A corner fireplace is perfect for rooms where space is minimal and a lot has to be accommodated in there apart from the fireplace. It is also ideal in bedrooms to create a cozy corner with a rug and some floor cushions around, where you can get comfortable with a book and a cup of hot cocoa. Sound's perfect, doesn't it? Now, you can either use a corner fireplace just for its functional purpose, i.e. keeping you warm and comfortable, or you could use it for one more purpose, i.e. adding a unique design element to your room and creating a focal point with it. If it is the latter you are looking for, here are some ideas you can choose from.
Design Ideas for Corner Fireplaces
Traditional fireplaces, either central or corner, used to have mantels. They still do, but as designs and concepts evolve, the mantel is being forgone for greater aesthetic appeal. What makes for some good fireplace designs? Let's take a look.
From the Earth to the Sky
Those of you who would like the conventional fireplace with a chimney in your room, a corner fireplace that runs from the ground to the ceiling is a great idea. The chimney will be covered up with the construction above, and the flat surface can even make a great spot for you to place a TV above the fireplace mantel. Clad the surface with traditional materials such as stone or bricks. If you find the color of the bricks too harsh, paint over them in golden tones, or plain white for a subtle design. Use decorative elements such as tall plants on either side of the fireplace. Place two chairs opposite the fireplace and enjoy a movie while keeping warm!
Coming a Full Circle
Instead of having a flat surface that runs from floor to ceiling, you can choose to have a circular facade for the corner fireplace. If possible, try to have some cut outs or niches in this facade. You can then insert tiny lights in these spots and place decorative miniatures in there. Keep the facade white, and use a dark color to paint the niche and have it stand out. You could also try doing the opposite by painting the facade and keeping the niches white, but remember that the paint color on the facade should ideally match the paint in the rest of the room. If you want the circular corner fireplace to stand out, use colors that are only slightly lighter or darker than the ones used on the walls, for best results.
Standing Alone
Contemporary designs offer ready-made fireplaces that run on gas and not wood. This means the maintenance levels are lower, and you are provided a greater choice in terms of design. These just have to bought and installed in your home as stand alone pieces, without the need for any construction. There are a lot of designs available out there, and you may choose something that suits your taste, as well as goes along well with the rest of the décor and design of your room. These designs may or may not require a chimney as they are direct vent gas fireplaces, that are vented from a wall. Some designs are also available with a glass screen for an added design element.
Stick to the Traditional
If you want, you can always go back to using the traditional corner fireplaces with a mantel on which you can place a lot of decorative items. Try coming up with some creative decorating ideas, such as placing a lot of picture frames on the mantel, candles of different sizes, pots of varying sizes, or just one tall statuette that will definitely look stunning as a stand-alone item of decoration. Allow the fireplace itself to blend in with the colors of the room, and use the items of décor to create a focal point in the room.
Open Up
A stark contrast to the traditional fireplace, there are now those available that are open and do not require the use of wood, gas, or a chimney. These are open fireplaces that run on bioethanol fuel and are very easy to install. They don't take up much space and serve a rather functional purpose more than that for decoration. Open fireplaces can be wall mounted, and do not necessarily need to be mounted on the floor. If you wish to, you may choose to decorate the area below the fireplace with items such as pebbles. Keep it simple and it will still stand out.
As you can see, you are not limited in terms of design even if you are limited in terms of space with corner fireplaces. There are a lot of design ideas that you can employ to create beautiful focal points with them, and enjoy the warmth generated at the same time. Think out of the box, look around, and you can come up with some wonderful ideas yourself.
