A corner fireplace can add warmth, style, and an inviting focal point to any room—especially in homes where square footage is at a premium or wall space is limited. Although corner units offer a practical way to use space, they introduce design problems that should be handled with planning.
We pay extra attention at Fireside to help your fireplace work right and improve how your space looks and feels. If you’re incorporating a corner fireplace into your living area, family room, bedroom, or basement, this guide will walk you through practical layout strategies and design principles to help you get the most out of your investment.
Let’s explore the top layout tips for designing around a corner fireplace and why Fireside is the trusted partner for homeowners navigating the fireplace selection and installation process.
Why Choose a Corner Fireplace?
Before diving into layout solutions, it’s worth recognizing the unique benefits of a corner fireplace:
- Helps you make the most out of your living space: By placing furniture in the corner, the walls in the middle stay clear for different uses.
- Helps maintain room symmetry:This is valuable where normal fireplaces would create an uneven look because of the shape of the room.
- Can improve the look:Having a fireplace at an angle can give any room a unique and interesting feel.
- Perfect for open areas: It separates the space while still letting people see each other.
Whether you’re designing a new space or reworking an existing one, the right layout around a corner fireplace can make your room more functional and aesthetically cohesive.
1. The Fireplace Should Be Your Starting Place
A fireplace should stand out in the room, not be something that’s added after everything else. Instead of designing your layout and trying to “fit” the fireplace in later, begin with the corner fireplace as the focal element and plan the rest of the room around it.
Arrange seats to face or at least point toward, the TV. Because of this, the fireplace is a focal point, encourages comfort and supports conversation.
A great tip from Fireside is to put painter’s tape on the floor to show where the fireplace and seating should be before rearranging your furniture. It allows you to judge how different things connect in the space.
2. Pick the Right Way to Arrange Your Furniture
The shape and size of your furniture should complement the corner fireplace layout. Below you’ll find some handy arrangements.
- L-Shaped or Sectional Sofas: These naturally work with the angled nature of a corner fireplace, allowing one leg of the sofa to face the fire directly.
- Instead of placing all your pieces against the walls, bring furniture toward the middle of the room to make it more cozy.
- Setting two armchairs that are the same on both sides of the fireplace creates balance and makes it easy for people to talk.
Don’t forget to allow ample room for walking between your furniture and the fireplace, particularly in areas everyone gathers.
3. Watch How You Use the Walls Around You
Corner fireplaces often leave triangular-shaped walls on either side. Don’t let those areas be empty; transform them into places for:
- Shelves or cabinets that are included: Perfect for keeping books, your favorite décor or gear.
- Artwork and mirrors:Help direct your eyes upwards and add to the appearance of space.
- Small storage benches:They don’t take up much space but add a lot of use to the room.
Fireside is able to customize wall fireplace surrounds and built-ins that use your wall space effectively.
4. Pay Attention to Where You Put Your TV
One of the biggest challenges homeowners face is deciding where to place the television in a room with a corner fireplace. Options include:
- Above the fireplace. You should only do this if the fireplace doesn’t send too much heat upwards. We are able to recommend units with wall clearances that keep fires cooler.
- Mounting the TV near the fireplace, facing away, gives you two areas to look at without one dominating the other.
- If you don’t have much space on the wall, a full-motion mount lets you view your TV from several directions.
You should try to place your fireplace and TV in such a way, so they don’t end up competing for your attention.
5. Pick Lights That Match the Fireplace
In the evening, fireplaces soften the light in a room. Add other lights that surround that glow with:
- Recessed ceiling lights that give the room a good all-around illumination.
- Lighting installed above artwork or built-ins.
- Floor lamps that won’t conflict with the look of the fireplace and can light up dark places.
Avoid harsh overhead lighting directly above the corner fireplace, as it can detract from the cozy mood.
6. Your Design Should Reflect the Style of Your Space
Your fireplace, mantel and hearth should be made of materials that match your personal style. Some popular corner fireplace styles include:
- Minimalism:Uses clean edges, combined with stone or concrete surfaces and floating mantels.
- Rustic farmhouse: You’ll see shiplap walls, worn wood fireplaces and plenty of natural stone.
- Traditionally beautiful:Tile, decorative trim and things arranged in neat symmetry.
At Fireside, we help you select the right design style and materials to ensure your corner fireplace blends seamlessly with your home’s character.
7. Design Your Space from Top to Bottom in Limited Areas
If your home is small, a vertical design can make the space look both taller and more open.
- Put up vertical shiplap or tile all the way from the floor to the ceiling around the fireplace.
- Installing a tall and narrow mantel will attract attention upwards.
- Hang shelf units along the walls to make the space look higher.
The result is a room that feels larger and more polished, with the corner fireplace as the visual anchor.
8. Make Sure You Don’t Block Any Parts of the Room in Open-Concept Layouts
If your kitchen, living room and dining room are all open, it’s important to make sure the fireplace doesn’t block the flow. Corner fireplaces are great for anchoring one part of the space while still leaving walls open.
- Don’t put very large pieces of furniture where they would block the view from the windows.
- Area rugs can be used to separate spaces, but you don’t need to block them off.
- Pick a fireplace that doesn’t stand very high to keep your space uncluttered.
The team at Fireside can recommend the right arrangements to make sure your area is both lovely and offers maximum connectivity.
9. Allow Color to Connect the Different Areas
Your corner fireplace can stand out or blend in, depending on your design goals. Let’s look at some strategies:
- Matching your fireplace surround to your wall color in one color can give your room a clean, contemporary style.
- If you want the fireplace to stand out, pick stone or tiles in a strong color.
- Textiles can be matched: If your pillows, rugs, and curtains have similar colors, they’ll unite the spaces and still allow the fireplace to stand out.
Fireside gives you lots of options for surround materials and finishes to help show your color choice.
Fireside is Your Trusted Company for Fireplace Design and Installation
Designing around a corner fireplace doesn’t have to be overwhelming. For decades, Fireside has helped local homeowners choose smart fireplace options that improve their homes’ comfort, function and looks.
As a Fireside client, you’ll get:
- Design consultations with a single individual
- Advice about which type of fireplace and what fuel are best for you
- Lay-out tips designed for your home
- Our technicians to install your system correctly and ensure it meets codes
We make it our goal to take ideas and turn them into cozy and useful spaces. If you’re planning either a new home or a space makeover, our team can support you.
The Fireplace Should be the Starting Point for Any Smart Layout
A corner fireplace is more than just a heating solution—it’s a design element that can transform the way your room feels and functions. Working with Fireside’s advice, you can set up a room that is cozy, practical, and looks great.
Thinking about adding a corner fireplace to your home?
If you want to speak with us, call Fireside now or visit our showroom to get inspired. Get your perfect fireplace and your perfect room layout by giving us a call.