A stunning fireplace can be the focal point of any room. From rustic wood-burning fireplaces to sleek modern gas designs, the options are endless for creating an eye-catching fireplace that makes a statement. When choosing a fireplace, consider the overall style of the space, as well as functionality and efficiency. With some strategic design choices, you can have the fireplace of your dreams.

Rustic Wood-Burning Fireplaces

There is nothing quite as warm and inviting as a classic wood-burning fireplace. The crackling fire, sweet smell of burning wood, and smoky aroma create an unbeatable ambiance. Rustic wood-burning fireplaces feature natural stone and exposed brickwork for organic texture.

Stone Surrounds

Surround your wood-burning fireplace with natural stone or stacked stone veneers. Stone emanates roughness and raw beauty. Stones like travertine, bluestone, fieldstone, and flagstone make wonderful rustic surrounds. For a more polished look, select smooth river rocks. Or opt for an earthy style with a peeled log mantle finished with chink-style gaps.

Exposed Brickwork

Bring out the natural beauty of your existing brickwork or install new brick facing around the firebox itself. Painted white bricks lighten the space while plain red bricks exude classic warmth. For extra depth, use bricks of varying shades and sizes. Brick facing can also be installed on walls surrounding the fireplace.

Rustic Wood Mantles

Install a thick solid wood mantel to complement the rustic charm of a wood-burning fireplace. Opt for wide mantels made of oak, cedar, pine, or salvaged barn wood. For extra detail, choose a mantel with edges that are finely carved or channeled.

Rustic wood-burning fireplaces feature natural materials like stacked stone and exposed beams for an earthy, organic look. Image via HGTV

Cast Iron Details

Add vintage-inspired details with cast iron firebacks featuring scrollwork, flourishes, or geometric patterns behind the firebox. Iron fireplace screens and classic bellows are other ornamental ways to complement the ruggedness of a wood-burning fireplace.

Smoky Mountain Style

For cabinesque charm, fill the hearth with river rock or pebbles. Or install pre-aged, hand-scraped wide plank wood flooring. Be sure to stock the shelves with firewood to complete the cozy, lived-in look.

Modern Gas Fireplaces

Contemporary homes demand fireplaces with clean, smooth lines and a sculptural, minimalist style. Modern gas fireplaces create ambiance minus the work of chopping firewood and cleaning up ashes.

Streamlined Surrounds

Choose sleek, smooth surrounds like metal, glass, polished concrete, limestone, or porcelain tile. Avoid ornate mantels or decorative frills. The focus should be the fire itself. If using a mantel, opt for a thin, straight ledge.

Floating Style

Go ultra modern with a fireplace that seems to float on the wall with no surround at all. Choose black glass or a layered metal frame for a floating appearance. This eye-catching style works in urban lofts, modern apartments or contemporary homes.

Horizontal Orientation

Traditional fireplaces are vertically oriented. For a contemporary twist, install a linear fireplace horizontally. Extending the flames along the length of a wall creates a sculptural statement. Use minimalist iron or mesh screens to complement the elongated shape.

A horizontal gas fireplace with a smooth stone surround epitomizes contemporary style. Image via Architectural Digest

Colorful Flames

Specialty fireglass in brilliant blues, emerald greens, or vibrant purples can make gas flames pop. Programmable LED lighting effects create a flame that shifts colors. Dancing flames and ever-changing colored lighting make for a hypnotizing focal point.

Built-In Complexity

Work with an architecture designer to create a modern gas fireplace with intricate built-ins featuring interesting angles, negative space, or backlighting effects. Integrating shelving, cabinetry, and lighting takes the concept to an artful next level.

Fireplaces With Personality

Beyond classic or contemporary, fireplaces with unexpected materials or finishes can infuse rooms with plenty of personality. From stone tiled surrounds to exposed chimney pipes, custom details give fireplaces flair.

Moroccan Tile

Make a dazzling design statement with ornate patterned or handpainted tile traditionally used in Moroccan architecture. Intricate mosaics in bold hues and geometric shapes create visual interest around fireplace openings. Use tile on the hearth as well for a cohesive look.

Moroccan tile in vibrant blues and oranges make this fireplace the star of the space. Image via La Dolce Vita

River Rock Bed

Fill the fireplace floor with smooth river rock, tumble glass nuggets, marbles, or seashells. The bed of fire-polished stones brings the look of nature indoors. Lay white river rock inside white-painted fireboxes for a beachy vibe or fill with larger lava rock for a raw, volcanic effect.

Exposed Chimney Pipe

Allow chimney pipes to be visible as an interior design element. The industrial aesthetic of iron or copper pipes pairs nicely with exposed brick walls. Leave the mechanisms exposed as working features. Or wrap pipes with strands of Edison bulbs to soften the look.

Unexpected Materials

Thinking outside the box when it comes to fireplace surround materials also breeds creativity. Try unfinished wood boxes, corrugated metal, wine crates, field stone, or galvanized steel. Standout combinations include natural stone fireboxes surrounded unexpectedly by wood planks or vintage barn siding.

Bold Hues

Color blocking by painting the fireplace wall, surround, or chimney pipe in a bold, saturated hue is an easy way to make the fireplace a focal point. The fireplace will still be noticeable even when not in use. Deep blues, emerald greens, and velvety purples work well.

Overscale Proportions

Install an exceptionally oversized custom fireplace to give the room a grand, cavernous feeling. Extending the opening and increasing the overall scale makes the fireplace feel like a large furnace. Use heavyweight materials like thick stone or concrete to support the magnified proportions.

Double-Sided Fireplaces

Position a see-through fireplace in the center of a room to radiate heat and glow into multiple spaces. Flames are visible from the kitchen, dining room and living room simultaneously. For wide open floor plans, a centrally located gathering spot works perfectly.

