automatic fire extinguishing system, and the fuel for them is a special alcohol-based liquid.
A chimney is not needed, this allows you to change the location of the fireplace depending on the mood of the owner at least every year.
Finishing methods
Almost any material can be used to decorate electric or artificial fireplaces, since the surface does not heat up to high temperatures. The most popular finishes include:
Tile
Ceramics are the leading finishing material for decorative porches. In addition to high fire resistance, this material is distinguished by a wide selection of colors and patterns.
Thanks to glazed tiles, the surface is easy to keep clean and does not allow moisture to pass through. The original shape of the tiles makes the fireplace a decorative element of the living room, regardless of its style.
Tree
Wood is not heat-resistant, but if you follow a few recommendations, you can easily restore your fireplace:
- The material is impregnated with a special fire retardant compound;
- The fireplace is equipped with a protective mesh;
- A ventilation system is provided;
- Wood is not used for covering the entire portal, but for decorative inserts;
- Ash and alder wood is not used.
Otherwise, there are no contraindications to using wood in the design of a fireplace.
Fake diamond
Artificial stone is quite popular due to its low cost compared to its natural counterpart, as well as similar properties.
This material is characterized by moisture resistance and durability, and its processing does not require special skills. Faux brick is preferred for the same reasons.
Stucco
When choosing this finish, you do not need to spend a lot of effort, time and money. The process is very simple and does not require additional strengthening. Choose materials that meet fire safety requirements.
The wide range of colors allows you to find the right shade to suit the style of the room, and it is easy to change it.
Recommendations from professionals
When developing a design project for a narrow living room with a fireplace in an apartment, you should be careful not to overload the room with unnecessary pieces of furniture. When designing a fireplace area, you should ensure a safe distance between upholstered furniture and carpets from an open fire. It should not be less than one and a half meters.
Specialized interior design specialists do not recommend installing a plasma television panel in the fireplace area of the living room. These are two sources of attention of equal potential. However, this is just a recommendation from experts. Don't argue with yourself, install the TV in line with the fireplace and whatever happens.
At least this will avoid glare. Even each window has its own view of this world. During the operation of an open fireplace, fire safety rules must be observed. The room must have fresh ventilation.
If there are pets and small children living in the house, it is advisable to purchase fireplace models for the living room with a glass-covered firebox. It is worth realistically assessing your potential capabilities, but it is better to entrust the installation of a fireplace in the living room to professionals.
Advantages of a decorative hearth
The only difference between an electric fireplace and a real one is the absence of a chimney. Otherwise, the design repeats all the external features of a wood-burning fireplace. There is a fireplace in the building, and the portal itself is closed by a natural mantelpiece. The size of the fuel chamber varies greatly. In the case of a decorative fireplace, its depth does not exceed 20 cm. Additional volume is created by glued internal mirrors.
The imitation was invented for urban homes, where the installation of a real fireplace is prohibited due to safety concerns. Mainly because it is impossible to make a decent chimney. Well, maybe on the upper floors. But there, as elsewhere, the law prohibits lighting open fires.
Since there is usually no need for additional heating of the room, only aesthetic elements can be used. This type of decor can decorate rooms in any style. With a decorative fireplace in the living room, the living room benefits in many ways.
Among the advantages of a false hearth are the following:
- You don't need a lot of money to create decor. Except when you need to create a copy of a luxury design for an exclusive decoration style.
- Otherwise, even used materials can be used. For example, partitions from an old closet. Or even cardboard boxes from purchased household appliances.
- Wide selection of decorative elements. After all, in addition to store-bought products, you can make them yourself. Just use your imagination and the materials you have on hand.
- Imitation allows you to hide useful connections. For example, various wires and unsightly elements of the heating installation.
- Design functionality. If you wish, you can use the decoration for other purposes. You can also install a bookcase or storage on the portal.
- It gives the interior originality and adds a touch of home comfort.
For the latter, a decorative fireplace creates a genuine illusion of real fire. It is the open flame that gives the room coziness. There are several ways to create a convincing simulation, which are detailed below.
Ideas for placing a fireplace in the living room
Leading design studios do not recommend placing working fireplaces near the outer wall of the living room. The outside temperature is not constant and this will require additional costs for wall insulation to ensure normal operation of the fireplace.
