
On long winter evenings, I so want to cozy up by the fireplace in my favorite armchair and with a cup of aromatic coffee ... A fireplace is the dream of every owner of a country house. And the size of the living room does not matter. You can create a warm and cozy atmosphere on any square meters.

When placed in the living room, the fireplace becomes a central element and determines the design of the entire interior as a whole
Varieties of Fireplaces
Content
Depending on the location of this heat source, the following types of fireplaces exist:
- Island. Such a "hearth" is set in the middle of the room. The advantage of this installation is high heat transfer. The room warms up much better than in all other cases. Therefore, island fireplaces are a practical option.
The possibility of placing an island fireplace in the living room depends on the size of the room and the dimensions of the fireplace itself
- Wall. It is installed near the wall (external or internal). Its significant drawback is the loss of part of the thermal energy, especially if the fireplace is installed near an external wall. As a rule, this option is more decorative than practical.
Wall-mounted wood-burning fireplace in a modern-style living room
- Built-in fireplace. This solution is ideal for small living rooms. To install the hearth, a special niche or column is mounted in order to save the already modest dimensions.
Gas fireplace built into the partition between the kitchen and the living room
The right model choice is very important. It is from him that future comfort and safety will depend.

In most cases, a real wood-burning fireplace can be done only in a private house
The determining factor for the “right” fireplace is the capabilities of your premises. For example, to install a classic wood fireplace, you need a living room of impressive size, in addition, maintenance of the structure will require additional funds. Therefore, very often in tiny rooms a decorative false fireplace (imitation) or electric fireplace is installed.
Space organization
Often in small living rooms a modern electric "relative" of the wood hearth is installed. At the same time, the external attractiveness and functionality of the design is preserved.

The design of the artificial hearth should be in harmony with the surroundings
The fireplace design is chosen in unison with the overall decoration of the living room. So, for the hall in the classical style, a design with monograms, gilding and ornate decorative elements made of natural materials is chosen. For the Art Nouveau and high-tech style, a design made of glass and heat-resistant plastic is suitable. A mantelpiece - no matter what style the hearth is made in - is a great place for decorative elements. Family photos, statuettes and caskets will add coziness and warmth to the general atmosphere of the living room.

Stylishly designed fireplace will not cease to amaze you, as well as your guests
The wall above the mantelpiece is ideal for placing pictures or reproductions in an appropriate style on it.
A recreation area is created in the immediate vicinity of the fireplace. It is no exaggeration to say that it is for this purpose that a fireplace is often installed. A pair of armchairs, a convenient lamp and a table are the most suitable solution for such an area. Dimensions of furniture depend solely on personal preferences and dimensions of the room.So, in a small living room with a small fireplace, compact armchairs and a small transformer coffee table are perfectly arranged. In the large living room for pleasant family evenings you can install a couple of sofas and a medium-sized table.

Relaxation area in a cozy rustic style living room
Interior Design Tips With Fireplace
At first glance it seems that in order to organize a stylish interior, it is enough to simply install a fireplace in the living room and everything will automatically fall into place. In practice, exactly the opposite effect is obtained. The presence of a fireplace “makes” certain requirements for the interior solution and sets its own conditions, without which the design of the room looks ridiculous.

Material for decorating the fireplace is selected depending on the stylistic direction of the interior
Since it is the fireplace that becomes the highlight of the room, all other objects, even small decorative elements, must be in harmony with it.
The first thing to consider is the undesirable neighborhood of the TV and fireplace. Both objects are dominant in the interior, and for maximum harmony of space it is better to place them at some distance from each other.

A large mirror above the fireplace contributes to the visual expansion of the space of a small living room
In order to create an overall picture of the design, experts recommend decorating the room in one “theme”, otherwise the result will be an incomprehensible heap of objects independent from each other.
When choosing a color scheme, take into account the fact that the fireplace looks better on a light background. Avoid dark colors in your choice of decoration materials. Finally, it is light colors that visually expand the space, which is very handy for a small living room with fireplace.

