Double-Sided Fireplaces Multiply Design Options
Flames on two (or more) sides of a fireplace turn up the heat in interior designs
Houzz Contributor. Shane Inman is president and senior principal interior designer of The Inman Company. After earning a B.A. in interior design from Michigan State University, he started his career specializing in custom kitchen and bath design. He is a certified interior designer by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ), a certified kitchen designer by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) and also holds the highest-ranking memberships with the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA).
Houzz Contributor. Shane Inman is president and senior principal interior... More »
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Whether it's a custom floor-to-ceiling design or a prefabricated model, a double-sided fireplace could be the element of warmth your space is missing. Double-sided fireplaces offer twice the form and functionality of a regular fireplace by providing two focal walls and heat on both sides — sometimes in two entirely different rooms. Since these models require only one flue and one chimney, they can work in just about any home.
Take a cue from the inspirational multiple-sided fireplaces here, from gas to wood-burning to electric, to add comfort and beauty to your surroundings.
Take a cue from the inspirational multiple-sided fireplaces here, from gas to wood-burning to electric, to add comfort and beauty to your surroundings.
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Industrial. This very utilitarian fireplace seems to take up no room at all with its featherweight design, straight lines and exposed flue. It offers warmth while being easy on a budget, due to low material costs. The industrial design shows off the mechanics.
Tip: For a different style and extra touch of flair, switch out the gray tiles for some with color.
Tip: For a different style and extra touch of flair, switch out the gray tiles for some with color.
Transitional. Show off the charm of a living room with stone and put a metal twist on it. This custom-made flue with horizontal banding perfectly marries traditional and contemporary style.
Tip: Place accent chairs on swivels near the fireplace so you can easily turn from conversation to fire.
Tip: Place accent chairs on swivels near the fireplace so you can easily turn from conversation to fire.
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| Contemporary. Upgrade a room from ordinary to extraordinary when you divide it with a floor-to-ceiling double-sided fireplace. The stainless steel horizontal panels here look sleek and modern, but the fireplace itself still feels welcoming. Tip: Add pillows near the fireplace so anyone can grab a seat anywhere. Floor pillows are great for entertaining. |
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by Globus Builder
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| Back to back. Go the extra mile and install two double-sided fireplaces back to back for a dramatic statement. The only thing better than one fireplace is two fireplaces. Tip: Remember that two wood-burning fireplaces take double the amount of wood. Plan for wood storage in the designing stages. There are plenty of stylish wood storage ideas for contemporary and traditional spaces. |
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Tall opening. Add your own personality to your double-sided fireplace. This fireplace has an extra-tall opening that makes it a dramatic focal point.
Tip: When the fireplace opening starts to approach eye level, people will be able to see inside. Get creative with the materials you use on the interior.
Tip: When the fireplace opening starts to approach eye level, people will be able to see inside. Get creative with the materials you use on the interior.
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| Elongated. This elongated double-sided fireplace appears to stretch from one end of the room to the other. With so much linear square footage, everyone in both rooms will get to feel the heat. Tip: Remember, the bigger your fireplace, the more expensive it will be. Make sure you choose a design that fits your budget. |
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| Three-sided. This designer made a fireplace with three exposed sides for triple the enjoyment. The flames can be seen and the heat can be felt from every angle. Tip: This fireplace has no door, so beware if you have children or pets. Not all fireplaces make sense for all families. |
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Four-sided. Take away all the sides of a fireplace and you get 360-degree views of the fire.
Tip: A four-sided fireplace is a great way to divide a room without blocking too much of a view.
Tip: A four-sided fireplace is a great way to divide a room without blocking too much of a view.
Ideabook published on Dec. 3, 2012.
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You also double the amount of fireproof hearth material used.
@toniapgar, the answer is "maybe". We've done a few single- to two-sided conversions successfully, but I've also gone behind other contractors that created a non-working disaster when they opened up the other side.
I'd suggest you contact your local fireplace experts to find out the possibilities (if you are in North America): http://www.hpba.org/retailer-locator