The location of a fireplace is generally planned and specified in the architectural design of any building. For those who are still building their home, the task is relatively straightforward. However, for existing buildings where a fireplace has not yet been installed, things can be more complicated. Often, reconstruction or a new installation is required. 

A fireplace cannot simply be installed wherever it’s convenient. The placement of a heating device should take into account the architectural layout, fire safety regulations, and the ability to install a chimney and ventilation. When building a new home, the installation of a fireplace should be planned in advance. In an existing space, the location should meet all safety and technical requirements. Access to the device, visibility of the fire from all areas of the room, and the potential for creating a cozy fireplace zone should also be considered. Some homeowners follow the principles of Feng Shui, which have specific guidelines regarding the placement and relationship with fire.

Modern Fireplaces: Types and Advantages

Modern fireplaces vary by fuel type, power, purpose, and style. Wood-burning fireplaces can serve as the main or supplemental heat source for a large room or an entire home. Some models can even supply hot water. There are devices that don’t provide much heat but are more decorative, adding the ambiance of a live flame. Fireplaces can be categorized by installation type: corner, wall-mounted, suspended, freestanding, island, built-in, double-sided tunnel, and panoramic.

Wood-burning fireplaces and stoves are installed in homes, cottages, and country houses as the primary source of heat. These come with open or closed fireboxes, with the fire either behind a glass or metal door or exposed. Heating methods include water-based or air-based systems. Water fireplaces not only provide heat but also hot water. They are made from steel or cast iron. Installing wood-burning stoves requires a chimney and a ventilation system.

Gas fireplaces use natural gas as fuel. They need to be connected to the gas supply, so the location must be planned in advance. A chimney and proper ventilation are required. There are models powered by bottled gas, which are suitable for heating single rooms rather than an entire house.

Bioethanol fireplaces serve as a safe source of live flame in apartments, cottages, rooms in private homes, or outdoor spaces like terraces or gazebos. They use bioethanol—a plant-based alcohol—as fuel. These fireplaces don’t require a chimney, and they produce no soot, smoke, or ash. Bioethanol fireplaces come in various models and sizes.

Choosing the Right Location: Key Factors

When selecting a location for your fireplace, consider the technical specifications of the device and the possibilities offered by the room. You must plan for the installation of a chimney and ventilation, storage of fuel, and a seating area while following safety guidelines.

In homes with reinforced concrete floors, a wood-burning stove can be installed on the second floor, but the structure must be reinforced. In wooden houses, fireplaces are only installed on the first floor on a concrete foundation.

A fireplace built into or attached to a wall is typically placed next to a load-bearing wall, with the chimney located as close to the device as possible.

A fireplace between windows is a classic layout, but the room must be spacious and free of drafts. Freestanding or attached fireplaces are used for such arrangements, and the exterior wall to which the fireplace is attached should be insulated to prevent heat loss.

Freestanding fireplaces are installed in the center of a room or away from walls. Tunnel or panoramic fireplaces allow the fire to be viewed from two or four sides. In this case, the fireplace becomes the focal point of the room, and the rest of the interior is arranged around it.

A corner fireplace on a load-bearing wall is suitable for smaller rooms. It is typically placed against interior walls, helping to heat adjacent rooms. This type of fireplace saves space, fitting into the "dead zone" where there is no furniture. The angle is chosen so that there is no corridor directly in front of those relaxing by the fire.

Suspended fireplaces are a modern design trend, installed in the center of the room as if hovering above the floor. They are lightweight and can be installed where heavier devices cannot be used.

Safety Measures for Fireplace Installation

Fireplaces with live flames are fire hazards, so it’s crucial to follow installation and usage guidelines for safety and comfort.