The most compact are corner fireplaces, they are often used to heat small living rooms
Although the mantelpiece is a good place to arrange pleasant things, do not clutter it so that it does not become the center of attention instead of a fireplace. A picture in a frame and a figurine (or a small vase) will quite cope with their role.

Decorative elements must match the chosen style of interior
Another design trick for a visual increase in space is the proper arrangement of fixtures. Focus on the area where the fireplace is installed. Do not be satisfied with just one large chandelier, but install several light sources in different parts of the room. If the ceilings are multi-level, then mount the lamps at different heights, this move will make the living room even more spectacular.

A fireplace designed in strict geometric proportions is suitable for the living room in a classic style
Decorate the space near the fireplace in bright colors. Sometimes a bright island is created in the general interior of a darker color.
Vertical accents and mirrors will make the small room spacious and airy. In this case, do not be afraid of experiments. The most unexpected decisions give an amazing effect.
Fireplace in the living room in a different style
As already mentioned, regardless of the size and functionality of the fireplace, its design should correspond to the style of the living room.
Country
Very often this element of the interior is used in country style living rooms. The fireplace itself can be effectively decorated with ceramic tiles. And you can confine yourself to facing ordinary brick, for country this option is acceptable.

Rustic fireplaces are somewhat heavy and quite large in size.

For decorating and decorating a fireplace in a country style, natural materials are best suited
Chalet
The chalet-style living room resembles a hunting lodge in the Alps, where it is impossible to do without a fireplace. Interior features include wooden wall finishes, rough beams on the ceilings and large panoramic windows. A fireplace in brown or beige is the perfect solution for this design.Natural stone (or its high-quality imitation) is suitable as a finishing material.

The chalet style is characterized by simplicity and comfort, so the fireplace can be an ordinary stove, faced with stone or wood

A chalet-style fireplace portal is usually decorated with a massive wooden shelf
Scandinavian
The Scandinavian direction in interior design is becoming very popular. Its characteristic features are light colors, laconic interior and the use of natural materials for decoration. Therefore, the fireplace is finished with light ceramic tiles or stone. This option will be suitable for a modest living room. If the parameters of the living room are impressive, the hearth is made in darker colors.

Scandinavian fireplaces are distinguished by their simplicity and ease.

In Scandinavians, a fireplace is often a compact metal structure of a round or square shape.
High tech
A high-tech fireplace also has a place to be. At first glance, it might seem that this modern design area will not be able to "get along" with a fireplace. However, laconic models with a glossy surface fit very harmoniously into the functional design. An interesting solution is the steel surface of the fireplace against a dark background of the overall decoration of the living room. Another high-tech know-how is fireplaces with a glass surface. From the point of view of space heating, such models are not very practical, but they look great.

High-tech style fireplaces are perfect for modern apartments

Typically, such fireplaces are made of metal, glass and even mirrors.
Modern
The Art Nouveau style is complemented by a brickwork fireplace. Concise, familiar and very practical solution. And in terms of style, and regarding the heating of the living room. In order to make this option more interesting, use a brick of gray or black instead of traditional red.

Electric wall fireplace in the Art Nouveau living room

False fireplace in the Art Nouveau living room
Loft
The loft-style living room is a minimum of decorative elements and a maximum of functionality. A fireplace in this design must meet the same requirements. By the way, such an interior involves finishing one or two walls with brickwork. The fireplace in this case fits perfectly into the brick wall.

Loft style fireplace looks interesting and original

The most suitable for a loft interior would be a metal fireplace, because it was precisely such models that were used to heat rooms in the old days
Even in an ordinary apartment, you can install a fireplace or its high-quality decorative imitation. This ancient element of the interior immediately makes the house cozier and warmer. And evenings by the fireplace turn a family dinner into an unforgettable pastime.
Video: fireplaces in the interiors of modern living rooms