Instagram is the hearth and soul for the buzziest trends in interior design. We’ve rounded up the top 10 hottest fireplace ideas from the platform to get your creative juices flowing for your next project. Fireplaces don’t have to be boring! There are so many materials and ways to creatively craft this focal point of your room. As a refresher check out the diagram below for the parts of a fireplace.
First off, the most important component is the firebox which is where the fire is lit. In this space there can be a wood-burning, gas, or electric fire.
Mantles are often used as a decorative ledge and many modern fireplaces no longer have them. However, they do have a practical use and that is to deflect heat from anything above the firebox (for example TVs).
The surround is what gives the fireplace personality and can often extend the full vertical height of the room. Lastly there is the hearth, which may extend into the room. Hearths can be raised and must be made up of a non-flammable material for a wood-burning fire.
Now that you’ve had a quick review of fireplace terminology, check out some of Instagram’s hottest fireplaces.
1. Colorful and Textural
These glazed tiles from London Encaustic are inspired by Morocco and offer a handcrafted textural element to the room. This is London-based stylist Sarah Corbett-Winder’s home whose creative eye is evident as she also designed this space.
2. All Black
It may be trendy (read: boring) to paint everything white to revamp a room, but how about painting the fireplace black? This traditional mantle and surround has been given a new coat of matte black paint which becomes an understated focal point. The black fireplace anchors the dramatic space, allowing the playful patterns dotted around the room to shine.
3. Marble Mantle
Nothing screams bespoke luxury more than a custom marble mantle. This Breche marble was quarried from the side of an Italian mountain and will always be one-of-a-kind. The types of marble to use for a fireplace are endless, and can cost upwards from $4,000.
4. Rustic Elegance
A stone fireplace with a wood mantle is the quintessential look for a lodge or cabin. This is the living room from the Gallatin Preserve Cabin located in Montana and was designed by Faure Halvorsen Architects. Installation of a stone fireplace will cost around $3,000 to $5,000 while the wall shelf beam will cost around $300-500.
5. Dark Plaster
If you want a minimal fireplace with architectural interest, this dark plaster surround creates interest with its cascading levels – each step bringing you closer to the hearth.
6. Fluted Fireplace
Do you lean towards organic modern design? This fluted fireplace is simply stunning and works well with the style. The fluted surround is often made from plaster or stone and creates a beautiful textural element to a room. The subtle curve of the surround gives a modern yet timeless feeling.
7. Crisp and Clean
Much like the rustic fireplace with the wood beam that’s third on this list, this variation is like its contemporary cousin. Instead of a stone surround, pair a white or light-colored wall with a finished floating beam for a clean, crisp look. Yes, it’s quite predictable and often associated with modern farmhouse style – but hey, things are popular for a reason.
8. Open Flame
This sleek, contemporary open fireplace acts as a focal point in addition to being a space divider. The placement of this fireplace in the middle of the open plan space creates distinct zones. This is a gas fireplace with bronze-tinted glass, a beautiful marble base and custom suspended shelving by Modus Fireplaces.
9. Freestanding Fireplace
For a sleek and subtle statement piece, look no farther than a freestanding fireplace. They come in a wide variety of colors and can be wood-burning, gas, or electric. Since the flue hangs from the ceiling, it is a great way to draw the eye upwards to add interest to an otherwise plain wall.
10. Full Height Fireplace
Why not make a big statement and extend the surround all the way to the ceiling? This ceramic fireplace was designed by Tyler Hays and can be found in the BDDW showroom in London.
Hopefully this list has opened your eyes to some new creative concepts for fireplaces. Whether your style leans traditional, contemporary, or modern there are many ways to incorporate the elements of design to create something unique and timeless. Forget the typical white marble and linear gas fireplace look and try something a little more adventurous for your next project.
Rakini Bergundy was born in a little surf town called Houhai in China and loves writing. She’s passionate about dogs, home renovations, and politics.