A double-sided fireplace provides ambiance for multiple rooms at once. Image via Architectural Digest

Fireplace Inserts and Accessories

Once you have the perfect fireplace, accessories and inserts provide added functionality and ambiance. From adjustable cooking grates to mesmerizing crystals, accessories customize fireplaces further.

Adjustable Grilling Grates

Transform your fireplace into a stove for indoor grilling or cooking. Heavy duty stainless steel grilling grates easily insert into your fireplace opening at adjustable heights and angles. Enjoy smoky barbecue flavor any time of year.

Fireplace Blowers

Attach an electric fireplace blower fan to increase airflow through your firebox. The blowing action intensifies the fire’s glow and keeps smoke from spilling into the living space. Variable settings allow customized control over flame intensity.

Fireplace Screens

Safeguard your family and home with proper fireplace screens. Screens contain sparks and prevent logs from rolling out onto floors. Choose sturdy metal screens with small mesh holes that can withstand heat. For a decorative accent, look for screens with scrolling cast ironwork.

Stacked Firewood

Keep firewood neatly stacked in built-in wall cubbies or freestanding metal caddies. Locally harvested oak, maple, cedar and pine provide fragrant, crackling fires. Well-seasoned hardwoods burn slowly and produce less smoke than fresh, wet wood.

Hanging Pot Racks

Rustic wrought iron pot racks with S hooks that hang near the hearth keep favorite copper pots and cast iron skillets readily available. The collection of cookware becomes part of the room’s character. Alternatively, display vibrant enameled cast iron pots on defunct fireplace mantels or shelves.

Fireplace Crystals

For a visually mesmerizing effect, fill the base of gas fireplace units with chunks of shimmering fire glass or crystals. As the flames flicker through the glittering glass, refracting light dances around the room. Popular colors include iridescent blues, sea greens and pearly whites.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eye-Catching Fireplaces

Get answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about choosing the perfect showstopping fireplace.

What is the most eye-catching fireplace style?

The most eye-catching fireplaces use contrasting materials and colors or oversized proportions to attract attention. For example, a textured stacked stone surround paired with sleek metal linear inserts makes a statement. Vibrant Moroccan tile and exposed industrial chimney pipes also catch the eye.

Oversized custom fireplaces with heavy surrounds or see-through double-sided installations are dramatic. Theaters, great rooms, and two-story fireplace walls really stand out from typical fireplaces.

How do you decorate an eye-catching fireplace?

Decorate an eye-catching fireplace simply to keep the design itself as the focus. Stay away from cluttered mantle decor. Choose a few oversized artisanal objects like planters, candles, or vases for balanced asymmetry.

Built-in cabinetry flanking or surrounding the fireplace also streamlines the look. Display favorite books, ceramics or decorative bottles on built-in shelves. platforms and cubbies.

What materials make the best fireplace surround?

Natural stone like marble, travertine and bluestone make wonderful fireplace surrounds that last. Metals like copper, iron, and stainless steel also create durable, eye-catching surrounds.

Manufactured materials like tile, stacked stone veneers, limestone, and concrete are cost-effective options. Opt for smooth, polished materials for modern spaces or distressed textures for a rustic aesthetic.

How do you decorate a rustic fireplace?

Decorate a rustic wood-burning fireplace simply to highlight the natural textures. Stack firewood neatly nearby and add a wood bucket, poker, and other wrought iron tools.

Hang an oversize wrought iron pot rack loaded with cast iron cookware for a collected look. Add wool blankets, a bearskin rug, and other organic textures in natural hues.

What is the most low maintenance fireplace?

Gas fireplaces are the most low maintenance and efficient options. Since no chopping or hauling of wood is required, convenient gas fireplaces simply ignite at the flip of a switch.

Ventless models mean no smoke escapes, so no annual chimney inspections are necessary. Easy-access control panels allow flame height adjustments for instant ambiance.

Designing a Showstopping Fireplace

A fireplace serves as more than just a heat source. It becomes a room’s crowning jewel. Use these tips when designing your dream fireplace:

• Select materials that reflect your personal tastes and the home’s overall aesthetic. Rustic, modern, minimalist – make sure it is cohesive.
• For maximum impact, opt for oversized proportions. Extending the opening and surround heightens the sense of grandeur.
• Position fireplaces thoughtfully to radiate ambiance into adjoining spaces. Centrally located double-sided fireplaces work beautifully in open concepts.
• Incorporate interesting angles, built-ins, alcoves and backlighting. Think beyond just a hole in the wall for added intrigue.
• Include special touches like Moroccan tile, exposed chimney pipes, or LED flames. Unexpected details lend character.
• Finish surrounding walls in a bold, saturated color to provide contrast. This makes the fireplace pop, even without burning flames.

The right fireplace can make any room extraordinary. With an endless array of styles and customization options available, the possibilities for creating your dream focal point are truly endless. Whether you crave modern elegance, rustic warmth, or bold personality – your ideal fireplace is out there waiting to be designed.

Conclusion

A well-designed fireplace takes any space from basic to beautiful. With the right combination of materials, style and placement – fireplaces provide ambiance, warmth and character. Rustic wood-burning styles exude organic charm while modern gas options keep the design streamlined and clean. For drama, oversized surrounds and double-sided see-through units make jaw-dropping statements.

No matter your personal tastes or home’s style – there is an ideal fireplace to make yours a space to remember. With strategic finishes like stone, brick or tile paired with rustic wood mantels and custom cabinetry – you can create a fireplace that is truly eye-catching. The heart of the home deserves special attention to detail. Invest in a showstopping fireplace design and enjoy the glow for many years to come.