7 Seriously Surprising Spots for a Fireplace

In today’s homes, fireplaces are commonly found in a family room, but historically, they were located in the kitchen, where they facilitated cooking and laundry. Even in the 21st century, a kitchen fireplace has both charms and uses. A counter-height fireplace in a kitchen, whether traditional or contemporary, can offer an additional cooking option and create a cozy gathering area in the most popular room in the house.

Create a resort-like experience in your master suite by adding a bedside fireplace. Be sure to install a protective screen or doors on wood-burning models, in case you doze off while the fire is still burning. By installing an electric or gas
model, you will be able to simply switch it off at bedtime—with the added bonus of avoiding the mess of ashes in your bedroom.

A fireplace in the bathroom creates the ultimate setting for relaxation. Homeowners often choose electric or gas over wood-burning models for sanitation purposes, but safety is also a consideration. Because gas models often produce too much heat for a small space, be sure to choose a fireplace that is sized appropriately for the square footage of your bathroom. Electric models can be ideal so long as they are protected from splashing.

Adding a fireplace to an outdoor living space can convert a summer porch to a three-season gathering place for fireside cocktails and roasting marshmallows. While wood-burning (as opposed to gas) fire pits are terrific options for open terraces, install a fireplace with a chimney if your porch is covered.

While fireplaces were once built solely for cooking and heating, homeowners now incorporate fireplaces into a variety of rooms to create ambiance as well. The sound of a crackling fire on a cold night is enchanting, whether you’re entertaining in the living room or warming up by the swimming pool. And it’s not just about atmosphere: Real estate agents claim fireplaces can add to the resale value of a home. 

Rather than hanging art on one wall of your dining room, you can make a bold statement with a widescreen gas fireplace. These models have come a long way aesthetically; we’re no longer limited to fake logs amid gas-fueled flames. If you’re looking for a more contemporary look, install a model that features river rocks and sand or tumbled glass instead.

Love to curl up with a good book by the fire? Adding a fireplace to your home library or study will warm up the space both literally and decoratively. Because a library can be a place of relaxation, knowledge, and inspiration, choose a fireplace design that will enhance the character you hope to establish in your special reading space.

For more, consider:

10 Fire Pits We Love

11 Fire Bowls to Heat Up Your Own Hunger Games

10 Accessories for the Fashionable Fireplace