12 Fireplaces and Wood-burning Stoves to Totally Covet
Brrr! It’s chilly out there. What better to welcome you home than a roaring fire…
Kate Burt
13 November 2016
Houzz UK. I'm a journalist and editor, previously for the Independent, Guardian and various magazines. I'm now excited to part of the editorial team at Houzz UK & Ireland, bringing the best of British and Irish design, interiors and architecture to Houzz.com.
Houzz UK. I'm a journalist and editor, previously for the Independent, Guardian and... More
Between them, these fireplaces and wood-burners tick all the boxes – from elegant to rustic, Scandi to ultra-modern, there’s one for every taste. You’ll feel toastier just looking at them. Let us know your favourite style in the Comments below.
The elegant one
This glorious drawing room is the epitome of period house chic. The inky blue walls are bang up to date, yet also heritage-friendly, and picking out the fire surround and chairs in white gives the space a crisp edge. (For a moodier, enveloping atmosphere, you could keep everything dark.)
This hearth would be a dreamy spot for a tot of whisky and some refined fireside chat.
Check out more ways to work inky dark walls
This glorious drawing room is the epitome of period house chic. The inky blue walls are bang up to date, yet also heritage-friendly, and picking out the fire surround and chairs in white gives the space a crisp edge. (For a moodier, enveloping atmosphere, you could keep everything dark.)
This hearth would be a dreamy spot for a tot of whisky and some refined fireside chat.
Check out more ways to work inky dark walls
The homely one
The cosy factor of this lovely little living room is upped immensely by that oh-so-inviting fire. Now all that’s needed is a pot of tea and some buttered crumpets and jam.
A bare brick wall always adds character, and this one – which gracefully reveals its age – ensures the wood-burner takes centre stage in this space. (If you’re stripping back a wall to its bricks, ensure you check your local building regulations and, if all’s well, coat it with a sealant that’ll prevent the surface crumbling off.)
The cosy factor of this lovely little living room is upped immensely by that oh-so-inviting fire. Now all that’s needed is a pot of tea and some buttered crumpets and jam.
A bare brick wall always adds character, and this one – which gracefully reveals its age – ensures the wood-burner takes centre stage in this space. (If you’re stripping back a wall to its bricks, ensure you check your local building regulations and, if all’s well, coat it with a sealant that’ll prevent the surface crumbling off.)
The pale and interesting one
If a classic black wood-burning stove just doesn’t cut it with the neutral tones of your living room, how about a stylish cream number like this one? The unfussy design works beautifully in this pared-back, rustic room, and the log-stashing space underneath is a neat touch.
This type of stove would also work well in an interior that layers whites and off-whites for a relaxed, minimal effect.
If a classic black wood-burning stove just doesn’t cut it with the neutral tones of your living room, how about a stylish cream number like this one? The unfussy design works beautifully in this pared-back, rustic room, and the log-stashing space underneath is a neat touch.
This type of stove would also work well in an interior that layers whites and off-whites for a relaxed, minimal effect.
The one at the foot of the bed
Here, the layers of whites and off-whites idea is worked beautifully with a fireplace rather than a wood-burner – and can you picture a more peaceful, inviting place for early nights this winter?
Lots of Houzzers post in the advice section about how to tackle inherited fire surrounds they’re not keen on. If you’re brave enough to paint yours white, this is the sort of reward you can look forward to. Be sure to get expert advice on the type(s) of paint to use for your project – there are different, specialist heat- and soot-friendly varieties for fireplaces, fire surrounds and stoves.
Here, the layers of whites and off-whites idea is worked beautifully with a fireplace rather than a wood-burner – and can you picture a more peaceful, inviting place for early nights this winter?
Lots of Houzzers post in the advice section about how to tackle inherited fire surrounds they’re not keen on. If you’re brave enough to paint yours white, this is the sort of reward you can look forward to. Be sure to get expert advice on the type(s) of paint to use for your project – there are different, specialist heat- and soot-friendly varieties for fireplaces, fire surrounds and stoves.
The kitchen cosy-er
Where do you spend most of your time at home? Chances are it’s in the kitchen, and yet (unless you’re lucky enough to have a blazing bedroom, as just seen) it’s typically the living room that gets all the fireplace love in a house. This smart, boxy design is also at the perfect height to keep you warm while cooking or washing up.
You’d need an existing chimney for something like this, but if you’re building a new kitchen extension, it could be something worth exploring with your architect.
Where do you spend most of your time at home? Chances are it’s in the kitchen, and yet (unless you’re lucky enough to have a blazing bedroom, as just seen) it’s typically the living room that gets all the fireplace love in a house. This smart, boxy design is also at the perfect height to keep you warm while cooking or washing up.
You’d need an existing chimney for something like this, but if you’re building a new kitchen extension, it could be something worth exploring with your architect.
Here’s another interesting take on the raised-up kitchen fireplace idea. Are you warming to it?
The bright one
If you’re building a fireplace from scratch and don’t have the restrictions of an existing chimney breast, then why be traditional? The owners of this modern rustic home in France certainly haven’t been and have created a striking centrepiece, as well as a cosy focal point for their living space, by making it big and painting it bright orange.
If you’re building a fireplace from scratch and don’t have the restrictions of an existing chimney breast, then why be traditional? The owners of this modern rustic home in France certainly haven’t been and have created a striking centrepiece, as well as a cosy focal point for their living space, by making it big and painting it bright orange.
The one with bedside manners
What could be better on a chilly morning than waking up next to a beauty like this contemporary white wood-burning stove?
For the ultimate in modern minimalism, seek out a toughened, heat-resistant glass hearth, as seen here.
The beauty of a wood-burner is that it doesn’t necessarily need an existing chimney structure, simply access to an external wall – making it a brilliant way to add not only warmth but also a characterful feature to new-builds or mid- to late-20th century houses.
