How to Maximize Small Spaces with a Corner Fireplace

When the space is tight, every little spot in a condo, apartment, or small home matters. Many homeowners work hard to find attractive and practical ideas for making their small areas both useful and inviting. One design element that offers both form and function is the corner fireplace space-saving solution that delivers warmth, ambiance, and visual appeal without overwhelming a room.  

At Fireside, we help homeowners pick and put in fireplaces that match their home, style and everyday living. For those working with compact layouts, a corner fireplace offers a clever way to bring in comfort and character. In this guide, we’ll explore how to effectively incorporate a corner fireplace into a small space, including layout tips, design strategies, fuel type considerations, and more.  

Why a Corner Fireplace Is Ideal for Small Spaces  

Typically, traditional fireplaces are installed in the middle of a long wall which means you’re sacrificing that space for furniture or windows. A corner fireplace, by contrast, is tucked neatly into an unused or overlooked corner, freeing up the rest of the room for other design elements.  

Here’s what makes corner fireplaces a go-to option for smaller homes:  

• Taking advantage of every area – Because it’s in the corner, the table is placed where not much else happens.  
• Design flexibility – Available in various shapes and sizes, corner fireplaces can be customized to suit your room’s scale and style.  
• Focal point setting – A fireplace will still bring attention and warmth into a compact room.  
• Less work needed – Today’s electric or gas corner units usually fit into a small home with little renovation.  

Whether you’re furnishing a downtown condo, redesigning a cabin, or upgrading a narrow living room, Fireside can help you find the perfect corner fireplace to match your needs.  

Layout Strategies for Incorporating a Corner Fireplace  

Maximizing space with a corner fireplace isn’t just about installation, it’s about optimizing the room around it. The following are layout tips that Fireside shares with clients.  

1. Make the Room’s Focus the Fireplace  

The layout for a small room should start with the fireplace being the first element you design around. Think of the fireplace as a visual center and adjust your furniture so it compliments it. Most of the time, angling a sectional or compact sofa toward the fireplace makes the space feel balanced and close-knit.  

2. Include Vertical Design Elements with your Formal Design  

Tall, narrow mantels, artwork, or mirrors above a corner fireplace can create the illusion of height, which helps open up the room visually. Many fireside designers advise using vertical lines in the design to help the fireplace appear less cramped.  

3. Storage Built-In  

If your space allows, consider flanking your corner fireplace with custom shelves or cabinetry. This extra storage suits small rooms and the included sections also make the room more balanced and attractive. Members of the Fireside design team regularly team up with clients to make sure the solutions they choose fit the given space.  

4. Avoid Overcrowding  

It’s easy to want to put every single piece of furniture into a tiny room. If you want your room to feel more open, try using minimalism as your style. Let the corner fireplace be the hero of the space. Let the warmth of the fireplace create the feeling in the room, while keeping nearby decor uncomplicated.  

5. Arrange Mirrors in Your House with Purpose 

A well-placed mirror opposite or adjacent to the corner fireplace can reflect light and make the room feel more expansive. It’s an easy technique that makes the space more welcoming but adds few extra elements.  

Choosing the Right Type of Corner Fireplace  

Fireside has many fireplace models to meet your needs for size, fuel and how you will install it. When you have a limited space, these are the most commonly picked furniture items.  

Gas Corner Fireplaces  

If you want real fire and like a simple, tidy solution, a gas fireplace is ideal. Because direct-vent models are sealed, they can safely be used when the ventilation is not very good. Featuring easy temperature control and safe burning, gas fireplaces are both attractive and comfortable in their compact size.  

Electric Corner Fireplaces  

When you have a little room, an electric fireplace gives you the most flexibility. This design means you don’t need a chimney or a vent, so setting them up is faster and more economical. You’ll find many electric corner units at Fireside, each with modern design, realistic flames and controls you can operate from another room.  

Small Room, Big Impact: Design Ideas for Corner Fireplaces  

If you're worried that a corner fireplace might be too understated or utilitarian, think again. The right design can make any small fireplace into an impressive centerpiece in your home. These updates will make your fireplace more attractive:  

• Using a stone or tile surround adds visual interest to your kitchen and can be installed without occupying room.  
• Floating mantels – A light, floating mantelgives you both use and design without making the room feel heavy.  
• Use small hearth benches – Have a hearth that also works as a side table or storage for extra decor.  
• Adding an accent wall behind the fireplace is a nice way to make the area stand out without adding items.  

At Fireside, we guide clients to pick materials that match their style and support open and easy movement in the room.  

Get in Touch with Fireside to Help Make the Most of Your Home

We realize at Fireside that because every home is different, making the most of your space should not make your home uncomfortable. Because we have many years of fireplace experience, our team advises you on the best styles and installation to suit your home, your needs and your budget.  

If you work with us, you’ll benefit from:  

• Design consultations that are tailored to every person  
• Help determining which fuel to use and the right fireplace design  
• Experienced planning of layouts and checking for clearance  
• Experienced professionals will install your security system safely
• After you install the product, we are here to assist you

We feel that a fireplace can add warmth and beauty to any size room.  

A Large Impact, A Small Impression on the Environment  

A corner fireplace is more than just a smart design solution for tight spaces, it’s a way to create atmosphere, comfort, and joy in your everyday living. Fireside is here to help, whether you live in a studio or a small single-family home, by providing and installing your perfect fireplace.  

Are you looking to use every inch of your home?  

If you want to learn more, book a consultation or see what we’ve done recently, check out Fireside.com. Your ideal corner fireplace is just around the corner—let us help you bring it to life.