For a small room, a corner location of the fireplace would be appropriate. The design of the portal with original decorative elements will go well with any style. You should also avoid placing an open fireplace near the stairs.
The most rational location for a working fireplace in a spacious living room of a private house is an island arrangement in the central part of the room. It should be noted the high heat transfer rates with this arrangement of the fireplace in the room.
To decorate the interior of a small living room, a built-in electric fireplace will be an ideal design solution. This will save useful space and create the desired atmosphere in the room.
What to look for when purchasing
To make the right choice when buying an electric fireplace for the living room, it is not enough just to decide on the design. You need to pay special attention to these parameters:
- Power. The degree of heating of the room depends on this. If the device will perform not only a decorative function, the power should be calculated based on the area of the room;
- Size. This is an important point, since its size determines its position and the arrangement of other furniture;
- Design. When choosing exterior decoration, you should be guided by the general stylistic direction of the room and apartment;
- The ability to adjust flame brightness and temperature is an added advantage;
- If possible, choose a model with an air humidification and aromatization system.
Follow these simple recommendations to choose a fireplace that will not only decorate and warm your living room, but also make the interior much more comfortable and harmonious.
Styling the fireplace design
The presence of a fireplace in the room implies the use of the latest ideas and trends in the stylish design of the living room. You can choose a modern high-tech style or an elegant classic in the warm tones of solid wood.
When placing pieces of furniture in a living room with a fireplace in a modern style, you should take into account that the seats should be facing the flame.
The symmetrical arrangement of a soft sofa and armchairs will allow those present to look at the running lights of the flame without getting tired while waiting for aromatic tea.
Many day-old homeowners install rocking chairs in close proximity to the fireplace portal. This position of the chairs allows you to feel the warmth of the flame and encourages you to think about eternity and write memoirs.
The portal material is usually selected to match the overall style of the room. Decorative items can include family photographs, original souvenirs from exotic countries, speakers, and a rare telephone.
Interior solutions
Dimplex electric fireplaces fit into any interior - from strict classics to ultra-modern Loft style. This is confirmed by hundreds of completed projects, which you can familiarize yourself with right now. We offer a selection of interesting living room interiors with Dimplex fireplaces.
Classic style
In the photo: living room design in a classic style with an Albany fireplace
Interesting classic living room design with Albany fireplace with Opti-Myst flame technology. Thanks to the laconic frame of the hearth in black, the electric fireplace fits perfectly into the room. The decorative portal is made of natural wood of a noble shade, which fits perfectly with exquisite furniture. The wall where the frame framing the fireplace is installed is decorated with unusual accessories from the era of chivalry.
Hi-Teck style
In the photo: a living room in the Hi-Teck style combined with elements of a Chalet with a fireplace Juneau
Unusual living room in Hi-Teck style combined with Chalet elements. Gray and its shades are used as the main color; the design is laconic and restrained. A built-in cassette fireplace zones the space and makes the room warmer.
An electric fireplace performs several tasks - heating the house, humidifying the air, and aesthetics. It copes with all functions perfectly, guaranteeing safe operation. The fireplace is safe for children and animals, since it does not emit smoke and sparks will not fly from it. This is the best option for creating a sophisticated interior.
Minimalism
Despite the fact that the Minimalist style is characterized by a laconic design, the fireplace perfectly complements the interior. The living room features a Cassette L hearth with Opti-Myst flame technology. In terms of style, it harmonizes perfectly with Minimalism, thanks to its strict lines and laconic design.
In the photo: living room design in a minimalist style with a Cassette L fireplace
In the living room design, the emphasis is on a blue sofa and bright paintings; an open fireplace acts as a separate element. This design can be implemented in any home, since the electric fireplace is absolutely safe for adults, children and animals.
Modern
To implement this project, natural materials were used - wood, which serves as decoration for the entire living room, and stone. Wood is the main element - a beautiful table with epoxy resin, an original TV stand installed along the wall, the floor and stairs - all made of noble solid wood.
In the photo: living room design in Art Nouveau style with a Cassette 1000 fireplace
In such a living room, the fireplace is no longer the main object of the interior; it serves as a harmonious addition to the room. To implement the project, the Cassette 1000 fireplace with firewood became the optimal solution. The fireplace uses realistic firewood that simulates wood burning, but without the smell or smoke.