What could be better on a chilly morning than waking up next to a beauty like this contemporary white wood-burning stove?
For the ultimate in modern minimalism, seek out a toughened, heat-resistant glass hearth, as seen here.
The beauty of a wood-burner is that it doesn’t necessarily need an existing chimney structure, simply access to an external wall – making it a brilliant way to add not only warmth but also a characterful feature to new-builds or mid- to late-20th century houses.
The tub toaster
Forget that chilly dash from your bath to your towel – a grand bathroom fireplace like this one will keep your temperature comfortable throughout your ablutions.
And if you’re going to choose a marvellous marble surround of this ilk, well, it’d be rude not to have a giant freestanding bath to balance things out.
Forget that chilly dash from your bath to your towel – a grand bathroom fireplace like this one will keep your temperature comfortable throughout your ablutions.
And if you’re going to choose a marvellous marble surround of this ilk, well, it’d be rude not to have a giant freestanding bath to balance things out.
The two-faced one
This wonderful country home belonging to best-selling author Freya North has perhaps the ultimate wood-burning stove situation: access from both sides. This set-up is perfect for cosying up a ‘broken-plan’ space.
Do check local regulations before rushing out to buy a wood-burner, though, since many areas don’t permit the burning of wood. If that’s the case for your area, don’t despair – there are many convincing electric versions on the market worth a look.
Get inspiration for going broken-plan
This wonderful country home belonging to best-selling author Freya North has perhaps the ultimate wood-burning stove situation: access from both sides. This set-up is perfect for cosying up a ‘broken-plan’ space.
Do check local regulations before rushing out to buy a wood-burner, though, since many areas don’t permit the burning of wood. If that’s the case for your area, don’t despair – there are many convincing electric versions on the market worth a look.
Get inspiration for going broken-plan
The design feature
This unusual angular structure features on Danish Houzz. (Did you know you can switch countries using the flags at the bottom of your screen?) Trust those stylish Danes to come up with a fireplace with clean white lines and several spaces for displaying curated objets.
If you’re starting from scratch, or have bought a home where the original fireplace has been ripped out, take inspiration from this to try something a little different. It works beautifully in classic Scandi white, but it could look equally striking in black, or tiled, too.
This unusual angular structure features on Danish Houzz. (Did you know you can switch countries using the flags at the bottom of your screen?) Trust those stylish Danes to come up with a fireplace with clean white lines and several spaces for displaying curated objets.
If you’re starting from scratch, or have bought a home where the original fireplace has been ripped out, take inspiration from this to try something a little different. It works beautifully in classic Scandi white, but it could look equally striking in black, or tiled, too.
The Scandi one
Alternatively, be inspired by a more traditional take on the Nordic fireplace: this Swedish wood-burner, or ‘kakelugn’, is a classic. This style dates back to the 18th century and has a clever design that uses minimal wood to create maximum heat. The originals are few and far between, but you can find some good reproductions on the market.
Which of these styles do you covet for your home – or do you have the perfect fireplace already? Share your thoughts or photos in the Comments below.
Alternatively, be inspired by a more traditional take on the Nordic fireplace: this Swedish wood-burner, or ‘kakelugn’, is a classic. This style dates back to the 18th century and has a clever design that uses minimal wood to create maximum heat. The originals are few and far between, but you can find some good reproductions on the market.
Which of these styles do you covet for your home – or do you have the perfect fireplace already? Share your thoughts or photos in the Comments below.
Related Stories
More Rooms
The 5 Most Popular Laundry Rooms on Houzz Right Now
Get decorating ideas for your laundry or utility room from these most-saved photos on Houzz
Full Story
Dining Rooms
The 5 Most Popular Dining Rooms on Houzz Right Now
By Kate Burt
Vintage furniture, great lighting and top tables – feast your eyes on dining room ideas collated from your own clicks
Full Story
Colour
8 Clever Ways to Use Strategic Colour Blocking in Your Home
By Kate Burt
Paint can do so much more than refresh your walls. Explore ways to highlight features, zone areas and trick the eye
Full Story
Utility Rooms
15 Richly Coloured Utility Rooms
The trend for strong, earthy tones has reached the utility room, with hues from plum to ochre to deep green adding depth
Full Story
Kitchens
Which Kitchen Worktop Colour Should You Choose?
By tidgboutique
Consider these popular colours and styles to get the look you want, no matter which material you use
Full Story
Colour
8 Ways to Work a Rust Red and Blue Palette in the Bedroom
By Kate Burt
We’re seeing variations of this combination all over Houzz right now. Check out these tips for trying it yourself
Full Story
Colour
Creative Ways to Make a Feature of Structural Beams
Turn your RSJ into something more than just functional with these clever ideas from our Houzz Tours
Full Story
Gardens
9 Ways to Enjoy Colour in Your Garden All Year Round
By Kate Burt
However your garden grows, you can add colour with hardscaping, furniture and accessories
Full Story
Gardens
What Will We Want in Our Gardens in 2024?
Discover the gardening trends homeowners will be bringing into their outdoor spaces this spring and summer
Full Story
Kitchens
What to Expect at the Biggest Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Show
Plan ahead with our rundown of what’s in store at the kbb Birmingham event this March
Full Story
Our fireplace...
Some sensational fireplaces in the article and some real gems in the comments... I'm well jel! When I get round to decorating the living room next year, unlike you lucky guys, I just have a rectangular box... Have decided however, to create a fake fireplace using pillars of wood clad in fake stone veneer... It's a fraction of the weight and cost of stone and looks like the 'real thing' anyway. Shall have a timber shelf across them... securely fixed of course... some logs and huge candles prob housed in those large lanterns. Just gotta find a guy who'll sort this for me... and start saving!