How to design a living room with a fireplace: ideas and coverings for a cozy space
A living room with a fireplace becomes a cozy space, where the fire envelops the atmosphere with warmth and comfort
When the temperature drops, there is nothing like coming home and enjoying the warmth of a living room with a fireplace. In this post, we will tell you what aspects you should consider when choosing fireplace cladding. We will also share with you some of the best PORCELANOSA Group projects that include this architectural element.
10 essentials for a living room with a fireplace
We review the most important points for decorating with fireplaces.
1. Modern living room fireplace
It becomes the center of attention in the space. Depending on the interior design of the room and your needs, you can choose between different types. The most common are wood-burning fireplaces, gas fireplaces, and electric fireplaces. Although wood-burning fireplaces are the most attractive, they are also the ones that provide the most heat. In another section of this post, we will tell you about the different types of fireplaces.
2. Design and style
Choose a design that complements the style of your living room: classic, rustic, contemporary… Modern fireplaces with minimalist lines and sophisticated materials, such as natural stone, large-format porcelain tiles, or ceramics, enhance the style of the room. If you have a mantelpiece, you can use it to display home décor items or additional lighting.
3. Cladding
Choosing the right fireplace cladding adds texture and personality to the room. If you want a special touch, decorating fireplaces with mosaics or ceramics provides a unique finish. Tiles for fireplaces are a practical and easy-to-maintain option. In the extensive ceramic catalog from PORCELANOSA Group, you will find different finishes and appearances that perfectly simulate noble materials. With wood, rust, marble, or cement effects, Porcelanosa and XTONE designs offer a refined look. The different small-format ceramic collections from L’Antic Colonial are an elegant and original option for your home’s fireplace. You can be sure that with fireplace tiles, you’ll make the right choice.
4. Furniture
Arrange the furniture so that the fireplace takes center stage. This will create a visually harmonious and welcoming atmosphere. Sofas, armchairs, and coffee tables should be positioned so that guests can gather around the fire. This layout transforms the living room into an ideal space for relaxation.
5. Ambient lighting
Floor or table lamps add a touch of warmth to fireplace décor. You can also install wall sconces in the fireplace area to highlight its presence.
6. Windows for light
Windows are essential for letting in natural light and enjoying the view. Combine the natural landscape of the living room with the fireplace and décor to create a relaxed atmosphere. Add plants and vases to bring freshness and color to the space.
7. Natural colors
Warm earthy and brown tones blend well with the fireplace in the modern living room, helping to enhance the feeling of comfort. These colors also complement natural materials used in fireplace cladding and furniture perfectly, creating harmonious environments.
8. Decorative accessories
Fireplace decoration includes accessories such as cushions, blankets, and curtains, which add to the sense of well-being and dynamism. Add a rug to the living area to define the space and reinforce the cozy atmosphere. Choose textiles that blend in with the overall color palette of the room for a harmonious decoration.
9. Storage space
When designing a wood-burning fireplace, consider a storage area for firewood. Shelves and side tables are an excellent option, as they keep the space organized.
10. Safety and maintenance
Safety is essential in the installation and maintenance of any type of fireplace. In the case of wood-burning fireplaces, make sure it is properly ventilated. This type requires a suitable flue, while electric and gas fireplaces are easier to maintain. In any case, check that your fireplace complies with all safety regulations.
An important aspect is the functionality of the fireplace and the distance of flammable objects from it. If the fireplace is to be used to heat the room, it is important that it is efficient and functional. Make sure you have an adequate supply of firewood, gas, or electricity. In addition, proper maintenance and cleaning of the fireplace will keep it in good condition and make it durable.
Types of fireplaces
There are several types of fireplaces for living rooms, adapted to your aesthetic preferences, heating needs, and budget. These are the five most common types of fireplaces:
1. Wood-burning fireplaces: these are the most traditional and use wood as fuel to generate heat. They are best suited for installation in rustic living rooms. It is recommended to install a protective screen and not to leave the fireplace unattended while it is lit. They offer natural heat but require special maintenance.
2. Gas fireplaces: these are easy to use, as you simply light the fire with a switch or remote control. They provide an efficient source of heat and do not generate waste.