• A professional should install the structure, including the chimney, foundation, and ventilation, in residential spaces.
• The power of the fireplace should be suited to the size of the room, which should be no smaller than 20 square meters.
• A proper airflow without drafts is needed for the fireplace to function well, and rooms should not have exterior doors to prevent backdrafts.
• It’s not recommended to install airtight plastic windows in rooms with a fireplace. If necessary, install intake ventilation and an air intake system. Exterior vents should be protected with grates or mesh.
• The fireplace must be at least 50 cm away from flammable materials, furniture, and decor. The wall behind the fireplace should be protected with heat-resistant materials.
• The chimney should be insulated, with its temperature not exceeding 50°C. The maximum length of the chimney should be 5 meters, with no more than two bends, each at a 45° angle. The chimney pipe, protected from precipitation, should extend no more than 50 cm above the roof.

How to Integrate a Fireplace Into Your Interior

A wood-burning fireplace is a permanent fixture, installed for many years, with most models being immovable. This is why the style and placement must be chosen carefully from the start. While you may change the room’s decor and furniture over time, the fireplace will remain.

Fireplaces can be categorized by style: classic, modern, minimalist, rustic, loft. Each style requires a different interior design and framing.

A classic fireplace with clean lines and a U-shaped mantel made of marble, stone, or brick is perfect for traditional interiors. These models are installed against a wall or in a corner and will dictate the design of the entire room. Decorative elements may include moldings, bas-reliefs, and ceramic or tile facades. These fireplaces often have shelves for souvenirs, candlesticks, and other decorations.

Modern fireplaces, built into walls or freestanding, suit futuristic, classic, or ethnic interiors. They feature contrasting colors, smooth lines, and asymmetrical shapes. These models blend into the interior rather than being the focal point. A distinguishing feature of modern fireplaces is the mantel, often decorated with wood, marble, mosaics, mirrors, or glass.

A rustic fireplace combines rough materials such as stone, shells, granite, and sandstone. The natural unevenness of the material is preserved. A large wooden beam often runs between the chimney and the fireplace. This design is ideal for country or ethnic interiors.

Avant-garde fireplaces come in the shape of spheres, cubes, or parallelepipeds. New styles include suspended fireplaces with round or teardrop-shaped designs. Freestanding or island fireplaces, with flames visible from all sides, are central to the room’s design. Tunnel models are installed between rooms in walls.

Bioethanol fireplaces don't require a chimney, foundation, or special ventilation. They can be placed in the center of a room or mounted on the wall. Miniature versions can be placed on shelves, nightstands, or coffee tables. Some models are designed for use in outdoor spaces like terraces or balconies. These come in various shapes and sizes, from classic designs with a mantel to modern cube, sphere, boat, and cone forms.

Feng Shui Fireplace Placement

In Feng Shui philosophy, fire holds special significance, and there are specific rules for placing a source of live flames in the home. For example, the firebox should not be aimed at an exterior wall, as positive energy will be wasted. Additionally, it’s not advisable to place the fireplace opposite reflective surfaces, as the energy will bounce back into the fireplace instead of spreading throughout the room. Hanging a picture or mirror above the fireplace helps reflect the energy back into the room.

In Feng Shui, a fireplace should not have sharp angles, as they can cause energy to disperse, disrupting the harmony. The fire should also not be near water, as these opposing elements will cancel each other out.

In the living or dining room, place the fireplace so that there are minimal objects between the person and the fire, allowing positive energy to flow freely. If the fireplace is rarely used, Feng Shui experts recommend “bringing it to life” by placing lush green plants on either side to generate life energy.

It’s important to care for the fireplace by regularly cleaning it, as this is not only about aesthetics and safety but also about maintaining a clean atmosphere in the room.

A Fireplace: Source of Heat, Comfort, and Positive Energy

Choosing the right location for a fireplace, along with its style and design, helps create a cozy atmosphere in the home, filling it with positive energy. It’s important to consider the type of fireplace, model, installation method, size, and power, so it can serve as both a source of warmth and a live flame.

When deciding to buy a fireplace, determine its purpose: will it heat one room or the entire house, or provide hot water? The fireplace may also serve as a decorative element and a source of live flames for indoor or outdoor use. Homeowners should assess their ability to maintain the fireplace, ensure proper fuel supply, and manage any required accessories.