18 Corner Fireplace Ideas

Here are some modern ideas to help warm up your space from along the perimeter.

Traditionally, fireplaces have been the center of attention in the center of the room. With modern heating technology though, it’s not always necessary to limit your social spaces in relationship to a centralized hearth. This collection of corner fireplace ideas is here to pique your interest and help with some new ideas. 

1. Try a freestanding fireplace

Once the charming abode of actress Molly Parker, best known for her roles in Deadwood and House of Cards, this 1923 build that has retained all of the classic, covetable elements of a bungalow. 

The freestanding midcentury fireplace on a retro brick flooring adds rustic charm to the living room and anchors itself into the room’s character. 

The freestanding midcentury fireplace on a retro brick flooring adds rustic charm to the living room and anchors itself into the room’s character. 

2 .Put your fireplace against a glass wall

At the corner of this naturally-lit living room, a large brick fireplace  extends into the corner of an adjacent space. 

The glass wall that the fireplace sits on allows for a unique continuity of features within the home. 

The glass wall that the fireplace sits on allows for a unique continuity of features within the home. 

3. Add in cabinetry for storage

This ’70s Cape Cod cabin takes a cottage style approach to the corner fireplace, adding in storage cabinetry for wood and other supplies. 

The slatting on the cabinetry mirrors the ceiling, which is a nice touch that brings the space together.

The slatting on the cabinetry mirrors the ceiling, which is a nice touch that brings the space together.

4. Add in shelving adjacent to the fireplace

The green plaster, which was inspired by the palette of architect Luis Barragán, covers the stone fireplace and hearth, extending the column up to the ceiling. "It made such an incredible difference that it goes all the way to the ceiling. It draws your eye up," says homeowner Brooke after the renovation.

  The bookshelf connecting the fireplace to the cornered wall make the fireplace a functional feature. 

  The bookshelf connecting the fireplace to the cornered wall make the fireplace a functional feature. 

5. Use alternative styles to brick fireplaces 

The compact nature of this fireplace doesn't take up so much space in the room. "Opening the house to the southwest also gave the best chance of hearing the ocean noises in the house at night," says homeowner Sabbeth on their new renovation. 

A Malm Firedrum 3 fireplace anchors the corner of the room opposite of the floor to ceiling windows. 

A Malm Firedrum 3 fireplace anchors the corner of the room opposite of the floor to ceiling windows. 

6. Cut corners 

Cutting corners outside of the realm of fireplaces is not the best, but chipping off the edge in a room can sometimes help bring in large features such as the fireplace in this home. 

Having the fire in the corner allows all of the spaces in this the open concept room to enjoy the fireplace. 

Having the fire in the corner allows all of the spaces in this the open concept room to enjoy the fireplace. 

7. Keep it simple and prioritize views

The southwest-facing corner of this room features a wood stove and also the forest views, working together to liven the space.

Of the cozy corner where the woodstove sits, homeowner Emilie shared, "It’s the spot where we do everything."

Of the cozy corner where the woodstove sits, homeowner Emilie shared, "It’s the spot where we do everything."

8. Try a hidden fireplace in a fabricated corner

Although not a true corner, this inset staircase fireplace is a great accent that minimizes the bulkiness of the fireplace, while also being very present in the character of the room. 

When inset into the staircase, the fireplace serves as part of the decor. 

When inset into the staircase, the fireplace serves as part of the decor. 

9. Transition spaces with edge-set fireplaces

A fireplace on the edge of a room provides a bit of elegance to the transition of space and also helps the heat move into other parts of the house. 

Placing the fireplace on the edge of the room instead of dead center looks and feels more intentional. 

Placing the fireplace on the edge of the room instead of dead center looks and feels more intentional. 

10. Play more with geometry

The custom brick fireplace meeting the corner windows of this living room was designed as one piece, with no separate materials for the mantle or the foreground bench.

This fireplace occupies the corner and provides varying geometries to visually enhance the space.

This fireplace occupies the corner and provides varying geometries to visually enhance the space.

11. Curved rooms can still have corners

This fireplace is arguably in the corner of this classic Pueblo-styled living room. It accents the space and combats the draft from the nearby exit. 

The curved lines of this fireplace creates a strong focal point. 

The curved lines of this fireplace creates a strong focal point. 


12. Make use of irregular room corners

Using decorative fireplace elements is a great way to make use of odd corners in rooms. 

The fireplace in this small office adds a bit of character to an otherwise plain space. 

The fireplace in this small office adds a bit of character to an otherwise plain space. 

13. Accent your renovation with original heating pieces

The living area retains this home’s original fireplace and masonry wall, with new sliding doors next to the kitchen that connect to the side yard. 

Shifting the fireplace towards the corner allows for an open concept plan. 

Shifting the fireplace towards the corner allows for an open concept plan. 

14. Try an accent corner 

This Finland home kept a retired fireplace for visual appeal. Its position in the corner allows for full use of the room while also keeping the cozy and warm atmosphere. 

The fireplace in this home is no longer functional, but it's tucked out of the way and serves as visual interest.

The fireplace in this home is no longer functional, but it's tucked out of the way and serves as visual interest.

15. Maximize window space by offsetting the fireplace

This home by Berkeley architect Bernard Maybeck in the Tilden Nature Area sets the fireplace to the side to allow for wide windows and sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.

Painting the fireplace blue allows it to stand out against the white walls and the sweeping views of the outdoors.

Painting the fireplace blue allows it to stand out against the white walls and the sweeping views of the outdoors.

16. Create a cozy lounge area

This office corner fireplace with lofted lounge area is perfect for relaxing in between calls or winding down right after logging off. 

Tucked away under the loft in this otherwise open space, the fireplace anchors a cozy nook. 

Tucked away under the loft in this otherwise open space, the fireplace anchors a cozy nook. 

17. Create a sitting area in the corner

The corner of the living area of this home features a Woodsman fireplace and a cushioned seating bench around the fireplace. 

The corner is furnished with a Gladom side table and a throw pillow, and cushions from Ikea. 

The corner is furnished with a Gladom side table and a throw pillow, and cushions from Ikea. 

18. Create a customized corner for a large fireplace

Bringing everything together in this home is this grand staircase and corner fireplace hybrid. 

The design team for this home took down the solid walls separating the living and dining rooms and opened up the sightline between the living room and the upper floor. 

The design team for this home took down the solid walls separating the living and dining rooms and opened up the sightline between the living room and the upper floor. 

Top image by Rafael Soldi

Related Reading:

20 Modern Bedroom Design Ideas

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