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Fireplace Ideas

The fireplace is the natural focal point of any living room, and the surround design determines whether it anchors the space with elegance, drama, or rustic warmth. Whether you are updating an existing fireplace or designing from scratch, these 10 styles deliver striking results for every aesthetic.

Modern Linear living room design

1. Modern Linear

A modern linear fireplace features a long, rectangular firebox set into a clean wall with no visible mantel. Floor-to-ceiling porcelain tile or smooth plaster surrounds create a sleek, architectural focal point. This is the most requested fireplace style in new construction.

Most contemporary lookFloor-to-ceiling dramaClean architectural linesWorks with any wall material
Best for:Modern and contemporary living rooms
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Stacked Stone living room design

2. Stacked Stone

A floor-to-ceiling stacked stone fireplace creates a dramatic natural focal point. The texture and color variation of natural stone adds warmth and character that no other material can replicate. A reclaimed wood mantel beam completes the look.

Maximum texture and dramaNatural material beautyTimeless appealIncreases home value
Best for:Mountain homes, cabins, and rustic living rooms
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Marble Surround living room design

3. Marble Surround

A marble or porcelain marble-look surround with a simple mantel shelf delivers classic elegance. White Carrara or Calacatta marble creates a bright, sophisticated focal point. The style bridges traditional and modern, suiting almost any living room.

Classic eleganceBright and sophisticatedBroadest style compatibilityPremium perceived value
Best for:Traditional, transitional, and modern living rooms
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Shiplap Surround living room design

4. Shiplap Surround

White shiplap from mantel to ceiling with a rustic wood mantel beam creates the quintessential modern farmhouse fireplace. The horizontal lines add width to the wall, and the wood-on-white contrast provides warmth without complexity.

Farmhouse characterDIY-friendly installationAffordable materialsWarm wood-on-white contrast
Best for:Farmhouse and cottage-style living rooms
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Concrete or Plaster living room design

5. Concrete or Plaster

A smooth concrete or plaster fireplace surround creates a sculptural, gallery-like focal point. The monolithic look — one seamless material from floor to ceiling — is the top trend in high-end residential design. Integrated niches for firewood add functional artistry.

Sculptural and gallery-likeSeamless monolithic designHigh-end design trendUnique texture
Best for:Architect-designed homes and luxury living rooms
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Exposed Brick living room design

6. Exposed Brick

An exposed brick fireplace — whether original or veneer — provides unmatched urban character. The texture of aged brick pairs with a simple metal mantel or raw wood shelf for an honest, unfussy focal point that gets better with age.

Authentic urban characterImproves with agePairs with any furniture styleLow maintenance
Best for:Lofts, brownstones, and urban living rooms
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Art Deco Tiled living room design

7. Art Deco Tiled

Geometric tile surrounds in bold patterns — herringbone, chevron, or hexagonal — create a dramatic Art Deco fireplace. Dark tiles with metallic grout or brass trim channels add the glamour that defines the style. The fireplace becomes a piece of art.

Dramatic geometric patternsGlamorous and boldArtistic focal pointUnique conversation piece
Best for:Glamorous living rooms and entertainment spaces
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Arched Stone living room design

8. Arched Stone

A Mediterranean fireplace with an arched opening, natural stone surround, and ornate mantel brings Old World elegance. Hand-carved stone details and warm earth tones create a fireplace that feels centuries old in the best possible way.

Old World eleganceArchitectural arch detailRich natural stoneGrand presence
Best for:Mediterranean, Tuscan, and Spanish-style homes
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Flush-Mount living room design

9. Flush-Mount

A minimalist flush-mount fireplace sits perfectly level with the surrounding wall, creating a clean rectangular void of flame. No mantel, no surround, no trim — just fire and wall. The restraint makes the flame itself the sole decorative element.

Ultimate simplicityFlame as pure design elementSeamless wall integrationGallery-clean aesthetic
Best for:Ultra-modern and minimalist interiors
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Classical Mantel living room design

10. Classical Mantel

A traditional carved wood or plaster mantel with columns, corbels, and crown detail creates a grand architectural centerpiece. Painted white for brightness or stained dark for drama, the classical mantel has defined elegant living rooms for centuries.

Grand architectural presenceCenturies of design heritagePerfect for art display aboveIncreases home value
Best for:Traditional homes, colonials, and Victorians
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See These Styles in Your Own Room

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