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How to Design Corner Fireplaces

A fireplace is one item often noted on the wish list of people hunting for a new house. Unfortunately, you may fall in love with a house that is perfect in every other way, but lacks this one detail. In most cases, a fireplace can be installed at a later time without much disruption. Sometimes, however, the only conceivable place in a den or other common fireplace room for the installation is in a corner. Corner fireplaces need not be awkward, and proper planning is key for making an architectural necessity look like an aesthetic asset.

Instructions

    • 1

      Keep in mind the position of the chimney when choosing the corner location of your fireplace. Do not choose a corner beneath an awkwardly angled roof or an obstruction such as a satellite dish. Use a paper and pencil to sketch out your plans and ideas.

    • 2

      Remember that the placement of a fireplace often dictates the arrangement of the entire room. Plan out furniture groupings that feel natural and comfortable, and let them guide you in choosing where to install the corner fireplace.

    • 3

      Choose which type of fireplace suits you best. If you are the outdoorsy type, a traditional wood-burning design may be your style. Pick a flip-switch gas fireplace if you don't want to put in so much effort.

    • 4

      Determine which fireplace style is best for your room. Larger corners invite substantial built-in styles with prominent brick or masonry framing. Go with an airy, free-standing model in a smaller room so that the lines are not interrupted, making the room feel larger.

    • 5

      Consider a portable, self-contained fireplace. These can be placed in a corner without construction. Move the fireplace to different locations as necessary.