9 Ways to Make the Most of a Bedroom Fireplace
Whether old or new, working or not, a fireplace can be a great feature in a bedroom. Check out these ideas for making the most of yours
Lara Sargent
1 December 2015
Houzz UK contributor. Freelance interiors journalist with over 20 years' experience writing for national magazines, newspapers and websites.
Houzz UK contributor. Freelance interiors journalist with over 20 years' experience... More
There’s something deliciously decadent about a fireplace in a bedroom: lying in bed and watching the gentle flicker of flames can’t help but create a restful and snug sleep space. But even if your fireplace is there simply for decorative purposes, it’s a great design feature that you can use for displaying mirrors, vases, candles or whatever takes your fancy. Take a look at inspiring ways of incorporating a fireplace, whether traditional or modern, into your bedroom.
Restore it
It makes sense to keep hold of period features wherever possible, for both aesthetic and financial reasons. If you have an original cast-iron Victorian or Edwardian fireplace in your bedroom that has seen better days, you might want to try your hand at restoring it.
If the surface is covered in a thick layer of paint, either get it sandblasted by an expert or set to with a heavy-duty stripper, such as Nitromors. Then, using a special metal polish and ultra-fine wire wool, gently buff the fireplace back to life until it looks shiny and happy once more.
Check out 10 easy ideas for improving a period fireplace
It makes sense to keep hold of period features wherever possible, for both aesthetic and financial reasons. If you have an original cast-iron Victorian or Edwardian fireplace in your bedroom that has seen better days, you might want to try your hand at restoring it.
If the surface is covered in a thick layer of paint, either get it sandblasted by an expert or set to with a heavy-duty stripper, such as Nitromors. Then, using a special metal polish and ultra-fine wire wool, gently buff the fireplace back to life until it looks shiny and happy once more.
Check out 10 easy ideas for improving a period fireplace
Max out your mantelpiece
Even if the chimney is blocked off and you can’t have a real fire, a fireplace can still be a beautiful feature in your bedroom. Use the mantelpiece to display your favourite accessories, and top it off with a large mirror to make the whole space feel bigger.
Shop all wall mirrors >>
Even if the chimney is blocked off and you can’t have a real fire, a fireplace can still be a beautiful feature in your bedroom. Use the mantelpiece to display your favourite accessories, and top it off with a large mirror to make the whole space feel bigger.
Shop all wall mirrors >>
Add your own spin
If the style of your fireplace isn’t quite to your taste, don’t be afraid to change it. Try having a new surround and mantel installed so that it works well with the rest of your room scheme. Or it might be as simple as changing the colour of the surround with a lick of paint. If it’s a working fireplace, be sure to seek professional advice regarding which type of paint to use.
Shop all paint >>
If the style of your fireplace isn’t quite to your taste, don’t be afraid to change it. Try having a new surround and mantel installed so that it works well with the rest of your room scheme. Or it might be as simple as changing the colour of the surround with a lick of paint. If it’s a working fireplace, be sure to seek professional advice regarding which type of paint to use.
Shop all paint >>
Channel minimalism
If you find an ornate hearth looks too cluttered and are after a more pared-back look, simply opt for a plain and simple surround without a mantelpiece for a contemporary take on an old classic.
If you find an ornate hearth looks too cluttered and are after a more pared-back look, simply opt for a plain and simple surround without a mantelpiece for a contemporary take on an old classic.
Warm up with a log burner
Don’t keep the beauty of log burners restricted to the main living areas of your home – they work beautifully in the bedroom, too. Before you take the plunge, be sure you’re buying the right size and know the particular kW heat output of the model you’ve got your eye on. It’s worth seeking advice if you’re unsure.
Don’t keep the beauty of log burners restricted to the main living areas of your home – they work beautifully in the bedroom, too. Before you take the plunge, be sure you’re buying the right size and know the particular kW heat output of the model you’ve got your eye on. It’s worth seeking advice if you’re unsure.
Combine with a bath
A great way to rev up the sense of luxury in a bedroom is to install a freestanding bath in front of a bedroom fireplace or wood-burning stove. Fill the tub with warm bubbly water and light the fire for the ultimate in relaxation.
Shop all baths >>
Check out more ways to work a bathtub into a boudoir
A great way to rev up the sense of luxury in a bedroom is to install a freestanding bath in front of a bedroom fireplace or wood-burning stove. Fill the tub with warm bubbly water and light the fire for the ultimate in relaxation.
Shop all baths >>
Check out more ways to work a bathtub into a boudoir
Light the candles
Sometimes you need do nothing more than fill your fireplace with a cluster of candles for the similar calming effect of a real fire. It’s such a simple and purse-friendly way to add a dash of homespun charm to the bedroom and enhance a pared-back hearth.
Shop all candles >>
Sometimes you need do nothing more than fill your fireplace with a cluster of candles for the similar calming effect of a real fire. It’s such a simple and purse-friendly way to add a dash of homespun charm to the bedroom and enhance a pared-back hearth.
Shop all candles >>
Go modern
Slick, pared-back bedrooms call for slick, pared-back heating solutions, and there are so many to choose from today. A slim hole carved into the wall can be fitted with a flickering electric or flueless bioethanol fire. If you’re going to be installing anything gas-related, make sure the fitter is Gas Safe registered.
Check out more contemporary fireplace options
Slick, pared-back bedrooms call for slick, pared-back heating solutions, and there are so many to choose from today. A slim hole carved into the wall can be fitted with a flickering electric or flueless bioethanol fire. If you’re going to be installing anything gas-related, make sure the fitter is Gas Safe registered.
Check out more contemporary fireplace options
Keep it simple
Sometimes, a classic fireplace needs no accompaniment. Ensure it’s free from clutter or ornaments for a simple, pared-back but not too contemporary look. In this room, it fits in with the careful edit of vintage furniture to create a timeless look that won’t date.
TELL US…
Do you have a fireplace in your bedroom? Let us know how you’ve styled it in the Comments below.
Sometimes, a classic fireplace needs no accompaniment. Ensure it’s free from clutter or ornaments for a simple, pared-back but not too contemporary look. In this room, it fits in with the careful edit of vintage furniture to create a timeless look that won’t date.
TELL US…
Do you have a fireplace in your bedroom? Let us know how you’ve styled it in the Comments below.
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I have a fireplace in my bedroom, it had been painted so many times it was hard to even see what period it was! Anyone thinking of restoring their fireplace using paint stripper needs to be aware that it is incredible messy, not to mention toxic and will eat into anything it comes into contact with, including your skin :( Even though it wasn't the first time I had stripped a fireplace, and was virtually wearing full body armour, I still managed to flick some on my face while attacking the carvings with a wire brush! It was worth it though as it turned out to have lovely details. Unfortunately I struggled to remove all vestiges of paint (another reason why sandblasting is probably better if you can afford it) and ended up repainting it with a dull gold metal paint, which sounds horrible but isn't, or at least I don't think so ;)
We are planning a renovation and trying to decide whether or not to take out the fireplace for what will become the bedroom. The fireplace is original Georgian, so it is a shame to loose it. The problem is that the room is not large and is not functional with the fireplace and chimney breast in it. All the bedrooms in these photos are huge! Any thoughts?