25 Stunning Fireplace Ideas to Steal

What does “stunning” mean to you? The actual definition of stunning is: “extremely impressive or attractive.” What a perfect description to aim for with a focal point in your home décor, don’t you think? Particularly as the weather begins to cool off for many of us around the globe, as we approach Fall and Winter seasons, our fireplaces might begin to see a little more use. If we’re going to use them, why not make them as beautiful as they are functional?!

Stunning corner fireplace design
Modern living room residence featuring an white fireplace

Here are 25 stunning fireplace ideas to inspire and motivate you. Any of these would really make your fireplace a place to gather…for more reasons than just warmth. (And if these aren’t enough, check out this article for 100 more fireplace ideas!)

1. Corner fireplace.

Modern interior design showcasing a corner fireplace

Got a floating wall that needs some presence? Install a gorgeous two-sided contemporary fireplace on the wall’s end. This will increase the impact of your fireplace because you can enjoy the fire from multiple angles, plus it just creates a natural draw into the room itself.

2. Framing trim.

High ceiling framing trim fireplace

Install trim around your fireplace that frames the fireplace itself. We love this tiered trimming concept, done in all white like the rest of the room’s walls, as an accentuation of the fireplace itself. Classic and clean architectural detail that packs a punch.{found on hayessignaturehomes}.

3. Chunky wood mantel.

Wood mantel for fireplace in modern way

Fireplaces themselves can’t be made of wood…for obvious reasons. But that doesn’t mean this warm natural material should be avoided altogether. In this stunning fireplace setting, for example, a chunky wood mantel and equally substantial corbels bring warmth and provide a distinct separation between the mantel face and the upper wall.

4. Fireplace simplified.

Simplified fireplace design

One fireplace idea that goes against the tide is a beautiful incorporation of backwards thinking. Rather than do anything at all to the fireplace, you could create a similar stunning effect by focusing your efforts on the walls behind and surrounding the fireplace. A simple white fireplace surround, for example, looks awesome against a wood-planked wall.

5. Simple marble surround.

Simple marble surround

The simplicity of a contemporary marble surround, with smooth surfaces and clean angles and lines, will make the fireplace the first thing everyone will notice when they come into your living room. We like the contrast of white surround with a colored wall.

6. Decorated fireplace.

Decorated fireplace

If your fireplace isn’t of the type that’s used often (or ever), or if you don’t intend on using it, you can still make this desirable feature a benefit to your overall décor rather than a drawback. Beautiful chunky white candles on coordinating candlesticks, for example, give a nod to the concept of “firelight” while being framed out nicely by the fireplace surround itself.{found on inouyeinteriors}.

7. Low and long.

Low and long fireplace

For a completely modern aesthetic, place a narrow, long fireplace below knee height. This stone example is a stunner, juxtaposing fantastically against the smooth, grey wall above. Of course, you’ll need to consider the room’s use – the presence of young children and pets might put this design on the backburner.

8. Tile frame.

Tile frame fireplace

A simple gas fireplace insert can really stand out with the right frame. Use wide heat-tolerant tiles to frame out the insert in a simple, clean-lined way. This is a great way to soften the transition from the harsh black edges of an insert to the rest of your space.

9. Solid, simple concrete.

Solid Simple Concrete Fireplace

Raw concrete is all the rage in the industrial style, and its use as a fireplace surround and mantel face is en pointe here. Although the contrast between the harsh concrete and the tree branches overhead is impactful, if you’re unable to incorporate the natural look in this way, the concrete fireplace itself would be an eye-catcher in any space.{found on suyamapetersondeguchi}.

10. Geometric color block.

Geometric color block

A completely unique and totally stunning fireplace design can be achieved with a creative twist on the surround’s architecture. Incorporate a few angles of varied depths and heights, throw in some spot lighting, and use color blocking to create this perfect modern fireplace.

11. Vertical tile.

Vertical tile for fireplace

Push the envelope a bit with how you choose to lay the tile on your fireplace wall. Long, slim tiles laid vertically, like a waterfall, draw the eye upward and work beautifully with the concept of the fire’s flames. We love the juxtaposition of water and fire in this concept.