Vanguard
Pictured: avant-garde design with Cassette 400 NH fireplace
The unusual design of the living room with bright accents - a purple sofa and a gold armchair - evokes mixed emotions - delight, surprise, interest. The living room amazes with imagination and unconventional thinking, since it differs from generally accepted canons. The interior combines several style trends - Loft, Avant-garde, Minimalism.
The Cassette 400 NH fireplace with a decorative white frame took pride of place in the central wall of the living room, made of decorative brick. The presence of an electric fireplace in the room balanced the interior, adding sophistication, sophistication and homeliness to it.
Modern style
Pictured: modern design with Cassette 500 fireplace
The house, made in warm colors with the addition of natural wood, is ideally combined with the Cassette 500 open-type fireplace with wood that simulates the burning of wood. The room feels warm and spacious, without flashy accents or over-the-top accessories.
This is a peaceful living room where you want to spend time with your family - have leisurely conversations, watch your favorite films or read books. The fireplace blends harmoniously with the interior, bringing even more warmth and comfort to it. To create a relaxing atmosphere, the fireplace is not installed in a special niche, but on a coffee table near the sofa, which looks stylish and unusual.
Oriental style
Pictured: Oriental style design with Westbrook Basket hearth
An interior for lovers of bright accents and oriental motifs. When you get into the living room, it seems that you find yourself on another continent - somewhere in Morocco or Cairo. Beautiful mosaics, painted plates, a Persian carpet on the floor, decorative pillows on the sofa, massive gold frames create the right ambience and lift the mood of the guests of the house.
The Westbrook Basket fireplace, made in a noble style, adds a European touch to the interior and makes it more calm and relaxing. The decorative frame framing the hearth matches the design of the entire living room.
Fireplaces in this series are a godsend for designers, since you can choose original portals for them that match the design of the house. In addition, they are environmentally friendly, since they do not emit harmful substances during operation, and also eliminate the possibility of fire, since they use technology that simulates flame. A realistic fire in the fireplace creates comfort and a pleasant atmosphere.
Fireplace in the spacious living room
A modern loft style would be a justified solution for decorating a spacious living room with a fireplace. It is chosen by people who value the freedom of an open living space, a lot of light and strict lines.
The interior of the living room in a modern style suggests the presence of a built-in rectangular fireplace near one of the walls. Typically, the back wall is covered with a fire-resistant panel that imitates simple red brickwork.
The walls can be finished with medium-strength particle boards with a protective coating that imitates the expressive texture of dark wood. The top of the rectangular dining table is made of durable translucent glass.
All pieces of furniture in the fireplace area have the correct geometric shape and strict style. Ceramic tiles are usually used as flooring, repeating the pattern on the furniture.
Photo in a private house
In the living room in the interior of a country house, it is possible to install a real wood-burning fireplace. To do this, you need to take care of the good strength of the floor and walls, pay attention to the height of the ceiling and take care of fire safety. Due to the live fire, warm energy is formed in the home atmosphere, and the atmosphere is filled with comfort and acquires individual characteristics.
The layout of the house often involves a living room combined with a kitchen. In the design of a combined room, it will be interesting to look at the hearth, which acts as a dividing element between two functional zones.
The photo shows a living room in a country-style house with a corner fireplace lined with brickwork.
For the design of a spacious hall with a high ceiling, a portal made in a rustic country style is perfect. This D-shaped fireplace is large in size and has a design that is particularly rural in simplicity and naturalness. In order to achieve maximum effect, the portal is lined with stone or wood, and firewood is laid out in the fireplace niche.
Small living room with fireplace
Realizing that you are the owner of a small space, you should not grieve and be upset that during the viscous, sticky everyday life of gloomy autumn you will not have to sit with a cup of aromatic coffee by the fire. To decorate a small living room with a corner fireplace, specialized experts recommend using electric fireplaces.
They are quite economical and have high rates of safe operation over a long period of time. Decorative counterfeit fireplaces are in well-deserved demand among young families. Youth always has the right to make mistakes.
