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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.
by usona  
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.
by ROWLAND BROUGHTON ARCHITECTURE & URBAN DESIGN  
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.
by Beyond Home Theater
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.
by Globus Builder
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.
by Slifer Designs
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.
by CRFORMA  
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.
by Tate Studio Architects  
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.
Contemporary Dining Room  

Comments

olldbobbi Someone told me once that double-sided fireplaces were much more expensive to design, and I don't understand why? And these are all gorgeous.
7 months ago ·
motherbear Sooo cool!
7 months ago ·
tsudhonimh olldbobbi - They have to be deeper than 1-sided ones, and it's harder to install the chimneys and flues.

You also double the amount of fireproof hearth material used.
7 months ago · ·
olldbobbi tsudhonimh, that makes sense, thank you :))
7 months ago ·
susanla where can I get a list of manufacturers of traditional double-sided fireplaces?
7 months ago ·
toniapgar I have a brick fireplace in LR, which backs onto brick wall in kitchen. Can you turn a single opening fireplace into a double opening? Would be nice to have the fire viewed from kitchen as well.
7 months ago · ·
aryl Where can I find that chair in the first picture? Love it.
7 months ago ·
COASTROAD Hearth & Patio Great article, Shane!

@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
5 months ago ·
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