A Focus on Fireplace Design

Due to long Texas summers, most of our Austin interior design clients don’t need the heat from a fireplace, however they often include this comforting focal point for what it represents: warmth, togetherness, and a sense of home.. I’ve found during the design process, that many clients picture a style of fireplace they want without realizing how closely those design details are tied to functionality and code requirements. It’s an incredibly complex topic, and I can only begin to scratch the surface, but let’s review some technical and stylistic considerations to give you a flavor for what things to think about.

My Guide to Fireplace Design for Your Home

Initially, fireplace design appears simple. However, there are many technical considerations to balance alongside your stylistic preferences. Let’s look at some of the most critical components together.

Technical Considerations of Fireplaces

Parts of a Fireplace

Let's start with the basics — the parts of a fireplace. Understanding the vocabulary will allow you to better participate in conversations through the design process and understand your possibilities.

Firebox

The firebox is the square or linear chamber in a fireplace where you build a fire. It is typically lined with fire brick or another heat-resistant material to protect the structure.

Cladding

Cladding is a material used to cover the outside of a fireplace to protect it from fire and create a stylish focal point. Heat-resistant cladding materials include natural stone, tile, brick, and metal.

Hearth

The hearth is the area in front of the fireplace built to protect the room’s floor from the fire. The hearth can be raised or flush with the floor and must be constructed from a heat-resistant material like tile, stone, or brick. If the firebox doesn’t have a glass front, there are codes for the dimensions for this heat-resistant surface.

Mantel

A mantel is a shelf or ledge projecting from the wall above the firebox opening. It is often used to display decorative objects like vases, pictures, and holiday stockings. The placement and material of the mantel will depend on local building codes.

Fireplace Fuel Sources

There are four primary fireplace fuel sources to choose from when designing your fireplace.

Gas

A gas fireplace uses natural gas to create heat. It is a popular choice for homeowners because it is more efficient and does not produce as much smoke as a traditional wood-burning fireplace. This is the primary type of fireplace chosen by our design clients.

Electric

An electric fireplace is powered by electricity and can be turned on with the flip of a switch. Since they don’t have a real flame, there is no risk of smoke or sparks entering the home. Many models even allow you to turn on the visual flame effect without heating the room.

Wood-burning

A wood-burning fireplace is fueled by crackling firewood. This fuel source is rustic and charming. However, it can be a hassle to chop or collect wood, and there is a risk of smoke or sparks entering the home.

Ethanol

An ethanol fireplace burns ethanol, a type of alcohol. They are often called "eco fireplaces" because they are a renewable and clean-burning alternative to traditional fireplaces that burn wood or gas.

Fireplace Venting Options

There are two main venting options to consider for your fireplace.

Flue

A flue is a vertical pipe that carries smoke from the fireplace up and out of your home. It is typically made of metal and runs through a masonry chimney stack. It is important to schedule regular maintenance to keep it clean for proper ventilation.

Direct Vent

A direct vent is a duct that vents fireplace smoke outside. This venting option is typically more efficient than the old-school flue and is safer because it doesn’t produce as much build-up that could block the system. Recently I have encountered direct vent fire boxes that require a separate exhaust vent to be included for redirecting any internal heat that gets generated inside the overall system. Pay attention to this during the design process, because if your setup needs an additional exhaust vent, you’ll want to plan it very intentionally…

Fireplace Building Codes

Understandably, there are many codes to be aware of with fireplace design. The primary considerations are:

Guidelines for keeping combustible materials away from flames
Methods for releasing the hot exhaust air and smoke

As a designer, I usually provide detailed drawings to the client, paying close attention to the specifications of the exact firebox they intend to use. We’ll review the opening size, the distance to the mantle & hearth, and venting requirements. Austin has also released new city codes requiring a mantel as a barrier between the firebox and a mounted TV. It’s important to keep up to date, as building codes can change.

Pro-tip: Research the Codes Before Designing

Know the requirements of your specific zoning authority before you start designing. Making changes after the fact can delay your timeline and lead to extra and unnecessary expenses.

Stylistic Considerations of Fireplaces

Now that the dry, technical stuff is out of the way, let’s talk about fireplace styles. For the sake of this guide, I’m dividing fireplace styles into three categories based on the firebox shape. Of course, these can be enhanced with mantels, hearths, and final material selections to embody a range of looks from mid-century modern to Colonial.

Square Fireboxes

The square firebox shape is associated with the traditional style. Keeping in theme, the firebox interior is often finished with fire bricks in a standard running bond or herringbone pattern and either real wood logs or fake logs with a gas line to mimic that rustic charm. These fireboxes can be open, screened, or have glass doors. The exhaust vents through a central flue, and the hot air is guided away from the house structure via a chimney.

Linear Fireboxes

The linear firebox shape is seen more in contemporary design. It is often finished with a crushed glass or rock basin, linear gas flame, and a sleek glass or open front. These fireboxes are usually powered using gas or electricity and typically vent exhaust through a direct vent.

I’ve also used the linear look for ethanol-fueled fireplaces. Ethanol produces minimal exhaust, and the flame burns out over time without a continuous fuel supply. It’s a good option for homeowners who want the look of a linear firebox but don’t need an added heat source, or also for remodel clients who want to minimize expense and don’t have a good venting opportunity (they are relatively inexpensive to build, and don’t require the added infrastructure of venting).

Custom Fireboxes

Some of our design clients are drawn to the linear box style, but their architecture is set up for a more traditional firebox and flue. In these instances, we have designed the firebox with a linear shape while using a standard flue and chimney stack. This is an effective but expensive solution. Other ways to modernize a traditional fireplace include swapping out the faux log burner with glass rocks and a clean linear gas line.

The Bottom Line: Ignite Your Fireplace Design Vision

Tackling a fireplace design project is no easy feat. While channeling your style, you must also account for existing architecture and ensure all the new elements meet various codes. As with every decision, familiarize yourself with the options and lean on the experts for brilliant execution.

An Interior Designer’s Guide to Fireplaces