Placing Your Fireplace with Feeling, Not Just Function
Let’s be honest — a fireplace is never just a heat source. It’s a presence. A focal point. A friend that glows quietly in the corner while you read, talk, cry, or just... exist. But putting it in the wrong place? That’s like buying a dog and leaving it in the shed. You’ve got to let it live in the room with you — and maybe even shape the room around it.
Whether you're installing something brand new or just figuring out how to work with what you've got, fireplace placement can make or break the atmosphere of a space. And since this site is all about wellbeing, we're looking beyond décor. This is about comfort. Connection. Creating a space that actually supports your health — mental, emotional, and yes, physical.
Start with the Soul of the Room
Ask yourself a simple question: what is this room *for*? Is it a place to relax? Entertain? Sleep? Escape from everyone and everything with a good book and a questionable snack? The purpose of the room should shape your fireplace decision.
- Living room? Go central — this is the room where the fireplace should anchor conversation and community.
- Bedroom? Place it where you can see it from the bed — because what's more comforting than drifting off to a soft glow?
- Dining space? Consider a side wall — it doesn’t need to be centre stage, but it adds a warm backdrop to every meal.
- Bathroom? Near the tub (safely, of course). You’ll never want to leave.
Your fireplace should echo the emotional tone of the space. It’s not just about heat — it’s about how you feel when you're near it.
Think About Flow (and Feet)
You might fall in love with a dramatic corner placement... until you realise people keep bumping into it on the way to the loo. Flow matters. Your fireplace should enhance the way people move through your home — not trip them up.
Visualise walking through the room. Would a fireplace there make you pause and smile, or feel squished and annoyed? Don’t be afraid to move furniture around a dozen times. You’re not mad — you’re thoughtful. (And maybe a little mad. But only in the best way.)
Symmetry vs. Surprise
Traditionally, fireplaces were always slap-bang in the middle of the room. Symmetry was king. And to be fair, there's something very satisfying about a centred fireplace. Everything lines up. Everyone faces it. But there’s also beauty in breaking the rules.
- Centred placement = harmony and calm (great for anxious minds or very balanced aesthetics)
- Offset or corner placement = interest, cosiness, and a sense of intimacy
- Double-sided = a wow factor, and clever space sharing
If your brain feels soothed by symmetry, go with it. But if you like a room that feels a bit more spontaneous, placing your fireplace off-centre can create that snug, tucked-in feeling. Like finding a reading nook behind a bookcase.
Watch Out for the Practical Bits
Look, we’re all for following your feelings — but don’t ignore common sense. Certain walls just won’t work. Whether it’s venting requirements, wall strength, or simple logistics (hello, radiator), some spots are better left fire-free.
Before you make final plans, consider:
- Where the chimney (or vent) can actually go — or whether you need one at all
- How close the fireplace will be to furniture, curtains, or anything flammable (safety first)
- Whether there’s enough room for a hearth or surround, if you want one
- Where your electrics or gas lines are (unless you want to play electrician, which... please don’t)
A bit of planning now saves a whole world of headaches later — and helps your fireplace look like it was always meant to be there.
Let the Light In — Or Out
Natural light and firelight can either be best friends or absolute enemies. If you place a fireplace directly opposite a big window, the glow might get lost in the daylight. On the other hand, a softly lit fireplace on the same wall as the window can reflect and amplify that natural brightness.
Test it out. Light levels shift throughout the day. Sit in the space at different times — morning, afternoon, evening. Where does your eye go? Where do you naturally settle?
It's Not All About the Fire
The fireplace is the main event, sure. But what surrounds it matters just as much. Shelving? Seating? A bit of floor where the dog can stretch out in complete bliss? These elements frame your fireplace and make it a part of daily life, not just a visual feature.
- Low seating close by = intimacy and warmth
- Shelves or nooks above = balanced weight, visual appeal
- A mantlepiece = the cherry on top (photos, candles, or that bizarre driftwood sculpture you love)
And don’t be afraid to keep it simple. Sometimes, a bare wall and a quiet fire say more than a thousand knick-knacks.
Your Fire, Your Story
The beauty of fireplace placement is that it’s deeply personal. What works in one home might feel awkward in another. That’s okay. This isn’t about copying Pinterest or following design “rules.” It’s about building a space that lets you breathe deeper. Sit longer. Maybe even talk more (or not talk at all — equally valid).
Trust your gut. And if your gut says “move it three inches to the left,” then for heaven’s sake, do it.
Final Thoughts — Let the Fire Find Its Place
When you get it right, fireplace placement can change everything. It can turn an ordinary room into a sanctuary. It can ground you, warm you, and give you somewhere to be — even when you’re doing absolutely nothing.
So take your time. Stand in your room. Walk through it. Sit on the floor. Imagine a glow. A crackle. A warmth that comes not just from flames, but from finding the perfect spot for them to flicker.
It’s not just about where the fire sits. It’s about where you feel most at home. Let that guide you — and the rest will fall into place.