12. Arched surround.

White Arched surround

Arches in architecture, especially traditional or craftsman spaces, tend to draw attention simply because most other components of a house’s design are straight. An ever-so-slight arch above the fireplace in the brick or stone surround is a gorgeous way to subtly draw attention to this stunner.{found on cornwell}.

13. Dark marble tile surround.

Dark marble tile around the fireplace

In a living room filled (literally) with natural light and a bright wall color, darker marble tiles on the fireplace surround are stunning. The tiles’ reflective properties enhance the window lighting, and, despite the fact that the tiles are dark, they make the room feel even brighter.

14. Fireplace “frame.”

Fireplace frame and neutral art above

Of course it’s not a photo hanging on the wall, but this fireplace almost looks like one! A substantial yet neutral painted “frame” forms the bulk of this fireplace surround, promoting its presence and aesthetic appeal.

15. Low, horizontal fireplace.

Low Horizontal Fireplace

Flanked between two stand-out dark wood shelving units, the vertical space on this fireplace wall has been used nicely. A low, horizontal fireplace design is a perfect complement to the existing design here, providing balance and visual appeal at each level.{found on interiorsbysteveng}.

16. Stone fireplace wall.

Stone fireplace wall Rustic with Modern

We’ve all seen fireplaces in which the mantel face is stone from floor to ceiling; however, consider this stunning impact when the stone is laid floor to ceiling, end to end on the entire wall. The fireplace wall is immediately and entirely the focus of this space, and no other art or décor is even needed.

17. Artistic stone lay.f

Artistic rock design for fireplace

Of course, stone makes an excellent fireplace surround, but you can really raise the bar on your own fireplace appeal by laying the stone in a creative way. This stone seems to move across the fireplace face by wave – a fabulous elemental contrast to the fire itself. Absolutely stunning.

18. Green & Greek.

Green tiles for fireplace design

For those whose tastes lean more toward the ancient and ornate, a fireplace provides an ideal spot for showcasing that style. Grecian statues flank this green tiled fireplace, but the details don’t stop there – the trim, moulding, brass log holders (whatever they’re called), all of it just works together to create a lovely traditional yet standout fireplace.

19. Herringbone tile walls.

Herringbone tiles for fireplace

The fireplace surround is typically more notable than the fireplace itself, but not always. Your fireplace could stand out in a crowd if you laid heat-tolerant stone tiles in a herringbone pattern. Completely and utterly stunning, even in a room with plenty of other things going very, very right.

20. Freestanding fireplace.

Freestanding fireplace

Why should your fireplace be tucked up against a wall when it can be, literally, the center of attention? Amazing implementation of a circular fireplace in a modern space with plenty of right angles; we love how the spherical pendant light mimics the outline for cohesion. Stunning!

21. Open fireplace.

Open fireplace

For a more global, Old World, and/or organic living room, consider omitting the fireplace gate altogether in favor of some decorative concrete posts. Although you’ll need to research safety considerations (e.g., young children, pets, floating spark possibilities, etc.) before incorporating this fireplace arrangement, the look really is stunning.

22. Cinder block backdrop.

Cinder block fireplace

For the home with a chic retro feel or a mid-century modern vibe, this fireplace idea is perfect! Using cinder block-type materials, installed vertically at various depths with intermittent glass tiles, a freestanding fireplace is fantastically emphasized. Works well here flanked by two large windows, to keep the space feeling fresh and intentional.

23. Peep-through fireplace.

Two sided fireplace design

Lighten up the room with a fireplace that benefits two rooms; having such a fireplace “floating” in the center of the room with plenty of room to walk around it makes the space feel even brighter and more spacious.

24. Large mirror above fireplace.

Mirror above the fireplace design

While it’s not a strategy that alters the actual fireplace, this decorating idea is one that makes sense in nearly any fireplace setting. A large, chunky mirror hung directly above the fireplace provides a vertically balancing force to the lower visual weight that is the fireplace itself. It lightens and brightens the overall look particularly when the fireplace insert is black in a light room.

25. Tall fireplace box.

FHC_350_WR_Residence_FamilyRoom

So often, a fireplace box is an expected size. But if your mantel face is tall and slim, it might make excellent sense to have the fireplace box itself mimic this silhouette by being taller than the standard form. This design is remarkable in its simplicity and aesthetic appeal.{found on fhcinc}.