3. Electric fireplaces: these are a modern and versatile option that does not require a chimney or flue. They have multiple advantages: easy installation and maintenance, as well as safety in use.
Details that enhance the cladding of a modern fireplace
A fireplace in a modern living room adds warmth and exclusivity through its cladding and details. The cladding of a modern fireplace requires technical materials that ensure durability, safety, and aesthetics in the modern living room. Butech’s decorative profiles and grouting material embellish the design, providing continuity and sophistication. Together with PORCELANOSA and L’Antic Colonial ceramics, or porcelain tiles such as XLIGHT or XTONE, each fireplace becomes a true focal point.
Decorative profiles enhance ceramic cladding, especially in modern fireplaces. They serve a dual purpose: aesthetic and functional, protecting corners and enhancing the lines of the fireplace. They hide joints, protect edges, and enhance borders. There are different types, all of which are a perfect choice for highlighting the area. Ceramic profiles made from the same material as the cladding also ensure visual continuity. A glossy profile accentuates brightness. A matte profile enhances the contemporary feel of the room. Your choice influences whether the living room with a fireplace reflects sobriety or maximalism.
As for the grouting material or adhesives, they are just as important as the cladding and decorative profiles. For the installation of fireplaces, this technical material must be deformable and heat resistant. Some grouts are water-repellent and also include fungicidal additives that keep the fireplace clean and elegant for longer.
Adhesives must also withstand high temperatures and ensure a firm bond on different substrates, such as brick or concrete. Cementitious or reactive resin formulations ensure adhesion and strength. This way, the cladding remains in perfect condition over time. The right combination of grout and adhesive enhances the beauty of the design, highlighting the profiles, finishes, and sophistication of the living room.
5 fireplace coverings you’ll fall in love with
Below, we show you different real projects, with varied styles of living rooms with fireplaces. These projects, featured in living rooms with designer fireplaces, stand out for their unique and elegant integration. They inspire you to create environments with personality and character.
1. The art of mosaic. This fireplace is interpreted as an advanced version of the traditional classicism of this element. The pronounced curvature and textured cladding are the characteristic features, bringing elegance to the atmosphere. The glossy metal mosaic ( Gravity Aluminium Cubic Metal Titanium, by L’Antic Colonial) adds extra sophistication. The closed, framed design gives it a contemporary look. The integration of the fireplace into a simple setting enhances the cozy atmosphere of the living room.
Project: Vista al Valle. Photography: Benjamín Villela.
2. Authentic warmth of home. The coordination of coverings in this living room fireplace combines the warmth of wood with the resistance of porcelain. The wood-effect ceramic tiles add a cozy and natural touch, while the large-format porcelain tiles add spaciousness. At the same time, the stone effect of Verbier Sand gives it texture and a robust appearance. Together, they create a focal point that blends nature and modernity, ideal for contemporary spaces.
Project: Charming house. Photography: Gustavo Pozo.
3. Serene ceramic beauty. This project features an electric fireplace clad in Aged Clay Nature porcelain tiles, providing a warm, handcrafted texture. Complementing the design, Durango Bone flooring adds a neutral base with an off-white finish. This creates a subtle contrast with the fireplace cladding.
Project: Alambique Resort & Spa. Photography: Claúdio Gonçalves.
4. Warmth and sophistication indoors. This hotel project combines elegance and comfort through a combination of sophisticated elements. The rooms feature suspended bioethanol fireplaces. The XLIGHT Calacatta Gold Silk porcelain floor tiles are perfectly complemented by the Par-ker® Vancouver Brown wood-effect flooring, both from Porcelanosa. This creates a balance between modernity and natural warmth. This harmonious combination transforms each space into a unique refuge for guests.
Project: El Golf. Photography: Jordi Canosa.
5. Harmony and natural elegance. In this house, where the fireplace goes practically unnoticed, the spotlight is on the XLIGHT Liem Dark Nature cladding. It blends harmoniously with the walls. The Par-ker® Delaware Nogal wood-effect flooring is also from Porcelanosa. The combination of these premium materials creates a functional and aesthetically refined space.
To bring back the warmth
Remember that the decoration of a living room with a fireplace should be adapted to the style of your home and your needs. We hope that the ideas in this post have helped to clarify some of your doubts about the possibilities of fireplace cladding.