When designing the composition of the fireplace area in a small living room, you should understand that the dominant fact is the hearth itself in the room. Other decorative items are designed to complement and express the uniqueness of the fireplace. Let ceramic figurines, vases and clocks take their place on the stylish fireplace portal.
Fireplace area finished with slate stone
The fireplace area, decorated with natural materials, gives the modern living room a special atmosphere of country life. To decorate the hearth, you can use a light sand color scheme, combined with silver.
Colors for fireplaces
An important place when designing a living room with a fireplace in an apartment is occupied by the correct selection of colors and shades, which I aim to create a single harmonious ensemble in the room. The owner of a narrow and long living room can be offered a sequential arrangement of functional areas.
In this case, the fireplace seating area should be located near the window. The built-in fireplace in the living room is quite compact and perfectly divides the space of the room. The dominant color in such a room can be one of the milky shades.
The flooring can be made from high-strength particle boards, enriched with a protective polymer film that imitates silver oak. Curtains for the windows use light colors with delicate patterns. Upholstered furniture should be upholstered in light fabric.
The design of the fireplace portal should be done in dark colors made of artificial marble. Such a contrasting combination of decorative items will add expressiveness to the fireplace group and visually expand the space of the room.
Biofireplace with imitation wood
In a room decorated in a minimalist style, a portal with a firebox for wood will look very impressive if it is decorated in gray tones. The fireplace area harmoniously combines with the television area, decorated with wooden paneling.
Living-dining room with fireplace
Quite often, the living room in a country house combines the functions of a dining room and is decorated with a working wood-burning fireplace. This is a common case when it is necessary to visually divide a spacious living room - dining room with a fireplace into functional zones.
The eating area is represented by a dining table with chairs, a sideboard, and a serving table. Usually it is located in the central part of the room under a large ceiling chandelier on a metal frame.
As a floor covering, you can use high-strength particle boards with a protective coating that imitates the expressive structure of rare tree species.
The afternoon relaxation area can be represented by a television stand on the outer wall of the room and a set of upholstered furniture with a floor lamp. A light-colored wood floorboard would be quite appropriate for this area.
The open hearth area is usually located in one of the corners or between the windows. It is advisable to use terracotta tiles as flooring. The portal elements are made of natural marble, sometimes with fragments of artistic carvings. The shelf can be made of hardwood from noble trees.
Decoration of the fireplace room
Specialized interior design specialists recommend using pastel colors and shades when decorating the interior of the fireplace room. An abundance of light and properly installed additional local lighting will visually expand the space of the living room with a fireplace.
You should be aware that in the modern world, a fireplace is an object that determines the style of interior design. It attracts attention with the beautiful decoration of the portal and its living, warming flame.
Wealthy owners of country houses place figures of knights in steel armor in a place of honor near the fireplace, trying to create an atmosphere of antiquity and the Middle Ages. Large window openings are decorated with heavy curtains made of thick natural fabric.
An interesting concept for the design of the fireplace room is the walls trimmed with white oak and stools covered with natural leather. The walls can be decorated with paintings of natural landscapes in expensive frames. All decorative items should express the general design style of the fireplace room.
Add life
As a rule, solid, heavy materials are used for fireplaces: marble, brick, solid wood. The structure turns out to be bulky, which is why the interior may seem somewhat harsh. There is a way to neutralize this impression - to decorate the mantelpiece with living plants.
Intricate flowing lines will soften the rectangular outline of the portal, and lush greenery will attract attention. A bouquet of flowers will give the living room a feminine, sophisticated look. Cereal shoots look very stylish in the interior. Designers often use them to add volume and texture to a composition.
Zoning options for a living room with a fireplace
The use of modern technologies in the construction of multi-storey buildings opens up new horizons and creative space for designers to implement the most unexpected projects.
In order to place a fireplace in a living room with a radial apartment layout and rationally perform space zoning, it is advisable to use the services of professionals.
A modern biofuel fireplace built into the interior wall will allow you to enjoy a magnificent panoramic view from the window and the gentle play of flames in the evening. Furniture items are placed along the outer wall of the room.
The presence of a bay window in the living room with a fireplace implies the formation of two functional zones along the axis of symmetry of the room. Installed opposite the built-in biofuel fireplace, a huge wall mirror will reflect the dancing blue flames in the hearth, creating an incredible effect.
